Maritime Info for Cardiff Marina
There are a number of formalities and instructions that boat owners berthing at Cardiff Marina need to be aware of including the locking procedures, tide times and navigation within Cardiff Bay. Please take the time to read these pages and if you require any further information please contact the marina office or visit www.cardiffharbour.com
Navigation
Approaching Cardiff By Day
The Ranie Buoy (PORT HAND BUOY) marks the extremity of the rocks and sand spit off Lavernock Point. The south Cardiff cardinal buoy makes the southern extremity of the Cardiff Grounds. From a position between the two buoys make a course for the Outer Wrach Buoy (West Cardinal Buoy). Follow the Wrach Channel and Buoys into the Cardiff Bay Outer Harbour.
Approaching Cardiff By Night
When approaching from the South or West, leave the Ranie Buoy (FL(2)R.5s) to PORT and the SOUTH CARDIFF (FLQ(6)+LFL.15s) to STARBOARD. Steer a course for the OUTER WRACH BUOY (FLQ(6)+LFL.15s). You will pick up the SECTOR LIGHTS for the WRACH CHANNEL (oc 10s WRG). Stay in the white sector until you pick up the Buoyed channel for the CARDIFF BAY OUTER HARBOUR and the sector light (LFI.WRG5s). Note: Vessels coming from Kings Road (Avonmouth) are advised to use the SOUTH/WEST APPROACH. It is important that you keep a careful watch for large vessels coming from Cardiff Docks as they are severely constrained by their draught.
Navigation within Cardiff Bay
Having passed through the locks, you will find yourself at the Penarth end of the Bay. Key locations;
- Port = Entrance to Penarth Marina
- Ahead = Ely Peninsula and Cardiff Bay Yacht Club then Cardiff Marina
- Starboard = Butetown link road over the River Taff, then Cardiff Yacht Club
- Further to Starboard = St David‘s hotel and spa, the Inner Harbour and visitor pontoons
- Cardiff Marina can be contacted by VHF on Channel M/27
Cardiff Marina is situated on the River Ely. When navigating along the river we advise that you keep to the middle wherever possible and at least 8m from the riverbank at all times as there is a step underneath the waterline. On arrival if you have not already been assigned a berth please find a free berth and then immediately report to the Marina office located between pontoons C and D who will advise you of your berth location. All new boats must report to the marina office on arrival to complete a mooring contract and must have a copy of their insurance document which must be a minimum of third party with salvage to comply with Cardiff Harbour Authority Bye Laws.
Pont Y Werin Bridge
- Vessels may pass under the fully lowered bridge if there is sufficient air draft
- When the 3 vertical red lights are extinguished either side of the bridge you may proceed
- The air draft of the closed bridge is approx 4.5m please check the notices displayed either side of the bridge before you proceed
- Orange lights are illuminated under the lifting span at night to confirm that it is closed
- When the bridge is being prepared to open or close, the lights either side will show fixed red- no vessels are to proceed
- A request to lift the bridge can be made on VHF Channel 18 Barrage Control
- During the day from 7am to 7pm the bridge may be lifted on request with a maximum wait of half an hour
- At night from 7pm to 7am the bridge may be lifted on request with a maximum wait of an hour
Lock procedures
On approach to Cardiff Bay you should contact Barrage Control on VHF 18 to request a lock in. They will advise you of the next available lock and give the instruction to enter the outer harbour
- Inbound locks run quarter past and quarter to the hour
- Outbound locks run on the hour and half hour
- Please be sure to observe the light signals displayed
- Three vertical flashing red lights= Emergency: Stop and contact Barrage Control
- Three vertical red = Do not enter
- Three vertical green= Enter lock
- Green, White, Green= Enter lock on instruction from Barrage Control
