Mallaig

Size limits

LOA 90m, draught 6.0m.

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

Mean spring range 4.2m; mean neap range 1.5m

Approach

From the Sound of Sleat, Mallaig Harbour is approached through the approach to Loch Nevis and the port is entered through the main channel which passes between Sgeir Dhearg (57°00.6'N 005°49.5'W) and Rubha Ban, 0.2nm ENE.

The main channel has a least charted depth of 5.4m to the E of Streamer Pier where the channel width is only 40m between the end of the pier and the 5.0m depth contour to the E.

From the vicinity of 57°02'N 005°49'W, the white sector (185°-197°) of Mallaig Steamer Pier Light (grey metal framework tower on concrete base, 11m in height) standing on the head of the breakwater, 0.17nm SSE of Sgeir Dhearg (57°00.6'N 005°49.5'W), leads through the main entrance channel, passing (with positions from Sgeir Dhearg):

Between the coastal bank extending 70m W from Rubha Ban (0.2nm ENE) and the bank, with depths of less than 5.0m, which extends 0.1nm NE and 0.05nm E from Sgeir Dhearg, known locally as Red Rocks, which is a rocky ridge lying in the middle of the entrance, on the highest part of which stands a light (grey beacon, 8.0m in height).

When approaching the Steamer Pier the track alters S to pass close E of the Steamer Pier, where the deeper water lies in a narrow channel.

South channel, for small vessels, is now closed due to major harbour reconstruction.

Port limits

Mallaig Harbour limits enclose the port area and the outer part of Loch Nevis between a line joining the W extremity of Rubha h-Acairseid (57°00'N 005°50'W) to An Fhaochag, 3.5nm NNE and a line across Loch Nevis along the parallel of 57° N.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Three fixed red lights disposed vertically on Mallaig Steamer Pier Light structure, situated at the head of the steamer pier, indicates the movement of traffic is under the control of the Habour Master.

Anchorages

The best anchorage within Loch Nevis lies in Inverie Bay (57°02'N 005°42'W).

Restrictions

No entry when 3 red vertical lights are exhibited.

A speed restriction of 3kts applies within the harbour limits.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 2208, 2541. Admiralty Pilot NP66B, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 48 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 09. Call 'Mallaig Harbour Radio'.

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

A small boatyard with slipways capable of accepting vessels up to LOA 25m is available for repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Large stocks of marine gas oil are held at the port. Delivery to ship is by fueling points in outer harbour. Advance notice of 24 hours is required for large amounts.

Stores: Vessels can be replenished.

Medical

Fort William. Comprehensive support facilities for fishing vessels are available locally.

Crew change

Can be arranged.

Transport

Nearest airport: Helicopter landing area on outskirts of town or Inverness, 177km.

Nearest railway: Adjacent to harbour.

Working hours

Daily except Sun. On Sun the harbour is only open for arrival and departure.

Where it is

Mallaig is situated at the S end of Sound of Sleat, facing the Isle of Skye, on the W coast of Scotland.

The port

Mallaig is a fishing port and ferry terminal. The fishing port has an average of 40 vessels arriving each day during the peak season. The ferry terminal caters for tourist traffic and during the course of a year up to 37,000 cars will pass through the terminal.

Traffic

Approx 170,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Mallaig?

Pilotage not compulsory.

What time zone is Mallaig in?

Local time at Mallaig 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 Mallaig?

1025.

Which load line zone is Mallaig 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 Mallaig?

Port State Control at Mallaig: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mallaig?

The UN/LOCODE of Mallaig is GBMLG.

What crews who called at Mallaig 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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