NTM 03/15 Avoidance of Vessel Conflict at Recognised Anchorage Areas

It has been reported that incidents continue to be experienced, particularly during the summer months, where mariners at anchor at recognised and charted anchorage areas, have been requested by Masters of Caledonian MacBrayne RoRo ferries to reposition their vessels to allow sufficient sea-room and avoid a possible close-quarters situation for ferries approaching or departing Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) ferry terminals.

The chosen course for RoRo ferries approaching or departing CMAL ports is primarily determined by the prevailing weather conditions or local circumstances and navigational constraints. While every attempt is made by Masters to avoid selection of a course which may pass close to recognised anchorage areas there may be occasions when this is unavoidable.

Mariners are advised to be aware of the possibility of such situations occurring, particularly during periods of inclement weather, at the following recognised anchorage locations:

Castlebay, Barra:                   56° 57.204N       007° 29.457W
Lochboisdale, South Uist:   57° 08.815N      007° 16.466W
Tarbert (Harris):                   57° 53.523N       006° 46.998W
Scalasaig, Colonsay:             56° 04.113N       006° 10.748W

Mariners are therefore requested to consider their proximity to ferry routes when anchoring or mooring vessels or boats of any description to either permanent or temporary moorings in such a position which may conflict with the passage of any large vessels approaching or leaving any piers, jetties or quays within CMAL areas of jurisdiction.

Should any mariners experience such situations at the above-named locations or elsewhere in the vicinity of CMAL harbour areas, it is requested the circumstances are reported to CalMac Ferries Ltd port operations staff who will thereafter forward the information for the attention of the CMAL Harbour Master.

Mariners are also reminded of the contents of NTM 35/13 which informed mariners that the recognised anchorage area located at Port Ellen, Islay:

55° 37.480N 006° 11.749W

has been removed from the most recent UKHO nautical publications to maintain a clear passage for the daily scheduled RoRo ferries and other large vessels approaching or leaving the Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. There continue to be incidents where mariners use this position for overnight anchoring and they are requested to refrain from doing so.

Further work is currently on-going in consultation with UK Hydrographic Office to assess the accuracy of charted information within and near to CMAL harbour areas and to improve published information with regard to ferry operations.

Please click here to download a printable PDF of NTM 03/15 (445Kb)

Further information can be obtained using the contact details

David McHardie
Harbour Master
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited