LOWESTOFT HARBOUR

International Collision Regulations apply to all craft, who are requested to make contact with Harbour Control on Channel 14 VHF or by phone 01502 572286. Small craft (under 20m) must not impede larger vessels only able to navigate within a narrow channel. All vessels must observe the International Port Signals located on the South Pier extension and in the Yacht Marina – three vertical red lights: vessels shall not proceed; green, white, green vertical lights: vessels may proceed with specific consent.

Visitor moorings are available at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club Marina. All vessels entering and leaving should proceed with extreme caution, due to restricted visibility, and obey the light signals and permissions described above. No craft should attempt to leave the marina without first obtaining clearance from the control tower, and must obey the exit signals on the east side of the Marina entrance.

Lowestoft Harbour Bridge Small craft passing under the bridge have a clearance at mean high water springs of 2.2m at the centre of the arch. This road bridge will not open during rush hours and prior arrangement is required with Lowestoft Harbour Control on Channel 14 VHF. There is a Waiting Pontoon in the Trawl Dock. Pleasure craft may be required to form ‘flotillas’ to pass under the bridge to lessen disruption to the town’s traffic. Bridge-openings may take place at 10 specified times. Navigation in the bridge channel is controlled on Channel 14 and by amber and green lights on the bridge. General port details are available from plans D and E on Admiralty chart 1535 and see www.lowestofthavenmarina.co.uk/navigation.asp

MUTFORD LOCK

The maximum size of craft that can be accommodated is length 22m (70ft), beam 6.5m (20ft 8in) and draught 1.75m at Low Water. Tide at Oulton Broad is approximately three hours after Lowestoft with a mean range of 0.7m. The charge is currently £10.00 per vessel for each lock transit or day return. The lock keepers work on VHF channel 73 and monitor VHF channel 14 or can be contacted Tel: 01502 531778 (if unavailable, contact the Harbour Master at Oulton Broad Tel: 01502 574946). They may arrange to open Carlton railway swing bridge and Mutford road bridge, if required, but bridges will not be opened during periods of rush hour traffic, and 24 hours notice is appreciated. The lock is normally operated from 08.00 to 18.00 apart from peak hours (08.00-09.00), 12.00-13.00, 17.00-18.00) but, at weekends and bank holidays only, requirements after 18.00 must be booked prior to 16.00 on that day.