Harbour Arrangements

Information about purchasing a harbour licence

A licence to berth lasts for 12 months from the start of the season, irrespective of how long the vessel is kept in the water. The duration the vessel is permitted to be kept in the water will depend on the type of vessel, the type of mooring and the insurance cover in place. Fees are non-refundable once payment has been made (unless the application is unsuccessful). Please contact us on 02891 824066.to discuss any queries before submitting your application. Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to apply for a harbour licence online. We are sorry for the inconvenience and are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding

Ards and North Down Borough Council is responsible for a number of harbours, located at:

Groomsport
Ballywalter
Donaghadee
Ballyhalbert
Cook St Pier

Notice to Mariners No 01 - Ards And North Down Borough Council Harbours

Cook Street Pier Strangford Lough N 54 22. 526 W 005 32. 745 Closed

Date of issue: 14/04/2021

Cook Street Pier at Portaferry Strangford Lough is closed to all vessels until further notice due to a sunken Fishing vessel in the inner basin.
Cook Street Pier slipway is closed.
If you need any further information on this, please contact the Harbour Authority.

Harbour contacts

V H F channel 68
Office: 02891 882377
Mob: 07718 579105
Mob: 07718 579104
Mob: 07879 885976
Email: harbours@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

By order of Ards and North Down Borough Council Harbour Authority

This update is available to download as a PDF from the list below.

Notice to Berth-Holders No 1 - Ards And North Down Borough Council Harbours Open 1st April 2021

Notice is hereby given that under the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions, ANDBC Harbours will be opening to all Harbour users on the 01/04/2021 as described below.

Based upon the latest advice and guidance from the UK Government, ANDBC Harbour Authority is to encourage and facilitate a controlled return to safe, family recreational boating, allowing boat owners to access their boats for day use.

All ANDBC Harbour facilities and services will be operating with additional control measures designed to protect both staff and the public from exposure to and transmission of the COVID-19 virus. It is vital that everyone respects the measures, including social distancing and hygiene in line with current government guidance.

Regulations (Amendment 6) that outlines aspects from 1st April 2021 - up to 10 people (including children of all ages) from a maximum of two households can take part in outdoor sports activities.

1. No overnight, or short stay visitors will be permitted into the Harbours until further notice.

2. Skippers must obtain the latest weather forecast and the vessel must be checked and inspected thoroughly before putting to sea. This should include that engines are operating correctly, and all safety equipment is in date and operating as it should. This is particularly important to minimise the need for the emergency services to be mobilised potentially placing them and you at risk.

3. Mariners will want to take advantage of this relaxation on leisure craft. Boat skippers are urged to practice good seamanship, courtesy, patience, and common sense as they move in and out of Harbours.

4. Boat skippers may only be accompanied by persons/crew residing at one other household where the vessel is large enough to maintain social distancing.

5. Boat owners are limited to short periods of water-based activities in every 24-hour period. A vessel should only be away from its berth or mooring for short periods.

6. At the request of the owners of the Copeland Islands, landing on these Islands is not permitted.

7. Refuelling is permitted but only by adhering to the strict social distancing rules currently in place and ensuring continued good hygiene practices including the use of gloves whilst handling refuelling equipment.

8. Surfaces and objects that are touched regularly, should be frequently cleaned, and disinfected thoroughly using appropriate products and equipment on board the vessel.

9. Harbour offices are to remain closed to the public. Berth-holders should make contact via phone or the Harbour email. Whilst outside on harbour sites you must adhere to the two metre distancing rules.

10. All mooring fees payable are to be made via telephone to the Harbour office on 02891 824066.

11. When boat lift or craneage is used, in addition to standard PPE gear, all personnel involved must wear additional PPE gear for coronavirus (COVID-19) purposes i.e. gloves, facemask and eye protection when in close contact with others. Two metre distancing to be carried out as much as possible.

12. Berth-holders or members of the public must inform the harbour Authority if they have any suspicions that someone using the harbour facilities may have coronavirus COVID-19. Information can be obtained on the DEFRA web site.

Thank you all for continued support through these difficult times.

William Angus
Harbour Master

By order of Ards and North Down Borough Council Harbour Authority

This update is available to download as a PDF from the list below.