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Loch Lomond Byelaws – 3. Rules of Navigation

3. RULES OF NAVIGATION CONTENTS

▶ 3.1 Rules of navigation
▶ 3.2 Lights – all vessels
▶ 3.3 Conduct in restricted visibility
▶ 3.4 Steering and sailing byelaws
▶ 3.5 General byelaws relating to navigation and behaviour
▶ 3.6 Speed limits and restricted zones – all vessels
▶ 3.7 Recreational towing
▶ 3.8 Parascending
▶ 3.9 Noise and silencers – all vessels
▶ 3.10 General rules relating to vessels
▶ 3.11 Notification of accidents – all vessels
▶ 3.12 Investigation – all vessels
▶ 3.13 General byelaws relating to the Loch
▶ 3.14 Interference with vessels
▶ 3.15 Trolling
▶ 3.16 Direction of authority personnel or police
▶ 3.17 Penalties

3.1 RULES OF NAVIGATION 

Any person being the Master of a Vessel from time to time shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Rules of Navigation contained in Byelaw 3.

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3.2 LIGHTS – ALL VESSELS

The provisions of Byelaw 3.2 shall not apply to Seaplanes.

    • 3.2 (1) The Master of every Vessel shall comply with the provisions of Byelaw 3.2 concerning lights in all weathers from Sunset to Sunrise. The lights prescribed by said Byelaw shall also be exhibited from Sunrise to Sunset in Restricted visibility.
      (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centre line of the Vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the Vessel.
      (b) “Sidelights” means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a Vessel of less than 20 metres in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the Vessel.
      (c) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the Vessel.
      (d) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
    • 3.2 (2) A Power-driven vessel of 12 metres or more in length, when Under way, shall exhibit lights of an intensity so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
      (a) A Masthead light, 5.56 kilometres, 2.5 metres above Sidelights.
      (b) Sidelights, 3.70 kilometres.
      (c) A Sternlight, 3.70 kilometres.
    • 3.2 (3) A Power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when Under way, shall exhibit lights of an intensity so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
      (a) A Masthead light, 3.70 kilometres.
      (b) Sidelights, 1.85 kilometres.
      (c) A Sternlight, 3.70 kilometres.
      (d) In lieu of the foregoing, a white All-round light and Sidelights, minimum visibility 3.70 kilometres and 1.85 kilometres respectively.
    • 3.2 (4) A Power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 13 kilometres per hour may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in Byelaw 3.2(3) exhibit a white All-round light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit Sidelights, minimum visibility 3.70 kilometres and 1.85 kilometres respectively.
    • 3.2 (5) The Masthead light or white All-round light on a Power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may be displaced from the fore and aft centre line of the Vessel if centreline fitting is not practicable, provided that the Sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft centre line of the Vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the Masthead light or the white All-round light.
    • 3.2 (6) A Power-driven vessel when towing another Vessel shall exhibit, in addition to the lights prescribed in Byelaws 3.2 (2) to 3.2 (5) (as the case may be) an additional Masthead light of similar intensity in a vertical line above or below that light. Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a Vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by this Byelaw 3.2 (6), such Vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another Vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing Vessel and the Vessel being towed, in particular by illuminating the towline.
    • 3.2 (7) A Vessel being towed shall exhibit:
      (i) Sidelights, minimum intensity 1.85 kilometres.
      (ii) A Sternlight, minimum intensity 3.70 kilometres.
    • 3.2 (8) A Sailing vessel Under way shall exhibit:
      (i) Sidelights, minimum intensity 1.85 kilometres.
      (ii) A Sternlight, minimum intensity 3.70 kilometres.
    • 3.2 (9) In a Sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length, the lights prescribed in Byelaw 3.2 (8) may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.
    • 3.2 (10) A Sailing vessel Under way may, in addition to the lights prescribed in Byelaw 3.2(8), exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two All-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by Byelaw 3.2(9).                
    • 3.2 (11) A Sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length or a Vessel under oars or paddles or any other form of non-motorised propulsion shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in Byelaw 3.2 (8) , 3.2 (9) or 3. 2 (10), but if not, an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
    • 3.2 (12) A Vessel at anchor in or near a Fairway shall exhibit forward, where it can best be seen, a white All-round light, as prescribed in Byelaw 3.2(1)(d), with a minimum range of at least 1.85 kilometres. This Byelaw 3.2 (12) shall not apply to Vessels when at their permanent recognised moorings, if those moorings are out of the Fairway.
