Lochaline (GBLOL)

The Port of Lochaline, situated along the Morvern Peninsula, serves as a vital maritime hub equipped with a ferry terminal that facilitates regular crossings to Fishnish. The service runs regularly from Monday to Saturday between 0700 and 1900, and on Sundays from 0845 to 1805. In addition to its ferry operations, Lochaline is home to the Lochaline Mine, an industrial site that has been in operation since 1940. This mine is one of only two underground mines in Scotland and the only underground sand mine in Europe. After a period of closure from 2008 to 2012, the mine was revitalized under the stewardship of Lochaline Quartz Sand. The mine specialises in the extraction of high-quality LQS85 Silica Sand and LQS120 Silica Sand from the adjacent pier.

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

Lochaline is located on the NW coast of Scotland at the entrance to Loch Aline.

Max LOA 73.8m, beam 13.0m, draught 1.7m and 224DWT.

Approx 57,000t of cargo handled annually.

Anchorages can be obtained off the E shore of the loch in depths of 14.0-18.0m. Smaller vessels may anchor off the W shore. Temporary anchorage can be taken 0.3nm offshore, on the bank between Rubha Dearg (56°32'N., 5°48'W.) and Eilean na Beitheiche (56°33'N., 5°52'W.) in depths of 23.8m.

Directions for entering harbour: Initial position is 0.5nm SSE of the monument (56°32'N., 005°47'W). Leading lights: Front light (concrete obelisk) (0.35nm NNE) situated on the W side of the loch. Rear light (88m from front light) consists of an orange stripe on the gantry of the loading jetty. The alignment 356° of the leading lights leads towards and into the entrance channel, passing (with positions from the monument): W of Bogha Lurcain (0.25nm SE) which is a drying rock lying 100m off Bolorkle Point, the E entrance point to the loch, then: Through Caolas na h-Airde, the narrow entrance channel which is marked on both sides by lightbuoys (port hand and starboard hand), and E of a stone pier (0.175nm NNE) which has a light (metal post) standing at its head and a ramp that is used by the Lochaline Ferry, then: Close W of the least depth over the bar (0.25nm NE) which lies in mid channel, close WNW of a lightbuoy (starboard hand). When clear of the least depth over the bar the track alters to NNE into the loch in clear water, passing (with positions from the monument): ESE of a lightbuoy (port hand) (0.35nm NNE) which is charted at the N edge of the entrance channel, then: Clear of marine farms and other moorings and: WNW of Sgeir nam Balg (1nm NE) which is marked by a yellow beacon with spherical topmark, then: ESE of Sgeir nan Ron (1.25nm NNE) which is marked by a yellow beacon with a spherical topmark.

BA 2390. Admiralty Pilot NP66A.

1000-1025.

Small church (0.35nm N) which has a belfry. Kinlochaline Castle (ruins) (2nm NNE) standing on the W side of the head of the loch.

Caution should be used when entering narrow channel to Loch which is used by large coasters and a car ferry. Coast between Lochaline and Fiunary Rocks is foul as far as 0.2nm offshore and is marked by a lighted buoy close SW. Draught on berth, vessel lies on the bottom at LW.

Range 4.2m.

Prevailing winds: Variable.

VHF: Not available.

..... 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