PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Lochmaddy
Pilot
updated May 2010- Sponish Harbor (Lochmaddy) pilot boarding Pilot boards57°36.1′N 007°06.7′W
Not compulsory, advice can be sought from the Port Manager, 24 hours prior to arrival.
Key data
updated Jan 2024Size limits
LOA 101m, beam 22.0m, 1,737DWT.
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, 1.7m neaps, 4.1m springs.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal | — | 101 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jan 2024Approach
Lochmaddy is approached direct from The Little Minch (57°40'N 006°45'W) through an entrance that is easily identified from seaward by the gap in the hills at the entrance and the prominent angular islets on both sides.
The entrance is clear of dangers, including the coasts on both sides.
Port limits
W of line drawn between Weavers Point Light and Leac Nam Madadh.
Anchorages
The bottom is generally sand or mud over rock affording poor holding ground.
The designated anchorage, in a depth of 13.0m, sand, is situated 0.25nm E of Faihore (57°36'N 007°08'W).
South Basin, in the SW corner of Lochmaddy, affords anchorage in depths of 7.0-11.0m. The bottom is very soft near the centre of this basin and care is necessary when anchoring, especially if the wind is blowing hard from between SE and S when squalls are particularly heavy.
Restrictions
Berthing by arrangement with the Port Manager.
Tugs
There are no tugs available.
Charts and publications
BA 2825. Admiralty Pilot NP66B, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16 and 12.
Notice of readiness
By arrangement with Port Manager.
Health
Health clearance required prior to entry to the port.
Customs and immigration
Customs have to be cleared prior to entry to the port. Customs office at Stornoway.
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 Jan 2024Repairs
Small general repairs available.
Dry docks
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Gas oil available by prior arrangement.
Medical
Nearest hospital: North Uist Medical Practice, 1.1km.
Crew change
Available, by arrangement with agent.
Transport
Nearest airport: Benbecula Airport, 30.7km.
Working hours
Normally May-Sep throughout 24 hours, otherwise Mon-Sat 0900-1700hrs. Working hours can be extended by 3 hours either side dependent on ferry time table.
About Lochmaddy
updated Jan 2024Where it is
Lochmaddy is situated on the E coast of North Uist, one of the Western Isles of Scotland.
The port
Mainly ferry and coastal traffic, with the recent introduction of cruise liners. The harbour area is a European Marine Special Area of Conservation. The port handles break bulk and passengers.
Questions about Lochmaddy
Where does the pilot board at Lochmaddy?
The pilot boards at Sponish Harbor (Lochmaddy) pilot boarding, 57°36.1′N 007°06.7′W.
What time zone is Lochmaddy in?
Local time at Lochmaddy 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 Lochmaddy?
1025.
Which load line zone is Lochmaddy 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 Lochmaddy?
Port State Control at Lochmaddy: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Lochmaddy?
The UN/LOCODE of Lochmaddy is GBLMA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Lochmaddy 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.