As previously stated,at the beginning of the POLSAF web site,in order for us to get everyone fishing from the dock walls again,POLSAF had to negotiate a set of rules with Peel Ports.These rules were, and will remain, the basis for a working relationship between POLSAF and Peel Ports. The original 19 point agreement is set out below.

Merseyside angling clubs who intend to fish from the river wall will form an organisation known as The Port of Liverpool Sea Angling Federation (POLSAF) for the purpose of:
a) Obtaining acceptable third party indemnity insurance

b) Co-ordinating communications with MDHC. (Now Peel Ports.)

2) Meetings will be held with Peel Ports on a regular basis to review the operation of the revised arrangements set out on 3rd March 2006. The first of these meetings is set for 8th June 2006 at 10am in the Maritime Centre, and they are initially intended to be held on a quarterly basis.

3) Access to the Port will be by a photographic pass which will comply with the International ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, these will be made available through POLSAF, and will require:

1 x photographic form of identity (e.g. current passport or photographic driving licence)
1 x current utility bill showing present address. Please note, these requirements are the same as those for anyone else who requests an ISPS pass.
4) In addition, a Vehicle Access Pass will be issued for your motor vehicle on production of the form V5 (Registration Document) for the vehicle in question. The pass has to be specific so any change of vehicle will require a replacement pass.

5) Photographic and Vehicle passes will be issued by Peel Ports; however, all applications must come through POLSAF.

6) In advance of issuing the passes to members of a particular club, that club will need to demonstrate that it has adequate third party indemnity insurance.

7) There will be a limit on the number of passes issued to members of 1,000.

The passes will be issued by POLSAF and the current total cost for a photographic and vehicle pass is £5.00 per annum.

9) Junior membership for those aged 12 to 17 will be permitted, provided that anyone in that age group is accompanied by a responsible adult. The cost and criteria for the issuing of passes will be the same as for adults.

10) Fishing will be permitted on the river wall from a point about 50 metres south of Gladstone River Entrance outer gates for about 800 metres southwards past the whole length of West Alexandra Dock and part of West Langton Dock. (Amendment: As of October 2010, fishing is now permitted along the Huskisson, and Sandon, dock river walls.)

11) A car parking area will be provided near to the Gladstone River Entrance end of the wall. At busy times it may be necessary to park along the roadway and it should be noted that this roadway will be in use, therefore common sense must prevail when parking here.

a) Passes will be issued on the basis of an assumption of good behaviour on the Dock Estate.

b) When cruise vessels are berthed in the Port, typically at the West Langton berth for a period before the vessel arrives until it leaves, it may be necessary to restrict fishing in the area near the berth for a period, before the vessel arrives, until after it leaves. This is to enable a Restricted Area to be established, and maintained, under the requirement of the ISPS code.

c) In the event that the security level under the ISPS code is increased by the Government it may be necessary to prevent any fishing from the river wall until the security level again. It should be noted that the security level has not been changed since the ISPS Code was introduced in July 2004.

12) The loss of a pass must be reported to POLSAF, who will inform the Port Police.

13) Breach of the above conditions is likely to lead to the loss of a pass with the consequent withdrawal of access to that individual.

14) Safety equipment will be provided. This will include life belts and lifelines.

15) A waste bin will be provided adjacent to the car parking area. It is anticipated that any waste materials generated by anglers will be put there before they leave in order to keep the river wall tidy.

16) Each club will appoint a bailiff, or bailiffs, as they see fit to monitor angling and report any misdemeanours, to Peel Port Police. The purpose of the bailiffs will be to ensure that angling is undertaken in a proper manner, that the river wall is maintained in a tidy condition and does not become overcrowded.

17) Those clubs that are not from the Merseyside area tend to only fish occassionally and arrive in organised, pre notified groups. The current system of pre booking will continue for those groups and day passes will be issued on arrival. (Not so now, since revised!)

18) In the event that the Seaforth River Terminal Harbour Revision Order is made MDHC, (Now Peel Ports.) are committed to leasing to Sefton Council an area of the port adjacent to the radar tower including a section from the coastal path on the foreshore at Crosby Marine Park to the radar tower, and for about 150 metres along the river. In this event we would not object to fishing taking place from the rocks that would then form part of the leased area.

19) We will consider what provision might be possible for disabled anglers and will discuss this at the regular liaison meetings.

The above agreement has been updated over the last four years, and one or two improvements have been made to it; one of the revisions beings that anglers, from POLSAF affiliated clubs, can now fish from the Huskisson and Sandon dock river walls, and the Seaforth rocks area: (despite the fact that the proposed lease agreement, between Sefton council and Peel Ports, has not yet gone ahead.)

WHEN FISHING FROM SEAFORTH ROCKS

Seaforth rocks can be a very productive area for fishing, however it can also be potentially dangerous, as heavy traffic, large vehicles and plant are in constant use on the roadways.

The following procedures form part of the terms and conditions for POLSAF pass issue.

The venue is available only to POLSAF pass holders who have read and agreed to these terms and conditions.

Fishing is permitted from the T junction southwards to the Helipad. Parking is strictly at the Helipad end only, cars parked on the road will result in the owners pass being withdrawn. There is no vehicular access north from the T junction. Access to the rocks is via the concrete walkway along the edge of the rocks. Anglers are instructed not to walk along the road. High visibility clothing to be worn.

Anglers should notify the gatehouse they intend to fish Seaforth rocks on entering the dock estate. Persons fishing this venue do so entirely at their own risk. Neither POLSAF, or Peel Ports may be held to account for any incident arising from members fishing this venue.

Single person fishing is strictly prohibited. Any member found fishing alone will have their pass withdrawn.

Adequate clothing, particularly footwear, must be worn as you must traverse slippery rocks. The venue is not floodlit you will need adequate lighting. Work in pairs to get down to your chosen location. Choose a safe route.

Be aware of the ingress of the tide and move to higher ground as the tide rises.

In the event someone slips into the water or is soaked by waves leave immediately to prevent hypothermia.

One of the party must have a mobile phone to summon help if required 949 1212 will bring help from port police. Members with medical conditions should consider the climbing aspect of this venue before attempting to fish.

At all times members should consider their own and others safety. Strong winds and driving rain would make the venue more dangerous, therefore be prepared to leave rather than tempt an accident.

In extreme weather conditions the venue may be closed, this is at the discretion of port police. Anglers will, at all times, comply with instructions given to them by Port Police and POLSAF bailiffs.

It is also envisioned that there may be further future revisions, as POLSAF are negotiating for an agreement with Peel Ports that will enable our anglers to access other areas, south of the West Alexander dock wall, for the purpose of fishing into the river Mersey. members can rest assured that they will be kept advised of any progress the POLSAF web site.

Rules & Agreements section taken from the POLSAF website www.polsaf.co.uk