    • 3.2 (13) Between Sunset and Sunrise no Vessel shall exhibit lights, other than those specified in Byelaws 3.2(2) to 3.2(12) inclusive, which are liable to be confused or mistaken for lights so specified.
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3.3 CONDUCT IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
  • 3.3 (1) Safe Speed – all Vessels
    The Master of a Vessel shall, in Restricted visibility, only proceed at such speed as appropriate to the circumstances and necessary to ensure the safety of the Vessel, all persons on the Vessel, and all other persons using the Loch and shall, if necessary, slacken speed or stop or reverse in order to avoid risk of collision, or Injury.
  • 3.3 (2) Sound Signal – all Vessels
    The Master of a Vessel shall ensure that, if practicable, at all times the Vessel carries a horn, whistle or other means of making an efficient sound signal.
  • 3.3 (3) Sound Signal – Power-driven Vessels
    The Master of a Power-driven vessel Making way in Restricted visibility, shall sound or cause to be sounded, at intervals not exceeding two minutes, one prolonged blast of its sound signal of at least five seconds duration.
  • 3.3 (4) The Master of a Power-driven vessel Under way, but stopped and making no way through the water in Restricted visibility shall sound or cause to be sounded at intervals not exceeding two minutes two prolonged blasts of its sound signal each of at least five seconds duration in succession with an interval of approximately two seconds between them.
  • 3.3 (5) Vessel aground – all Vessels
    The Master of a Vessel at anchor or aground in a Fairway, a Vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, a Sailing vessel or a Vessel engaged in towing shall, instead of the signals prescribed in Byelaws 3.3 (3) and 3.3 (4) sound or cause to be sounded at intervals not exceeding two minutes, three blasts of its sound signal in succession, namely one prolonged blast, of at least five seconds duration, followed by two shorter blasts.
  • 3.3 (6) Steering and Sailing – all Vessels
    The Master of a Vessel shall, in Restricted visibility, exhibit the lights required to be carried on a Vessel of that type by virtue of Byelaw 3.2.
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3.4 STEERING AND SAILING BYELAWS
  • 3.4 (1) Avoiding Risk of Collision – all Vessels
    The Master of a Vessel shall navigate in accordance with this Byelaw 3.4 relating to steering and sailing and shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances.
  • 3.4 (2) Avoiding Risk of Collision – Sailing Vessels
    When two Sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
    (a) When each has the wind on a different side, the Sailing vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
    (b) When both have the wind on the same side, the Sailing vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the Sailing vessel which is to leeward.
    (c) If a Sailing vessel with the wind on the port side sees a Sailing vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other Sailing vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, the Sailing vessel with the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. For the purpose of this Byelaw, the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried.
  • 3.4 (3) Avoiding Risk of Collision – Power-driven Vessel
    When two Power-driven vessels are meeting head on, or nearly head on, so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter its course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other.
  • 3.4 (4) When two Power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the Power-driven vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other Power-driven vessel.
  • 3.4 (5) When a Power-driven vessel and a Sailing vessel are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the Power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of the Sailing vessel.
  • 3.4 (6) Under Oars
    When two Vessels, one of which (whether or not fitted with propelling machinery or carrying sails) is being manually propelled solely by the use of oars or paddles, and proceeding in such direction as to involve risk of collision, the Vessel which is not under oars or paddles shall keep out of the way of the other.
  • 3.4 (7) Avoiding Risk of Collision – all Vessels
    Where, by any of the provisions of this Byelaw 3.4 one of the two Vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep its course and speed. When, from any cause the Master of the latter Vessel finds themself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the giving-way Vessel alone, they shall also take such action as will best avert a collision.
  • 3.4 (8) A Vessel which is directed by any of the said provisions to keep out of the way of another Vessel shall, so far as possible, take positive early action so as to ensure a safe passing distance.
  • 3.4 (9) A Power-driven vessel which is directed by any of the said provisions to keep out of the way of another Vessel shall, on approaching the other Vessel, if necessary, slacken speed, stop or reverse or take such other actions as would avoid a collision.
  • 3.4 (10) Avoiding Risk of Collision – Seaplanes Seaplanes landing and taking off from the Loch must do so in a manner designed to ensure that the Seaplane keeps clear of all other users of the Loch.  Other users of the Loch must exercise vigilance and ensure that they use all reasonable endeavours to remain clear of Seaplanes which are landing and taking off from the Loch.
