Fishguard (GBFIS)

The ferry port, protected on the N and E sides by breakwaters, is owned and operated by Stena Line for their service to Rosslare. The port also handles passenger, general cargo and containers.

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

Fishguard is situated on the SW part of Fishguard Bay, on the SE side of the promontory at Goodwick.

LOA 175.37m, beam 30.46m, draught 6.5m, 5,129DWT.

Approx 240,000t of cargo, 600 vessels and 300,000 passengers handled annually.

Vessels should anchor S of a line drawn ENE from the head of Northern breakwater. In order not to obstruct the harbour entrance, vessels intending to anchor should maintain a distance of at least 0.5nm from the breakwater head. Restricted anchorage; lies within the inner harbour indicated by limits drawn between Northern Breakwater Light, a channel marker buoy (special can) and the Ro-Ro terminal.

The harbour is approached through Fishguard Bay and entered between breakwaters open to the E. The approach to Fishguard Bay from the E is clear of dangers. Vessels should keep a distance of at least 0.3nm when passing N of Dinas Head to avoid a strong tide race to seaward of the headland. When within Fishguard Bay, a wide berth should be given to Northern breakwater as the toe of the breakwater extends just over 60m seawards of the light at its head. The alignment 282° of the lights in line (white diamond daymarks on a white mast) situated 0.1nm W of Railway Quay passed 0.2nm S of Northern Breakwater Light. Vessels should avoid the mooring buoys lying across the S part of the harbour when approaching Railway Quay.

BA 1973, 1484. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

Available at Milford Haven.

1025.

Compulsory for vessels over 500GT or drawing over 4.3m within the pilotage area. The pilotage district is bounded by a line drawn 090° from Pen Anglas (52°01'N 004°59'W) to Long 004°57'W, then 180° to the coastline. The pilot boards 0.8nm E of Northern Breakwater Light; the pilot vessel "Cheverton", which carries VHF radio, cruises only when a vessel is expected.

Port limits are contained within a line joining Pen-cw (52°01'N 004°59'W), on the W shore, keeping 0.1nm seaward of Northern breakwater then to Saddle Point (52°00'N 004°58'W), on the S shore.

Northern Breakwater Light (octagonal concrete tower, 20m in height) situated at the head of the breakwater which extends 0.45nm ESE from Pen Cw. East Breakwater Light (metal framework tower, 11m in height) situated at the head of the breakwater which extends 0.45nm NE from the middle of Goodwick Sands which lie in the SW corner of Fishguard Bay. White hotel, situated 0.15nm SW of Railway Quay. Fort (ruins), situated at Castle Point (52°00'N 004°58'W).

Permission from Harbour Authority is required before entry.

Range 3.8m neaps to 4.8m springs.

Tugs available from Milford Haven (31km).

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 16. Fishguard Harbour Ch 14.

Available by appointment.

Notify ETA 24, 12 hours prior to arrival with amendments up to 4 hours before the original ETA to the Harbour Master through Ilfracombe Radio.

Bye laws, including those regarding vessels carrying petroleum and carbide of calcium, are in force.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Vessel size, tonnage, cargo and the number of passengers carried to be advised to authorities prior to arrival.