Boston (GBBOS)

The Port of Boston, historically recognised as the most significant port in England outside of London during medieval times, has evolved into a modern hub of maritime activity since its current incarnation in 1884. Currently operated by Victoria Group, the port is strategically situated within a tidal basin, providing a unique advantage for handling various types of cargo. Small craft use the riverside quays. Access to the port is facilitated through a 91m long lock, which allows for the efficient movement of vessels in and out of the basin. The port's facilities are equipped to manage a diverse range of cargo, including steel coils, timber, chemicals, construction steels, containers, grain, pallets, paper reels, waste bales, and RDF/SRF (Refuse-Derived Fuel/Solid Recovered Fuel). This versatility makes the Port of Boston a vital player in the regional supply chain. In recent years, the port marked a significant milestone with the first phase completion of the Boston Barrier Tidal Flood Defence Scheme. The project, located along The Haven and adjacent to the tidal basin, aims to enhance the area's resilience against flooding, ensuring the safeguarding of the surrounding communities. The Boston Barrier & flood protection works will continue throughout 2025.

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

Boston is located 4.5nm from the mouth of the River Witham on the E coast of England.

Max LOA 120m, beam 13.6m, draught 5.7m and 5,790DWT. Note: Vessels with a wider beam may be accepted subject to discussion with the harbour master.

Approx 740,000t of cargo and 400 vessels handled annually.

Caution: During NE gales there is a considerable sea in Boston Deep from the half flood to the half ebb, but generally there is less sea at the SW end. In N gales vessels ride more securely in Boston Deep than in the more exposed Lynn Deeps. ..... Lat Long Remarks Lynn Deeps 52°58'N 000°19'E Anchorage at the S end in depths of 20m. Situated in the seaward approaches to the Freeman Channel. E extremity of the anchorage area is marked by B1 and B2 Navigation Aids Lower Road 52°58'N 000°09'E Located between Bar Sand and Butterwick Low. Depths of 9.0m, black mud and fine sand Boston Deep 53°00'N 000°14'E In the SW end of Boston Deep, SW of Scullridges. Anchorage is sand and loose stones Clay Hole 52°57'N 000°08'E Used by smaller craft

Boston is approached through Freeman Channel which leads to New Cut and the River Witham. Freeman channel: From the vicinity of Roaring Middle Lightfloat (52°58.6'N., 000°21.2'E), the route leads 3.5nm WSW to the E entrance point to Freeman Channel, the main approach channel to Boston, then in a generally WNW direction 2.5nm through the channel to a position at the NE end of Lower Road, passing: Clear of Boston Roads Lightbuoy (safe water) (52°57.7'N., 000°16.0'E), then to the E entrance point of Freeman Channel (52°58.0'N., 000°15.0'E), which is marked by Boston No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) and Alpha Lightbuoy (port hand), then following the buoyed channel. The channel is 0.12nm wide at its narrowest part and lies between The Ants, a detached drying sandbank close W of the SW end of Long Sand and Roger Sand which dries and is attached to the coastal bank by Toft Sand and Hook Hill at its SW extremity. Then to the W end of Freeman Channel (52°58.0'N., 000°11.0'E), marked by Freeman Inner Lightbuoy (W cardinal) and Delta Lightbuoy (port hand) and which lies at the NE end of Lower Road. Boston Deep: The shoal banks around the channel are constantly changing and the buoys might not mark the channel; nor is it easy to identify objects ashore. Local knowledge is required to use this channel. Lower Road to New Cut: From a position at the NE end of Lower Road (52°58.0'N., 000°11.0'E), the route leads 2nm SW, then a further 2nm WSW, through the main entrance channel leading to New Cut, passing (with positions from Tabs Head Light Beacon (52°56.0'N., 000°05.0'E): Through Lower Road (3.5nm NE), which is buoyed and lies between Butterwick Low, a drying flat 2nm wide fronting the shore, and the offshore shoals of Roger Sand, Bar Sand and Toft Sand. Then S of Clay Hole (2nm NE) which lies at the SW end of Lower Road, then across the drying portion of the main channel (1.8nm) ENE. Then NW of Black Buoy Lightbuoy (port hand), then through the channel which is marked by lightbuoys (starboard hand), then N of Welland Light Beacon (port hand) (0.25nm ENE), which marks the seaward end of Welland Cut half-tide training wall. Then between Tabs Head Light Beacon (port hand) and Dolly Peg Light Beacon (black triangular topmark), which marks the entrance to New Cut. A light beacon (tide gauge, conical topmark) stands on the N bank 0.13nm W of Tabs Head Light Beacon. Caution: the channels at the S end of Lower Road continually alter and buoyage is frequently changed, often without warning. New Cut and River Witham: From Tabs Head Light Beacon, New Cut curves 2nm WNW to the entrance of the River Witham; Boston Dock is situated a further 2.5nm NW above the river entrance. The track is marked by a series of paired white leading lights, Nos 1 and 1a to 9 and 9a, and by red lights on the southerly bank and green lights on the northerly bank. The basin of the port is entered via a 91m long and 13.7m wide lock and has depths on the sill of 7.5m at springs and 5.4m at neaps.