  • 3.4 (11) Inability to Manoeuvre – all Vessels
    If a Power-driven vessel is in any circumstances unable to manoeuvre in compliance with any of the said provisions the Master shall sound the letter ‘D’ in Morse Code (that is to say one long blast followed by two short blasts of its sound signal) to indicate ‘I am unable to give way’. It shall then be the duty of the other Vessel to keep clear.
  • 3.4 (12) Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the said provisions, every Vessel overtaking any other Vessel shall keep out of the way of the overtaken Vessel.
  • 3.4 (13) When two Power-driven vessels are approaching from approximately northerly and southerly directions respectively of a pier or landing stage preparatory to going alongside it and both Power-driven vessels are at nearly equal distance therefrom, the Power-driven vessel which is to the northward of the other shall give way and allow the other Power-driven vessel to go alongside first.
  • 3.4 (14) If necessary to attract attention in the interests of safety, one prolonged blast of its sound signal shall be sounded by a Power-driven vessel when starting from any pier or landing stage.
  • 3.4 (15) Vessel Engaged in Trolling – all Vessels
    No Vessel shall approach within 100 metres astern of a Vessel engaged in Trolling and displaying a Trolling shape.
  • 3.4 (16) When navigating in a Fairway or area where there is less than 150 metres between any one area of Shoreline and another area of Shoreline, the Master shall navigate the Vessel so as to be on the starboard (right) side of mid Fairway so as to permit Vessels to pass port (left) side to port side.
  • 3.4 (17) No Vessel shall impede the passage or block any Fairway for Vessels passing through.
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  • 3.5 (1) Reckless or Negligent Navigation or Use – all Vessels
    No Master of any Vessel shall: knowingly, recklessly or negligently navigate or otherwise use or permit any Vessel to be navigated or otherwise used in a manner which causes a Nuisance or danger to any other Vessel, Wildlife or any other person using the Loch.
  • 3.5 (2) Navigation whilst under the influence of alcohol or Drugs – all Vessels
    (a) No Master of any Vessel or any other person shall navigate or attempt to navigate a Vessel on the Loch while under the influence of alcohol or Drugs.
    (b) No person being towed by a Vessel who is able to exercise directional control independently of that Vessel, including without limitation Water skiers, shall be towed while that person is under the influence of alcohol or Drugs.
    It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under byelaw 3.5(2) if the person can show that the Drug was taken for medical purposes and that it was taken following medical advice and that the person complied with the directions given as part of that medical advice or the person had no reason to believe that the Drug might have the influence that it had.
  • 3.5 (3) Navigating Without Due Care and Attention – all Vessels
    No Master of any Vessel shall navigate or permit the Vessel to be navigated without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other Vessels, Wildlife or any other person using the Loch.
  • 3.5 (4) Young persons – Power-driven Vessels
    (a) Except with the prior written approval of the Authority and complying with any conditions therein no Power-driven vessel with a greater engine power than 5 horsepower (3.7 kilowatts) shall be under the command or charge of a Young person unless supervised by an Adult who is present on the Power-driven vessel at the same time.
    (b) In the event that a Power-driven vessel with a greater engine power than 5 horsepower (3.7 kilowatts) is under the command or charge of a Young person who is not supervised by an Adult who is present on the Power-driven vessel at the same time, the Registered owner (or, in the event that the Power-driven vessel is not registered, the Owner) shall be guilty of an offence.
    (c)In the event that a Power-driven vessel with an engine power of 5 horsepower (3.7 kilowatts) or less is under the command or charge of a Young person and that Young person acts in such a way that if that Young person was an Adult they would have committed an offence then the Registered owner  (or, in the event that the Power-driven vessel is not registered, the Owner) shall be guilty of an offence.
  • 3.5 (5) Securing a Vessel and tying up, anchoring and mooring – all Vessels
    (a) Except in an emergency, no Master shall moor, anchor or tie up a Vessel in any part of the Loch, including without limitation piers, pontoons and jetties where it is likely to cause Nuisance, Injury or Damage.
    (b)Except in an emergency, no Master shall tie or otherwise secure a Vessel to any buoy, beacon or pole marking a navigation hazard or instruction.
  • 3.5 (6) Lifejackets – all Vessels
    The provisions of this Byelaw 3.5 (6) shall not apply to Seaplanes or to the Master of any Vessel who has received a prior written exemption from the Authority complying with any conditions therein, in relation to the carrying of lifejackets or buoyancy aids in accordance with the terms of this Byelaw 3.5 (6).
