Approaching Ramsgate Harbour
General Information
Vessels wishing to approach Ramsgate Harbour should do from the East. There is a clearly marked buoyed channel that should be followed. South of the port hand buoys there is a yacht tract that contains a holding ground to the south breakwater. This area may be used if you require to wait temporarily prior to entering the harbour.
The tide sets across the harbour entrance in a NorthEasterly/SouthWesterly direction. There is a north going tide running from about 1? hours to High Water and for 4 hours after High Water.
Entry and exit procedures
Contact Ramsgate Port Control on VHF Ch.14 on approach and prior to departure.
Staff at Ramsgate Marina and the Dock Office can be contacted on VHF Ch.80 when inside the Royal Harbour. Signal Lights situated on the East Pier control all inbound & outbound movements of the Royal Harbour and whilst in the Approach Channel. Movement in and out of the Inner Marina is controlled via signal lights located at the Dock Office.
Light Signals
THREE VERTICAL RED LIGHTS - If you observe 3 verticle red lights this instructs vessels that they must not enter the approach channel or the inner marina, or leave the outer harbour.
THREE VERTICAL GREEN LIGHTS - If you observe 3 verticle green lights this instructs vessels that they may enter the approach channel, the inner marina or conversly leave the inner marina or the outer harbour.
FLASHING ORANGE LIGHT - A flashing orange light gives warning that a ferry movement is in progress. At this time no vessel should enter the approach channel or leave the Royal Harbour.
Small Craft are advised that frequent movements of large vessels are commonplace and should at all times maintain a safe distance from such vessels.
INNER MARINA - The gate is open either side of High Water for approximately 2 hours (subject to height of tide). By day a red and yellow flag is flown and at night this is replaced with a single green light to indicate that the marina gate is open.
