Arrival to and departure from Bristol Harbour

Contacting the Dock Master

In person

The Dock Master will be pleased to meet boat owners during the tidal watch to explain the workings of Cumberland Basin and discuss plans for arriving and sailing. The Watch House is on the south side of the Entrance Lock. Local charts and Notices to Mariners are on display.

By telephone

Telephone Bristol 0117 927 3633. Between tidal watches callers will be connected to a telephone answering machine, which gives useful information about the following tide. You will be invited to leave a message for the Dock Master and should be prepared to state:

1. Your name and telephone number.
2. The name and dimensions of your craft, including air draught.
3. Whether or not you will be using VHF communications / mobile telephone.
4. The date and estimated time of your arrival or sailing.

VHF Radio

During tidal watch, direct communication may be established with the Dock Master from within the City Docks or from the River Avon upstream of ‘Black Rock’ lights. Use LOW POWER ONLY calling ‘CITY DOCKS RADIO’ on Channel 14; you may be asked to work Channel 11 if Channel 14 is busy.

Entrance information

From the mouth of the River Avon, the Cumberland Basin Entrance to Bristol’s Floating Harbour lies 10.5km up river. The entrance lock is on port side approximately 0.7km beyond the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Cumberland Basin is the seaward approach to the Floating Harbour, passing through the Entrance Lock, Cumberland Basin itself and the Junction Lock. There are swingbridges across Cumberland Basin just beyond the Entrance Lock and Junction Lock. Navigation in the harbour and bridge clearances.

The maximum size of vessel which can be accepted is determined by conditions in the river and the dredged depth in the harbour. The maximum dimensions are (note that confirmation from Dock Master is required):

• Beam 14.90 metres
• Draught 5.50 metres
• Masthead height (waterline) 28.00 metres

Draught may also be limited by under-keel clearance in the river.

Cumberland Basin becomes tidal when the level of water in the river is above the level in the Floating Harbour. When this happens stopgates are placed across Junction Lock to prevent the level of water in the Floating Harbour from rising, and Junction Lock is then closed to navigation. Locally known as ‘stopgate tides’ or ‘on a level’ (See table III).

Tides of 9.6m and over are ‘stopgate’ tides, but tides of 9.1m to 9.6m may become ‘stopgate’ tides if the level of tide is higher than predicted or if the level of water in the Floating Harbour is below normal level. Table II gives the times of closure of the stopgates for various heights of tide under normal conditions. Vessels wishing to enter or leave the harbour during this period should obtain the free Cumberland Basin Tide Table for detailed information on stopgate closures and bridge embargos or contact the Dock Master at the start of tidal operations.

Heights of tides throughout these pages relate to the Outer cill of the Cumberland Basin Entrance Lock. Deduct 3.1m from the heights given in Arrowsmith’s Bristol Channel Tide Table under the heading ‘Avonmouth King Road’.

Boat owners are asked not to leave their vessel unattended in Junction Lock or Cumberland Basin at any time. Any such vessel may be removed by the Dock Master.

Vessels waiting to transit Junction Lock and Cumberland Basin may tie up at the Pooles Wharf transit berths. Due regard should be given to any published events taking place in the area.

Times of locking operations

The Dock Master is on duty from three hours before high water until 48 minutes after, although lockings do not normally take place after high water. The table below shows the anticipated locking schedule.

Road traffic has priority at the swingbridges during rush-hours, and these times are set out below.

Swingbridge Restrictions (see bridge restrictions within the harbour)

The Cumberland Basin bridges are not swung at the following times:

• Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) between 0800 - 0900 and 1700 - 1800.
• 15 minutes either side of these times, road traffic has priority on all bridges.

The clearance beneath the bridges to enter the harbour from seaward are:

• Plimsoll Bridge 5.9m M.H.W.S and 5.8m above Harbour Level
• Junction Lock Bridge 2.5m above Harbour Level

Navigation can be affected both by stopgate and bridge closures, although this is more likely to happen in the morning than in the evening. Craft intending to sail on ‘stopgate tides’ must be in Cumberland Basin at least half-an-hour before the published stopgate closure time (see Table II, Note 2). If a swing of Junction Bridge is required, vessels must be at Junction Cut, one hour before.