    (a)The Master of a Vessel (other than a Personal water craft) shall ensure that, at all times,
    (i) the Vessel is carrying sufficient and appropriate lifejackets or buoyancy aids of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e) for every person on board; and
    (ii) every Young person is wearing a sufficient and appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e) at all times when the Vessel is Under way unless that Young person is in a cabin or other space which is enclosed on all four sides and covered by a roof.
    (b) The Master of a Vessel shall ensure that a person wears a sufficient and appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e) at all times when being towed by that Vessel or wake surfing behind that Vessel without being connected to the Vessel by a tow line, except where a person:
    (i) is being towed whilst barefoot skiing and is wearing an adapted wet suit which aids buoyancy; or
    (ii) is being towed whilst Water skiing or wake surfing behind that Vessel without being connected to the Vessel by a tow line and is wearing an appropriate impact vest of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e).
    (c) Every person on a Personal water craft shall wear a sufficient and appropriate lifejacket, buoyancy aid or impact vest of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e) at all times while on board the Personal water craft.
    (d) In the event that any Young person is on a Vessel that is not a Power-driven vessel, which is Under way, and they are not accompanied by an Adult who is also on board, each Young person shall ensure that they are wearing a sufficient and appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid of the standard specified in Byelaw 3.5 (6) (e).
    (e) “Sufficient and appropriate life jackets, buoyancy aids or impact vest” respectively, means any lifejacket or buoyancy aid or impact vest complying with relevant standards issued from time to time by the International Standards Organisation and/or the British Standards Institute or of an equivalent or higher standard which is of an appropriate size for the weight of each person and of an appropriate condition. An impact vest shall have no less than 50 Newtons inherent buoyancy.
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3.6 SPEED LIMITS AND RESTRICTED ZONES – ALL VESSELS
  • 3.6 (1) Subject to Byelaw 3.6 (2) and 3.6 (3), and except with the prior written approval of the Authority (and complying with any conditions therein), the maximum speed of any Vessel using the Loch shall be 90 kilometres per hour or such lower speed as is consistent with the safety of the Vessel, its passengers and other users of the Loch considering the conditions prevailing on the Loch from time to time.
  • 3.6 (2) Notwithstanding Byelaw 3.6 (1), and except with the prior written approval of the Authority (and complying with any conditions therein), the Master of a Power-driven vessel shall not permit their Power-driven vessel to travel at a speed greater than 11 kilometres per hour or on the plane in any of the following areas all as shown dark blue on plan 1 annexed:
    (a) The whole area of water lying on the south side of an imaginary line drawn from Rhu point (OS GR NS 3608 9382) at Luss camp site to the most westerly point on Inchlonaig (OS GR NS 3738 9303);
    (b) The whole area of water lying on the south side of an imaginary line drawn from the most south westerly point on Inchlonaig (OS GR NS 3744 9286) to a point 150 metres north of the northerly point of Ceardach island (OS GR NS 3911 9198);
    (c) The whole area of water lying on the south side of an imaginary line drawn from the peninsula on the eastern Shoreline of Inchcruin (OS GR NS 3902 9122) to the most northerly point on the western Shoreline of Inchfad (OS GR NS 3947 9090);
    (d) The whole area of water lying on the north side of an imaginary line drawn from Rossdhu House point (OS GR NS 3625 8972) to the most southerly point of Inchgalbraith (OS GR NS 3691 9031);
    (e) The whole area of water lying on the north side of an imaginary line drawn from the most southerly point of Inchgalbraith (OS GR NS 3691 9031) to the most southerly point of Inchmoan (OS GR NS 3757 9037);
    (f) The whole area of water lying on the north side of an imaginary line drawn from the most south easterly point of Inchmoan (OS GR NS 3820 9048) to the most south westerly point of Eilean Derroch (OS GR NS 3948 9040);
    (g) The whole area of water lying on the south side of an imaginary line drawn from Cameron House Marina Clubhouse (OS GR NS 3788 8275) to the boat house on the east Shoreline at Balloch Castle Country Park (OS GR NS 3867 8299);
    (h) The whole area of water lying on the east side of an imaginary line drawn from Ross Priory jetty (OS GR NS 4145 8776) to the most southerly point of Inchcailloch (OS GR NS 4068 8963);
    (i) The whole area of water lying on the east side of an imaginary line drawn from the most north westerly point of Inchcailloch (OS GR NS 4080 9069) to the most northerly point of Inchfad (OS GR NS 4048 9141); and
    (j) The whole area of water lying on the east side of an imaginary line drawn from the most northerly point of Inchfad (OS GR NS 4048 9141) to Strathcashell Point (OS GR NS 3929 9310).
