On The River

The harbour area is a busy port with frequent arrivals and sailings, including fast craft and ferries. Contact must be made with Harbour Radio to obtain permission to enter the area.

Channel Number ………………………..12
Frequency………………………………156.600MHz
Call sign…………………………..Belfast Port Control

It is compulsory to report when entering or leaving the harbour, or passing Beacon 14 at the southerly end of the channel, and at any point designated by the Harbour Operator.

The River Lagan is fully tidal from Belfast Lough to the Lagan Weir with a spring tidal range of 3.1 metres. The weir creates an impoundment between Donegall Quay and the Stranmillis Weir, reducing the tidal range to 1.2 metres for spring tides.

The minimum navigable depth of water above the Lagan Weir is 1.5 metres, rising to 2.7 metres on high spring tide. This depth is maintained the full width of the river to the quay walls. The dredge depth of water also extends to the bottom of the slopes at the natural earth banks and stone revetments of the river.

To avoid collisions with boats navigating upstream, there are illuminated directional signs mounted on both the Queen's Bridge and the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, providing river users with early warning of the recommended navigation openings to cross the weir.