Marina Services & Information
At Dover Marina, we do our best to make the some of the important aspects for sailing craft owners as straightforward as possible including berthing and navigating the Marina.
The Port of Dover is Britain’s busiest Port.
All small craft must always obtain permission and instructions from ‘Dover Port Control’ when two miles off for entering the Port. Even when given permission to proceed, a careful watch must be maintained at all times, with due regard for other vessels some of which may be hidden by Harbour Walls. Please note that permission to enter the Outer Harbour is not usually granted until your craft is 200 metres from either the Western or Eastern entrance.
All small craft should take note of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Marine Guidance Note, MGN 538(M) – Pleasure Vessels – Guidance and Applicable UK Regulations. In particular guidance is given on passage planning, International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the fitting of radar reflectors.
All vessels manoeuvring in the harbour and approaches are closely monitored by Dover Port Control VTS on radar and thus a good radar signal is essential, particularly in periods of poor visibility. Small craft should also be familiar with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Marine Guidance Note, MGN 369(M+F) – Navigation in Restricted Visibility.
Dover Port Control maintains a 24hour listening watch on VHF Ch.74, 12 and 16 (Call sign ‘Dover Port Control‘). All small craft must call ‘Dover Port Control’ when 2 miles off to receive instructions for entering.
Vessels without VHF radio should try and establish visual contact with Port Control to determine whether it is safe to enter or leave the harbour. Alternatively, if you have a mobile phone you can contact Dover Port Control directly on +44 (0) 1304 206 063 for permission to use the entrances or the Marina Office on +44(0) 1304 241 669.
If contact cannot be established, vessels should keep a safe distance from both entrances and wait for the Harbour Patrol Launch to come to your assistance.
Both entrances are frequently busy with commercial traffic and are additionally susceptible to strong currents, therefore entry under sail should not be attempted. Craft that are unable to use engines should inform ‘Port Control’ on VHF Ch.74. The Harbour Patrol Launch will assist if necessary and will be happy to guide you in. In South Westerly gales, a very confused and steep swell may develop off the Western Entrance.
Quick flashing of the Aldis Lamp from Port Control means you should not enter or leave, as another vessel has been given permission to manoeuvre.
When three red lights are displayed at the entrances, DO NOT proceed without specific permission from Port Control
Small or slow craft are not normally given permission to enter the Outer Harbour until they are within 200 metres of either entrance.
Small craft should be aware that the Marina access channel (‘North South Channel’) is frequently used by larger vessels such as the harbour tugs and dredger, and therefore should not be entered until confirmed it is clear. Continuous monitoring of VHF Ch.74 and Ch.80 should be maintained as appropriate.
Caution must be exercised when strong winds coincide with high water springs or when approaching the reception pontoons at tidal heights below two meters – the channel is cut from the chalk seabed.
It is important to keep on the line of the two black and white daymark transit boards marking the deep-water approach when entering or leaving the Marina basin.
When approaching the Wick Channel, it is mandatory to obey the international traffic signal. These measures are in place to ensure the safe movement of vessels due to the on-going Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.
Wellington Dock HW -1.5 / +1.5 hours approx.Granville Dock HW -3.5 / +4.5 hours approx.
Dover’s Cruise Terminal berths are frequently occupied by Cruise and other vessels throughout the year. These vessels require a significant amount of sea room in the Inner Harbour to manoeuvre. Vessels leaving the Marina must confirm with Dover Port Control that they have permission to proceed prior to departure.
Vessels wishing to depart that do not have operational VHF equipment must advise the Marina Office who will liaise with Port Control to gain clearance.
Due to larger vessels entering or departing via the Western Entrance, you may be asked to wait by the Prince Of Wales Pier, in the Inner Harbour, before departing Western or coming into the Outer Harbour.
Due to larger vessels entering or departing the Eastern Entrance to and from the RoRo berths, small craft are normally required to proceed to the Southern part of the bay, run close to the Southern Breakwater and call ‘Dover Port Control’ VHFCh.74 when adjacent to the Knuckle Lighthouse for permission to depart.
Vessels are requested to clear the entrances so as not to impede the passage of a larger vessel approaching the entrance or departing. All vessels are to keep a listening watch on VHF 74, until clear of the area.
All craft entering the Port from non-EU countries, or with crew members from non-EU countries, must fly a yellow Q flag until the Border Force has boarded. The Berthing masters have a supply of forms C1331 which should be completed and given to the Border Force if you plan to visit a non-EU country.
