Code of Practice
The Code of Practice for Oban Bay, North Channel & Sound of Kerrera should be followed by all vessels in and around Oban Bay. The following basic requirements should be met:
Local Rules
Do comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).
Do keep below 10 Knots in the outer part of Oban Bay and the sound of Kerrera.
Do keep below 6 knots in Oban Harbour
Do keep a good lookout and act with due consideration to others.
Do give way to all vessels over 20 metres in length and vessels constrained by draught that are using the large vessel channel, e.g. ferries, cruise liners, fishing vessels, large yachts, etc.
Do have your engine(s) running and ready for use when entering / leaving Oban Bay if your sailing vessel is fitted with engine(s).
Do secure properly to your mooring or berth and use adequate fendering.
Do follow the Slipway Safety and RNLI Safety at Sea Guidance displayed on the slipway.
Do report safety incidents to the Oban Bay Harbour Manager, using the incidents reporting page on this website.
Do not loiter in the North Channel, especially in the large vessel channel.
Do not linger off the slipways or moorings.
Do not water-ski, jet-ski, wind surf or kite-surf in Oban Bay or Harbour.
Do not dive in the Harbour except with the permission of the Harbour Master.
Do not exceed the stated speed limits.
Further information about Oban harbour is available at: www.obanharbour.scot
Code for Safe Navigation in and Around Oban Bay
Vessels should proceed with caution throughout the harbour.
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The local speed limit in is 6 Knots however we ask vessels to observe a no wake speed within the breakwater.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
GENERAL
Everything is dangerous if you are intoxicated by drink or drugs. Enjoy yourself but please act responsibly around the water. The Council reserves the right to require the Owner, or any of their party, to leave the facility if they act in a reckless, dangerous or unreasonable way.
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Please familiarise yourself with the location of lifesaving and firefighting equipment.
All children and non-swimmers should wear life-jackets at all times whilst using the NPP facilities.
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The bridge, walkways and fingers are to be kept clear at all times and trollies returned to their stalls as soon as they are finished with.
Repairs for any damage to the pontoon will be charged to the responsible Owner.
ENVIRONMENT
All users are to use the toilet facilities ashore and vessels are prohibited from discharging to sea whilst within the pontoons facility.
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Be aware of wildlife and do not disturb it. Do not feed the seagulls.
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The area around the Vessel must be kept clean and tidy; it is the Owners responsibility to remove waste in a safe and appropriate way. Do not place hazardous waste including oil, paint, batteries and electrical items, into the general waste bin. Ask the Harbour Master for assistance with these items.
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Do not discharge waste liquids including cooking oil or bilge water into the sea.
There is a busy road at the top of the pier head. Keep dogs on leads and children under close supervision at all times.
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Do not move or go around barriers or guards.
Fishing, diving and swimming are not permitted around the NPP facility.
For more information about how to be environmentally responsible when on the water see www.thegreenblue.org.uk
USE OF PONTOONS FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Should your Vessel require emergency repairs these may be commissioned whilst at NPP but as soon as possible the Vessel should be moved to a more suitable facility. In normal circumstances no work is to be conducted at NPP except for minor running repairs or minor maintenance.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
Call 999 for FIRE, AMBULANCE, POLICE or the COASTGUARD, and inform the Harbour Master by the quickest means available.
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In case of fire, raise the alarm as widely as possible and evacuate the affected Vessel and vessels nearby. Tackle the fire only if it is clearly safe to do so.
MAN OVERBOARD
Call for help, dial 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD, then try to assist the casualty without putting yourself in danger. There are life rings and ladders on all the walkways. Yellow upright handrails at the end of certain finger pontoons show the location of safety ladders that can used to assist in recovery of a person from the water. Alternatively, use a swim ladder on the back of a nearby boat if necessary.​
CONTACT US
Please be in touch with any questions about berthing charges or visitor facilities.
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Tel: 07388 808 061 or 01631 562892, VHF ch12
