Lochboisdale

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

The tidal streams run as follows: (Time tides and currents: 0530hrs Ullapool) W going stream begins. (Time tides and currents: 0045hrs Ullapool) E going stream begins. The spring rate being 1.5-2kts, weaker offshore. Range 4.5m springs, 3.5m neaps.

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

Approach

Approach from SE: From a position 0.5nm E of Rubha na h-Ordaig (57°07'N 007°13'W) the recommended approach leads N, keeping E of the line of bearing 199°, of Hartamul (2nm SSW of Rubha na h-Ordaig) just open E of Rubha na h-Ordaig.

When the houses at Lochboisdale (57°09'N 007°18.3'W) bear 286° and are just open S of the N shore of the loch which is marked by a light (metal post, 2m in height) (0.7nm ESE), the recommended track leads along this line of bearing towards the entrance, within the white sector (202°-286°) of Calvay Light (57°08.5'N 007°15.3'W), passing (with positions from Calvay Light):

NNE of a dangerous rock lying 0.1nm NNE of Clan Ewan Rock (1.5nm SE) which lies 0.2nm offshore, then:

NNE of Mckenzie Rock (1nm ESE) marked off its N side by a lightbuoy (port hand), then:

Over an area of irregular rocky ground (0.75nm E) which extends 0.6nm NNW from McKenzie Rock. There are no depths of less than 14.0m but rocky heads, which are small and steep to, rise suddenly from depths of between 25.0-30m, then:

NNE of Rubha Meall na Hoe (0.65nm SE) which is somewhat similar in appearance to Rubha na h-Ordaig but is not as high.

Approach from NE: From the vicinity of (57°10'N 007°13'W) the white sector (202°-286°) of Calvay Light (white framework tower, 6.0m in height) which is prominent and stands on the NE side of Calvay, a grass covered island, leads SW towards the entrance, passing (with positions from Calvay Light):

SE of shoal patches, with a depth of 4.7m over them (0.9nm NNE and 1nm NNE) which lie up to 0.2nm offshore midway between Rubha na Creige Moire and Rubha na Cruibe.

Clearing line: The line of bearing, 359°, of the E extremity of Stuley (3nm N) open E of Rubha na Creige Moire, clears close E of the shoal patches.

At night: When approaching from N or S, it is recommended that mariners remain within the white sector of Ushenish Light (57°18'N 007°11'W) until the white sector of Calvay Light is visible.

Port limits

The seaward limit of the harbour is defined by a line from Hotel Point (57°09.2'N 007°18.1'W) to the W extremity of Rubha Bhuailt, 0.275nm SSE.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available in the outer part of Lochboisdale, 0.5nm E of Gasay in depths from 20.0-24.0m, bottom mud.

In order to keep the fairway to the jetty clear, vessels should not anchor between Gasay and Seeir Rock.

Restrictions

Herring nets, without lights, may be anchored in the entrance to the Loch during Oct-Nov.

Tugs

There are no fire fighting tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 2770. Admiralty Pilot NP66B, NP286(1).

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

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Lochboisdale Amenity Trust, 110m.

Transport

Nearest airport: Barra Airport.

Where it is

Located on the E coast of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

The port

It has ferry links with Castlebury (also in the Hebrides) and Oban on the W coast of Scotland. The port handles passenger.

What are the pilot arrangements at Lochboisdale?

A pilot may be obtained from the Harbour Authority with prior notice.

What time zone is Lochboisdale in?

Local time at Lochboisdale 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 Lochboisdale?

1025.

Which load line zone is Lochboisdale 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 Lochboisdale?

Port State Control at Lochboisdale: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Lochboisdale?

The UN/LOCODE of Lochboisdale is GBLBD.

What crews who called at Lochboisdale 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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