Fishguard

1. Fishguard pilot boarding Pilot boards52°00.8′N 004°56.9′W

Size limits

LOA 175.37m, beam 30.46m, draught 6.5m, 5,129DWT.

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 3.8m neaps to 4.8m springs.

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 through Fishguard Bay and entered between breakwaters open to the E.

The approach to Fishguard Bay from the E is clear of dangers. Vessels should keep a distance of at least 0.3nm when passing N of Dinas Head to avoid a strong tide race to seaward of the headland. When within Fishguard Bay, a wide berth should be given to Northern breakwater as the toe of the breakwater extends just over 60m seawards of the light at its head.

The alignment 282° of the lights in line (white diamond daymarks on a white mast) situated 0.1nm W of Railway Quay passed 0.2nm S of Northern Breakwater Light. Vessels should avoid the mooring buoys lying across the S part of the harbour when approaching Railway Quay.

Port limits

Port limits are contained within a line joining Pen-cw (52°01'N 004°59'W), on the W shore, keeping 0.1nm seaward of Northern breakwater then to Saddle Point (52°00'N 004°58'W), on the S shore.

Anchorages

Vessels should anchor S of a line drawn ENE from the head of Northern breakwater. In order not to obstruct the harbour entrance, vessels intending to anchor should maintain a distance of at least 0.5nm from the breakwater head.

Restricted anchorage; lies within the inner harbour indicated by limits drawn between Northern Breakwater Light, a channel marker buoy (special can) and the Ro-Ro terminal.

Restrictions

Permission from Harbour Authority is required before entry.

Tugs

Tugs available from Milford Haven (31km).

Charts and publications

BA 1973, 1484. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 24, 12 hours prior to arrival with amendments up to 4 hours before the original ETA to the Harbour Master through Ilfracombe Radio.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16. Fishguard Harbour Ch 14.

Standard messages

Vessel size, tonnage, cargo and the number of passengers carried to be advised to authorities prior to arrival.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Available by appointment.

Notices and regulations

Bye laws, including those regarding vessels carrying petroleum and carbide of calcium, are in force.

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

Limited marine workshop, operated by Stena Line.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available via bunker barge/tanker . Arrangements can be made by Stena Line on behalf of port users.

Stores: Available

Medical

Nearest hospital: Withybush Hospital, 29.5km.

Crew change

Crew change is possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Haverfordwest Airport, 22.3km.

Nearest railway: Clarbeston Road, 24.6km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours on request.

Where it is

Fishguard is situated on the SW part of Fishguard Bay, on the SE side of the promontory at Goodwick.

The port

The ferry port, protected on the N and E sides by breakwaters, is owned and operated by Stena Line for their service to Rosslare. The port also handles passenger, general cargo and containers.

Traffic

Approx 430,000t of cargo, 600 vessels and 300,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Fishguard?

The pilot boards at Fishguard pilot boarding, 52°00.8′N 004°56.9′W.

What time zone is Fishguard in?

Local time at Fishguard 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 Fishguard?

The deepest berth listed is at Ferry Terminal: 6.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Fishguard?

1025.

Which load line zone is Fishguard 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 Fishguard?

Port State Control at Fishguard: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Fishguard?

The UN/LOCODE of Fishguard is GBFIS.

What crews who called at Fishguard 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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