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KHM Clyde

USING THE PORT FOR RECREATION

This section contains useful information for recreational users including those planning on organising an event within the Port.

Facts to keep in mind

  1. 1

    Avoid sailing in the commercial shipping channel, especially in poor visibility

    Obey Rule 9 of the Collision Regulations (COLREGS) for conduct in narrow channels by keeping to the side of the channel and crossing only when this does not impede the passage of a large vessel that can safely navigate only within the narrow channel.

  2. 2

    Do not underestimate the speed of ships

    If your boat is slow, allow sufficient time to take effective evasive action in the vicinity of large ships.

  3. 3

    Be visible

    At night make sure your navigation lights can be seen. If you see the navigation lights of a vessel and you think you have not been seen, get out of the way. Use torches, search lights or a spotlight on sails, or fire a white flare to indicate your position. Carry a radar reflector high on your boat.

  4. 4

    Be alert

    Look around every so often, especially astern.

  5. 5

    Keep an extra vigilant watch at night

    Even on a clear night you will have difficulty seeing a big ship approach. You might see it first as a black shadow against a background of shore lights, or as a growing shadow - at that point you are not far apart. Remember that your lights will not be easily spotted from the ship, particularly if seen against shore background lights.

  6. 6

    Keep your VHF radio tuned to Channel 11

    In an emergency, if you believe you have not been seen or are unsure of a ship's intentions, call them on VHF Channel 11 or 16 then shift to a working frequency or intership safety messages.

Regulations to be observed within the limits of the Clyde Dockyard Ports of Gareloch and Loch Long

Extracted from Admiralty Sailing Directions South West Scotland Pilot (NP66A 1st edition 2014, appendix IV).

Orders in Council, issued in 1967 and amended in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1983, supplemented by Bylaws which in 1971, 1973, 1986 and 1992, enacted certain rules and regulations to be observed within the limits of the Clyde Dockyard Ports of Gareloch and Loch Long.

The limits of these Dockyard Ports, together with the limits of a restricted channel, restricted and protected areas, and prohibited areas within them, are shown on the charts of the area concerned.

Entry guidelines

More information

Organising events in the Port

If you intend to hold a maritime event within the Dockyard Port of Clyde, you are required to submit in writing to KHM for approval, a full event plan and RA for each maritime event.

Personal watercraft use

Using your Personal Water Craft / Jet Ski (PWC) within the Dockyard Port of Clyde.

Recreational Swimming

Find out the regulations around swimming in the Dockyard Port of Clyde.

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