Harbour Control

Harbour Control (VTS)

Poole Harbour Control provides an essential Information Service (INS) and Traffic Organisation Service (TOS) as defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Poole Harbour Control is manned by one of five Officers, 365 days, 24/7 providing information for all vessels and traffic clearance for those over 25m in length.
The Harbour Control Officer monitors VHF channels 14 and 16, Radar, CCTV, AIS, weather stations and tidal gauges so that a comprehensive service can be delivered at all times.
The Harbour Control Officers will use Message Markers and Standard Marine Phrases to ensure clear and concise communications are upheld at all times.

Harbour Control Objectives

Safety of life at sea.
Safety of navigation.
Efficiency of vessel traffic movement.
Protection of marine environment.
Protection of the adjacent communities and infrastructure.
Contribution to the efficiency of related activities and supporting maritime security.

VTS Information:

VHF Channel: 14 or 16

Call sign: “Poole Harbour Control”

Telephone: 01202 440230

Fax: 01202 674801

Email: harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk

Poole Harbour Entry Procedure

Arrival:
Vessels entering the Harbour should establish contact with PHC not later than one hours steaming from the Bar Buoy, then again 15 minutes from the Bar Buoy to request permission to enter. Further reporting points are at Bar Buoy, Channel Buoy, Aunt Betty Buoy, Stakes Buoy and when secured alongside.

Departure:
Notice of ETD: Vessels should give 1 hours notice of sailing if a pilot is required.

Vessels not requiring a pilot should establish contact 15 minutes before departure, requesting permission to leave immediately before slipping and thence reporting when underway. Further reporting points are at Stakes Buoy, Aunt Betty Buoy and on clearing the Bar Buoy.

All vessels of 25m LOA or over should seek permission from Poole Harbour Control on VHF Channel 14 before moving in the harbour. Poole Harbour Control will inform vessels of other movements which may affect their navigation.

PROCEDURE: (agreed entry in ALRS 6)

(1) Pilotage is compulsory for the following:
(a) All vessels, including tug and tow combinations, of 50m or more LOA
(b) Vessels of 30m or more LOA or 10m or more in beam when carrying more than 12 passengers, (existing web page is incorrect in this respect)
(c) Commercial vessels with an overall length of between of 30m and 50m, carrying dangerous goods or hazardous substances

(2) Pilotage is exempt for the following:
(a) Vessels in Government Service
(b) Vessels exempted by law

(3) Notice of ETA: Vessels should send ETA 24h in advance to Poole Harbour Control and the port agents indicating requirement for a Pilot when appropriate. CERS and ISPS documentation should be e-mailed to harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk on departure from previous port.

(4) Inward-bound vessels requiring a Pilot should call Poole Harbour Control on VHF Ch 14 giving at least 1½h notice of arrival at Pilot boarding position.

(5) Pilot boards in position 50°39′·12N 1°54′·70W.
Pilot ladders must be rigged in accordance with SOLAS requirements.

Downloads

Harbour Control Policy

Navigation Safety Policy

Port Marine Safety Code Policy