MARINE – LOCAL SMALL CRAFT INFORMATION

NOTE: ENTRY TO THE NEW OUTER HARBOUR IS STICTLY PROHIBITED

Communications / Reporting

Port Operations operates on VHF Channel 12 with call sign "Yarmouth Radio". Contact should be made prior to entry or departure and outward bound when passing through Haven Bridge.

Small craft must comply with the Port Traffic Signals displayed at the river entrance on the end of Gorleston Pier (South Pier) and on the Port Operations Building.

Passage Through The River

The International Collision Regulations (ICR) applies in the port along with local byelaws. The river is a busy commercial port and small craft should not hamper large ships manoeuvring in the river (see Rule 9[b] of the ICR).  Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12 for any communication from Port Operations or ships underway and keep to the starboard side of the channel unless advised otherwise. Keep clear of ships propellers and bow thrusters and be aware that ships may swing anywhere within the river. Small craft should not anchor in the river except in an emergency.

Speed In The River

All vessels should maintain a slow speed in the river. Mariners are reminded that the maximum speed of 7 knots is not necessarily a safe speed and a slower speed may be appropriate. Take care with vessel wash and avoid causing a nuisance to other vessels either moored or underway.

Tide & Wind

There is a rise and fall of tide of approximately 2.0 metres within the river. Tidal flows within the river can be very swift particularly during Spring tides when rates of 4 knots can be achieved. Mariners should be aware that during certain wind and meteorological conditions, tidal flow rates can reach 5/6 knots. These conditions usually occur during the Winter months.

Slack water at the river entrance is approximately 90 minutes after HW/LW but this may vary with weather conditions.

At the entrance to the river, sea conditions can become confused with wind over tide, particularly on the ebb or with wave reflection from the pier structures.

Please also see Tides/Weather.

Berths

Owners of small craft moored within the commercial area of the river should, when on board their vessels, be extra vigilant at those times when large ships are passing or swinging nearby. For the safety of your own craft and personnel, you should maintain a visual lookout or listening watch on VHF Channel 12 for shipping movements in the vicinity of your vessel. Consideration should be given to vacating enclosed spaces when vessels are passing close by. All vessels should have evacuation and emergency procedures in place.

Local Byelaws

The port has Byelaws that are available for inspection at any time. Below is a short summary of some of those Byelaws which may be of relevance.