Darlowo

1. Darlowo (Rugenwalde) pilot boarding Pilot boards54°26.9′N 016°20.8′E

Size limits

LOA 75m, draught 4m, beam 12m.

Water density

1025

Load line zone

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length. Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

The coastal current outside breakwaters sets NE across the entrance with winds from the SSW, through the W, to the NW, and SW with winds from the NNE to the ESE. It is strongest when gales, which blow parallel to the coast, attains a rate of 2-3kts. The current in the river usually flows outwards, and in the spring thaw, may attain a rate of 2-3kts.

The water level varies between 0.1m below and 0.4m above the mean level. Gales from the NW to the N may raise the water level to about 1.5m and those from the S to the SW may lower it to about 0.6m.

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

Approach

The entrance is formed by two concrete breakwaters, from Avantport, extending over 450m from E and W side of the river mouth. The entrance is 38m wide and has a depth of 7.5m. The Avantport is an outer harbour known as Darlowko, with depths not exceeding 6.5m. Darlowo town is located approx 1.5nm upstream from the drawbridge, 600m inside the entrance. The port channel has a seabed width of approx 23m and has a depth of 5.5m. Depth in harbour basin is 3.5m to 4.5m.

The port should be approached from a SE heading until the entrance is open. Steer clear and midway between the breakwaters. Attention should be paid to the current, which usually set across the entrance and to steer clear of the SW breakwater as it has been damaged below water level. In heavy gales from SSW, through W to NNE, entrance should not be attempted.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is a signal station at the root of the NE breakwater with which vessels can communicate using international Code of Signals. A brown wooden mast, 23m high, stands close W of the main lighthouse.

Anchorages

Anchorage in the roadstead, in depths of 16.0m, 1.5nm NW of Darlowo Lighthouse. Vessels should take care to avoid the foul area 2.5nm NW of the lighthouse, where a wreck is situated.

Restrictions

There is a drawbridge approx 600m from the entrance, which is opened every hour and with special permission. Communication with the bridge operator may be carried out through the Harbour Master's Office.

Vessels requiring the bridge to be opened should view the following signals at least 200m from the bridge.

Charts and publications

BA 2150, 2369. Admiralty Pilot NP19, NP286(2).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notification should be given 2 hours prior to arrival through Witowo Radio or Darlowo Harbour Office.

Communications

VHF: Harbour Office: Ch 16, 12.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate may be issued.

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

Designated Authority: Ministry of Infrastructure, Maritime Transport Department.

Position: Deputy Director.

Address: ul Chalubinskiego 4/6, PL-00-928 Warszawa, Poland.

Tel: +48 22 630 1540.

Fax: +48 22 830 0947.

Mob:+48 502 502 414.

Website: http://www.mi.gov.pl

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

Repairs

Small repairs to fishing vessels is possible. A diver may be available during the summer.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available

Bunkering: Available

Medical

Nearest hospital: Szpital Powiatowy W Slawnie Filia W Darlowie (2km)

Transport

Nearest railway: Darlowo (1km)

Nearest airport: Darlowo Airport (3km)

Where it is

Darlowo is situated at the mouth of the Wieprza River, approx 120km from Gdansk.

The port

This port handles general cargo mainly sea product, ship maintenance and recreational services.

The commercial harbour is made up of an avantport, the port of Darlowko, the manoeuvring basin and the main basin at Darlowo. The entrance is formed by two concrete breakwaters, from the Avantport, extending over 450m from the E and W side of the river mouth.

In winds of up to 28-33kts from SW through W to NE it may be difficult to enter the harbour due to the high waves and the narrow entrance. In this situation vessels should remain at sea.

The port has facilities for coal, grain and fish processing.

Where does the pilot board at Darlowo?

The pilot boards at Darlowo (Rugenwalde) pilot boarding, 54°26.9′N 016°20.8′E.

What time zone is Darlowo in?

Local time at Darlowo is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the water density at Darlowo?

1025

Which load line zone is Darlowo in?

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length.

Who carries out Port State Control at Darlowo?

Port State Control at Darlowo: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Darlowo?

The UN/LOCODE of Darlowo is PLDAR.

What crews who called at Darlowo 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.

Read and add tips for Darlowo →