St Helier Port Information
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Port Control and Marina Traffic Signals
All craft approaching or leaving St Helier are advised to keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 14 for notice of any large vessel traffic movements. Also maintain a sharp look-out (including astern) for large and fast vessels and keep well clear as required by Rules 5 & 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972).
A speed limit of five knots is in force from La Collette Tanker Berth northwards to the Elizabeth Castle Causeway (also known as The Bridge).
International Port Traffic Signals are used at St Helier, showing at Port Control, St Helier and Elizabeth Marina entrances. The system uses three GREEN lights exhibited vertically to indicate PROCEED and and three RED lights exhibited vertically to indicate STOP.
An Exemption signal of an Occulting YELLOW light may be used at Port Control to expedite entry and departure of smaller power driven craft (less than 25 metres). Vessels should keep to the starboard side while passing between the Pierheads.
St Helier Marina
St Helier Marina is the main short-stay base providing spaces for 200 visiting yachts, over half on individual 'finger' pontoons.
The marina pond is maintained at a level of 5 metres (16.5ft) above chart datum by means of a sill gate. Depth gauges and traffic signals show when entry and exit are possible.
Access is normally available three hours each side of high water (HW +/- 3 hours) - the actual period differs slightly with Springs and Neaps. A digital gauge showing the depth (in metres) above the sill is situated on the east side of the entrance.
Showers, toilets, a laundry and telephones are situated adjacent to the ramps. A shop carrying a full range of provisions, wines and spirits is open all year round. Fresh water and electricity is available on all pontoons and rubbish skips and a waste oil tank are sited next to the Marina Office at the ramp head. (Telephone +44 1534 885508).
The depth at most berths is 2.0 metres, a greater depth (2.4 metres) is available near the entrance - please check with staff. Visitors will normally use pontoons E, F, G & the north sides of A & D. Shallow water is found along the West side abutting the Albert Pier wall.
The holding pontoon on the west side of the entrance at No 4 and No 5 berths is maintained to a depth of 2.2 metres below chart datum.
Elizabeth Marina
Most short-stay visiting yachts use St Helier Marina but at times large craft may be directed to Elizabeth Marina. All users should navigate with caution and keep to the buoyed channel near to the Elizabeth Harbour West Breakwater, keeping a sharp watch for shipping movements.
Access is available approximately three hours either side of high water (HW +/- 3 hours), and when water equalisation has occurred the gates will drop to give 2.0 metres of water over the sill. At closing time, when the gates are coming up, a warning siren will sound - a procedure that takes about two minutes. The depth ranges from 2.4 to 3.2 metres throughout the marina.
Entry and exit is controlled by traffic signals as described above. On opening, vessels are allowed to exit for the first ten minutes. After a long pause the lights change, allowing entry for ten minutes. The one-way system, alternating every ten minutes, with a one minute separation, will continue throughout the period that the marina is open.
Boats wanting to enter at opening time must wait in the holding area outside until the exit period has finished. Do not approach the marina entrance at this time. As a general rule, please try to avoid entering the marina during the first hour after opening at spring tides, as the tidal stream is strong in the vicinity of and through the entrance. Digital light boards adjacent to the traffic signals on the east abutment give depth over the sill and the speed of the tidal stream.
At busy periods in the summer, staff may extend the entry or exit periods as necessary. Full facilities are available, with water and electricity at all pontoonsand telephone connections by arrangement. A fuel berth, with toilet pump-out, is located close to the marina entrance. The Elizabeth Marina Office (+44 1534 885530) is in the facilities block, together with showers, toilets and a laundry.
La Collette Yacht Basin
Located by the entrance to St Helier Harbour, La Collette Yacht Basin is a little further from the town's main attractions but offers 24-hour access to the sea as well as modern facilities for the visiting crew.
La Collette Yacht Basin is not generally open to visiting yachts, most berths being allocated to local boatowners. It is also used as a holding area for boats awaiting the tide, who can moor on the outer pontoon until the St Helier Marina gates open.
Shower and toilet facilities are available, however there is no marina office on site. Contact should be to St Helier Marina (+44 1534 885508). The La Collette boat hoist and boat park can be contacted on +44 1534 885573.