St Valery-sur-Somme (FRSVS)

The E side of the harbour is bordered by a mole and the W side by an embankment and quay, which has berths for small commercial vessels. The port is closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

St Valery-sur-Somme is situated on the S shore of the Baie de Somme, 2.5nm ESE of Pointe de Hourdel.

LOA 50m, draught 3.6m (springs).

Caution: Anchoring in the shelter of a bank or point is not safe because the holding ground among the shifting sands is poor.

The entrance channel, which crosses the drying sands forming the Baie de Somme lies to the E of "AT-SO" lightbuoy (N cardinal) (50°14'N 001°28'E). The channel is marked by buoys which are moved as necessary. The buoys are painted with the letters "A" (Abbeville) or "C" (Crotoy) and a number. Approach channel: Directions cannot be given due to the changing nature of the channel. The channel is 170m in width at its seaward end and is marked by buoys. The upper part of the channel lies between a rough stone breakwater to the NE, marked by beacons and to the SW by a sea wall, which is submerged at HW and marked by beacons and light beacons. A light (green pylon, 6m in height) (50°12.3'N 001°35.9'E) stands at the W extremity of the sea wall. A light (white pylon, green top, 7m in height) (50°11.5'N 001°37.6'W) on the head of the mole. Limiting conditions: The approach channel dries 5.8m and remains dry until the in coming tide reaches it, approx 2 hours before HW.

Admiralty Pilot NP28.

Brackish.

Port Captain available. There is no pilot station in the Baie de Somme, but unlicensed local pilots are available. Because of the frequent changes in the sand banks, the assistance of such a pilot is most strongly advised. In good weather the pilot boards in the vicinity of "AT-SO" Lightbuoy. In bad weather, when the pilot boat cannot cross the bar, vessels which can see the pilot vessel should pass between "S1" and "S2" Buoys moored to the E of "AT-SO" Lightbuoy in a depth of 2.0m at the entrance to the channel, and then follow the pilot boat. The boat flies flag "P" by day or, by night, makes four flashes on a light at regular intervals. In very bad weather entry into the Baie de Somme should not be attempted.

Two hours before high water to high tide for lock into Somme Canal, HW - 1 hour latest.

Range 5.0m (marina). Tidal streams run as follows: ..... Interval from HW Dieppe Remarks At "AT-SO" Lightbuoy (50°14'N 001°28'E) -0400 Ingoing (NNE) stream begins +0130 Outgoing (SSW) stream begins The spring rate on the ingoing stream is 2.75kts and on the outgoing stream 2.5kts. Off the entrance -0400 Ingoing stream at its min -0130 Ingoing stream at its max setting NE +0200 Outgoing stream at its min +0500 Outgoing stream at its max setting SW The mean rate on both streams is 2.5kts. Off the entrance to the Baie de Somme the tidal streams are rotary anti-clockwise, and appear to attain their max rate as the drying banks are either just covered or just about to be uncovered. The ingoing stream begins in the entrance and outer channels soon after local LW and off Pointe du Hourdel about 30 minutes later. The in going stream only begins at St Valery-sur-Somme (50°11'N 001°38'E) some 2.5 hours before local HW, when the in coming tide reaches the channel off the town. The out going stream probably begins at local HW in the entrance and outer channels, some 15 minutes later off Pointe du Hourdel and 30 minutes later off St Valery-sur-Somme. The streams, in particular the in going stream, are probably strong in the outer channels and off Pointe du Hourdel, but weak off St Valery-sur-Somme.

Club tender.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 09.

Customs allowances: For each crew member 200 cigarettes and 1 bottle of spirits. New Customs forms are to be completed, for vessels sailing between two French ports. Immigration may require Crew List and valid passports to be shown.

..... Documents Copies Required By 1. Provisions and Stores List 3 Custom broker and Customs officers 2. Crew Declaration 3 Custom broker and Customs officers 3. Crew List 4 Customs officers and Immigration 4. Declaration of Health - Port Health officers

Notify pilot station of ETA 12 hours prior to arrival with confirmation 4 hours before arrival.

Request for pratique to be made on arrival at the pilot station.

NOR should be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.