    (k) Within 150 metres off all Shorelines, both mainland and Island, the distance to be measured at right angles from the water’s edge, other than in the following areas:
    (i) from Cameron House Marina Clubhouse (OS GR NS 3788 8275) to a point fifty metres south of the peninsula from the north end of Cameron House estate (OS GR NS 3765 8334
    (ii)from the fence 50m to the southeast of the entrance to Lomond Castle (OS GR NS 3680 8394) to Burnfoot Boathouse (OS GR NS 3628 8483);
    (iii)from Culag Farm (OS GR NS 3535 9524) to the southern bank of Inverbeg Holiday Park Harbour (OS GR NS 3493 9832);
    (iv)from a point on the Shoreline 160 metres from Inverbeg Holiday Park north Shoreline (OS GR NS 3455 9843) to 160 metres south of Rubha Mor Point (OS GR NS 3466 9992);(v)from north of Tarbet Isle (OS GR NN 3292 0559) to 200 metres south of Inveruglas camp site jetty (OS GR NN 3216 0884);
    (vi)from Pulpit Rock (OS GR NN 3267 1371) to Stuckendroin, south of Ardlui Bay (OS GR NN 3239 1443);
    (vii)from Strathcashell point (OS GR NS 3929 9310) to 200 metres southeast of Carraig Rock (OS GR NS 3870 9496);(viii)from the most southerly point on the east Shoreline of Inchlonaig (OS GR NS 3850 9327) to the most northerly point of the east Shoreline of Inchlonaig (OS GR NS 3833 9394); and
    (ix)from the most south easterly pier on Inchmurrin (OS GR NS 3777 8638) proceeding north-easterly to a point on the most northern tip of Inchmurrin (OS GR NS 3861 8822).
  • 3.6 (3) Notwithstanding Byelaw 3.6 (1) and 3.6 (2), and except with the prior written approval of the Authority (and complying with any conditions therein), the Master of a Power-driven vessel shall not permit their Power-driven vessel to travel at a speed greater than 6 kilometres per hour in any of the following areas all as shown in purple hatching on plans 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 annexed:
    (a) Balloch Castle Country Park
    The whole area of water bounded by an imaginary line drawn from the most westerly point at Moat Wood (OS GR NS 3864 8270) to a point on the water 150 metres from the eastern Shoreline on an imaginary line drawn between Cameron House Marina Clubhouse and the boat house on the east Shoreline at Balloch Castle Country Park (OS GR NS 3854 8295) then running northwards, 150m offshore to a point on the water 150m west of the most westerly point of Horsehouse Wood (OS GR NS 3847 8330) to the most westerly point of Horsehouse Wood (OS GR NS 3862 8330).
    (b) Duck Bay
    The whole area of water bounded by an imaginary line drawn from the point where the fence 50m to the southeast of the entrance to Lomond Castle crosses the Shoreline (OS GR NS 3680 8394) to a point on the water 150m from the Shoreline (OS GR NS 3690 8407) then running south eastwards, 150m offshore to a point on the water opposite the stone wall to the north west of Duck Bay Hotel (OS GR NS 3742 8361) to a point where the stone wall to the northwest of the Duck Bay Hotel meets the Shoreline (OS GR NS 3733 8349).
    (c) Luss
    The whole of the area of water bounded by an imaginary line drawn from a point on the Shoreline 20m east of the point  where  the northern boundary of the Lodge on the Loch crosses the Shoreline (OS GR NS 3607 9340) running southwards to the most easterly point of the island in the mouth of Luss Water (OS GR NS 3631 9287) then running westwards to a point on the Shoreline 75m south east of the centreline of the slipway at the rescue boat station (OS GR NS 3623 9287).
    (d) Manse Bay
    The whole area of water lying on the east side of an imaginary line drawn from a point 95m north of the northwest end of metal bridge at Craigie Fort (OS GR NS 4151 9096) to a point 140m northwest of the point where the burn crossing the northern most ford at the northern end of Manse Bay meets the Loch (OS GR NS 4138 9146).
    (e) Milarrochy
    The whole area of water lying on the east side of an imaginary line drawn from the most westerly point of Arrochymore Point (OS GR NS 4091 9178) to a point on the Shoreline at the north end of the layby on the B837 at the northern end of Milarrochy Bay beach (OS GR NS 4095 9257).
    (f) Sallochy
    The whole area of water bounded by an imaginary line drawn from a point at the mouth of Allt a’ Mhorair (OS GR NS 3814 9559) to a point on the water 150m from the Shoreline  (OS GR NS 3798 9555) then running westwards, 150m offshore to a point on the water opposite the northwest end of the bay at Sallochy Wood (OS GR NS 3769 9562) to a point on the Shoreline at the northwest end of the bay at Sallochy Wood (OS GR NS 3775 9575).
    (g) Rowardennan
    The whole area of water bounded by an imaginary line drawn from the northern edge of Rowardennan Pier where it meets the Shoreline (OS GR NS 3587 9866) to a point on the water 150m west of Creaga Caorach point (OS GR NS 3578 9899) and to a point on the Shoreline at the southern edge of the mouth of Ardess Burn (OS GR NS 3593 9916).
  • 3.6 (4) Byelaw 3.6 shall not apply in respect of any Vessel operated by any employee of the Authority, any police officer, fire officer or other member of the emergency services or any member of the armed forces in circumstances necessary to the proper execution of their duty.
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<h5id=”3.7 Recreational towing”>3.7 RECREATIONAL TOWING

