Cowes

Size limits

LOA 100m, beam 16.98m, draught 5.3m, 5,094DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 3.4m - 3.6m springs, 1.7m - 1.8m neaps. The tide stands for 2 hours after HW. There is a strong W going tidal set at entrance to the harbour from 1.5 hours before HW.

Caution: There are strong tidal flows in the vicinity of the Cowes Chain Ferry. The strongest tides are usually found on the E side of the fairway.

During spring tide periods, a strong (3-4kts) W going tidal set exists at the entrance to Cowes Harbour, starting from approx 1.5 hours before HW Cowes until approx 3 hours after HW Cowes. The W going set is experienced as far as No 4 (red) Buoy. From No 4 Buoy to the Chain Ferry, a weak, S going flood tide exists close inshore on the starboard hand side of the channel at all states of the tide, even when the tide is ebbing strongly on the E side of the harbour. During periods of spring tides, the ebb tide in the vicinity of the Chain Ferry can reach a speed of approx 4kts. Be aware of this strong ebb tide when approaching the Chain Ferry from the S.

S of the Chain Ferry the main fairway lies between the moorings on either side.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The Cowes fairway extends approx. 500m N of the No. 1 and No. 2 buoys. All vessels must comply with Rule 9 of the Collision Regulations which includes: A vessel of less than LOA 20m or sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. The main entrance to the Inner Harbour and River Medina is clearly marked by the green No. 1 and red No. 2 fairway buoys. If approaching from the W (near the Gurnard N Cardinal buoy), you should stay at least 125m from the shore to avoid rocks and stay clear of the row of yellow small craft moorings laid between March and October. Turn into the Inner Fairway and keep to starboard side as you progress S into the harbour, taking any cross-current into consideration. A W'ly setting cross-current of up to 2.5kts can be experienced between No. 1 and No. 2 buoys between HW-2 and HW+3hrs. In addition, a W'ly setting cross-current of up to 1.5kts can be experienced in between No. 2A buoy and No. 4A beacon between HW-2.5 and High Water. If approaching from E, you should pass at least 200m N of Old Castle Point leaving the Shrape beacon to port. Pass N of all swinging moorings and the Cowes Breakwater and the red buoy marking the Western toe, particularly near Low Water. Alternatively, small vessels may consider using the Small Craft Channel.

Port limits

The limits of the harbour within which the Commissioners exercise jurisdiction as a harbour authority, and the powers of the Harbour Master are exercisable are the limits of the area within a line drawn from the parish boundary marker (50°44.022'N 001°16.862'W) by the N side of a public house called "The Folly" (located on the E bank of the river Medina), thence on a bearing of 272° to the western bank of the river Medina to a position of 50°44.025’N 001°17.112’W, thence along the line of the high water mark down the western bank of the river Medina and along the harbour to Cowes Castle, thence following the line of HW mark along the coast to a position in the vicinity of Egypt Point (50°46.033’N 001°18.837’W), thence to a position in the vicinity of the NW limit of Cowes fairway at 50°46.312’N 001°18.102’W, thence to a position in the vicinity of Prince Consort Buoy at 50°46.413’N 001°17.557’W, thence to a position 50°46.147’N 001°16.557’W, thence in a S'ly direction to the shore in the vicinity of Old Castle Point at 50°45.970’N 001°16.557’W and thence along the line of the HW mark on the eastern bank of the river Medina to a parish boundary marker at 50°44.022’N 001°16.862’W by the N side of the public house, "The Folly."

Traffic schemes and VTS

Note: The ALL SHIPS Call is supplementary to that required for the Chain Ferry.

Anchorages

Vessels LOA 61m and above:

from the W - Western Solent, in the vicinity of Salt Mead Buoy (50° 44.501'N 001° 23.066'W).

from the E - St. Helen's Roads.

If the above anchorages are unsuitable due to weather conditions, then vessels of LOA 48m - 150m may embark a Cowes Pilot and proceed to anchor in Cowes Roads to await entry into Cowes Harbour.

Vessels less than LOA 150m:

C1 anchorage, 0.115nm SE of Prince Consort Buoy (50° 46.405'N 001° 17.530'W).

Vessels should avoid anchoring within 150m of the Trinity House mooring buoy (50° 46.197'N 001° 17.776'W) owing to ground tackle extending up to 125m E and W of the buoy.

Vessels less than LOA 75m:

C2 anchorage, subject to fair weather, 0.17nm NW of Shrape Beacon (50° 46.159'N 001° 16.659'W).

