Crinan Canal

Size limits

Intermediate locks limit the size of vessel to transit the canal to LOA 26.8m, beam 6.0m and fresh water draught of 2.8m.

The sea locks are restricted to vessels; LOA 30.5m, beam 7.0m, draught 3.2m.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 2.74m.

Approach

At its S end, from the Firth of Clyde the Crinan Canal is approached through Lower Loch Fyne (55°55'N 005°25'W), then Loch Gilp (56°00'N 005°25'W) and entered through Ardrishaig Harbour. At the N end, the N approach to the canal from the Firth of Lorn is through one of the following 3 channels: Cuan Sound (56°16'N 005°37'W); the Sound of Luing (56°14'N 005°40'W) or the Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09'N 005°43'W). Then across the N end of the Sound of Jura (56°07'N 005°39'W) and entered through Loch Crinan (56°06'N 005°35'W).

Entry into the canal, at both ends, is assisted by lights at both sides of the sea lochs and by a leading light on the inside,

Anchorages

Anchorage which is good but temporary, can be obtained during N or E winds in the following bays (with positions from Ardlamont Point (55°50'N 005°12'W):

Ardlamont Bay (1nm WNW); Kilbride Bay, sometimes called Bagh Osde (2.25nm WNW) and Asgog Bay (3.25nm WNW).

Restrictions

Limit of 3.0m max draught low tide, silt bottom. The speed limit is 4kts.

Tugs

There are no tugs available.

Mooring

Long term (reserved) berths are located in Bellanoch Bay and at Crinan and Ardrishaig in the disused sea locks. As the pontoons and moorings in Bellanoch Bay are all reserved, contact the canal office for berthing advice.

Charts and publications

BA 2724, 2381, 2131. Admiralty Pilot NP66A, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 48 hours in advance with confirmation 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16, 74.

A listening watch is maintained on VHF during the hours of operations, details of which can be obtained on Tel: +44 1546 603210.

Customs and immigration

Crinan Canal is served by Oban/Campbeltown Customs and Immigration offices, 80km.

Notices and regulations

All radar equipment must be off in the port when alongside.

Special bye laws are in force for vessels carrying petroleum products or carbide of calcium. Copies are available from the Canal Authority.

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

There is a small service yard.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Available, by road tanker, prior notice required.

Medical

Local cottage hospital, 8km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Glasgow, 138km.

Nearest railway: Oban, 57km. Glasgow, 138km.

Working hours

Working hours are seasonal. For details of current working hours; Tel: +44 1546 603210.

Where it is

A canal of 8nm between Ardrishaig and Crinan in W Scotland which can reduce the alternative open sea distance to the Clyde area by approx 80nm.

The port

A small harbour with a pier and breakwater is located at Crinan. The sea locks, Lock No 14 and all road bridges are operated by British Waterways staff, all other locks are operated by vessels' own crews.

Cargo handled: Timber/bulk, self load only.

Traffic

Approx 20 vessels with approx 15,000t of cargo handled annually.

What time zone is Crinan Canal in?

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

Which load line zone is Crinan Canal 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 Crinan Canal?

Port State Control at Crinan Canal: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Crinan Canal?

The UN/LOCODE of Crinan Canal is GBCNC.

What crews who called at Crinan Canal 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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