There are very few nautical hazards within Tor Bay however visitors should be aware of items listed below along with the Tor Bay Harbour Bye-Laws.
There is a scallop nursery at the north of the Bay (south of Thatcher Rock) and a mussel nursery at the south of the Bay (northwest of Fishcombe Cove). Both of these areas are marked and on up to date nautical charts. Mariners are directed not to attempt to navigate through these nurseries.
There are ski lanes located at Livermead Beach and Elberry Cove.
Between May and September 5 knots markers are positioned off the coast throughout Tor Bay waters. Vessels are not permitted to exceed 5 knots between these markers and the shore.
There is an eastern cardinal mark to the east of Paignton Harbour indicating a reef to its west. Mariners are advised not to navigate to the west of this mark.
Vessels requiring pilotage must contact Brixham Ship Agency Services, Brixham Laboratory, Freshwater Quarry, Brixham, Devon, TQ58BA
United Kingdom +44 (0) 1803 220696 +44 (0) 7771 887378 www.brixhamshipagency.co.uk ops@brixhamshipagency.co.uk
Channel Coast Observatory have a wave monitoring buoy position in the centre of the Bay at these coordinates. Mariners are advised to keep clear of the following location: 050°433N 003°517W.
Throughout the year fishermen lay pots within Tor Bay, mariners are advised to keep a look out for markers when navigating in the Bay.
Please be cautious of cuttlefish traps as there are several hundred situated within the shallow areas of Tor Bay Harbour waters during the spring. These will all be removed prior to the summer season.
You’ll find useful information regarding Tor Bay Harbour and the approaches to the three enclosed Harbours of Torquay, Brixham and Paignton on Admiralty Chart No. 26 - ‘Harbours on the South Coast of Devon’.
All three Harbours have commercial traffic including fishing vessels and ferries so please follow buoyage rules and any instructions given by the Harbour authority. Please do not exceed 5 knots within the enclosed Harbours.
Torquay harbour port approach
Torquay harbour starboard approach
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
