POYC Stock Photos
The Great Berg River allows for boating along its entire 50km navigable length. The lower portion from the mouth to the Carinus bridge and a distance of about 3 nm is part of a proclaimed fishing harbour, Laaiplek Harbour. All rules and regulations pertaining to government harbours apply in this area.
Activities on the water are further regulated by the local By-laws relating to the Berg River Estuary, a copy of which can be found herebelow.
The river is navigable by vessels of up to 2 meters draft through the entire harbour area between the river mouth and Carinus bridge about 2 hours either side of high tide. Where the river has a fixed channel, the channels are marked by large channel markers.
It is, however, vitally important to adhere to the By-laws, in particular the different zoning regulations. All water users are advised to familiarise themselves with the different zones and permitted activity and/or permit requirements pertaining to each zone.
The River is regularly patrolled by law enforcement officers, as well as the CapeNature River Rangers, who are authorised to inspect any vessel, request to view permits, and administer fines. In particular, the relevant no-wake and fishing requirements are to be adhered to at all times. Under certain circumstances, the officers are authorised to impound vessels failing to adhere to regulations.
On entering the river / harbour from the sea the following applies:
- Approach the harbour breakwater at a heading of between 120 and 150 magnetic.
- Once in line with the opening between the two breakwaters go up centre channel or slightly to starboard to allow safe passing port to port in the event that there is another vessel wanting to exit at the same time. The harbour is about 80 metres wide at this point.
- Once you reach the end of the parallel breakwaters turn sharp to port and stay about 1 boat length from the northern bank. This bank consists if a large fishing jetty and is usually occupied by large fishing trawlers. Leave about 1 boat length between them and your boat.
Do not go too far to starboard as there is a shallow sandbank in the center of the river in that area.
- Once past the trawler jetties stay on the port side as you approach some smaller jetties and again leave about one boat length between the jetties and your boat.
- The last jetty on your port side is the Port Owen Holding Jetty. This jetty may be used by visiting yachts to berth against. The harbour is over 2 meters deep up to this point, even at low tide and can be used as a holding jetty in the event that the tide is too low, to proceed further up river.
If you are not sure as to the state of the tide call Port Owen on channel 71.
- Once the tide is of sufficient depth proceed from the holding jetty to the first centre channel marker buoy, and thereafter proceed to the next marker buoy and so forth.
- When opposite the entrance to the Marina turn to port and enter the Marina following the marker buoys.
- Proceed to the jetties and tie-up at the berth allocated to you by the Marina Manager.
If you want to proceed up-river from the yacht marina, you may leave the marina and turn towards the river, which will be on starboard side coming from the POYC, and on port side coming from the POMA slipway. About 400 meters up-river there are some port (red ) and starboard (green) markers. Pass between these markers and then proceed up-river. Once past the buoys there are no rocky outcrops further up-river to be concerned about.
Generally stay in the centre of the river keeping in mind that on the bends the deepest areas are usually along the outer bend. Please adhere to the no-wake and no-entry zones depicted on the map attached to the By-laws, as well as on the various signposts along the river. Note that the entire Port Owen Canal, as well as the area in front of Bokkomlaan, are no-wake zones, whilst the bird breeding area known as De Plaat, is a no-entry zone.
Bird watching can be enjoyed along the entire length of the river. Generally the mudflats areas offer the best viewing sights especially great flocks of Flamingos, however, kindly ensure that you remain within the demarcated areas where motorised vessels are allowed.
Fishing in the river is good and the most popular spots are near the river mouth and the two bridges traversing the river. Fishing permits are, however, required. River users are requested to show the necessary courtesy and to slow down when passing a group of fishermen anchored in the river or to pass them with a large margin of space.
Disclaimer: The above are offered as guidelines for entering the river and navigating to the Port Owen Marina .
Port Owen Yacht Club and its committee takes no responsibility for damage or incidents to yachts entering the river.
Skippers should at all times adjust their actions to the prevailing wind, tide and weather conditions.
A copy of the local By-laws are included below for your convenience, however, please ensure that you obtain the latest, updated version prior to commencing activities on the water.