PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Teignmouth
Pilot
updated Feb 2025- Teignmouth Harbour pilot boarding Pilot boards50°31.6′N 003°28.6′W
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of LOA 30.0m or more. Vessels send their ETA and request for pilots at least 12hrs in advance via vessel's agent or by VHF to Teignmouth Pilots. Vessel's length and precise draught must be stated. Vessels under LOA 30m should consult the Harbour Master for information and advice. It is recommended that vessels without local knowledge should not enter the estuary without advising their presences or seeking advice.
Pilots board from a vessel with a black hull and white superstructure 1nm off the port, 1 hour before HW to 1 hour after HW.
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max LOA 124m, beam unrestricted, draught 5.7m and 5,246DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABP Terminal | 5.70 m | 124 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 Feb 2025Approach
Since the depths over the sandbanks fronting the entrance to the River Teign and their positions are subject to constant change, local knowledge is essential and directions for anything but local craft or small visiting vessels is misleading. Vessels will be advised of the best channel when the pilot boards. Lights in line bearing 334° on the S end of The Den, indicate the approx E limit of Pole Sand. They should not be used as leading marks. The front light is exhibited from a grey round stone tower, 6.0m in height and the rear light from a black column 6.0m in height. Numerous drying banks are located in the vicinity of the entrance channel which dry up to 0.6m, as a result local knowledge is required.
Having found the best channel to the river entrance, vessels should alter course W for the entrance keeping approx 0.025nm N of Philip Lucette Light Beacon, then the track leads round The Point and NNE through the channel marked by lightbuoys (port and starboard hand). Lights in line (022°) on New Quay can be used by mariners with local knowledge but they do not lead in the channel. Deeper water lies W of this leading line and pilots will advise of the best route to take to their berth.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained in good holding ground of silt over clay, approx 1nm E or SE of The Ness.
Vessels should avoid anchoring near an obstruction 0.6nm ENE of The Ness.
Restrictions
A speed limit of 6kts is in force in the port.
It is known that an outfall pipeline extends approx 1.2nm ESE from The Ness. Diffusers are also located at the seaward end and are marked by a lighted buoy.
Tugs
There is an 8.5t bollard pull tug available, or pilot boat may assist in manoeuvring vessels in the harbour if necessary.
Charts and publications
BA 26, 3315. Admiralty Pilot NP27, NP286(1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2025ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA at least 12 hours prior to arrival.
Notices and regulations
Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas (DSHA) Regulations 1987 are in force.
Reporting requirements for vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods, 1995 Regulations apply. The areas and procedures are defined in MARPOL Annex I, II and III; the OMDG Code; and DGHAR Regulation 2016.
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 Feb 2025Repairs
Limited facilities; divers available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at quays.
Bunkering: Bunkers are available by road tanker or barge. Bunkering is only permissible during normal port working hours.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Teignmouth Hospital (0.7km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Exeter Airport (21.5km).
Nearest railway: Teignmouth Railway Station (0.5km)
Nearest highway: A38 and M4.
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Teignmouth.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1700hrs with unrestricted overtime.
About Teignmouth
updated Feb 2025Where it is
Teignmouth is located on the SW coast of England at the mouth of the River Teign.
The port
The Port of Teignmouth, operated by Associated British Ports, is a crucial maritime facility serving South West England. With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, the harbour has long been a significant player in regional trade and commerce. Its strategic location along the coastline has allowed it to thrive as a key port for centuries.
Teignmouth's berths are classified as NAABSA (Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground), which provides flexibility in operations, particularly in relation to tidal variations. This classification enables the port to accommodate a diverse range of vessels and cargo types, ensuring efficient handling and logistics.
The port is a vital hub for several industries, notably construction, agriculture, and the ball clay market. It plays an essential role in the exportation of clay and the importation of animal feeds. Beyond clay and animal feeds, the port handles a diverse range of cargoes, including grain, agribulks, stone chippings, salt, forest products, slag, and aggregates. This wide array of handled materials underscores the port's importance in sustaining regional economic activities and contributing to the broader supply chain.
Traffic
Approx 270,000t of cargo and 99 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Teignmouth
Where does the pilot board at Teignmouth?
The pilot boards at Teignmouth Harbour pilot boarding, 50°31.6′N 003°28.6′W.
What time zone is Teignmouth in?
Local time at Teignmouth is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Teignmouth?
The deepest berth listed is at ABP Terminal: 5.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Teignmouth?
1025.
Which load line zone is Teignmouth 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 Teignmouth?
Port State Control at Teignmouth: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Teignmouth?
The UN/LOCODE of Teignmouth is GBTNM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Teignmouth 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.