Rye Harbour: passage, pilot and mooring information for boaters

Marine piling obstructions to navigation

Mariners are advised of marine piling works to repair the most southerly section of the eastern revetment sloping wall. Contractors have started to drive piles into the river bed. The piles are currently being left above finish height level and are a potential obstruction.

A green buoy will be attached to the piles today and the installation of a temporary green light is pending.

All vessels should keep well clear of the revetment and proceed at a slow speed to avoid excessive wake/wash.

For further information contact the Harbour Office:

The port of Rye is a fully operational commercial harbour with a large fishing and leisure fleet. There are a number of navigation aids in place to assist you.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions At Sea (COLREGs) operate throughout the harbour. Pay attention to keeping a good lookout, especially astern.

A maximum speed limit of 6 knots is enforced throughout the harbour. Boats should manoeuvre at dead slow when passing moored boats.

Boats fitted with VHF radio are advised to monitor VHF channel 14 while manoeuvring in the harbour or its approaches:

International Port Traffic Signals are regularly operated in the harbour. You must comply with these signals when they are switched on. They are located on the East Pier and three quarters of a mile (1km) inland, near the harbour master’s office.

These are only switched on when there are commercial traffic movements. When a cargo vessel is being piloted in the harbour:

All vessels must keep clear of the entrance and the main channel during this time.

Contact Rye Harbour radio (VHF channel 14), before entering the harbour.

In strong on-shore winds, the seas in Rye Bay can be very rough, often breaking well off-shore. Take care when you approach the harbour entrance in on-shore winds greater than force 6.