PORTSMOUTH & GOSPORT TReference: KHM Portsmouth General Direction 02/23. Small Boat Channel and access to Gunwharf Quays and Town Camber. The Small Boat Channel, as displayed on Admiralty charts, is defined by Ballast pile at its northern extremity and No 4 Bar Buoy to the south. As the harbour entrance is a blind bend for large TSMOUTH & GOSPORvessels, small boats operating near the harbour entrance are often PORdifficult to detect, the following rules therefore apply to all small boats, all vessels under 20m LOA: 1. Small Boats must enter and leave the harbour through the Small Boat Channel. 2. All craft fitted with engines, when navigating in the approach channel to Portsmouth Harbour, are to proceed under power between No 4 Bar buoy, Ballast pile. 3. Vessels greater than 20 metres in length may only use the Small Boat Channel with the express permission of KHM on VHF Channel 11. 4. The Small Boat Channel may only be entered or exited by vessels approaching from the east at its northern or southern ends. 5. A traffic pattern is established around Ballast Pile; small boats entering the harbour are to pass close to the east of Ballast Pile and those exiting close to the west, ie always leave it to port. 6. Small boats crossing the harbour entrance may only do so to the north of Ballast Pile and may not cross the main channel until south of 4 Bar Buoy. 7. Small boats, are not to loiter in the Small Boat Channel. 8. Small boats should remain on the Starboard side of the Small Boat Channel and should adjust their speed to remain within the Small Boat Channel rather than overtake other craft and be forced into the main channel. 9. All vessels using the Small Boat Channel are to leave 4 Bar Buoy to port, whether heading inbound or outbound. 10. In vicinity of BC Outer (red beacon), all vessels are to pass to the east of the beacon except those joining or leaving the Small Boat Channel at the Inner Swashway who are to leave it to port. 11. Immediately prior to departure from Gunwharf Quays/Town Camber, small boats are to request permission, from KHM on VHF Ch 11, to cross the harbour to Ballast Beacon before entering the Channel. Gunwharf Quays Marina – Fantastically located at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, beneath the iconic Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Marina offers immediate access to the Solent and some of the best sailing and cruising on the South Coast. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Portsmouth’s Historic Naval Dockyard, this specially designed marina can accommodate power and sail craft up to 80 metres LOA with a maximum depth of 5.5 metres. Offering spacious and easily accessible berths this well positioned marina offers all guests a unique waterside experience. 102 solenthandbook.com