If you wish to sail on the first locking outwards, it is advisable to give at least 12 hours notice to the Dock Master in order that the lock can be filled in readiness. Vessels arriving on stopgate tides and intending to proceed directly through into the Floating Harbour should arrive in time for the first inward locking with a predicted height above Cumberland Basin still in excess of 10.1m. On such tides there will normally be sufficient time to swing Junction Lock Bridge after the stopgates are reopened. Vessels arriving after the first locking must expect to wait in Cumberland Basin until the start of the following tide unless special prior arrangements have been made. Contact the Dock Master for advice.

The following times are approximate; consult the Dock Master whenever possible for further information.

Vessel Locking Schedule

Times before High Water	Outwards		Inwards
First Locking	2 hours	50 mins	2 hours	35 mins
Second Locking	1 hours	40 mins	1 hours	25 mins
Third Locking		30 mins		15 mins

Notes

• This schedule operates when there is sufficient demand and providing it does not conflict with the requirements of other classes of vessel.
  The lockgates may remain open for inward traffic, up to 30 minutes after the stated times, if the vessel has entered the river early enough to make the inward locking.
• These times are subject to alteration by the Dock Master.

Stopgate Closure

Height of High Water (m)	From: Before High water		To: After High Water
9.50		30 Mins		20 Mins
10.10	1 Hours			40 Mins
10.60	1 Hour	20 Mins		55 Mins
11.10	1 Hour	35 Mins	1 Hour	10 Mins

Notes

• Tides of less than 9.6m predicted height may be subject to stopgate closure if the height of the tide is greater than predicted or if the harbour level is lower than usual.
• Stopgate times are frequently half-an-hour earlier than anticipated. Departing vessels should present themselves in Junction Lock one hour before the stated times.

Entrance Lock Levels

Height of High Water (m)	From: Before High Water		To: After High Water
9.60	0 Hrs	20 Mins		-
10.10	0 Hrs	40 Mins	0 Hrs	15 Mins
10.60	1 Hrs	0 Mins	0 Hrs	15 Mins
11.10	1 Hrs	10 Mins	1 Hrs	10 Mins

Arriving or sailing 'on the level' and 'stopgate times'

On tides of 9.6m and over, the Entrance Lock can be navigated on the level at the times shown in the table. This is a trouble-free way of arriving or sailing if your timing is correct. Bear in mind that ‘level’ tides are also ‘stopgate’ tides and possibly subject to ‘bridge closures’ in accordance with the 'Swingbridge Restrictions'. As a general rule, vessels arriving on ‘stopgate’ tides should do so on the first inward locking or be prepared to wait for a ‘level’.

Arrival procedure from seaward

Upon entering the River Avon (under the control of the Bristol Port Company) inform Avonmouth Signal Station that you are bound for the City Docks. If you are using VHF, call ‘BRISTOL VTS’ on Channel 12, Low Power. Alternatively, signal International Code Alphabetical Flag ‘R’ (by day).

Maximum speeds in the River Avon

Vessel drawing	Overground	Through the water
Vessel drawing 1.9m or more	7 knots	6 knots
Vessel drawing less than 1.9m	9 knots	9 knots

If you are using VHF, contact the Dock Master on Channel 14 'CITY DOCKS RADIO' at Cumberland Basin when you have passed the ‘Black Rock’ lights, and again when you reach the Hotwells Pontoon, for docking instructions.

If the red light is exhibited on the docking signal mast at Hotwells Pontoon, contact the Dock Master on VHF Low Power Channel 14. Failing this, proceed along starboard side of river OUTSIDE the main channel to the knuckle ladder at the Tongue Head, just upstream of the lock gates. Secure alongside this ladder and establish contact with the Dock Master for docking instructions.

When you are in the lock, keep to the outer end where the water will be less turbulent when the lock is being filled.

Vessels will need to put lines ashore on the bight. Alternatively, you may secure alongside a larger vessel if the master of the vessel agrees.

Small vessels entering Cumberland Basin are directed to the south side or north side to lay-by; vessels may not be left unattended here without the Dock Master’s permission.

