Harbour Control

Poole Harbour Control provides an essential Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) as defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Harbour Control is manned by one of five Officers, 365 days, 24/7 providing information for all vessels and traffic clearances for those over 25m in length.

Harbour Control monitors VHF channels 14 and 16, Radar, CCTV, AIS 3D monitoring equipment, weather stations and tidal gauges so that a comprehensive service can be delivered at all times. They are assisted by several patrol vessels, third-party organisations across the harbour and, where required, individual harbour users.

Harbour Control use Message Markers and Standard Marine Phrases to ensure clear and concise communications are upheld at all times

In the event of an underway incident or emergency, Harbour Control should be informed as soon as possible. In a distress situation where immediate assistance is required, the Coastguard should be contacted first via VHF 16 and 999 first.

For other marine incidents or accidents within Poole Harbor and its approaches, no matter how minor, a report should be submitted here following an initial verbal report to Harbour Control on VHF Channel 14 or 01202 440230.

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 for vessels over 25m

Arrival:

Shipping due at the Port should send their 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. More information on Pilotage is available here.

All vessels over 25 metres in length overall 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, request further permission to leave immediately before slipping and then report 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.

Authorisations and Notifications Forms:

See below for authorisation forms for a number of controlled activities aboard vessels alongside and ashore on the Port Estate which are administered by Harbour Control. Completed forms can be sent to harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk.

To enquire about processes and forms for other controlled acitivities (including import/export of dangerous goods etc.), email harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk in the first instance.

– Bunkering Notification

– Helicopter Landing Request

– Hot Works Authorisation Request

– Commercial Diving Authorisation Request