BA 108, 1190, 1200. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

Hunstanton Lifeboat Station and Skegness Lifeboat Station.

1010-1020.

Mooring personnel are compulsory for all commercial vessels. UKC 1.5m is normally required.

Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over an LOA 30m or 50GT. Pilots normally board in the vicinity of No 9 Lightbuoy (52°57.52’ N., 000°08.19’ E.) in the Lower Roads, but can on request board at the E'ly entrance to Freeman Channel (vessels without local knowledge are recommended to embark a pilot at this position). The request for a pilot must be arranged via the ship's agent and should send their ETA at least 12hrs in advance. The initial message must include the vessel's GT and draught. In any event, the ETA may be amended by contacting the Boston Pilots 2hrs 30mins before HW. Any vessel carrying dangerous cargo or who are not gas-free must send their full details 24hrs in advance. The signal for a Boston pilot is flag "G". At night Boston pilots show white over red lights. In fog a vessel requiring a pilot should sound "G" (Morse code), which is also sounded by a pilot vessel on station.

Northern limit: Skegness Pier, southern limit: Dawsmere Creek through the middle of The Wash.

The track to Boston dock is marked by a series of paired white leading lights, Nos 1 and 1a to 9 and 9a, and by red lights on the southerly bank and green lights on the northerly bank. Navigational aids are located at the entrance to Lower Road and New Cut, however, are liable to frequent alteration as the channels are constantly shifting. ..... Lat Long Remarks Bouys within the Port of Boston Authority: B1 (Boston Anchorage) 52°58.94’ N 000°19.47’ E Yellow Special Mark Fl.Y 2.5s B2 (Boston Anchorage) 52°57.58’ N 000°18.29’ E Yellow Special Mark Fl. Y 7.5s Alpha 52°57.70’ N 000°15.05’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R 3s (Sync with No 1) No 1 52°57.84’ N 000°15.03’ E Green Conical Mark Fl.G 3s (Sync with Alpha) Bravo 52°57.90’ N 000°14.14’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R.6s No 3 52°58.07’ N 000°14.17’ E Green Conical Mark Fl.G.6s Charlie 52°58.40’ N 000°2.62’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R.3s No 5 52°58.58’ N 000°12.61’ E Green Conical Mark Fl.G.3s Delta 52°58.40’ N 000°11.15’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R.6s No 7 52°58.63’ N 000°11.38’ E Green Starboard Hand mark Fl G. 6s Echo 52°58.38’ N 000°10.06’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R.3s Foxtrot 52°57.63’ N 000°09.91’ E Red Can Mark Fl.R.3s No 9 52°57.52’ N 000°08.19’ E Green Conical Mark Fl.G.3s Black Buoy 52°56.82’ N 000°07.83’ E Red Can Mark Fl(2)R.6s No 11N 52°56.64’ N 000°07.33’ E Green Conical Mark Fl(2)G.6s No 13N 52°56.48’ N 000°06.70’ E Green Conical Mark Fl.G.3s No 15 52°56.35’ N 000°05.92’ E Green Conical Mark Fl(2) G.6s E Spoil Gnd 52°56.00’ N 000°06.67’ E Yellow Conical Special Mark - Blind W Spoil Gnd 52°56.02’ N 000°06.13’ E Yellow Conical Special Mark - Blind

The port locks are operated 2.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after HW. Marine Control Operations will extend these times if required. Overhead cables with a vertical clearance of 45m span the River Witham close E of the entrance to Boston Docks.

..... MHWS 6.8m MHWN 4.8m It is known that the tidal currents are fairly strong. The flood current is reported to attain a spring velocity of approx 4kts during its first half off Boston, after which the velocity decreases. In Boston Deep, the tides are influenced by the winds. NW'ly gales, during springs, will cause a tidal rise of up to 0.6m higher than normal. In turn SW'ly gales will lower the height of the tide by the same amount.

Boston operates a Port Information Service, callsign "Boston Port Control". Vessel Traffic Service Procedure: ..... 1. For details of Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004. The reports should be sent 24 hours in advance or as soon as possible for short voyages. 2. Vessels should send ETA at pilot boarding position, draught and GT, 12 hours in advance, to the agents. Reporting Points: Vessels should report when passing the following: ..... 1. Boston Roads Lightbuoy (52°57.7'N., 000°16.0'E) (Inbound only) 2. Lightbuoy No 9 (52°57.6°N., 000°08.4'E) 3. Before entering or leaving the River Witham on passing Tabs Head (52°56.0'N., 000°04.9'E) and at other designated points in the river. Note: For the ports of Boston and Fosdyke (52°52.3'N., 000°2.4'W): Vessels navigating the River Witham and River Welland seawards of Grand Sluice at Boston and the bridge at Fosdyke are to monitor VHF Ch 12. Vessels proceeding inwards from the Golf Lightbuoy or outwards to the Welland Beacon should maintain watch on this channel. Information Broadcasts: The Port Control, at Boston, broadcasts a traffic forecast 2 hours before HW together with a revision at HW.

