PORT OF GIBRALTAR NAUTICAL DIRECTORY
1. NAUTICAL INFORMATION
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Lights on radio masts 2.3 metres N, FR AR.
1.1 Location and distances
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Gibraltar aero light (36°08’7”N, 05°20’5”W) height 405 metres, range 30 M.MO (GB) R10.
Gibraltar is at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It controls the eastern entrance of the Strait, crossed by the busy east-west international shipping lane. The Port is on the west side of Gibraltar at 36°09’N, 05°20’W. Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar, is about 7.7 nautical miles from the African coast of Morocco.
1.3 Tides and currents Tidal information is provided by Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL), which operates a radar gauge system on the North Mole. Continuous measurements of sea level are transmitted by radio to the GPA. Data is collected and forwarded to the POL. After quality checks, the POL makes the data available to all interested users via internet.
1.2 Charts and guides The tidal range in Gibraltar is 1 metre. 1.2.1 Nautical charts 1.4 Approaches For approaches to Gibraltar, the following chart is available:
1.4.1 Approach
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Gibraltar Port has a North and South Entrance:
British Admiralty nautical chart No 1448.
Admiralty charts are available from the Gibraltar Chart Agency Ltd, 47 Irish Town, Gibraltar.
Communication with the Gibraltar Port on VHF Channels 12 or 16 is compulsory to confirm that either Entrance is free of traffic.
1.2.2 Information on lights Main data on Gibraltar’s lights: •
Europa Point Lighthouse (36°06’7”N, 05°20’6”W) - white round tower, red band, height 49 metres, range W21, R17M, ISO W10s, Oc R 10s VIS 197 - 042 (205 ), 067 - 125 (58 ), 042 - 067 (25 ).
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Same structure - height 44 metres, range 15M, FR VIS 042 - 067 (25 ), horn 20s.
Larger ships of over 170 metres in length or 10.2 metres draught may be required to use the North Entrance owing to currents. The pilot boards inbound vessels 1 mile south-west of Europa Point. In bad weather vessels may be required to embark the pilot west of Europa Point for safety reasons. In strong winds, large vessels should not enter the harbour without tug assistance.
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