  • 3.7 (1) The Master of a Power-driven vessel shall not knowingly cause or permit it to be used for the purposes of Recreational towing activities except in accordance with the following paragraphs:
    Observer
    (a) When towing a person engaged in Recreational towing activities, the Power-driven vessel shall carry at least two competent persons, one of whom shall steer the Power-driven vessel and the other of whom shall watch the person being towed and relay their signals to the person steering. Mirror
    (b) The Power-driven vessel shall be equipped with a mirror so constructed and fixed as to enable the person steering the Power-driven vessel to observe the person being towed and Vessels to the rear of their Power-driven vessel.
  • 3.7 (2) Paddle
    No Power-driven vessel shall be used for Recreational towing activities unless it has a paddle or other alternative means of propulsion in the event of engine failure so as to enable the retrieval of a person being towed from the Loch.
  • 3.7 (3) The Master of a Power-driven vessel shall not knowingly cause or permit it to tow, at any time, more than two Water skiers, except with the prior written approval of the Authority and complying with all conditions therein.
  • 3.7 (4) The Master of a Power-driven vessel shall not knowingly cause or permit it to tow at any time more than one structure which is not capable of being directionally controlled independently of the towing Vessel, including without limitation inflatable structures such as bananas, biscuits and ringos.
  • 3.7 (5) No Power-driven vessel shall tow at a speed above 30 kilometres per hour any structure or Vessel which has no directional control.
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3.8 PARASCENDING AND OTHER STRUCTURES

