Padstow

1. Padstow pilot boarding Pilot boards50°34.1′N 004°56.3′W

Size limits

LOA 34.96m, beam 9.6m, 209DWT.

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 approx 6.5m.

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

Approach

The harbour is approached from Padstow Bay and entered through a channel formed by the estuary of River Camel. Approaches: The best time for entering the harbour is between half flood and HW; at LW spring tides the sea usually breaks over the bar.

The best approach leads SE from a position midway between Gulland Rock and Newland to the pilot boarding position off Stepper Point.

The track then leads S into the buoyed entrance channel avoiding a detached shoal which dries 0.9m, close NE of the NE corner of Doom Bar.

The approach which leads between Gulland Rock and Gunver Head, 1.25nm SE, contains several off lying dangers of which Gurley Rock, 0.6nm SSE of Gulland Rock and Chimney Rock, 0.4nm NNW of Gunver Head, have depths of 3.0m or less over them.

Entrance channel: The harbour is formed by the estuary of River Camel.

The Doom Bar, an extensive drying sandbank, lies along the W side of the channel the entrance to which lies approx 0.15nm W of Trebetherick Point, which is fringed by rocky ledges on which the sea breaks in all but the calmest of weathers and at LW spring tides.

The channel has an approx width of 0.1nm with depths of 0.2-0.9m over the bar and is marked from seawards by lightbuoys as far as The Pool, in which there are depths up to 3.2m; thereafter the channel lies close to the W side of the shore.

A lightbuoy (port hand) is moored close off North Quay at the entrance to the outer harbour.

Caution: The height and shape of the sandbanks in the Camel Estuary are constantly changing and latest details can be obtained from the harbour office.

Port limits

Seaward boundary formed by a line joining with Stepper Point, Gulland Island, Newland and Pentire Point.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: Padstow Bay is open to W and NW winds and is not recommended as an anchorage due to a ground swell which is nearly always present. Considerable alteration to the depths appears to take place from time to time.

Anchorage can be obtained in Port Quin Bay (50°36'N 004°54'W), where the holding ground is good. Shelter from W winds is obtainable in the W part of the bay. Entered between the promontory of which Rumps Point is the W extremity and Kellan Head, 1.75nm E, the village of Port Quin lies at the head of a narrow inlet situated on the E side of the bay. Cow and Calf rocks lie close W of Kellan Head.

Restrictions

Tidal gate to basin, where water is retained, is opened most tides 2 hours either side of HW. Office manned 2 hours each side of every HW tide.

Berthing is at the discretion of the Berthing Master.

Tugs

There is a harbour launch available.

Mooring

Inner Quay Moorings: The Inner Quay accommodates vessels with a maximum length of 5m. The berths remain afloat, with access to and from the quay available approximately 2 hours either side of high water. The pontoon offers excellent shelter from most weather conditions. However, there is currently a waiting list for seasonal moorings at the Inner Quay.

The South Dock Moorings: It provide better access compared to the Inner Quay moorings and offer reliable shelter from most weather conditions. Although it is a drying berth, access to the pontoon is available approximately 3 hours either side of high water. The moorings accommodate vessels up to a maximum length of 6m, subject to availability. Currently, there is a waiting list for South Dock Moorings.

The North Quay: It has replaced the previous running moorings with a stable pontoon that provides 20 seasonal berths for vessels up to 6m in length. Access to the pontoon is available approximately 3 hours either side of high water. The area is well-sheltered from adverse weather conditions, thanks to the protection of the North Pier wall. However, there is currently a waiting list for North Quay Moorings.

The Rock Moorings: situated across the estuary from Padstow at Rock, are the most popular moorings in the area. They offer a variety of moorings suitable for different types of vessels, with a maximum vessel length of 10m. These moorings include a mix of floating and drying berths, which determine access to the estuary. Regardless of the mooring assigned, users are guaranteed to enjoy the stunning beauty of the estuary.

The Red Brick Pontoon provides excellent access to the estuary, with vessels remaining afloat approximately 2.5 hours after low water. The maximum vessel length is subject to availability.

Charts and publications

BA 1156, 1168. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send their ETA, to their agent, 12 hours prior to arrival with subsequent amendment, if necessary, up to 2 hours before original ETA.

Communications

VHF: Ch 12, 16. These channels are monitored 2 hours either side of HW tide and Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs.

Documents

The Berthing Master delivers a form which requires details of vessel's owner name and address, Crew List and vessel requirement.

Customs and immigration

Falmouth Customs Tel: +44 1326 314156.

Notices and regulations

By-laws are in force for vessels carrying dangerous substances. Copies of the by-laws should be obtained prior to arrival.

The Harbour Master should be informed of the nature and quantity of such cargo, vessels should be anchored or moored only as directed by him.

All vessel movements within the harbour must be sanctioned by the Duty Officer (Berthing Master); a speed restriction of up to 8kts exists in the approaches to, and within, the harbour.

Contact harbour on VHF for permission to proceed in or out of the channel.

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, contact A & J Marine, Tel: +44 1841 533113.

Dry docks

Available, on request.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: The Medical Centre (1km).

Crew change

By arrangement.

Transport

Nearest airport: Cornwall Airport Newquay (12km).

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0830-1700hrs and two hours either side of HW on every tide, including weekends and bank holidays.

Where it is

Padstow is a small commercial port located 1.5 miles inland along the River Camel estuary.

The port

Padstow features two tidal outer jetties and an inner harbor with water retention, controlled by a tidal gate that operates about two hours around high water. The port handles various cargoes such as fishing vessels and leisure craft which dominates the harbour.

Traffic

Approx 160,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Padstow?

The pilot boards at Padstow pilot boarding, 50°34.1′N 004°56.3′W.

What time zone is Padstow in?

Local time at Padstow 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 Padstow?

1025.

Which load line zone is Padstow 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 Padstow?

Port State Control at Padstow: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Padstow?

The UN/LOCODE of Padstow is GBPAD.

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