Poole

Size limits

LOA 220m, beam 22.7m, 11,000DWT.

Water density

1021-1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 2.3m MHWS, 1.8m MHWN, 1.0m MLWN, 0.4m MLWS.

Speed of tide in harbour entrance is a max of approx 4kts.

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

Approach

The port is approached through the SW part of Poole Bay through Swash Channel and entered between South Haven Point and the S end of Sandbanks, 370m NNE.

Swash Channel leads about 2nm NW through a shallow coastal bank to the harbour entrance. The channel is marked by lightbuoys.

Harbour approach and entrance: The channel leading to the harbour lies between two extensive sandbanks, the Hook Sands to the E and the Milkmaid Bank and Bar Sands to the W. On entry, at HW, the harbour resembles a spacious inland lake with a number of navigable channels. Passage of these channels however should not be attempted by any vessel more than 50m in length without the aid of a pilot.

From the outer sea buoys vessels proceed along the Swash Channel between the Havens at Sandbanks and enter the harbour through Brownsea Roads and into the Middle Ship Channel.

Throughout its length, this deep water ship channel which leads to the Ro-Ro Terminal berths, is extensively marked with lightbuoys and has a depth of water sufficient to allow the largest cross channel ferries currently using the port to enter and sail at all states of the tide. Having reached the port area, the secondary navigable channel "Little Channel" turns N and leads to the conventional cargo berths and the Town Quay.

Port limits

Poole No 2 Bar Buoy, 50°39.2'N 001°55.2'W.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Report to Poole Harbour Control VHF Ch 14 when passing the positions indicated on chart BA 2611.

Anchorages

Although there are no anchorages within the harbour, suitable areas are available in Poole Bay and Studland Bay. These have good holding and are protected in all but Easterly conditions. Advice may be sought from Poole Harbour Control.

Tugs

One tug available, 1x1300hp.

Charts and publications

BA 2611, 2175. Admiralty Pilot NP27, NP286 (1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA to be advised to local agents 48 and 24 hours and the pilot station 1.5 hours prior to arrival. Call VHF Ch 14.

Communications

VHF: Callsign "Poole Harbour Control", throughout 24 hours.

Telephone: 01202 440230, Fax: 01202 674801, E-mail: [email protected].

Documents

Ships Report form C13 (2 copies) and Personal Effects form C142 (2 copies).

Health

Notify any sickness onboard the vessel.

Customs and immigration

For general enquiries contact, Tel: +44 1703 330330.

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

Limited repairs are available.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by arrangement with Poole Harbour Control.

Bunkering: By arrangement with Esso, Texaco and Corralls through local shipping agents.

Stores: To be arranged through the agent.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Poole Hospital, 2.5km.

Crew change

Arrangements may be made with or without entering the port.

Transport

Nearest airport: Bournemouth International Airport, 19.8km.

Nearest railway: Railway Arches, 8.7km.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs. Ro-Ro berth 0600-0300hrs, 7 days. Overtime by arrangement. Dock labour is available from 0600 to 0100hrs, every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Where it is

Poole is situated on the S coast of England, approx 26nm W of Fawley.

Traffic

Approx 600,000t of cargo, 500 vessels and 190,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Poole?

Poole Pilotage Area (Poole Harbour Commission), contact on VHF Ch 14, or Tel: +44 1202 666401, Fax: +44 1202 440231, manned throughout 24 hours.

What time zone is Poole in?

Local time at Poole 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 Poole?

1021-1025.

Which load line zone is Poole 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 Poole?

Port State Control at Poole: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Poole?

The UN/LOCODE of Poole is GBPOO.

What crews who called at Poole 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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