Milford Haven Port Authority has prosecuted a skipper for offences relating to unsafe navigation in the waterway after a collision with a moored vessel in a charted mooring area.

The offender was fined £4,000, which was reduced to £3,000 due to a guilty plea, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,200, along with prosecution costs of £6,000.

The incident took place on June 4, 2025, when the skipper, who was navigating at a dangerous speed, struck a stationary vessel securely tied to its moorings.

The skipper manoeuvred a vessel within the waterway in such a manner or at such a speed as would cause damage, danger or inconvenience to other users of the Haven.

The skipper also failed to report the collision to the Harbourmaster as required under Milford Haven Port Authority byelaws.

The defendant, fifty-one-year-old Nolan Orford of Bishton Village, Newport. appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 5 and pled guilty to three offences contrary to section 23 of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983:

  • navigating a vessel in a manner causing damage, danger or inconvenience to other users of the Haven, resulting in a collision;
  • failing, as master of the vessel, to report forthwith to the Harbourmaster a reportable collision; and
  • conduct injuriously affecting the safety of navigation within the Haven.

Orford who was master of a vessel, namely ‘Andy 02’ - had previously pled not guilty to the charges, but changed his plea at the hearing.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “We are responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of the Waterway. Most users comply with the byelaws and navigational requirements, which exist to protect all who operate on or enjoy the Haven.

“We encourage anyone who is unsure of their responsibilities to consult the guidance available at www.mhpa.co.uk/enjoy-the-milford-haven-waterway/rules-regulations/. Users who do not comply with these byelaws may be subject to legal action.

“This incident is a reminder to everyone using the Waterway of their obligations: to always maintain a proper lookout, to navigate at a safe and appropriate speed, and to take early and decisive action to avoid the risk of collision. And, in the event of any collision or incident, users are legally required to report the matter to the Harbourmaster without delay.

“We will act, including pursuing prosecution when necessary, to keep everyone safe. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintaining safety and protecting this important environment for everyone,” he added.

The Port of Milford Haven is responsible for managing safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway within the defined port limits. The Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983, Milford Haven Harbour Byelaws (1984) and associated legislation provide the legal framework for these responsibilities and gives authority to prosecute those that endanger safe use of the Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven continues to work closely with all waterway users to promote high standards of safety and responsible behaviour across the Milford Haven Waterway.