Harbours Information

The Harbours section of the Department's Ports Division is in a unique position in the British Isles in that it has responsibility for the Coastguard, as well as the Island's harbours and the berths within the harbours.

Harbours has 3 sections:

• Harbour Operations
• Coastguard
• Administration

The purpose of the Harbours section is to manage and develop appropriate marine related commercial and leisure opportunities; ensure that the Isle of Man's maritime interests and obligations are addressed and provide facilities and services that meet the needs of our present and future customers.

• Provision, operation and maintenance of the 8 statutory harbours;
• Preparation of harbours legislation
• Local coastguard service and marine oil pollution contingency planning
• Ownership of the foreshores (except Douglas beach in ownership of the Borough Council) up to highwatermark
• The territorial seabed up to 12 miles
• Co-ordination of territorial sea management
• Monitoring of coast erosion
• Registration of locally based pleasure craft
• Regulation of coastal navigation