Nature of seabed: Sand/shingle with moderate holding ground.

Vessels are cautioned to keep clear of the 'No Anchorage' area, as charted, to the N of Old Castle Point.

Restrictions

The speed limit within Cowes Harbour jurisdiction is 6kts over the ground, less if wash produced. Exceptions to this rule may be made on occasion, as authorised, over a course appointed and regulated, by the Harbour Master. The Red Funnel catamaran has a speed dispensation to exceed the 6kts harbour limit when in the fairway approaches provided it is clear to do so.

The Chain Ferry will give way to all vessels. All commercial and other vessels with an LOA of greater than 30m should advise the Chain Ferry on VHF Ch 69 of their intention to transit the area.

Tugs

Available by arrangement with agent.

Mooring

Vessels generally enter/depart from about 2.5 hours either side of HW, although vessels in ballast may enter/depart at any time during periods of neap tides.

Movements may be at any time during the day or night, depending on the actual time of HW. As a result, ships may be required to enter or leave Cowes during periods when yacht racing is in progress, although such movements will be arranged, so far as possible, to avoid peak periods of yacht movements.

Vessels of up to LOA 60m transit the Folly Reach in order to proceed to berths in Newport Harbour.

Charts and publications

BA 2036, 2038, 2045,2450,2675, 2793. Admiralty Pilot NP27, NP286(1).

Communications

VHF: Cowes Harbour Radio: Ch 69.

Cowes pilots: Ch 69.

Pilot boats: Listen on Ch 12 when in the Solent.

Coastguard: Ch 16 and 67.

The Cowes Harbour Master maintains a listening watch on VHF Ch 69 from 0800-1800 extending to 0700-1900 during British Summer Time (BST). Hours may be extended at weekends in the summer, call sign "HM1". When navigating in and around Cowes Harbour, vessels over LOA 30m (but generally recommended to all vessels) must maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 69. All vessels LOA 30m and above must give notice of their intentions on VHF Ch 69.

Notice of readiness

At Master's discretion; pilot boarding or berthing time or when anchoring (as appropriate).

Documents

Deliver to agent on arrival.

Cargo documentation: On completion of loading or discharge.

NB: For Medina Wharf; statement of fact uses weighbridge quantities.

Customs and immigration

As per UK regulations.

Flags

Red Ensign.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Transport and Security Directorate (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport.

Position: Head of Maritime Security Operations.

Address: TRANSEC Department for Transport, 5th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DT, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 207 944 2844 (24 hrs)

Fax: +44 207 944 2175

Email: [email protected]

Recognised Security Organisations:

RSO - ISSC Issue: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels

RSO - Security Consultant Services: Transec for passenger vessels. MCA for other vessels.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is proposing, in line with EU regulations associated with the ISPS Code, to extend maritime security requirements to ships operating in domestic service and to port facilities serving them. The requirements would be based on those applicable to sea going vessels and generally would apply to domestic ships operating in 'sea areas', and which carry over 12 passengers or are over 500GT. Sea going ships which are certified to carry more than 250 passengers and tankers, especially those carrying oil and gas products, are considered as having the potential to be a target for attack.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.

Repairs

Hull and engine repairs available, by arrangement with agents.

Dry docks

No drydocks available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from all marinas, as well as Trinity Landing and Town Quay.

Bunkering: Bunkers are available by road tanker.

Medical

St Mary's Hospital, Newport, 6.4km. Clinics, dentists and opticians at Cowes and East Cowes.

Crew change

Available by arrangement with agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Southampton International.

Airport facilities: Domestic and some European.

Nearest railway: Southampton Central Station.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs.

Where it is

Cowes is located at the mouth of River Medina, on the N coast of the Isle of Wight, off the S coast of England.

The port

Cowes is the major port of entry for commercial shipping trading to the Isle of Wight. Cargoes include fuel oil/petroleum, stone, shingle aggregates, timber, grain and general cargoes.

There are also extensive facilities for the berthing and servicing of yachts and other pleasure craft.

The River Medina is navigable to Newport, see separate entry.

Traffic

Approx 600,000t of cargo, 220 commercial vessels and 3,151,000 passengers handled annually.

What time zone is Cowes in?

Local time at Cowes is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Cowes?

The deepest berth listed is at PD Wharfage Ltd: 5.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Cowes?

1025.

Which load line zone is Cowes in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Cowes?

Port State Control at Cowes: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Cowes?

The UN/LOCODE of Cowes is GBCOW.

What crews who called at Cowes say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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