There is 1 work boat available, "Bostonian", 7t bollard pull.

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

BOSTON 52°58.06'N 0°00.83'W UNCTAD LOCODE: GB BOS For details see: GENERAL NOTES ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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(2) Inward-bound vessels should arrange pilotage through their agents. (3) ETAs can be amended by calling Boston Port Control 2Ѕh before HW. It may not be possible to cancel a Pilot at this time, or to arrange a Pilot. (4) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Near Lt buoy No 9 (52°57·50N 0°08·50E), 1Ѕh before HW, subject to conrmation on VHF (b) On request: The entrance to Freeman Channel in position 52°57·54N 0°16·16E \n\n\nLOCAL PORT SERVICE\nCONTACT DETAILS: Port Control Call: Boston Port Control VHF Frequency: Ch 11 12 16 Telephone: +44(0)1205 362328 Fax: +44(0)1205 351852 HOURS:\tOn tides when commercial traffic is moving PROCEDURE: (1)\tFor details of Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 see GENERAL NOTES. The reports should be sent 24h in advance or as soon as possible for short voyages. (2)\tNotice of ETA: Vessels should send ETA at Pilot boarding position, draught and gt, 24h in advance, to the agents. REPORTING POINTS: Vessels should report when passing the following: (1) Boston Roads Lt buoy (52°57.67ґN 0°16.04ґE) (inward-bound only) (2) Lt buoy No 9 (52°57.58ґN 0°08.36ґE) (3) Before entering or leaving the River Witham on passing Tabs Head (52° 56.00ґN 0°04.90ґE) and at other designated points in the River. NOTES: (1) Vessels navigating the River Witham seawards of Grand Sluice at Boston and traffic in the River Welland are to monitor VHF Ch 12. (2) Vessels within the Port of Boston jurisdiction waters should maintain a watch on VHF Ch 12. (3) No commercial vessel is to enter the river without contacting Boston Port Control on VHF Ch 12 or Boston Pilots on telephone 07966 244341. \n\n\nPORT CONTACT DETAILS: Port Authority Telephone: +44(0)1205 365571 Fax: +44(0)1205 310126 E-mail: harbourmaster@portofboston.co.uk Website: www.portofboston.co.uk HOURS:\tMon-Fri: 0800-1700 LT Other times: 2Ѕh before to 1Ѕh after HW Security Office (Telephone: +44(0)1 205 365571) H24 \n\n\nGRAND SLUICE\nCONTACT DETAILS: Call: Boston Grand Sluice \tBoston Lock VHF Frequency: Ch 16 74 Telephone: +44(0)1205 364864 \t+44(0)7712010920 (Mobile) HOURS:\tOnly when lock is operating \n\n\n" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 02/18 H102 Port of Boston, (RSDRA2017000324555), 2/18

..... Boston Port Control contact info Callsign Boston Port Control VHF Ch 12 Telephone +44 1205 362 328 Email portcontrol@portofboston.co.uk Port Authority contact info Telephone +44 1205 365 571 Facsimile +44 1205 310 126 Email harbourmaster@portofboston.co.uk; info@portofboston.co.uk Grand Sluice contact info Callsign Boston Grand Sluice; Boston Lock VHF Ch 16, 74 Telephone +44 1205 364 864; +44 7712 010 920 (mobile) Pilots contact info VHF Ch 12 Telephone +44 1205 362 328; +44 7966 244 341 (mobile) Email portcontrol@portofboston.co.uk

..... Documents Copies 1. Crew List - 2. Passenger List - 3. Stowaway List - 4. Bonded Stores List - 5. Crew's Personal Effects List - 6. Stores List - 7. Arms & Ammunition List - 8. Health documents or certificate 1 9. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate 1 10. Load Line Certificate 1 11. Tonnage Certificate 1 12. Certificate of Nationality 1 13. Safety Equipment Certificate 1 14. Cargo Gear Certificate 1 15. Bills of Lading - 16. Manifests (freighted) - 17. Manifests (unfreighted) - 18. Light Dues Certificate 1 19. Safety Radio Certificate 1 20. Safety Construction Certificate 1 21. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate 1

Notify ETA 12 hours prior to arrival at Clay Hole/No 9 Buoy. Vessels are required to give 24 hours notice of their arrival or as soon as possible for shorter voyages. If dangerous or polluting goods are to be loaded or discharged, nature and quantity of such goods is to be stated, see Country/Navigation sections for reporting requirements.

Vessels are required to report to Boston Port Control when passing Boston Roads Lighted Buoy (52°57.7'N., 0°16.0'E.), No. 9 Lighted Buoy (52°57.52’ N., 000° 08.19’ E.), and before entering or leaving the River Witham (on passsing Tabs Head). It is worth noting that vessels must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 12 when navigating the River Witham, or the River Welland for Fosdyke, seaward of Boston Grand Sluice or the Fosdyke Bridge. No waste is to be disposed of in the river or in the Port of Boston Jurisdiction Area.