Newcastle Pilot Notes & Charts

PILOT NOTES ROYAL QUAY MARINA
The following pilotage notes and the accompanying chart are provided for guidance only. However, please consult the latest Admiralty charts and publications for navigational purposes.
FROM SEAWARD
The entrance to the River Tyne is straightforward. The harbour entrance which is 360m wide lies between the North Pierhead lighthouse (F1 (3) 10s 26m 26M horn 10s) and the South Pierhead lighthouse a grey round stone tower (0c WRG 10s 15m 13-8M Bell (1) 10s).
From the entrance, the dredged channel which is clearly marked by light-buoys runs WSW to the narrows which lie by the Fish Quay. From here, the channel is easy to follow. Progress upstream keeping to the starboard hand side of the channel. A watch should be kept for the Shields ferry, which runs between North and South Shields. Royal Quays Marina is situated in the former Albert Edward Dock, the entrance to which is at 54º 59' ·75 N 1º 26' ·75 W Some 2.0nm from the pierheads. A starboard hand light marks the waiting pontoon whilst the lock traffic lights are located above and behind on the middle pier.
 From Royal Quays when leaving the marina lock, vessels should be aware that they are entering a major shipping channel and keep a proper lookout.
If leaving to seaward, vessels should (if it is clear to do so) immediately cross the main channel at right angles and proceed seawards on the southern side of the channel. If after exiting the lock it is not clear to cross the channel, you should turn to starboard and progress upstream on the north side of the channel until it is clear to cross to the south bank. If leaving to proceed upstream, vessels should turn immediately to starboard and progress upstream on the north side of the channel. All boats should be aware that there are regular movements of large commercial craft from The Northumbrian Quay and the International Ferry Terminal (Ro Ro’s 3 & 4) immediately adjacent to the marina. The marina has radio contact with Tyne VTS and advice on impending shipping movements can be obtained from the Marina on VHF channel 80 whilst locking through. At all times when boating on the river, you should observe the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at sea and keep clear of and not impede large vessels that are in the channel and as such are limited in their ability to manoeuvre.