Garston (GBGTN)

The port is capable of handling a variety of cargo, using quayside cranes or ship's gear. There are three inter-connected docks, Stalbridge, North Dock and Old Dock, accessed by a lock from the river. Principal commodities: Steel, grain, metals, timber, chemicals, fertilisers, coal and feedstuffs.

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

Garston is situated on the N bank of the River Mersey, 10km S of Liverpool.

Stalbridge Dock: LOA 150m, beam 19.2m, draught 8.5m, 8,500DWT. Old/North Docks: LOA 150m, beam 19.2m, draught 7.0m, 6,800DWT.

Approx 610,000t of cargo and 140 handled annually.

In the event of berths not being readily available, there is good anchorage outside River Mersey in the open roadstead of Liverpool Bay. When anchoring, it is essential that vessels do so well clear of the buoyed channel and Bar Lightfloat. Vessels over 50GT may not anchor inside River Mersey, except in an emergency, without permission from Mersey Radio. Prohibited anchorage: In order to avoid obstructing shipping in the approach to River Mersey, vessels may not anchor W from "Q2" and "Q1" Lightfloats and extending to 3nm W of Bar Lightfloat.

Directions for entering harbour: From a position W of Pluckington Bank Lightbuoy (W cardinal) the track to the entrance to Garston Docks leads approx 4nm SE, through Garston Channel, passing (positions given from the entrance to Brunswick Dock, 53°23'N 002°59'W): Between "G2" Lightbuoy (port hand) (0.5nm S) and "G1" Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.7nm SSE) which mark the entrance to Garston Channel, then between the lightbuoys marking the channel. Leading Lights: Front light (vertical orange triangle) (53°20.8'N 002°54.3'W). Rear light (similar structure) (175m SE from front light). On passing "G8" Lightbuoy (port hand) (0.6nm NW of the front light), the alignment 125° of the leading lights leads through the fairway, passing between the N edge of Garston Rocks, a drying rocky ledge, marked by a light structure (black dolphin surmounted by a mast) (0.2nm NW of the front light), and the head of the jetty, marked by a light, 0.05nm NE of the dolphin. Caution: The depths in Garston Channel, which is bordered by Devil's Bank, which dries, on its S side, are frequently changing and the buoys are moved as necessary.

BA 3490. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

1023.

Pilotage is compulsory, except for HM Ships, within the port for all vessels of more than 82m in length and for all other vessels carrying hazardous cargoes or with defective equipment affecting their safe navigation. Pilots are in service of Mersey Dock and Harbour Company, see Liverpool entry.

Entrance lock: Dimensions 84.1m x 19.8m, sill 0.7m below CD. Vessels up to 70m in length may enter or leave dock 3 hours before and after HW, vessels over this length enter or leave when the river and dock are level approx 1 hour before and 30 minutes after HW. Vessels usually enter the lock from the river at slack water or with the outgoing tide flowing due to cross currents in the lock entrance during the ingoing tide.

Range, 7.45m neaps; 9.34m springs.

Available from Liverpool, arranged by local agents.

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

GARSTON DOCK 53°20.86'N 2°54.44'W UNCTAD LOCODE: GB GTN For details see: LIVERPOOL PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

VHF: Stalbridge Pier is linked to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co Port operation radio telephone system. Docking and berthing instructions may be obtained through Ch 20 (callsign "Port of Garston"). Information will also be conveyed through these channels or through Anglesey Radio on R/T. Pilots & Tugs: See Liverpool Pilotage.

..... 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 to the port office and port traffic department.

Except under the direction or permission of the Dock Master, no vessel shall moor alongside the wooden jetty at the entrance to Stalbridge Lock. No vessel shall anchor in the entrance channel to Stalbridge Dock except in the case of sudden emergency.