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INFORMATIONOne of Scotland's most sheltered natural deep water harbours, the Port of Inverness lies seven miles south-west of Chanonry Point in the Inverness Firth. It is situated in latitude 57˚ 29'N longitude 004˚ 14'W. Pilotage Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels greater than 50m in length. Pilotage is available to smaller vessels (and to Caledonian Canal sealock) – request services from Harbour Office. Documents required Customs – Port Clearance Delivery of forms When a vessel is not boarded by a customs officer on arrival, one set of documents must be delivered by the Master or his authorised agent to the proper place at port of arrival. To the agent (i) Bills of lading and cargo manifests Certificates The following certificates are required to be held aboard, for production when required Arrival notification Approaching vessels should pass their Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) a minimum of 24 hours in advance, preferably through their agent, or directly to the Harbour Office. Anchorages Commercial vehicles for the port normally anchor 2.5 cables ENE of the Munlochy Buoy (57˚ 33.0'N 004˚ 07.5'W) to await sufficient water to cross Middle Bank, in depths between 9m and 18.3m. Area is good holding ground, comprising of sand/mud. Restrictions on approach (i) Minimum depth over Middle Bank, on a line between Munlochy Buoy and pilot station at Meikle Mee Buoy, is 2.1m below chart datum Berthing Commercial shipping to/from the port is normally carried out from two hours prior to High Water up to High Water. Vessels arriving prior to this must anchor and await the tide. Shallow draughted vessels may be worked at Low Tide. Berths The river-bed consists of soft mud and gravel, and there is no record of any vessel sustaining damage through taking the bottom. Longman Quay (North) - length 150m, depth alongside 5.0m below chart datum Information for Masters Moorings Whilst berthed in the Port of Inverness, Masters must ensure that adequate moorings are used. Hydro-electric sluices could be opened without prior warning, so an efficient watch must be kept on moorings at all times. Bunkering
Bunkering may only be carried out during daylight hours. The Master is responsible for this operation, and must ensure that operational checklists, on both the part of the vessel, and the road tanker operative, have been fully completed and agreed, prior to any transfer commencing. The Harbour Office must be informed of intention to bunker, prior to transfer, and will give authorisation for the operation to proceed. Access A proper gangway or accommodation ladder to be rigged as per the statutory requirements at all times. An effective safety net to be rigged below the access. A lifebuoy with lifeline to be available in the vicinity of the gangway or other means of access. During the hours of darkness, the means of access to be adequately illuminated. There are no dedicated walkways within the port. Masters should instruct crew members going ashore to be aware that forklift trucks and road haulage vehicles are operating 24 hours a day. Crew members are prohibited from walking within areas of stowed cargo. Leaves Masters should be aware that during the autumn, large amounts of leaves can be carried down by the river. These can build up between the hull and the quay. Ballasting times may therefore be extended. Masters should ensure that cooling water intakes to main engines and auxiliary equipment are checked clear prior to departure.
Diving Operations
No diving operations are permitted within the Port without the prior authorisation of the Harbour Master. A Dive Permit from the Harbour will have to be completed by the contractor, prior to authorisation being given. Smoking Is not permitted within port areas, buildings or transit sheds. Hatches Cargo hatches must be closed on entering and departing port. Damaged vessels entering the port; Immobilisation of engines; Manning A sufficient number of personnel to deal with an emergency must be present on board at all times during the vessel's stay. Burning/welding No burning or welding is permitted on any berth without having first obtained the permission of the harbourmaster. A Hot Work permit will require to be issued by the Harbour Master prior to any work commencing. Tank washing Is not permitted aboard any vessel whilst alongside within the Port. Safety notices Masters shall cause notices to be displayed where they can clearly be seen by persons on board, or about to board the vessel. Gangway/deck watchmen Ships' personnel provide own watchmen. Stevedores Local companies are Scotline, and Highland Stevedoring Limited, arranged as required through own agent. Cranes Mobile cranes up to a maximum tonnage of 70 tonnes available locally, arranged as required through own agent. Larger cranes can be arranged with adequate notice. Garbage disposal Ships' garbage skips (painted blue and enclosed) are located at Citadel Quay, Longman Quay (North), and at the outer end of Longman Quay. No other skips within Harbour to be used. Vessels must pre-notify harbour of waste to be landed, as per current regulations. Repairs Marine and electrical repairs may be undertaken by local contractors. Contact own agent for det |
