Caernarfon (GBCNV)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. The port consists of a small tidal basin and the old inner harbour on the River Seiont Estuary (Slate Quay). There is now very little commercial shipping and the port caters mainly for leisure craft and fishing vessels.

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

Caernarfon is located on the SE side of the Menai Strait, on the NW coast of Wales.

LOA 72m, draught 4.5m.

Approx 5 vessels handled at the port annually.

There is good anchorage in the strait in depths of 5.0-9.0m, 0.2nm W of the tidal basin.

Buoyage: Attention is drawn to the notes on BA Chart 1464 regarding depths over Caernarfon Bar. Bad weather can cause the bar channel buoys to drag from their charted positions with occasional damage to their characteristic light. Check with the Harbour Office regarding the above. Approach: SW approach through sand banks often impassable in winter gales. The Caernarfon Bar Buoys are on station in the following positions ..... "C1" 53°07.0'N 004°24.5'W "C2" 53°07.1'N 004°24.5'W "C3" 53°07.5'N 004°24.2'W "C4" 53°07.5'N 004°22.9'W "C5" 53°07.4'N 004°22.9'W "C6" 53°07.2'N 004°21.9'W The wreck of "Grampian Castle" lies in position, 53°07.3'N 004°23.0'W. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. Entering the harbour: The track into Inner Harbour rounds C9 Buoy (starboard hand), moored at the edge of the drying bank, which extends N from the river entrance, then, follows the buoyed channel E of the buoy (E cardinal) moored close to the shore SW of Victoria Docks towards the swing bridge cutting. When NW of C9 Buoy vessels can proceed as necessary towards the tidal basin entrance or general purpose berth.

BA 1464. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

1025.

Caernarfon Harbour Trust is the competent Harbour Authority for the Menai Strait Pilotage district. Pilotage is compulsory for the following vessels within the Menai Strait between Puffin Island and the Caernarfon Bar: ..... 1. Passenger vessels over 20m in length 2. All vessels over 1,500GT 3. Vessels carrying hazardous cargo Additional for vessels negotiating the Swellies Channel: ..... 1. Every vessel holding a Passenger Certificate and carrying passengers, (Exemption Certificates may be issued). 2. All vessels in excess of 3.5m draught and/or 50m in length and/or in excess of 500GT. Pilot request should be sent 24 hours in advance. Pilot boarding positions are situated S of Llanddwyn Island in the vicinity of 53°07'N 004°25'W, for N bound vessels or at NW entrance to Menai Strait (53° 19'N 004°03'W) for S bound vessels.

Range 4.7m Caernarfon; 6.9m Beaumaris. Strong currents (7-8kts) can be experienced in the Menai Strait.

Restrictions: The Bar channel should not be used at any time other than 3 hours either side of HW. Aber Swing Bridge: Entrance to Slate Quay signal for opening: Morse code "B" on whistle or siren.

Available from Holyhead.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly. During winter gales the approach channel is sometimes impassable and vessels should wait outside until conditions moderate.

VHF: Pilots & Pilot Vessel: Ch 06, 16, 14, 12, pilot vessel listens when a vessel is expected.

Minimum of 24 hours notice requried prior to arrival to Harbour Master and pilot.