Stromness (GBSNS)

Stromness is a ferry port but also handles fishing cargo. The harbour is quite small, providing just 4 berths. These are suitable for accommodating small general cargo and Ro-Ro vessels. Copland's Dock Terminal has been constructed for commercial used.

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

Stromness is situated on the W side of Orkney Mainland.

Stromness Pier: Max LOA 135m, increase is possible with HM permission.

Anchorage close to Stromness and suitable for vessels up to 6.0m draught can be found at Cairston Road to the SE of Outer Holm. Additional anchorages can be found in Scapa Flow.

The harbour is approached from E or W by Hoy Sound. Hoy Sound can be readily identified from a considerable distance to seaward by Kame of Hoy (58°55'N 003°24'W) and the high red-coloured cliff on the coast of Hoy S of it, and by Black Craig (58°59'N 003°22'W) N of it. Approach from the W: From a point S of Skerry of Ness Light Beacon the alignment 228° of Hoy Sound (low) Light (58°56'N 003°18'W) on Point of Oxan and Cuilags (2.75nm SW) on Hoy, passes clear SE of the dangers bordering Ness. Leading lights: Front light (metal post on white tower, 6.0m in height) (0.5nm NNW of Ness) on rising ground in the town. Rear light (metal post on white tower, 4.0m in height) (0.25nm NW of front beacon) on higher ground. The alignment 317° of these lights, which are exhibited throughout 24 hours, leads through the harbour entrance, approx width of 75m passing (positioned from Point of Ness): NE of Point of Ness; the outer edge of the shallow bank bordering the W side of the harbour is marked, 0.1nm N of Point of Ness by a lightbuoy (port hand); and: SW of Outer Holm (0.2nm NE) which is fringed by a drying reef and shallow bank; the outer edge of the bank abeam the N end of the islet is marked by a lightbuoy (starboard hand). When approx abeam the N end of Outer Holm, course may be adjusted N as necessary for anchorage or berthing, taking care to avoid the shallow banks on either hand.

BA 35, 2162, 2568, 2581. Admiralty Pilot NP52, NP286(1).

Available, contact Pentland Marine Rescue Subcentral on Tel: +44 1856 873268. Maritime Coast Guard Agency on Tel: +44 1224 507900.

1025.

Compulsory for passenger ships over LOA 65m and all other vessels over LOA 80m. Pilots available throughout 24 hours. Pilot vessel cruises on station when a vessel is expected. Contact pilot on VHF Ch 16, 11. Pilots board approx 2nm W of Graemsay Low Light or as per Scapa Flow. Vessels requiring a pilot should give 12 and 2 hours notice prior to arrival. Vessels requiring a pilot for departure should give 2 hours notice.

S limit: A line drawn from Brims Ness (58°46'N 003°14'W) ESE to the SW extremity of Swona (58°44'N 002°58'W), then E of Brough Ness (58°44'N 002° 58'W). W limit: A line joining Braebuster Point (58°56'N 003°21'W) on Hoy and Breck Ness (1.75nm N) on mainland. E limit: W sides of Churchill causeways across Water, E Weddel, Skerry and Kirk Sounds.

..... Skerry of Ness Fl WG 4s W7 G4 Leading lights 317° FR

Entry by arrangement with Harbour Authority.

Tidal range is 4m. Mean spring range, 2.9m; mean neap range 1.3m. Prevailing currents, 4-8.5kts in Hoy Sound. Tidal streams: Tidal streams are imperceptible within the harbour. However, when entering Stromness mariners are advised that they may pass suddenly out of a very strong tidal stream in Hoy Sound into virtually slack water in the harbour entrance.

Stromness is covered by the Orkney Harbours Navigation Service. A vessel reporting system is in force.

There are 3 x 4,000hp tugs available. Tugs based in Scapa Flow.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Stromness Harbour Radio (office hours) Ch 12, 16; Orkney Harbour Radio continuous watch Ch 09, 11, 12, 16, 20.

Contact Customs and Excise, 28 Build Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6EY, Tel: +44 1224 844616, Fax: +44 1224 844601/2.

..... Documents Copies 1. Passenger Manifest 3, sent 14 days in advance to agents 2. Disembarking Passenger Manifest Transit only 3. Embarking Passenger Manifest Transit only 4. Crew Manifest 2 5. Stores List 2 6. Customs Declaration (ship) 2 7. Customs Declaration (crew) 2 8. Customs Declaration (passengers) 3 9. Health Declaration 1

Vessels more that 300GT should be reported to Orkney Harbour Radio 12 hours before arrival and updated 2 hours before port limits. Any vessel over LOA 20m or certified to carry more than 12 passengers, when navigating within 1,000m of, or arriving or departing, Stromness Pier, is required to report it's position and intended movement to Stromness Harbour Radio.

National ensign, courtesy flag and appropriate code flags.