FOWEY HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS

Information for Leisure Users

Port InformationNavigational SafetyThe main defined deep water channels are in constant use by large deep draught ships that cannot deviate from their course. Yachtsmen are advised to keep well clear of the main channels whenever possible and use the recommended small craft routes at either side. When the main channel has to be crossed, this should be done at right angles to the channel. Always avoid crossing the bows of oncoming commercial traffic
Large ships have very reduced visibility for quite a distance ahead. This applies particularly to in-bound vessels which arrive in ballast and high in the water, further reducing the visibility of the area immediately around the vessel.
You may be able to see her clearly, but can she see you?!
A ship slowing down does not steer very well, it needs the propeller action on the rudder to respond. When ship's engines are put "astern", steering way will be lost. Remember, it can take up to 3 minutes before a ship to come to a halt in the water after the engines have been put astern.

Advice on ships' movements

LorAll ships over 37.5 metres entering the harbour take on board a harbour pilot 1 to 2 miles off the port entrance. The pilot cutter will normally precede the vessel into the harbour. Whilst all ships are required to have a pilot on board, he is not in command of the vessel, that responsibility always remains with the Captain of the vessel. The pilot is there to advise the Captain so that the ship navigates safely into the harbour.
Most ships are well found and all their equipment functions correctly however failures and malfunctions in equipment can happen at any time. Skippers of leisure craft must always be alert, always giving ships a wide berth and clear passage as they follow the main ship channel shown on the chart.
Remember that, due to the nature of the port's trade, ships will enter in ballast and high out of the water. This drastically reduces the visibility from the ship and affects the manoeuvring characteristics.
Ships under 90 metres length normally proceed directly to the jetty areas North of Bodinnick ferry unless mooring to the commercial buoys in the lower harbour. Ships over 90 metres length use on tug to turn around in the Swing Ground area. The vessel is then towed stern first to the allocated berth, dragging its anchor. Ships of 100 metres or more use 2 tugs for this operation. The tugs will stand by off the harbour entrance, running alongside the vessel to make fast the tow ropes off Whitehouse Pier. The ship is then turned around in the Swing Ground area and towed stern first to the loading berth.
All small craft must keep well clear of this operation and give wide berth to ships being towed

Departing & escorted vessels

Ships leaving the harbour normally proceed directly from their loading berth to sea. Fully laden vessels, often with a draught of up to 9 metres, have considerably increased stopping distances. It is essential to give the vessel clear passage ahead. Vessels will need to follow a track as near to the centre of the main shipping channel as possible. The pilot will disembark once the vessel is clear of the harbour entrance to a pilot cutter which will be in close attendance.During peak periods of activity, special events, yacht races and poor visibility, ships are escorted by Harbour Patrol craft to ensure that a safe passage is maintained. All craft must comply with the Patrol instructions
Port entry
The Harbour entrance lies between St Catherine's Castle on the West side and a white cross on Punches Cross rock on the East side. The entrance is only one cable wide at its narrowest point.
The Harbour is entered on a Northerly course through the entrance and then North Easterly to the Swing Ground area off the Town Quay. At night keep in the white sector of the Whitehouse light until abeam of Polruan Castle (see B.A.. chart No.31). The majority of visitor's mooring facilities are situated on the East side of the Harbour, opposite the Town Quay and at the entrance to Pont Pill
Information on entering the Port can be obtained from Fowey Harbour Radio or Fowey Harbour Patrol on VHF Channel 12. Advice on commercial movements is available from Fowey Harbour Radio or Fowey Pilots on VHF Channel 9.

Facilities for Visiting Craft

Fowey welcomes visitors at any time of the year and has a range of facilities available to assist you enjoy your stay including:

Yacht clubs
Diving services
Visitor's moorings
Harbour Patrol
R.N.S.A. mooring
Fowey Water Taxi
Fresh water
Boatyards & Sailmakers
Ice & Fresh Fish
Refuse, oily water and sewerage
Diesel and Petrol
Visual & Sound signals
WiFi Internet access
Tide heights
Drying out

Navigating in restricted visibility

When navigating in restricted visibility, remember :

Keep a good look out by sight, hearing and all other available means.
Maintain continuous listening watch on the Port Working Channel 12.
Small craft may not be detected by radar due to their construction, size and the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally, small craft will not be detected when in close proximity to commercial ships due to the height of the ship's radar scanner.
If possible, keep clear of the main shipping channel
Sound the appropriate fog signal
Comply with Rule 19 and Rule 35 - conduct of vessels in restricted visibility in the Merchant Shipping Collision Regulation 1996

Remember !
Avoid ship channels
Cross them quickly and at right angles
Always keep a good lookout, especially astern
Be alert
Watch for commercial traffic and keep clear
Be visible. Make sure that you are seen, especially at night.
Know whistle signals- 5 or more rapid blasts mean "Wake up" - Keep Clear
Fowey Harbour Radio and Fowey Harbour Patrol working channel is on VHF Channel 12.
Fowey Pilots operate on Channel 9