PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Howdendyke
Pilot
updated May 2010Spurn pilot station, equipped with radar, is situated on Spurn Head 0.35nm SW of the lighthouse (53°35'N 000°07'E). The Humber pilotage limits coincide with the port limits and encompass the approaches to the River Humber from just seaward of Humber Lightbuoy (53°37'N 000°22'E).
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 60m in length and all vessels carrying dangerous substances in bulk.
Vessels requiring a pilot should give at least 12 hours notice, confirming 2 hours in advance and giving ETA, LOA, draught and destination. The pilot boards E of the Humber Lightbuoy for vessels exceeding 40,000DWT or over 11.0m draught, and for smaller vessels in the vicinity of Spurn Lightfloat (53°34'N 000°14'W) or in the vicinity of "C" shed, Riverside Quay, Hull Roads, Albert Dock (53°44.1'N 000°20.5'W).
Key data
updated Feb 2024Size limits
LOA 84.95m, beam 11.65m, draught 7.0m, 2,398DWT.
Longer vessels can be accommodated, subject to ship's equipment and with prior approval from the river authorities.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 2.8-5.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| PD Ports Terminal | 10.40 m | 100 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2010Approach
Proceed through the Humber River and approach directly from the River Ouse.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Routes are established in the approaches to the River Humber and include a number of TSS and Precautionary areas. Traffic lanes are marked by lightbuoys, light Floats and light vessels. Approach and departure lanes from and to the NE, E and SE intersect in the Precautionary Area, centre 5nm ESE of Spurn Head. Approach and departure lanes connect this Precautionary Area with the Humber.
Restrictions
Vessels must arrive at Spurn Pilot Station at least 5 hours prior to HW.
Tugs
Available, contact Port Authority.
Mooring
Boatmen are compulsory.
Charts and publications
BA 109. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
VHF: Ch 09 used for mooring and unmooring.
Notice of readiness
As per Charter Party.
Documents
Documents required for Non EU countries, IMO documents. From EU countries, Crew List.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated Feb 2024Repairs
Minor repairs only.
Dry docks
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at all berths.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker but subject to limited access during port working hours.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Selby War Memorial Hospital, 19.9km.
Crew change
Available, by arrangement.
Transport
Nearest airport: Leeds Bradford Airport, 74km.
Nearest railway: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - (Oakworth, Station), 86.6km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1800hrs.
About Howdendyke
updated Feb 2024Where it is
Howdendyke is located on the River Ouse, approx 2.5nm upstream from Goole.
The port
The port handles general cargo including steel, timber, fertilisers and paper.
Traffic
Approx 450 vessels visit the port annually.
Questions about Howdendyke
What are the pilot arrangements at Howdendyke?
Spurn pilot station, equipped with radar, is situated on Spurn Head 0.35nm SW of the lighthouse (53°35'N 000°07'E).
What time zone is Howdendyke in?
Local time at Howdendyke 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 Howdendyke?
The deepest berth listed is at PD Ports Terminal: 10.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Howdendyke?
1000.
Which load line zone is Howdendyke 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 Howdendyke?
Port State Control at Howdendyke: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Howdendyke?
The UN/LOCODE of Howdendyke is GBHDD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Howdendyke 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.