PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Killybegs
Pilot
updated Dec 2011- Killybegs Harbour pilot boarding place Pilot boards54°36.4′N 008°27.1′W
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels with LOA 50m or more. Pilot boards 0.5nm S of Rotten Island.
Key data
updated Apr 2020Size limits
LOA 300m, draught 12.0m, 40,000DWT.
Water density
1015.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 1.5m (neaps), 3.5m (springs). Tidal streams in the harbour entrance are generally weak and do not exceed 0.25kt at springs.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killybegs Terminal | 12.00 m | 300 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Apr 2020Approach
The recommended track leads mid channel from W of Rotten Island to port hand buoy off Rough Point. Leading lights from there are situated on New Pier, red, white, green. Harbour Shoal is passed on starboard side marked by South and North Cardinal Marks. There is 7.0m CD and turning circle of 300m.
Port limits
The port limits extend from Drumanoo Head to Proud Point.
Traffic schemes and VTS
None.
Anchorages
The holding ground varies from good to poor and vessels anchoring in McSwyne's Bay, Walker's Bay or the Inner Harbour are advised to keep an efficient watch and be ready for immediate evacuation.
Weather conditions both prevailing and forecast should be monitored and any action required should be implemented prior to their arrival. VHF Ch 14 should be monitored all the time.
Mariners are advised not to obstruct the fairway.
Anchorage can be obtained in Walker's Bay, depth 9.0-12.0m; E of New Pier, depth 5.4m, and in McSwyne's Bay, depth 25.0-30.0m. Vessels awaiting berths should anchor 0.5nm off Rotten Island, depth 30.0m.
In W gales an alternative anchorage can be found NE of St John's Point in Cassan Sound.
Inner anchorage: Located E of Landing Pier in depths of 5.0-6.0m
Caution: There are charted fish farms at the head of McSwyne's Bay and in Richie's Bay (54°37.0'N 008°26.0'W). Mariners are advised to give them a wide berth.
Restrictions
There is a depth of 5.4m on the bar MLWS.
Marine farms: There are marine farms at the head of McSwyne's Bay and in Richie's Bay (54°37.0'N 008°25.9'W).
Tugs
Two small tugs, each 150hp. Tugs are ineffective if wind is strong and are not for use outside the harbour.
Mooring
Berthing is available day and night, depending on tides. Vessels may berth port or starboard side. Wooden fendering is available.
Charts and publications
BA 2702, 2792, 2725. Admiralty Pilot NP40, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Apr 2020Communications
Port/pilots, VHF: Ch 14, 16.
Intermittently monitored throughout 24 hours. It is monitored when a vessel is due.
Tel: +353 74 97 31032, Fax: +353 74 97 31840.
Health
Health Declaration and Maritime International Form are required.
Customs and immigration
The following documentation is required:
Customs: Customs and Excise Forms No 164 and 165, to be completed by agents.
Immigration: 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: Maritime Safety Directorate, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Address: Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 678 2000.
Fax: +353 1 678 2349
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Apr 2020Repairs
Engine, electrical and net repairs available. A synchrolift capable of max LOA 40m and 600t, also a slipway for vessels up to 25t are available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Hospitals available at Letterkenny (1 hour) and Sligo (1.5 hours) by road.
Crew change
Possible.
Transport
Nearest airport: Derry, Carrickfin, Belfast, 144km. Dublin, 257km.
Nearest railway: Sligo.
Working hours
Normally 0830-2359hrs.
About Killybegs
updated Apr 2020Where it is
Killybegs is situated on the N side of Donegal Bay, on the NW coast of Ireland.
The port
Killybegs is the premier fishing port of Ireland and has one of the best natural harbours on this coast.
The port is increasingly being used as an offshore base due to the increasing volume of work associated with the oil and gas industry. The port handles general cargo.
Questions about Killybegs
Where does the pilot board at Killybegs?
The pilot boards at Killybegs Harbour pilot boarding place, 54°36.4′N 008°27.1′W.
What time zone is Killybegs in?
Local time at Killybegs 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 Killybegs?
The deepest berth listed is at Killybegs Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Killybegs?
1015.
Which load line zone is Killybegs 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 Killybegs?
Port State Control at Killybegs: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Killybegs?
The UN/LOCODE of Killybegs is IEKBS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Killybegs 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.