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Anchoring bad behaviour

Northumbria Police

18 April 2011


Northumbria Police and the Port of Tyne are launching an operation aimed at keeping the region’s waterways shipshape.
Officers from the police Marine Unit will be increasing their patrols of rivers to crack down on disorder associated with dangerous navigation and anti-social behaviour.
They will warn river users that they could find themselves in hot water if they breach byelaws by exceeding speed limits, obstructing navigation or using their vessel in a dangerous manner.
Operation Marlin follows complaints about anti-social use of jet-skis and speedboats and will see the Port of Tyne and Police working together over the coming months to educate recreational boat users about public safety issues.
The operation is part-funded by the Port of Tyne and will see extra patrols at the weekends on the river.
Acting Inspector Steve Howe, of Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, said: “Unfortunately a minority of people cause disorder on the waterways and in recent years we have had to deal with some dangerous incidents involving damage and injury on the region's rivers.
“Our coastline and rivers have seen an increase in the number of boats being used for recreational purposes, particularly at the weekends.
"Some people are using high powered jet skis or boats with no knowledge of how to safely navigate the river and are putting themselves and other river users in danger.
“We’ll be taking action against anyone acting in a dangerous or anti-social manner and educating people about the laws of the waterways and their responsibilities.”
Mike Nicolson, Harbour Master, Port of Tyne said: “We want people to enjoy using the river for leisure.
"It’s easy to forget that the Tyne is  busy commercial river with many dangers for people not aware of the rules and speed limits, so we are pleased to support this operation and hope it helps people to become better informed in how to navigate safely avoiding potential accidents”.