Chichester Pilot Notes & Charts

PILOT NOTES FOR CHICHESTER MARINA
The following notes are provided as a guide to approaching Chichester Marina by sea. Visitors to Chichester Marina should however make sure that they are aware of all navigational hazards by consulting up-to-date charts and pilot books. Visitors should also be aware of current Notices to Mariners and weather and tides before planning a visit. Chichester Marina tide tables showing approximate lock free flow times and tide heights corrected to local time and chart datum are available. No adjustment is required for British Summer Time.

APPROACH FROM WEST POLE BEACON
This beacon represents a waypoint from which you can start to make your approach into the harbour. It is positioned Lat 50º 45’.45 N, 00º 56’.59 W black steel pile, R. Can Topmark, Fl.R.5s, 14m, 7M, vis W 321º – 081º, R 081º – 321º. The purpose of this pile is to guide traffic away from periodic turbulent sea conditions caused by a gradual shoaling extension that is taking place to the West Pole Sands. Craft intending to enter the harbour from the west should keep this pile on their port hand. West Pole Beacon replaces the seasonal, unlit, Chi Spit Buoy.

CHICHESTER BAR
Chichester Bar is located at the entrance to the harbour and is dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at Mean Low Water Springs; however, the bottom can vary up to 0.75m. With an ebb tide and strong southerly winds, it is advisable to exercise caution and cross the Bar between three hours before and one hour after high water springs.
When approaching from the west remain on the 5m line or with the target beacon in transit with Cakeham Tower bearing 064 degrees until Eastoke Beacon opens to the east of Bar Beacon, then alter course to pass between Eastoke and West Winner Beacons leaving Chichester Bar Beacon close to the west. Reverse this procedure on leaving. Once inside the harbour you need to head north-east past East Head and towards Itchenor to arrive at the marina.

CHICHESTER BAR
Chichester Bar is located at the entrance to the harbour and is dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at Mean Low Water Springs; however, the bottom can vary up to 0.75m. With an ebb tide and strong southerly winds, it is advisable to exercise caution and cross the Bar between three hours before and one hour after high water springs.
When approaching from the west remain on the 5m line or with the target beacon in transit with Cakeham Tower bearing 064 degrees until Eastoke Beacon opens to the east of Bar Beacon, then alter course to pass between Eastoke and West Winner Beacons leaving Chichester Bar Beacon close to the west. Reverse this procedure on leaving. Once inside the harbour you need to head north-east past East Head and towards Itchenor to arrive at the marina.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
On arrival, please moor your vessel on the outer waiting pontoon and call into the Marina Reception. At reception, we will advise you of your berth number and provide you with a key fob for electricity and access to the marina facilities.
Please then return to your vessel and await a green lock light before proceeding to your berth. Alternatively, you may call the marina ahead of your arrival on 01243 512731 or VHF Channel 80 and where possible, we will issue you with a berth number and instructions in advance of your arrival. If you have been issued with your berth, please radio the lock keeper on VHF Channel 80 to tell him of your arrival and then follow the lock keeper’s instructions.