Harbour and Marina
Dover's harbour and marina are owned by the Dover Harbour Board.
Dover has an Outer Harbour containing the ferry and deep water commercial berths, and an Inner Harbour, entered between the Prince of Wales and Admiralty piers, where the old Seacat port and Marina are located. An approach channel between the north and south piers has an average dredged depth of 5 metres gradually reducing as it enters the Tidal Harbour (Tidal Basin), which is accessible at all states of the tide. Entry to Granville and Wellington Docks are controlled by tidal gates, and the latter also by a swing bridge.
The marina was extended in 1999, and is the fastest growing, most commodious and currently the cheapest in SE England. Pontoon berths are available in the Wellington Dock, the Tidal Basin, and the Granville Dock. Details of the marina and its facilities can be found here. There is a useful video of the harbour and marina on the DHB website. Click here to view.
Berthing is available in the Tidal Harbour (Tidal Basin), Granville and Wellington Docks, while anchoring is permitted in designated areas in the Outer Harbour. For berthing information, click here.
Navigation
Both entrances to Dover's harbour are very busy with frequent ferry traffic, which together with strong cross-tides and high harbour walls, make entry under sail slow. All craft fitted with engines should use them. Craft without engines should inform Port Control. Observe traffic signals and follow all instructions from the Harbour Patrol Launch and from VHF. Do not pass between the north cardinal buoy inside the western entrance and the southern breakwater (there is a submerged wreck).
At times in south-westerly gales, a very confused and steep swell may develop off the Western Entrance. When proceeding to the marina whilst traversing the inner harbour, caution must be exercised when tidal heights are below 2 metres, as the channel is cut from the chalk sea-bed. At low water, stay in the middle of the main channel until the leading light (FW vis 324° to 333°T) is opened.This light is positioned on the quay edge, adjacent to the second pontoon pile from the southern end of the reception pontoon.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are in operation day and night on light panels near Port Control on the Eastern Entrance and on the seaward end of Admiralty Pier at the Western Entrance.
Specific permission to enter or leave the Port must be obtained from Port Control (VHF Ch 74). Three RED vertical lights means DO NOT PROCEED. Three vertical lights in order GREEN WHITE GREEN indicate ‘Proceed Under Instructions’ . Vessels without VHF should establish visual contact with Port Control, or wait until the Harbour Patrol Launch comes to assist. Whilst waiting, yachts must keep a safe distance from both Eastern and Western Entrances, so as not to inconvenience any other movement.
If leaving the harbour from the Marina, yacht skippers should either call Port Control on Ch 74, or advise the Marina Office who will liaise with the the Patrol Launch and Port Control to gain clearance. Quick flashing on the Aldis lamp from Port Control means you should not enter or leave as another vessel has been given permission to manoeuvre.