Oban

Size limits

LOA 72m, draught 4.8m.

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 3.3m springs.

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

Approach

Outer approach: From the vicinity of 56°26'N 005°30'W, the line of bearing 134°, of Dunollie Light (stone tower with white lantern, 6.0m in height) (56°25.4'N 005°29.0'W) standing on low cliffs on the E side of the entrance, leads towards the N entrance to Oban Bay, passing (with positions from Dunollie Light):

SW of foul ground which extends 45m W from the SW end of Maiden Island (0.5nm NNW) which is otherwise steep to. Reefs and shoal water extend from the mainland to within 35m of the E side of this island. and:

NE of Rubh'a Bhearnaig (0.55nm WNW), then:

NE of N spit of Kerrera Light (white concrete column with red bands, 10m in height) (0.3nm WNW) which stands on the outer edge of a ledge of rocks which extends 0.1nm NE from the N end of Kerrera, then:

SW of Carraig Mhicheil (0.2nm NNW), a rounded point with an elevation of 44m which forms the N entrance point to Port Mor. The ruins of Dunollie Castle, which stands on the summit of a precipitous cliff within Carraig Mhicheil, is covered with ivy and is only distinctive from N and S, however a flagstaff stands on the castle during the summer months.

Inner approach: From a position SW of Carraig Mhicheil the track leads generally S in mid channel, passing (with positions from Dunollie Light):

Between Dunollie Light and a detached shoal, with a depth of 4.0-6.0m over it, (0.12nm W), then:

E of the drying reef and shallow bank which extends E from Rubh'a Chruidh, marked near the NE extremity of the reef by a light (metal post, 3.0m in height), then:

W of Corran Ledge (0.2nm SSE) comprised of rocks and shingle which dry for 0.1nm from the shore. Vessels are advised to keep well clear of the lightbuoy (W cardinal) which marks the S end of the W edge of the ledge as it is reported that several vessels have grounded in this vicinity, also that the sewer outfall passing close SSE of the buoy, stands 0.5m above the ledge in places.

Caution: A submarine power cable crosses Kerrera Sound from a position 0.1nm S of Port nan Cuile (56°23.6'N 005°30.9'W) to Dall Righ, 0.35nm WNW. A beacon on the shore marks each landing place.

Port limits

The harbour limit extends SSW from a position 0.05nm S of Dunollie light, across the mouth of the bay to the boat house at Brandystone, 0.8nm SSW.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Safety of Navigation Code of Practice.

Anchorages

Oban Bay is very deep for an anchorage and should be used with caution. The holding ground is bad and winds from the SW blow with great force up Kerrera Sound making it unsafe to remain at anchor in vessels with a high freeboard.

Restrictions

Ships can enter the port at any state of the tide.

Charts and publications

BA 1790. US Publications 141m. Admiralty Pilot NP66A, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels of LOA 40m and over should make a brief safety announcement on VHF Ch 16 prior to entry or departure.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 12, 16. Available North Pier 0900-1700hrs, Railway Pier 0700-0100hrs.

Railway Pier: Tel: +44 1631 566588.

All vessels operating in Oban Bay should maintain a continuous listening watch on Ch 16.

Notices and regulations

Special bye-laws are in force for vessels carrying petroleum and carbide of calcium.

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

Available for both hull and machinery.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at N pier and Railway Pier.

Bunkering: Bunkering available at N pier, Railway Pier and by road tankers.

Store: Available.

Medical

Oban.

Transport

Nearest airport: Glasgow Airport (154km).

Airport facilities: There is a landing strip at North Connel for light aircraft. No scheduled service.

Nearest railway: Oban.

Working hours

Normally 0900-1700hrs.

Where it is

The port of Oban is situated in the Firth of Lorn.

The port

Oban has 3 piers (North Pier, South Pier and the Railway Pier), giving a total berth length of 610m. The port caters mainly for ferries, fishing vessels and yachts. The South Pier and Railway Pier are owned privately by Caledonian McBrayne Ltd. The North Pier is under the authority of Argyll & Bute Council.

What are the pilot arrangements at Oban?

If required, Harbour Master will carry out pilotage operations.

What time zone is Oban in?

Local time at Oban 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 Oban?

1025.

Which load line zone is Oban 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 Oban?

Port State Control at Oban: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Oban?

The UN/LOCODE of Oban is GBOBA.

What crews who called at Oban 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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