Harbour Commissioners
Photos by Destination Yarmouth
Harbour Commission
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners work to maintain and enhance the not-for-profit harbour as a viable Trust Port, bringing trade and tourism to the Isle of Wight whilst preserving the character and charm of the surroundings and ensuring the long-term future of the harbour and Western Yar Estuary.
Statutory Harbour Authority
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners (YHC) is a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) and our jurisdiction extends from the Causeway at Freshwater to the seaward limits as described in the 2011 Harbour Revision Order.
YHC is obliged to administer the harbour in accordance with the 1931 Act and the principles of governance promoted in Ports Good Governance Guidance (DfT March 2018).
The 1931 Act incorporates certain sections of the 1847 Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act that give the Chief Executive/Harbour Master statutory powers concerning the management of the harbour. Additionally, the 1931 Act empowers the Commissioners to fix rates at the level required to meet their statutory obligations.
The Harbour Revision Order (HRO) of 30 June 2011 replaced the previous Byelaws creating powers of General Direction.
Opening Times
To contact the Harbour Office Reception team, call +44 (0)1983 760321 option 1.
| Dates 2026 | *Reception | Facilities | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 March – 24 October 2026 | 0700 – 2200 | Last Showers 2130 | Last Fuel 1800 |
*Reception includes Cockpit Essentials and the launderette in the Harbour Office building.
Opening times may be subject to change for operational or safety reasons.
Water taxis: operating hours can be viewed under Water Taxi.
