Commercial Vessels
The attention of Owners, Masters and Operators of all vessels is drawn to the requirement for passage planning.
The Admiralty charts available for use in the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and approaches to Sharpness are as follows:
BA 1179 - The Bristol Channel
BA 1176 - The Severn Estuary - Steep Holm to Avonmouth
BA 1166 - River Severn - Avonmouth to Sharpness and Hock Cliff
Before arrival, ships' masters should consult the following Admiralty publications:
Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas NP256 - Irish Sea and Bristol Channel
Admiralty Sailing Directions NP37 - West Coast of England and Wales Pilot
Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals NP74 Vol. A
Admiralty List of Radio Signals NP287 (1) Vol. 6
Relevant Notices to Mariners may be viewed though the ‘Notices to Mariners’ menu. Additional information is readily available through the various menus on the website.
All vessels whose length overall is 30 metres or more are subject to compulsory pilotage and the arrangements for ordering pilotage services are set out in the Pilotage Directions.
Upon boarding, the pilot will discuss the passage plan with the bridge team and complete the attached planning information sheets.
Additional information for tall-masted vessels having an airdraft in excess of 35m. Calculation of the time of passage and height of tide required beneath both the M4 and M48 Road Bridges for tall-masted vessels may be informed by the bridge clearance details (source reference).