Arrivals
On arrival at Port Dinorwic
Dockmaster on Channel 80
Tel: +44 01248 671500
Access on: HW +/- 2H
Precautions and Navigation
A strong tide can be experienced across the entrance to the Tidal Pontoon Basin. A 5 knot speed limited exists in this area of the Strait. In addition please observe a DEAD SLOW speed limit to avoid creating unnecessary wash.
Contact the dockmaster on Channel 80 before approaching. Both the Lock Basin and Tidal Pontoon Basin entrances dry but are accessible HW + / – 2 hours approx.
- Lock entrance approach
No movements in Lock or Lock Basin without permission. To enter lock, from main channel, turn when entrance opens up and keep 10 metres from wall. All movement is controlled by the dock master.
- Tidal pontoon basin
Dries at low water. Strong cross tide at entrance. To enter turn when entrance opens up, beware of departing vessels.
- From the North:
The Britannia Bridge lies 2 nm to the north of Port Dinorwic. To the south east of the bridge, on the opposite shore to Nelsons Statue is an Historic Wreck. Avoid this by keeping north of the channel until the Strait turn south. The Lock opens up to port 300m after the start of the residential development and below the Hotel Port Dinorwic.
- From the South:
The lock entrance opens up to starboard 300 mtrs before the end of the residential developments.
- Bound North from Port Dinorwic:
The correct time to pass through the ‘Swellies’ is at HW or LW slack. This is -2 Hours Liverpool (-0052PD). However, due to the height and time between the ends of the Strait, passage north at this time means you effectively travel up hill, against the tide. By timing your arrival at Britannia Bridge ( 2nm from PD) – 3 hours before Liverpool (-0152PD) you will gain a favourable tide to Bangor, then a period of relative ‘slack’ until you gain a ‘new ebb’ toward Puffin Island and the northerly exit of the Strait.
- Bound South from Port Dinorwic:
The tide flows with considerable strength along the full length of this end of the Strait. Provided due care is taken, the passage is danger free between Port Dinorwic & Caernarfon. ( Note buoyage change near Caernarfon). It is best to leave Port Dinorwic early as you will need to push against the last of the flood. The aim is to reach Fort Belan at the southern entrance to the Strait (5.5.nm) at the top of the tide (-0025PD) This will allow passage over the Bar at maximum depth. Passage over the Bar at half tide is not recommended even in calm conditions.