Navigation

Pilotage instructions

The river is approached from Southampton Water. Entry is possible by day or night and at all states of the tide for vessels with draughts of 2.5 metres or less. 

Admiralty Chart 2022 provides up-to-date information based on the most recent depth surveys. The river is self-scouring and depths are stable. Although the main channel does not require dredging, vessels with draughts of greater than 2.5m are advised to consider depths on lower spring tides and contact the Harbour Authority if in doubt. 

When approaching from the Solent, care should be taken not to impede large vessels in the Southampton Precautionary Area (see Southampton VTS Notices to Mariners). Vessels in that area over 150 metres in length have a Moving Prohibited Zone (MPZ) that requires smaller craft to keep a minimum of 1,000 metres clear ahead and 100 metres clear on either side.

Vessels of over 20 metres in length must call Hamble Harbour Radio on VHF Ch 68 for approval to enter the river. 

On approaching Hamble Point Southerly Cardinal Mark (Q(6)+Lfl15s) vessels are advised to pass the mark to port to give sea room to any outbound traffic if appropriate.

Number 1 Mark, to the north, is a green double post (Q.G.2M) with a banner and marks the entrance to the river. From here, the speed limit is 6 knots and regulations for the Hamble are in force.

Leading sector lights on Hamble Point will guide you at night before reaching Number 7 mark to starboard, again a green double post with a banner (Q.G.2M). This mark indicates a turn of around 30 degrees to starboard to follow the marked channel.

At night, another sectored light will appear to the right of the conspicuous Warsash Sailing Club (a white building with a mast).

Once abeam Warsash College Jetty, the main channel bears north with a secondary channel to port offering access to Hamble Point Marina on the western bank.

The Main Channel is navigable by masted yachts until the first A27 Bridge at Bursledon. Tide gauges are at Crableck (opposite Mercury Marina) and Swanwick (near the fuel berth).

All vessels must be mindful of the shoal hazards presented by Hook Spit (to starboard) and Hamble Point (to port). While clearly marked, both are steep and unforgiving, and vessels must give these hazards particular attention. This is most important during the strong ebb tide which can see the tidal height reduce by 80cm in 30 minutes at the peak rate.

All vessels are advised to keep a proper look-out for small craft and a listening watch on VHF Ch 68 for safety reasons. it is particularly important to obey the 6 knot speed limit. This is doubly important given the density of traffic and small traffic which can be encountered and also because any wash created can cause danger to persons working aloft.

The six-knot speed limit will be enforced.

Traffic density can be high, particularly during summer months and any wash created can cause danger to people working aloft. 

Silhouette of harbour