Passage Plan

Documentation & Communications 

VHF Channels: Monitor VHF Ch 16 and Ch 09 (working channel) when entering or leaving for any harbour information.

Charts: Use ADMIRALTY Chart 2541 (Mallaig Harbour & Loch Nevis) or AC 2208 (Mallaig to Canna).

Tides: There is ample depth at low water in main channel but depth decreases to about 6m at the end of the steamer pier. Current tide times >

Download Survey

Planning Your Approach

Navigational Route: Only use the North (Main) Channel for entry and exit. The South Channel (south of Sgeir Dhearg Light) is strictly closed to traffic.

When in the channel, use the sector light on steamer pier to keep you in the correct line. Entrance to the outer harbour on starboard side is accessible but has maximum vessel depth of 4.5m at low water. Otherwise once past the round head the pier and pontoon is located to the SW. (The Steamer pier is for used solely for Calmac Vessels.) Beware of other vessel navigating channel at same time.

Traffic Signals: Obey the Red Vessel Traffic Signals on the Steamer Pier (RoRo Pier).

Three vertical red lights: Priority is given to Calmac vessels. 

Check website for ferry times. www.calmac.co.uk 

Action: All other vessels must remain clear of the Inner Harbour and Main Channel when these lights are displayed. Any other ferry traffic is under direction of the HM or DHM.

Navigational Aids & Hazards

Key Hazards:

Sgeir Dhearg: A rock north of the outer harbour wall marked by a Sector Light (Fl(2) (8S) and a green Starboard Hand Marker (SHM) buoy with a Q.G light.

Steamer Pier Light: Use the WRG sector light on the pier to lead safely inside the Sgeir Dhearg reef. 

Wind: Strong westerly wind can cause back wash from the shore line in the main channel. 

North wind can be unpredictable, it usually grows with a bit of strength with the flood tide. The north wind causes a lot of motion in the inner harbour.

https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/mallaig

Speed: Proceed at a safe speed, causing no danger or inconvenience to others. Harbour Speed limit 3kts 

Vessels: Beware of other larger vessels fishing or aquaculture navigating within the harbour.

Night Entry: The piers are floodlit and sector lights help keep vessels clear of hazards. Lights on pontoon mark the East end of the Hammer head.

Advice for Arrival

Berthing: Contact the Harbour office on 01687462514 24hrs prior to entry to book and discuss berth.

For Mallaig Yachting Marina berthing; visitor moorings and pontoon berths are available. 07824331031.

Marina Entry: Once inside, space is limited; prepare fenders and warps to side as indicated by marina attendant before entering the inner channel.

Main Pier: You may be asked to raft up with other vessels. Please us adequate ropes and fendering.

Environmental: Discharge overboard of bilge water, oil, or solid waste is Not Permitted within the harbour. There is general waste facilities on pier and outside pontoon office.

Further information