Douglas (IMDGS)

Douglas is the main port of the Isle of Man, with passenger handling facilities and roll-on roll-off vehicle services. The port handles general cargo, passengers, cruise, liquid cargo and LPG.

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

Douglas is situated on the E coast of the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea, off the W coast of England. Douglas Harbour is situated in the SW corner of Douglas Bay, at the mouth of Douglas River.

LOA 130m, draught 6.0m.

Anchorage with good holding ground can be found as follows: From Douglas Head: (within 1nm NNE of Douglas Head, in depths of 11.0-18.0m) ..... Max Draught Bearing x Distance Depth 6.0m 196° x 0.7nm 11.0m 6.5m 199° x 0.9nm 12.0m 11.0m 212° x 0.8nm 14.0m 11.5m 215° x 1nm 15.0m Extra vigilance is required in strong winds from NNE through E to SE when, as a matter of prudence, main engines should be kept on immediate standby. An alternative anchorage for cruise liners is at Port Erin Bay, from where passengers may be landed on the jetty to the W of Raglan Pier, as instructed by the port manager (South).

The harbour is approached from Douglas Bay and entered on the alignment of the leading lights. Depths in the outer harbour are maintained by dredging to give a minimum depth of 5.4m. Entry is gained on the leading marks (Occ 10s W) heading 229° to clear the starboard hand Buoys No 1 (Q(3) G 5s) and No 3 (Fl G 3s) to starboard and the dolphin (2 F R Vert) off Princess Alexandra Pier to port. Sets of up to 2kts NE and 2kts S can be experienced just off the entrance on flood and ebb tides respectively. Tidal flow inside the harbour is negligible. Entrance can be hazardous in strong winds from NNE through E to ESE and not advised without local knowledge. Fresh water flow from the Rive Glass can reach 4-5kts S of the King Edward Pier. Entering the Harbour: Front light (metal mast on concrete column, white and red triangular daymark, point up) standing in the sea 0.15nm SSW of Victoria Pierhead. Rear light: (similar structure, daymark point down, 62m SW of front light). The alignment (229.25°) of the lights leads through Douglas Bay to the outer harbour entrance, passing (position given from front light): SE of Conister, or Saint Mary's Rock (0.25nm N) a detached drying ledge on which stands a refuge tower. Below water rocky heads extending E and SE are marked by No1 and No 3 Lightbuoys (starboard hand). Then, NW of dolphin (0.25nm NE), which lies close NW off the head of Princess Alexandra Pier, from which a light (red metal mast) is exhibited. Then, between the head of Victoria Pier (0.15nm NNE) from where a light (white column, 6.0m in height) is exhibited and the head of Battery Pier, which also displays a light (white tower, red band). Caution: Care should be taken when entering the harbour after heavy rains which cause freshets in the river.

BA 2696, 1320. Admiralty Pilot NP37, NP286(1).

Report to Liverpool coastguard, via VHF Ch 16. Tel: +44 1624 694379.

1025.

Other than dedicated ferry and tanker berths or cargo berths, all other berths are on a first come first served basis and by permission of harbour control.

Pilotage is only compulsory if the master is not familiar with the port or at the discretion of the port manager. VHF: Ch 12 or 16. Pilot boards up to 1nm ENE of Buoy No 1.

The harbour limits are defined by a line drawn from Douglas Head (54°09.0'N 004°28.0W) to Banks Howe, 2.25nm NE. For harbour control purposes the limits extend 2.5nm SW, 2nm NE and approximately 3nm further seaward.

Port is equipped with radar. Major light: Douglas Head Light (54°09.0'N 004°28.0'W). A light is exhibited at the head of King Edward VIII Pier.

Entry only on harbour control's instructions. Vessel's movements may be restricted when passengers are using the elevated passenger walkway. Delays may occur due to tidal conditions when awaiting water on drying out berths and strong winds from NNE through E to ESE. Passage through the Douglas Harbour Road Bridge (Outer Harbour/Inner Harbour) is limited both to tidal conditions and the lifting of the road bridge. Prohibited anchorage in the vicinity of submarine cable extending E and NE from Port Skillion.

Range 6.1m (springs), 3.0m (neaps).

The signals are shown from a panel situated on the roof of a building near the head of Victoria Pier, exhibits a flashing orange light at each top corner. A red St Andrew's Cross indicates that vessels may not proceed and a white arrow indicates that vessels may proceed in the direction indicated.

There is 1 tug available "Wendy Ann", 8t bollard pull which should be ordered via the agent or direct to Laxey Towing Co.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 12 and 16 (Calling, Safety), Ch 12 (Working, Port Operations) throughout 24 hours. Callsign: "Douglas Harbour Control". Vessels passing through the Douglas Harbour Road Bridge, should contact Harbour Control on VHF Ch 12 or by telephone. Douglas Harbour Control: Tel: +44 1624 686627/28, Fax: +44 1624 626403, Email: control@gov.im Port Security: Tel: +44 1624 686631/32, Fax: +44 1624 686918, Email: enquiries.harboursdoi@gov.im

Available, Tel: +44 1624 674321.

..... 1. Passenger Manifest 2. Disembarking Passenger Manifest 3. Embarking Passenger Manifest 4. Crew Manifest 5. Stores List 6. Customs Declaration (Ship) 7. Customs Declaration (Crew) 8. Customs Declaration (Passengers) 9. Health Declaration.

Advise ETA 24 hours in advance, vessels must report to the Harbour Control at least 1 hour prior to arrival, approx 1nm from the harbour entrance. Vessels must report at least 1 hour in advance of arrival stating: ..... 1. Name and last port 2. ETA 3. Max draught and cargo 4. Any defects Vessels entering the harbour control area, but not entering port, must report stating: 1. Name and call sign 2. Course and speed 3. Type of vessel 4 Nature of cargo Additional Reports: Vessels entering or leaving should report when 1nm from harbour entrance. Vessels entering the harbour control area, manoeuvring within or leaving the harbour area (including the buoyed channel), should first obtain clearance on VHF Ch 12 and then maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 12.

Harbour regulations are in force for the loading and discharging of gas and petroleum products.

Standard UK health regulations apply. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates are issued.