Marine Restrictions for Non-Mariners

The Department of Marine and Ports today advised the public that a five knot, no wake zone as well as restrictions on personal watercraft (jet skis) movements will take effect for the waters of Mangrove Bay during the Non-Mariners Race on Sunday, August 4th between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.  

The “five-knot no wake zone” includes all the waters of Mangrove Bay, Somerset southwest of a line between the Boaz Island Gas Station and the easternmost island at the tip of King’s Point, indicated as the diagonally lined area and the hatched area on the chart.  All mariners transiting the area are required to observe a five-knot speed restriction and operate vessels with absolutely no wake when in this area of Mangrove Bay.

To further enhance public safety and Police operational enforcement efforts, an additional restriction specific to Personal Water Craft or Jet Skis has also been enacted covering the waters of Mangrove Bay, Somerset southwest of a line between the southern end of Watford Bridge and the easternmost island at the tip of King’s Point.   Personal water craft will be prohibited from entering this inner race area on the day of the race between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.  This western area is indicated as the hatched area on the chart.

The public should note that the waters of Mangrove Bay will be patrolled by Marine Police, Marine Police Reserve and Bermuda Regiment personnel and all mariners should proceed with extreme caution when approaching or navigating the race area due to the presence of large numbers of swimmers and numerous boats at anchor and moored together.

The above chart shows the restricted areas and can be found on the Marine and Ports web site at www.marineandports.bm.