Crinan Canal Pilot Notes & Charts

NAVIGATING THE CRINAN CANAL
MAXIMUM CHANNEL DIMENSIONS
26.82 metres (88 feet) long; 6.09 metres (20 feet) beam. Please note wider craft may require to be traffic managed between Locks 13 and 14 and extra time should be allowed. Maximum 2.7 metre (8 feet 10 inches) freshwater draft (add 10cms (4in) to your normal draft as craft sit lower in the fresh water of the canal than they do in salt water). Due to possible level changes, customers with a draft of over 2.2m are advised to contact the Canal Office or Sea Locks at least 24 hours in advance to confirm passage will be possible. Maximum mast height 28.95 metres (95 feet) under overhead cables.

OPERATING HOURS
The Crinan Canal operates on a seasonal basis. We are open 7 days per week in peak season, Monday to Saturday during Spring and Autumn, and Monday to Friday during Winter. Please check for details of exact operating dates and times, since these may be subject to variation from time to time. When on passage please allow 30minutes for last locking before close down to allow staff to make the flight ready for the evening. The minimum time for passage is about 5-6 hours, but why rush? Relax and enjoy the superb scenery and hospitality.

NAVIGATION INFORMATION
Admiralty charts: Loch Fyne (part) & Ardrishaig 2381; Loch Crinan 2320; Loch Crinan to the Forth of Lorne 2326. Imray charts: Firth of Clyde C66; Upper Clyde & Loch Fyne 2900; Belfast Lough to Crinan C64; Crinan to Mallaig & Barra C65. Pilots: Admiralty West Coast of Scotland Pilot (NP66). Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions - Firth of Clyde; Kintyre to Ardnamurchan; Imray Pilot: Clyde to Colonsay. Almanac: Macmillan Reeds Western Almanac.

LOCKS AND BRIDGES
There are 15 locks and 7 bridges on the Crinan Canal. The Sea Locks & Lock 14 are mechanised and operated for you. Inland locks are self service and require at least one member of your crew on shore to operate.

SPEED LIMITS
Please observe the 4 knot speed limit on the canal to avoid bank erosion through excessive wash, and please slow down when passing moored craft. The final approach to Crinan between Crinan Bridge and Lock 14 is narrow, with moored craft lying above Lock 14. Please exercise caution while transiting this section of the canal.

USE OF LOCKS AFTER CLOSEDOWN
Do not use the canal locks after closedown. This is when water levels are adjusted for the following day and any unauthorised locking may cause flooding or water loss.

VHF
Sea Locks Ch16 / Working 74. Please note when staff are performing locking or maintenance duty they will be unable to respond to calls. If you do not get an immediate response either try later or approach the lock if open to the sea; it is likely that the Lock Keeper has spotted you.
Emergency Out of Hours Contact: 0800 072 9900