Belfast Docks

Regulations for use of the Port are numerous and can be found on their website at:

https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/port/marina/guidance-to-port-entry-for-recreational-users

Much of it is common sense e.g. radio contact on Channel 12, sails must be down, no anchoring, but there are others which might not be e.g. no dinghies to be launched, no sight seeing whilst transiting the Port, so it is essential that the visiting yachtsman has a look at those regs before passing the Fairway buoy inbound.

Update July 2022 We used to advise that there is no fuelling on the pontoons. They appear to have changed that and say that you have to refuel on the "Fuelling pontoon and vacate that pontoon once you have finished fuelling". They maintain the right to declare portable containers as "unsuitable" so check with them before you fill your containers at the local garage.

The approach is made from the Fairway Buoy in the middle of Belfast Lough. It is a requirement of Belfast Port Control that, if you are going through the docks to the visitors berths, they are contacted on Channel 12 two hours before (or as soon as reasonably practicable) the boat reaches the Fairway buoy or the entry point to the buoyed channel. That, for most yachts, is a good way out; around the Isle of Muck from the North, Donaghadee from the South and just over halfway from Scotland if from there. Once in the buoyed channel it should be treated as a narrow channel as stated above. It should be noted that once in the channel the Port Code of Practice insists that you be under motor with the sails down; that doesn't mean to say that you cannot clew up somewhere in the vicinity of the No10, 11 or 12 buoy and join the channel there; just make sure the Port Control is aware of that (they have most of the Lough under radar surveillance anyway and will probably have identified you long before then!)

We have included an animated diagram of the tidal flows around Belfast Lough in the "More Information" section to assist in your navigation to the Fairway Buoy

Once in the buoyed channel it is simply a matter of following that channel into the docks, keeping a weather eye out for large ship movements and listening on #12 for indications of ships either about to leave outbound or overtaking you inbound (which they will be as the speed limit is 6knots). You should advise Port Control as you pass the N012 buoy.

Abercorn Basin is on the port side as you pass upriver about 2.5 miles up from the entry to the docks. It's easily identified as it has the Odyssey Complex (tall curved white building; see our photo) on its upstream side.