The Basin

Bristol Harbour Master’s Office kindly provided the following information:
  • There is currently no maximum ‘length’ for vessels entering the basin. However, there are physical restraints due to the lock entrance and current pontoon locations – which are movable. The John Sebastian Lightship is approximately 35 metres (114.8 feet) long with a 8 metre  (26.25 feet) beam.
  • 8 metres would probably be the maximum ‘beam’ due to the basin entrance, but a vessel may be longer than 35 metres.
  • The ‘safe turning circle’ is 50 meters (164 feet) or 60 metres (196.85 feet) if the pontoons were removed, which requires action by the Harbour Master.
  • Draught of 4 metres (13.12 feet)
  • The Harbour level is set to keep it steady at around 9.6 m above Newlyn datum.
  • Water Depth is 4.9m (survey 2019)
  • Salinity: brackish – density is not measured
FOBB advises that you seek Harbour Master advice before entering the Basin and that, as a guide, you assume an Under Keel Clearance (UKC) of 10% of vessel draught. Information on entering and leaving Bristol Harbour and on mooring, as well as harbour contact details are available through these useful links:
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