Information for vessels

Vessels Anchored

All vessels engaged in bunkering operations, at anchor, MUST have engines at immediate notice.

All vessels MUST have engines at immediate notice when in receipt of a WEATHER WARNING from Portland Harbour Authority and in all circumstances when the Master has any concerns with the forecast or prevailing weather.

(Portland Harbour Radio must be advised immediately in the event of any vessel suspected of dragging anchor)

Mooring and Gangways

Moorings and Gangways are to be adequately, and regularly, tended in compliance with port regulations.

Lowering of Lifeboats/Workboats

Permission is required from Portland Harbour Radio (CH74) before launching lifeboats or workboats for drills or maintenance.

Demobilisation of a Vessel

A vessel's main propulsion MUST NOT be demobilised without prior permission of the Harbour Master.

Use of Engines/Thrusters whilst secured to berth

Main engines and thrusters must not be operated whilst made fast to a berth without prior permission of the Harbour Master.

Sounding of Whistles whilst berthed

A vessel's whistle or siren must not be sounded when alongside a berth without permission of Portland Harbour Radio (VHF Ch 74) except in an emergency.

Vessel Defects

Any defect to a vessel's main engine or safety critical navigational equipment, when at anchor, must be reported to the Harbour Master immediately.

Ballast Water Management

All vessels are prohibited from discharging ballast water within the Portland Harbour Area of Jurisdiction without the express permission of the Harbour Master

Vessel Painting and Deck Cleaning

No painting or deck cleaning where residue can fall over side is to take place within Portland Harbour Authorities area of jurisdiction without prior permission of the Harbour Master.

Hotworks on Vessels (Welding/Burning)

Harbour Authority 'Permits to Work' are required for any welding or burning work on ships in Portland Harbour, either at an alongside berth or at anchor. The Permits can be obtained directly from the Harbour Office or via the vessels agent.

Diving on Vessels

Harbour Authority 'Permits to Work' are required for all diving operations, on vessels, within Portland Harbour. The Permits can be obtained directly from the Harbour Office or via the vessels agent.

Waste Reception Facilities

Landing of Waste is covered by Portland Harbour Authorities Waste Management Plan which is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Certain restrictions do exist for the landing of waste; please contact Portland Port for advice.

Ships intending to receive Bunkers by road. 

Ships Masters should ensure that Portland Port is notified, in advance, of any intention to take bunkers from road tankers. Failure to provide this notification will result in road tankers NOT being permitted within the dock estate until such time as Portland Port has received prior notification and a risk assessment and method statement has been received from the road tanker operator.