Lancaster (GBLAN)

The port has one dock and a number of river berths with a total quayage of 598m. These facilities accommodate small coastal general cargo and bulk vessels.

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

Lancaster is located at the mouth of the River Lune on the NW coast of England.

Inner: LOA 85m, beam 14m. Outer: LOA 90m, beam 14m, draught 4.5m.

Approx 150,000t of cargo and 130 vessels handled annually.

Anchorage is available in a depth of 8.0m, holding ground sand. The anchorage is sheltered except for W'ly and NW'ly winds. Vessels waiting for a tide to Glasson Dock should anchor off River Lune No 1 Lightbuoy. Prohibited anchorage exists E of Sunderland Point (53°59.0'N 002°53.0'W) in the vicinity of submerged pipeline.

Approach is made from Lune Deep and entry through a narrow channel formed by the River Lune. Directions for entering harbour: Approach: From a position NW of Fleetwood Fairway No 1 Lightbuoy the track leads a further 1.5nm ENE to the vicinity of the pilot boarding position close S of River Lune No 1 Lightbuoy (W cardinal) (53°59.0'N 003°00.0'W). Channel: From the pilot boarding position, the track leads approx 4.0nm E through a channel marked on both sides by lightbuoys, formed by River Lune, which separates Sunderland Shoulder, a drying sandflat which extends 5.0nm W from the coast encumbering the N side and Bernard Wharf and Pilling Sands, which dry, on the S side, passing: 0.05nm N of Plover Scar, rocks which extend 0.3nm NW from the shore and which are marked by Plover Scar Light . Caution: The banks and channels at the entrance to River Lune are constantly changing and the buoyage is frequently moved to reflect this. Entry: From a position N of Plover Scar Light, the track towards Glasson Dock, 2.0nm upstream, continues through a channel marked by lightbuoys and lightbeacons. Mariners should beware of the E set of the in-going stream in Sunderland Hole and if entering Glasson Dock, against the W eddy off the entrance. From Glasson Dock to Lancaster, the channel is not buoyed and should only be undertaken with local knowledge by small craft.

BA 2010, 1552. US Publications 142. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

Liverpool Coastguard, VHF Ch 16, Tel: +44 151 931 3341.

1015. Subject to slight seasonal variations and will alter after periods of heavy rain.

Pilotage is not compulsory but highly recommended. Contact: Pilots on Ch 16; 69 or Lancaster Port Authority by telephone/ VHF Ch 16; 69. All vessels must forward their ETA and draught 12 hours in advance to their local agent or Harbour Master. The pilot boarding position lies 0.1nm S of River Lune No 1 Lightbuoy. Vessels should be underway on arrival of the pilot boat, blue hull and orange superstructure, which carries VHF radio. In bad weather, vessels should be prepared to follow the pilot boat into the river.

The port limits are defined by River Lune No 1 Buoy (53°58.0'N 003°00.0'W)

Plover Scar Light (white stone tower, black lantern) (53°58.9'N 002°52.9'W). Power stations (54°02.0'N 002°55.0'W). Pylons, conspicuous (54°01.0'N 002°50.0'W). Chimney (53°53.0'N 003°00.0'W).

Caution: A wreck, position approximate, with unsurveyed clearance depth of 3.0m lies approx 0.2nm S of River Lune No1 Lightbuoy.

Glasson Dock 6.6m springs, 4.4m neaps. Lancaster 4.3m springs, 2.5m neaps.

None.

There are no tugs available.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

Portpatrick coast station is recommended for passing messages at long range. VHF: Lancaster Port Commission/Pilots Ch 16, 69. Inmarsat communication is possible.

Customs allowance is 1 litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes. Penalty for non-compliance is a fine of up to Ј1,000.

..... Documents Copies 1. Crew List 2 2. Crew Declaration 2 3. Master's Declaration 2

Vessels should send ETA 12 hours in advance through the agent or direct to the harbour master.

Pratique should be applied for as soon as unusual symptoms are noticed or vermin death is reported. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be arranged.

NOR to be tendered on arrival at port.

Discharge berth occupied coming on to lay berth.