Visitor information and locking
- Port Solent is the perfect destination whatever the weather with plenty of activities to keep you and your crew amused. From shops, restaurants, bars, a yacht club, a café, a cinema and a leisure centre
- For days out the Norman castle at Portchester is lovely with great views from the top of the Keep. Its an easy walk from the Marina. Alternatively the Forts on top of Portsdown Hill offer guided tours and special event days.
- Retail Therapy and the world is your oyster from Port Solent. The choice is Port Solent itself to Fareham, Cosham, Commercial Road in Portsmouth or Gunwharf Quays all within easy reach.
- Nearby attractions include world famous Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Henry VIII's Mary Rose and the Naval Museum.
- If you fancy a walk there are several to choose from. Farlington Marshes offers all varieties of wading birds and wildfowl. And don't forget to keep your eyes open for our very own sammy seal who visits the marina from time to time.
Tourist Information Centre Tel No: 02392 522944
Rules and Regulations of the Queen's Harbour Master
- Keep clear of ships and avoid close quarters situations. Remember that many ships in the main channel and harbour will be unable to manoeuvre to keep clear of you. If a large vessel is in doubt about your movements, he will sound five short blasts. Make your intentions clear.
- Keep to the Small Boat Channel in the west side of the harbour entrance.
- Keep well to starboard in all channels. If you have to cross a main channel, do so at right angles and only when clear of large vessels.
- The speed limit within the harbour and 1,000 yards off the shore in the Eastern Solent is 10 knots. There is an advisory speed limit of 5 knots in the upper reaches of Portchester Channel past the Castle.
- Craft fitted with engines must use them in between Ballast and the No 4 Bar.
- In fog or poor-visibility, stay alongside. If caught out seek a safe berth or anchorage as soon as possible.
- The main marine VHF channel for control of shipping by QHM is 11. However you may find it useful to listen to VHF channel 11 if you have it fitted because it gives you a good idea of shipping movements.
Crossing rules
If crossing to Gunwharf Quays or the town camber you must ask permission from
the QHM on Channel 11 and cross north of Ballast Buoy. Remain 50m clear of all
warships and MOD berths and facilities
- You are not allowed to stop or linger in the range safety arcs of Tipner Range. The limits are marked to the south by piles 62 and 87 and to the north by piles 70 and 78.
- Navigational Piles should not be approached too closely as many are on mud banks which are steep in most parts but beginning to edge into the channel in some places.
www.qhmportsmouth.com
