Harbour
Poole is reputed to be the largest natural harbour in Europe and is second only to Sydney in the world. The harbour has 5 smaller islands, including Brownsea Island, and much of the harbour has Site of Special Scientific Interest status.
Poole is a working commercial port but also has over 6,000 registered leisure craft, as well as a public yacht haven with berths for 100 visiting craft.
Ships Sanitation Certificates
Council Officers, working alongside Poole Harbour Commissioners 
ensure that the harbour is well maintained and that all visiting merchant vessels carry certificates to prove they are free from vermin and other sources of infection. These certificates are known as Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates/Ship Sanitation Control Certificates, and have replaced the former Deratting/Deratting Exemption Certificates. Please contact us for further information.
There are nationally agreed charges for the granting of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates and Ship Sanitation Control Certificates:
As of 1 January 2008 the charges will be:
- Ships up to 3,000 gross tonnage £100
- Ships from 3,001 to 10,000 gross tonnage £150
- Ships from 10,001 to 20,000 gross tonnage £200
- Ships from 20,001 to 30,000 gross tonnage £230
- Ships over 30,000 gross tonnage £300
with the exception of:
- Vessels with the capacity to carry between 50 and 1000 persons - £300
- Vessels with the capacity to carry more than 1000 persons - £500
Extra charges may be added for exceptional costs such as launch hire. Further costs will be applicable where evidence of vermin or other sources of infection are found, which require treatment or further investigation.
Other Port Services
- Ships water samples (Cost dependent on tests required)
- Endorsement of organic import certificates (£45 per certificate - 24 hours notice needed)
- Checks on live animal movements
- Checks on imported food/aminal feedstuffs.
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