Whitby Pilot Notes & Charts

Before entering the harbour
Contact watchkeepers on VHF channel 11 before entering the harbour.
The watchkeeper can also be contacted by telephone on 01947 602272.
Entering the harbour Whitby Harbour may be approached safely from any direction except southeast.
When approaching from the southeast Whitby Rock Buoy must be rounded and kept on the port hand. At the rock buoy, approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Harbour mouth, the tide turns some two hours after high or low water.
On approaching the piers, care should be exercised as a strong set to the east will be experienced across the entrance during the two hours preceding high water.
Dangerous sea conditions can occur at the harbour entrance during strong northwest to east onshore winds. Entry to Whitby Harbour for small craft is not recommended during this time.
Leading marks should now be visible, consisting of a day signal of a white triangle for the lower mark, and a white circle with a black vertical line for the upper mark at night the exhibit a signal of FL.Y 4s (synchronised). Sited on the east side of the harbour these give the channel in from the sea on a bearing of 169 degrees true.
This course should be held until two similar leading marks/lights sited on the east pier are observed at night a signal FL.Y 2s (synchronised) will be observed. Course should now be altered to 209 degrees true bringing the second set of marks/lights in line astern.
This channel is, as far as possible, maintained at a depth of 1.4m below chart datum.
The swing bridge opens on request each hour and half hour for 2 hours either side of high water.
Vessels arriving outside the bridge opening times are requested to wait in the lower harbour alongside the fish quay/fishing vessels or on the waiting pontoon on the east side at the end of the fish pier. Vessels on the quay must remain manned at all times to facilitate the movement of fishing vessels.
Vessels over 37m LOA
Any vessel wishing to enter the harbour over 37 metres overall length is required to contact the Harbour Office at least 24 hrs prior to arrival.
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