If you arrive at the Cumberland Basin entrance too late to be locked-in you have the following alternatives:

• Go aground in soft mud alongside pontoons, but check with Avonmouth Signal Station VHF Channel 12.
• Go aground on soft mud on North Wall, bow abreast ladder at No. 4 Survey Mark. DO NOT GO CLOSER TO LOCK GATE THAN THIS.
• DO NOT go aground abreast slipway between pontoons and Survey Mark 4 (obstructions).
• DO NOT go aground on ladder by Survey Mark No. 2 (pilings obstructions).
• DO NOT go aground on Tongue Head ladder just upstream of lockgates (pilings obstructions).

Sailing seaward

At the Junction Lock sound morse code letter ‘A’ - one short followed by one long blast - for the swingbridge to be opened, or call Dock Master on VHF Channel 14 as you pass SS Great Britain.

As you pass through the bridgeway, ask the bridge operator whether you should go directly into the Entrance Lock, or advise him of your required lock as per schedule on Table I.

If dues have not been pre-paid or if you are seeking advice or information, secure at the wooden fendering at the south-west corner of Cumberland Basin, go ashore and contact the Dock Master at the Watch House.

Mariners may telephone the Coastguard Station from the Watch House free-of-charge, to advise them of passage plans and estimated time of arrival at destination.

When you are in the lock, secure your craft by putting lines ashore on the bight, or alternatively secure alongside a larger vessel if the master of the vessel agrees. Turbulence should not be experienced when the lock is being emptied, and so be prepared to secure in any position as directed. Please ensure your ropes are clear on their cleats, will not jam, and are tended continuously. Mooring ropes should be at least 15m in length.

Sharpness passage and advice to small craft

Navigational information on passages from Bristol Harbour

The restored Kennet and Avon Canal makes it possible to pass from the Thames to the Severn. Passage into the Severn by inland vessels should only be made by suitable vessels with experienced masters or pilots. Any person contemplating this passage is advised to contact the Harbour Master or Dock Master for a free information leaflet and safety check list.

Pilotage Advice to Small Craft (pdf, 60 KB)

Advice to small craft

• Keep a listening watch of VHF Channel 12 for VTS information and advice. Avoid unnecessary transmission on this channel.
• Keep clear of the main shipping channel unless it is necessary to cross. If it is necessary to cross, do so in the crossing area, at right angles and as quickly as possible.
• Use the waiting area until the channel is clear to cross.
• Inward bound craft intending to use the 'Inshore Route' should join it at the Avon Buoy.
• Avoid a close quarters situation. Do not approach closer than 500 metres ahead and 200 metres astern or to the side of commercial vessels.
• Be aware that larger vessels require considerable room for themselves and for their attendant tugs to manoeuvre.
• Avoid using VHF Channels 8, 10 and 72. These are used for ship/tug communications.
• Narrow boats should contact the VTS centre for advice on weather, traffic and tidal conditions prior to commencing any passage in the Estuary or River Avon.

Communications Procedures

Traffic control for the area is provided by the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre located at Avonmouth, call sign ‘Bristol VTS’.

• Inward bound commercial vessels report their ETA Portishead Point to Avonmouth Radio on VHF channel 12 when passing the 'English and Welsh' buoy and 'Welsh Hook' buoy.
• Outward bound commercial vessels report to Avonmouth Radio on VHF Channel 12 at the following positions.

1. Prior to leaving Avonmouth or Portbury Locks.
2. When passing Shirehampton (for vessels leaving River Avon).
3. When passing Lower Shoots Beacon (for vessels leaving Sharpness).

• Small craft in the estuary should maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12 for the above information.
• Small craft awaiting an outward lock at Portishead Marina should obtain this information by monitoring VHF Channel 80 and the lock-side public announcement system.

Commercial Vessels

Be aware of vessels entering and leaving Avonmouth and Portbury Docks

• Large deep draught vessels will generally make a direct approach to Portbury from the west on a flood tide.
• Other vessels, including car carriers and all those vessels entering Avonmouth will generally swing to port off the entrance to the River Avon when entering on the flood tide.
• Normally a direct approach from the west will be made on the ebb tide.
• Commercial vessels will often pass within 200 metres of Portishead Point. Craft using the 'Inshore Route' should therefore remain well inshore to allow these vessels sufficient sea room.