No person shall knowingly cause or permit to be used any Power-driven vessel for the purposes of parascending or for the towing of any object designed or intended to become airborne, without the prior written approval of the Authority and complying with all conditions therein.

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3.9 NOISE AND SILENCERS – ALL VESSELS

 

  • 3.9 (1) The Master of a Power-driven vessel propelled by an internal combustion engine shall comply with Byelaws 3.9 (2), (3) and (4) relating to the emission of noise and the fitting of silencers.
  • 3.9 (2) A Power-driven vessel propelled by an internal combustion engine used in or on the Loch, shall be fitted with a silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance suitable and sufficient to prevent the occurrence of noise amounting to a Nuisance caused by the escape of the exhaust gases from the engine.
  • 3.9 (3) A Power-driven vessel propelled by an internal combustion engine used in or on the Loch, so that the exhaust gases from the engine do not escape into the atmosphere without first passing through the silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance required by these byelaws to be fitted.
  • 3.9 (4) Every such silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance shall at all times, while the Power-driven vessel is used in or on the Loch, be maintained in good and efficient working order and shall not have been altered in such a way that the noise caused by the escape of the exhaust gases is made greater by the alteration.
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3.10 GENERAL RULES RELATING TO VESSELS
  • 3.10 (1) General Rules Relating to Vessels
    No person shall navigate, or cause to be navigated any Vessel which, by reason of its construction, fitting out, modification or condition could be liable to cause a hindrance to free navigation, Damage to the Loch or Wildlife or danger to persons, Wildlife, other Vessels or property.
  • 3.10 (2) Drifting or Unattended Vessel
    Where a Vessel has been found drifting or abandoned, whether or not it is for the time being a hazard to navigation, it may be taken to the nearest suitable safe place at the discretion of an authorised officer of the Authority. The Authority may levy such charges on the Owner of the Vessel necessary to cover cost thereby incurred, and in the case of a Power-driven vessel the Registered owner whom failing, the Owner shall be liable for such charges. No responsibility of any kind whatsoever can be attached to the Authority for any Damage to or loss of any Vessel or for inconvenience caused when such action has been taken.
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3.11 NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS – ALL VESSELS
  • 3.11 (1) If in any case owing to the presence of a Vessel in or on the Loch an accident occurs whereby a Vessel suffers Damage or Injury is caused to any person, each and every Vessel involved shall stop as soon as is practicable and the Master of each Vessel shall, if required to do so by any person having reasonable grounds for so requesting, give their name, address and  email address (if any), and also the name, address and  email address (if any) of the Owner and if a Power-driven vessel the Registered owner and the Registration number of the Power-driven vessel involved.
  • 3.11 (2) The Registered owner (or in the event that the Vessel is not registered, the Owner) of a Vessel which through accident or other cause has sunk or is stranded in or on the Loch shall at the earliest reasonable opportunity give notice to the Authority and to the Police of the position of such Vessel.
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3.12 INVESTIGATION – ALL VESSELS
  • 3.12 (1) Responsibility of Owner, Registered owner and Master to co-operate with investigation
    The Owner, Registered owner (whether or not they were the Master of the Vessel), and the Master (where the Owner or Registered owner was not the Master at the time) of a Vessel shall each co-operate in any investigation that is carried out into any accident or incident involving that Vessel at the time of such accident or incident.
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3.13 GENERAL BYELAWS RELATING TO THE LOCH
  • 3.13 (1) Trade or Business
    No person shall conduct any activity by way of trade or business with, or in expectation of, personal reward from members of the public, on the Loch (except for the interior of the Islands), in such a manner as to constitute a Nuisance.
  • 3.13 (2) Damage to natural and cultural heritage
    A person is guilty of an offence under these Byelaws if that person without lawful authority, wilfully or recklessly causes Damage to the Wildlife, the amenity or any of the physical features on or forming part of the Loch.
  • 3.13 (3) Damage to Property
    No person, other than an authorised officer of the Authority, shall remove or Damage a pillar, post, stone, mound, bunding or any other structure, erected by or with the permission of the landowner to prevent vehicular access to the Loch.
  • 3.13 (4) No person, other than an authorised officer of the Authority, shall, or shall attempt to, overcome, circumvent, circumnavigate or otherwise avoid any such structure as described in Byelaw 3.13 (3) above by any means, for the purposes of launching or navigating a Power-driven vessel on the Loch.
  • 3.13 (5) No person other than a person authorised by the Authority, shall remove or Damage a sign or instruction erected by the Authority.
  • 3.13 (6) No person shall Damage any Public rescue equipment or without the consent of the owner of the Public rescue equipment remove any Public rescue euipment from its existing location for any purpose other than to aid in the rescue of human beings or other living beings or maintenance, repair or replacement of the Public rescue equipment.
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3.14 INTERFERENCE WITH VESSELS
  • 3.14 (1) Except in an emergency no person other than an authorised officer of the Authority or a Police Officer or member of the other emergency services, in the proper execution of their duties, shall cast off the mooring line or lines of any secured Vessel without the consent of the Owner, Registered owner or the Master of the Vessel.
  • 3.14 (2) No person shall start the engine or in any way interfere with the machinery, equipment or accessories of a Vessel without the permission of the Owner, Registered owner or Master of the Vessel.
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3.15 TROLLING
  • 3.15 (1) When Trolling, the Master of the Vessel shall ensure that a Trolling shape is displayed to indicate that the Vessel has a troll line or lines behind it.
  • 3.15 (2) Notwithstanding any provision made elsewhere all Trolling Vessels must conform to Byelaw 3.2.
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3.16 DIRECTION OF AUTHORITY PERSONNEL OR POLICE

