A Guide to Port Entry

1. As both the number of large commercial ships and recreational craft using Dublin Port is increasing it is essential that close quarter situations do not arise.
2. Commercial vessels using Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Port normally have a qualified pilot or certified master with proven local knowledge on board. They “listen out” on VHF channel 12 when in Dublin Port’s jurisdiction.
3. Commercial vessels will follow the routes designated in the attached illustration (below). All recreational craft when obliged to navigate within such areas should do so with extreme caution following the Int. Collisions Regulations.
4. Large conventional commercial craft travel at a manoeuvering speeds of between 8 to 15 knots whilst within the ports jurisdiction.The lower limit varies from ship to ship and is “as safe navigation permits”.
5. Ships will be traveling faster than you may estimate, even in congested waters.

6. Ships that are light or partially loaded, particularly in windy conditions, will require a higher minimum speed to remain under full control.
7. A large ship visible on the horizon may take no more than 10 minutes to reach you under clear conditions, under hazy conditions this time could be much less. At 10 knots a ship will travel a nautical mile in 6 minutes, at 15 knots it takes only 4 minutes to travel one nautical mile.
8. A large deep draught ship cannot easily avoid small craft in a narrow channel. It is up to leisure craft to keep clear. (See Rule 9 Int. Collision Regs excerpt on page 4.)
9. A ship slowing down does not steer very well. It requires the action of its propeller to respond.When the propellor is going “astern” the ship’s steering will be adversely affected.
10. As well as large cargo ships, a variety of working craft also use the port, tugs, pilot cutters, dredgers, fast ferries, barges under tow etc. In particular a towing line may be partly submerged and therefore potentially dangerous to other craft passing too close.

1. Avoid sailing in the buoyed channel area, avoid sailing within 0.5 nautical mile of the Dublin Bay buoy and in the separation schemes, (see illustration below).This is especially critical in periods of reduced visibility. When obliged to cross the fairway, cross at right angles to the traffic flow.
2. Keep a good lookout. Be aware of all ship movements, especially astern of you.
3. Do not underestimate the speed of ships. Allow plenty of time to take effective evasive action in the vicinity of large ships.
4. Be visible. At night make sure your navigation lights can be clearly seen. If you see the navigation lights of a vessel approaching and you think that he has not seen you, get out of the way. Also use a torch or search-light to illuminate the sails (if appropriate). Remember (as indicated in the illustration),from the bridge of a loaded container ship or large tanker the captain/pilot may lose sight of you a half a nautical mile ahead, although you can see that ship clearly from your vessel at all times.
5. Keep watch at night.You may have difficulty seeing a large ship approach, even on a clear night. In reduced visibility you may have little warning of its approach. If you see a black shadow against shore lights or as a growing shadow, at that point a close quarter situation is already imminent. Remember you cannot be easily seen at night (particularly in a background of lights) and judging distances at night can prove difficult.

6. Watch the ships navigation lights. If you see bothships sidelights you are dead ahead, follow the Int. Collision Regs. and any alteration of course should beearly, substantial and be visible to the approaching ship. Be aware that ships alter course at the Dublin Bay buoy and No.3/No.4 buoys. Be aware of your position and the position of other vessels around you at all times.
7. Know the whistle signals (see illustration). Five or more short and rapid blasts on the ships whistle indicates the ship is in doubt about your action or the lack thereof. Check immediately if this signal wasmeant for you, if so take immediate and appropriate action. Three short blasts means “my engines are going astern” one short blast means “I am altering my course to starboard”.Two short blasts “I am altering my course to port”.
8. Vessels entering, transiting or leaving the fairway should report to VTS Dublin on VHF channel 12. A report should include your vessels name, location and intentions. Keep a VHF tuned to VHF channel 12 and have the volume loud enough to hear above the noise of the engine. VTS will keep vessels advised of traffic movements. If traveling in a group, flotilla or convoy one vessel should be nominated at the lead vessel, only the lead vessel should make a report but should advise VTS how many vessels are in the group. VTS should be advised of any emergency situations without delay.
9. Remember CH 12 is Dublin Port’s primary working channel and used to manage port traffic. No private or unneccessary communications to take place on this channel.

Harbour Master – Dublin Port Company

Avoid the busy shipping channels and routes. Cross them at right angles and as quickly as possible after checking that it is safe to do so. Recreational users of the port area are particularly requested to be familiar with the Int. Collision Regulations (particularly Rule 9), Dublin Port Bye Laws, Small Craft (Leisure) Regulations (see chartlet) and Notices to Mariners.

Remember

• Keep a good lookout, particularly at night
• Do not under-estimate the speed of ships
• Be visible
• Watch the lights of other vessels
• Know the whistle signals
• Keep your VHF tuned to channel 12

Obey any instructions given by Dublin Port VTS.They are also interested in your safety.

Rule 9 – Narrow Channels (Excerpt)

Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes (Excerpt)

Manoeuvering and Warning Signals (Excerpt from Rule 34)

These signals may be supplemented by light signals:

1 Short blast
–
Altering to starboard
2 Short blasts
– –
Altering to port
3 Short blasts
– – –
Going astern
5 or more short blasts
– – – – –
Keep clear