NTM 04/15 Safety of Navigation within Oban Bay and Approaches

Vessels navigating in Oban Bay and approaches are reminded of the existence of a voluntary Code for Safe Navigation within the area.

The Code defines the seaward limits of Oban Bay as being an area bounded to the north by an imaginary line joining Rubh’a’ Bhearnaig (56° 25·52’N, 5° 30·02’W) and Maiden Island (56° 25·93’N., 5° 29·57’W.), and to the south by an imaginary line passing eastwest through Sgeirean Dubha light (56° 22·82’N, 5° 32·19’W), and includes Oban Harbour.

Mariners are advised that many large vessels (20m or more in length) and in particular RoRo ferries operating within the approaches to Oban Bay are ‘vessels constrained by their draught’ or ‘vessels which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway’ within the meaning of Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

It is recommended these vessels, when so constrained, display the signals prescribed in Rule 28 of the COLREGS, i.e. three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder, in order to be afforded the privileges of Rules 8(f) (i) and (ii) (Actions to avoid collision), 9 (Narrow channels) and/or 18(d) (i) (Responsibilities between vessels when one is constrained by draught).

It is further recommended large vessels leaving Oban Bay should be permitted right of way over all vessels entering the bay.

If the Masters or Skippers of vessels under 20m in length, sailing vessels or crossing vessels are in any doubt as to whether a particular large vessel is indeed a ‘vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway’ or a ‘vessel constrained by its draught’ then they should always give it the benefit of the doubt and treat it as such.

Mariners navigating within Oban Bay and approaches are also reminded of the importance in proceeding at a safe speed at all times as defined in Rule 6 of the COLREGS.

‘Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions’.

Mariners are advised to exercise particular vigilance and pass at minimum safe manoeuvring speed and sufficient distance from vessels lying alongside piers, harbour walls or moorings where there may be a risk of damage or injury being caused by the passing vessel’s wash or displacement.

Please click here to download a printable PDF of NTM 03/15 (445Kb)

Further information can be obtained using the contact details

David McHardie
Harbour Master
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited