Staying Safe

Burnham-on-Crouch has had a RNLI Lifeboat Station for over 40 years and is unique for being one of only three stations in the country to have both boats kept in floating boathouses. The Lifeboat Station provides 24-hour on-call lifeboat search and rescue services for the surrounding area, including the River Crouch and Blackwater Estuary.

The station has two inshore boats, an Atlantic 85 class called ‘Tony & Robert Britt’ and a IB1 class called ‘Ernest & Rose Chapman II’. You can stay up to date with the team on their Facebook page or by popping into the station (by appointment only).

In 1949, the Essex Police Marine Unit was launched to police the county’s waterways and coastline. More than seventy years on, the unit is still preventing crime, catching criminals and protecting the people of Essex from their base in Burnham-on-Crouch.

You can find out more about the team by visiting the Essex Police website.

River Bailiff

The position of River Bailiff on the River Blackwater is one of the oldest jobs in the country being over 850 years old. The earliest recorded evidence of a ‘Water Bailiff’ on the River Blackwater dates back to the charter Henry II granted to Maldon in 1155.

The role of the River Bailiff today has changed considerably is mainly concerned with the enforcement of Byelaws throughout the River Blackwater.

The River Bailiff is also responsible for licenses and leases issued to sailing clubs, boatyards, caravan parks and other waterside businesses with a need of access to the river. During the summers months, the River Bailiff spends time patrolling the River Blackwater and enforcing the Speed Limit and Safe Navigation Byelaws. The speed of vessels along the River Blackwater is restricted to 8 knots (10mph) within 250 metres of the beach. You can view more information in our Fast Craft in the Blackwater Estuary guide.

If you are planning to take to the water and need any help or advice, please contact the River Bailiff on 01621 875837 or 07818 013723 or email river.bailiff@maldon.gov.uk.

Moorings

The Maldon District has always been a popular destination for sailors from around world. With the River Crouch to the south and the River Blackwater to the north, you will find yourself spoilt for choice between these Essex Coast destinations and the many surrounding locations they offer.

The Crouch Harbour Authority (CHA) is the statutory harbour and navigation authority for the River Crouch and the River Roach. It has all the traditional powers of a harbour and navigational authority which also includes the right to make byelaws and to manage navigational activities within its district. The Crouch Harbour Authority also produce an annual Crouch Harbour Guide with local tide timetables.

The Maldon Harbour Improvement Commissioners (MHIC) is the statutory harbour authority for the Port of Maldon, more information and navigation advice is available on their website. MHIC have also produced the Maldon Port Guide.

More information, including mooring fees and also personal watercraft registration, is available from Maldon District Council as well as the River Blackwater Mooring Chart.

Crouch Valley Coastal Community Team

The Crouch Valley Coastal Community Team (CVCCT) are a passionate group dedicated to ensuring our beautiful coast is a vibrant and resilient coastal community.

The team works to support and empower the coastal area, to ensure we thrive economically, socially and environmentally. Working together, with local partners, they strive to create a collaborative and connected place.

The team is made up of local businesses and community representatives, government bodies and departments with a diverse range of expertise and experience.
Find out more about the Crouch Valley Coastal Community Team here.

Boat Trips and Hire

Take to the waves on a floatilla of historic and modern vessels including the iconic Thames Sailing Barges such as Hydrogen (1906), Thistle (1895), Centuar (1895) and Marigold (1981) offering a variety of trips, tours and cruises.

Paddle Boarding

You can enjoy a wide range of watersports in the Maldon District, from sailing, stand up paddle, rafting, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and more. Explore the Blackwater and the Crouch Estuaries, and enjoy the tranquillity of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Canal.

Fishing

With 75 miles of coastline and countless lakes and reservoirs, the Maldon District is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a spot of fishing.