Enforcement of Byelaws

    • 3.16 (1) A person shall obey and conform to the directions of an officer of the Authority, Police Officer or any other person authorised by the Authority and identified as such on matters relating to provisions in these Byelaws.
    • 3.16 (2) Any person suspected of being in breach of these Byelaws shall provide their full name, address, date and place of birth, telephone number and email address (if any), to an officer of the Authority, Police Officer or other person authorised by the Authority and identified as such on matters relating to provisions in these Byelaws when asked to do so.
    • 3.16 (3) Where it is suspected that there has been a breach of the Rules of Navigation in Byelaw 3 the Owner or Registered owner of a Vessel shall provide, within 28 days of being asked to do so by an officer of the Authority, Police Officer or other person authorised by the Authority and identified as such on matters relating to provisions in these Byelaws, the full name, address, date and place of birth, telephone number and email address (if any), of the Master of the Vessel where such person was not the Owner or Registered owner at the material time.
    • 3.16 (4) Where a request for the information specified in Byelaw 3.16 (2) or Byelaw 3.16 (3):
      (i) is refused; or
      (ii) the person gives information which is false or misleading, that person shall be guilty of an offence.
    • 3.16 (5) No person shall obstruct an officer of the Authority or any other person authorised in writing by the Authority in the proper execution of their duties.
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3.17 PENALTIES

Any person contravening any of the provisions of these Byelaws shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 2 on the Standard Scale.

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