14 Mar 2010

Local Notice to Mariners (July/August 2009) - Whitby Harbour Piling Works.

Local Notice to Mariners (August 2009) - Cleveland Potash Marine Seismic Survey.

Whitby Harbour is located on the north east coast of England and is one of the only harbours with a north facing entrance. This can cause difficulties for vessels entering the harbour as there is a strong easterly set across the harbour entrance during the two hours preceding high water.

Dangerous sea conditions can occur at the harbour entrance during strong North to East onshore winds. Entry to Whitby Harbour for small craft is not recommended during this time.

The port is accessible from sea 24 hours a day subject to draft limitations and weather conditions. The VHF operating channel is 11 and a listening watch is maintained on channels 11 and 16. Water depths can be advised by the Watchkeeper on VHF Channel 11.

Access between the lower and upper harbours is restricted by the Whitby Swing Bridge, which usually operates for two hours either side of high water. The bridge operates strictly to the tide tables published by the Whitby Harbour Office.

Our Dredging System maintains water depths in the channel, as far as possible, to a depth of 1.4m below chart datum. A general guide to navigational procedures within the harbour is available and vessels are expected to proceed at a slow speed within the harbour.

Weather charts are posted at the marina office or are available at the BBC's ‘Coast and Sea’ Weather Centre website.

Some areas within the harbour have restricted berthing of specific types of vessels, and pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 37 metres length over all. There are restrictions on the size of vessels capable of being handled at Whitby, but this may be extended under special conditions and circumstances.

Harbour limits extend 2 miles seaward of the West Pier Lighthouse, 1.5 miles westward and 1 mile eastward from the same point and include all places where the tide flows within these limits, i.e. up to Ruswarp Weir.

Contact Details

Whitby Harbour Office
Endeavour Wharf
Whitby
YO21 1DN

Tel: 01947 602354
Fax: 01947 600380

Email: port.services@scarborough.gov.uk