Douglas

Size limits

LOA 130m, draught 6.0m.

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 6.1m (springs), 3.0m (neaps).

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

Approach

The harbour is approached from Douglas Bay and entered on the alignment of the leading lights.

Depths in the outer harbour are maintained by dredging to give a minimum depth of 5.4m. Entry is gained on the leading marks (Occ 10s W) heading 229° to clear the starboard hand Buoys No 1 (Q(3) G 5s) and No 3 (Fl G 3s) to starboard and the dolphin (2 F R Vert) off Princess Alexandra Pier to port. Sets of up to 2kts NE and 2kts S can be experienced just off the entrance on flood and ebb tides respectively. Tidal flow inside the harbour is negligible.

Entrance can be hazardous in strong winds from NNE through E to ESE and not advised without local knowledge. Fresh water flow from the Rive Glass can reach 4-5kts S of the King Edward Pier.

Entering the Harbour: Front light (metal mast on concrete column, white and red triangular daymark, point up) standing in the sea 0.15nm SSW of Victoria Pierhead. Rear light: (similar structure, daymark point down, 62m SW of front light).

The alignment (229.25°) of the lights leads through Douglas Bay to the outer harbour entrance, passing (position given from front light): SE of Conister, or Saint Mary's Rock (0.25nm N) a detached drying ledge on which stands a refuge tower. Below water rocky heads extending E and SE are marked by No1 and No 3 Lightbuoys (starboard hand). Then, NW of dolphin (0.25nm NE), which lies close NW off the head of Princess Alexandra Pier, from which a light (red metal mast) is exhibited. Then, between the head of Victoria Pier (0.15nm NNE) from where a light (white column, 6.0m in height) is exhibited and the head of Battery Pier, which also displays a light (white tower, red band).

Caution: Care should be taken when entering the harbour after heavy rains which cause freshets in the river.

Port limits

The harbour limits are defined by a line drawn from Douglas Head (54°09.0'N 004°28.0W) to Banks Howe, 2.25nm NE. For harbour control purposes the limits extend 2.5nm SW, 2nm NE and approximately 3nm further seaward.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The signals are shown from a panel situated on the roof of a building near the head of Victoria Pier, exhibits a flashing orange light at each top corner.

A red St Andrew's Cross indicates that vessels may not proceed and a white arrow indicates that vessels may proceed in the direction indicated.

Anchorages

Anchorage with good holding ground can be found as follows:

From Douglas Head:

(within 1nm NNE of Douglas Head, in depths of 11.0-18.0m)

Extra vigilance is required in strong winds from NNE through E to SE when, as a matter of prudence, main engines should be kept on immediate standby.

An alternative anchorage for cruise liners is at Port Erin Bay, from where passengers may be landed on the jetty to the W of Raglan Pier, as instructed by the port manager (South).

Restrictions

Entry only on harbour control's instructions.

Vessel's movements may be restricted when passengers are using the elevated passenger walkway.

Delays may occur due to tidal conditions when awaiting water on drying out berths and strong winds from NNE through E to ESE.

Passage through the Douglas Harbour Road Bridge (Outer Harbour/Inner Harbour) is limited both to tidal conditions and the lifting of the road bridge.

Prohibited anchorage in the vicinity of submarine cable extending E and NE from Port Skillion.

Tugs

There is 1 tug available "Wendy Ann", 8t bollard pull which should be ordered via the agent or direct to Laxey Towing Co.

Mooring

Other than dedicated ferry and tanker berths or cargo berths, all other berths are on a first come first served basis and by permission of harbour control.

Charts and publications

BA 2696, 1320. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

Communications

VHF: Ch 12 and 16 (Calling, Safety), Ch 12 (Working, Port Operations) throughout 24 hours. Callsign: "Douglas Harbour Control".

Vessels passing through the Douglas Harbour Road Bridge, should contact Harbour Control on VHF Ch 12 or by telephone.

Douglas Harbour Control: Tel: +44 1624 686627/28, Fax: +44 1624 626403, Email: [email protected]

Port Security: Tel: +44 1624 686631/32, Fax: +44 1624 686918, Email: [email protected]

Health

Standard UK health regulations apply. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates are issued.

Customs and immigration

Available, Tel: +44 1624 674321.

Notices and regulations

Harbour regulations are in force for the loading and discharging of gas and petroleum products.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Marine Administration.

Position: Principal Marine Surveyor

Address: Peregrine House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EH, Isle of Man.

Tel: +44 1624 688500

Fax: +44 1624 688501

Mob: +44 7624 493467

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

For hull and engine repairs, a shipyard is available at Ramsey. Electronic repairs available. Divers available. Two slipways at Ramsey.

Dry docks

None.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths by arrangement.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker from Shell (Manx Petroleum), Esso and Total (IOM) Bunkering from road tankers with limited grades only.

Stores: Available

Medical

Noble's Hospital, 4km.

Crew change

Arrange through ships agent.

Transport

Nearest railway: Douglas Rail Station, 1.5km.

Nearest airport: Ronaldsway Airport, 13km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs, with overtime on request. Harbour Control throughout 24 hours, 365 days.

Where it is

Douglas is situated on the E coast of the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea, off the W coast of England. Douglas Harbour is situated in the SW corner of Douglas Bay, at the mouth of Douglas River.

The port

Douglas is the main port of the Isle of Man, with passenger handling facilities and roll-on roll-off vehicle services.

The port handles general cargo, passengers, cruise, liquid cargo and LPG.

What are the pilot arrangements at Douglas?

Pilotage is only compulsory if the master is not familiar with the port or at the discretion of the port manager.

What time zone is Douglas in?

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

What is the water density at Douglas?

1025.

Which load line zone is Douglas in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Douglas?

The UN/LOCODE of Douglas is IMDGS.

What crews who called at Douglas 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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