River Avon Navigation Advice

• When approaching the entrance inward bound, leave South Pier Lighthouse close to port.
• Make allowance for flood tide, running northeast across entrance at up to 4.5 knots at 3 hours to high water on spring tides.
• On entering the river and on departure, keep to the North bank. Do not attempt to cross the Swash bank.
• On departure keep the St. George's transit astern then north of the line of the Swash leading lights until abeam of the South Pier Lighthouse.
• Small craft should avoid impeding the passage of large vessels transiting the river. This is most important when rounding bends, particularly Horseshoe bend.
• Anchoring It is strongly recommended that small craft do not anchor in the river.

Speed Limit

• The speed limit in the River Avon for small craft is 9 knots between Shirehampton and Cumberland Basin.
• Slow down when passing Pills and Creeks where other craft are moored.

Meteorological services

 

Shipping forecasts are broadcast on Radio 4 at the following times, 0048hrs, 0520hrs, 1201hrs and 1754hrs Local Time.

Marinecall inshore forecasts can be obtained for the Bristol Channel area, Tel: 09068 500 459, calls currently charged at 60p per minute from a UK landline, or by fax: 09060 100 459 calls currently cost £1 per minute.

The Harbour Master also logs details from the daily forecast from the BBC weather web site.

More information and links to weather data.

Tide time differences on high water

Bristol (Cumberland Basin) & Avonmouth

High Water Bristol and High Water Avonmouth

Place	Difference / hours:minutes
Avonmouth	00.00
Barry	-00.22
Beachley	+00.12
Berkeley	+00.37
Bridgewater	-00.22
Bristol	+00.10
Cardiff	-00.15
Chepstow	+00.20
Clevedon	-00.15
Flatholm	-00.15
Lynmouth	-01.05
Minehead	-00.40
Newport	-00.15
Porlock	-00.50
Portishead	-00.01
Sea Mills	+00.05
Sharpness Docks	+00.42
Steepholm	-00.20
Watchet	-00.42
Weston-Super-Mare	-00.25

See Related links on the right for a copy of Cumberland Basin Tide Tables for 2012

Simplified tide reduction table

Approximate depths of water on Cumberland Basin outer cill in metres

Flood: Hours before high water								Ebb: Hours after high water
Predicted H.W. Kingsroad Chart Datum	3.5	3	2.5	2	1.5	1	0.5	Predicted H.W. Cumberland Basin cill	0.5	1	1.5	2	2.5	3	3.5
14.2	1.5	3.3	5.0	6.8	8.6	10.0	10.8	11.1	10.7	9.6	8.2	6.7	5.6	4.4	3.3
13.7	1.7	3.3	5.0	6.7	8.3	9.6	10.3	10.6	10.2	9.1	7.9	6.5	5.3	4.2	3.1
13.2	2.0	3.4	5.0	6.5	8.0	9.2	9.9	10.1	9.7	8.7	7.5	6.3	5.1	4.0	3.0
12.7	2.3	3.5	5.0	6.4	7.7	8.7	9.4	9.6	9.3	8.4	7.3	6.1	4.9	3.9	2.9
12.2	2.6	3.7	5.0	6.2	7.4	8.3	8.9	9.1	8.8	8.1	7.0	6.0	4.9	3.9	3.0
11.7	2.9	3.9	5.0	6.1	7.1	7.9	6.4	8.6	8.3	7.7	6.7	5.7	4.8	3.8	3.0
11.2	3.1	4.0	5.0	5.9	6.8	7.5	7.9	8.1	7.8	7.2	6.4	5.5	4.6	3.8	3.0
10.7	3.3	4.1	4.9	5.8	6.5	7.1	7.5	7.6	7.4	6.9	6.1	5.3	4.5	3.7	3.0
10.2	3.4	4.1	4.8	5.5	6.2	6.7	7.0	7.1	6.9	6.5	5.8	5.1	4.4	3.7	3.0
9.7	3.4	4.1	4.7	4.3	5.9	6.3	6.5	6.6	6.5	6.1	5.6	4.9	4.3	3.7	3.1
9.2	3.4	4.0	4.5	5.0	5.5	5.8	6.0	6.1	6.0	5.7	5.3	4.8	4.2	3.6	3.1

Note: for greater accuracy refer to Arrowsmith' Bristol Channel Tide Table

Tidal predictions are computed by the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, copyright reserved.