Harbour information
Please note: If you see a vessel in trouble or have cause for concern, contact the coastguard by dialling 999.
Information is available via the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
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Notice to mariners
Mariners, and members of the general public, are advised that the timber section of pier is closed to mariners. and other pier users, other than the access platform at the North West interface between the masonry and timber piers.
Berthing of fishing vessels and leisure vessels will be possible on the masonry pier for those mariners with a legitimate purpose for using the pier.
Mariners, and members of the general public, are advised that Saltcoats Harbour is not dredged and that it dries out at low tide.
Underwater obstructions may also exist which are not marked.
The harbour is exposed and can experience considerable swell when winds are from a westerly direction.
Only accessible by small craft, users should exercise extreme caution when entering or departing from the harbour.
Mariners are advised that it is an offence to proceed at excessive speed where damage, or risk of damage, may be caused by wash or displacement.
Caution should be exercised when passing harbours, piers, moorings, beaches, recreational activities, and any other areas involving property or persons.
Particular vigilance should be exercised when passing vessels alongside piers, harbour walls, or moorings.
Owners and operators of high speed rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and personal watercraft (PWC) should be particularly vigilant regarding their speed and the wash that can be created. Such craft should be operated in a courteous manner with consideration being given to other sailors.
The inner harbour should be used with care due to the presence of submerged anchors and other unmarked underwater obstructions.
Due to the current situation in Ukraine the UK Government does not consider it appropriate for Russian and Belarusian vessels to enter UK Ports.
Russian and Belarusian vessels, as defined below, will be declined permission to enter Millport Harbour until further notice.
Vessels:
- owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by a designated person
- owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia or Belarus
- flying the flag of Russia or Belarus
- registered in Russia or Belarus
- a specified ship
Guidance on what is meant by 'connected with Russia/Belarus' and 'specified ship' is provided in UK Government Regulations.
Due to the current situation in Ukraine the UK Government does not consider it appropriate for Russian and Belarusian vessels to enter UK Ports.
Russian and Belarusian vessels, as defined below, will be declined permission to enter Saltcoats Harbour until further notice.
Vessels:
- owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by a designated person
- owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia or Belarus
- flying the flag of Russia or Belarus
- registered in Russia or Belarus
- a specified ship
Guidance on what is meant by 'connected with Russia/Belarus' and 'specified ship' is provided in UK Government Regulations.
Saltcoats Harbour
Saltcoats Harbour offers free use of the following:
- mooring posts
- ring
- access ladders
The location is:
- latitude: 55° 37' 46.848'' N
- longitude: 4° 47' 20.5872'' W
See admiralty chart 2635.
Millport Harbour
Please note: Be aware of islets and breakwater in close approach to Millport
Facilities include 15 visitor moorings located across Millport, plus one marker buoy.
The visitor moorings are blue and black buoys with pick-up buoys. They are suitable for boats of up to 15 tonnes each and are located behind the breakwater.
We do not charge a fee for the use of facilities.
Orange buoys in Millport Bay are privately owned and not for visitor use.
The location is:
- latitude: 55° 45' 2.304'' N
- longitude: 4° 55' 52.2264'' W
See admiralty charts 1867 and 1907.
Moorings are lifted after the October school holidays, serviced and maintained over winter, and re-laid before the Easter school holidays each year. This is weather dependent and as advised by the installation and maintenance contractor.
The use of moorings are at the risk and responsibility of the visitor.
North Ayrshire Council disclaims any liability for any damage to vessels or its contents caused by use of the visitor moorings. Users of the visitors' moorings do so entirely at their own risk.
You must follow terms and conditions:
- boats must weigh no more than 15 tonnes to berth on a mooring (any larger vessel will damage the mooring and could be dangerous to the boat or users)
- only one boat at a time within the weight capacity can use a mooring
- moorings are free to use on a first come, first served basis
- visitors are responsible for ensuring that the vessel is suitably moored and fendered so that it responds in such a way as to avoid damage to itself or damage to, or interference with, other moorings or vessels
- the decision as to whether a particular mooring is suitable for a vessel of a certain size and weight, in different weather conditions, is for the owner/skipper of the vessel to judge
- by securing a boat to a mooring, the owner/skipper warrants to the council that their vessel carried third party liability insurance cover for any claims arising out of their use
- moorings are for visitor use only, not for residential, or long-term berthing
- a visitor is welcome to berth for up to three nights on a visitor mooring (for longer stays, visitor berthing is available at Lamlash and marinas are available at Largs, Fairlie and Ardrossan)
- visiting boats should not use privately owned moorings without the permission of the owner
There is safety and environment information you should be aware of.
Ensure you understand how to pick up a mooring safely before you set off.