NEW Channel Marker buoy - number 8A
A new Channel Marker buoy - number 8A - has been positioned in the Entrance Channel - ref: Local Notice to Mariners 5/2025 issued on 7th March 2025.
Its co-ordinates as below (formerly the position of number 10):
8A: N 50° 41’ 51.00” W 1° 5’ 40.21”
Number 10 has been repositioned between buoys 8A and 10A at the co-ordinates:
10: N 50° 41’ 42.09” W 1° 5’ 41.77”
There will be a trial period and the position of Channel buoy number 10 may be fine-tuned - this information will be updated following anhy adjustments to this or any other Channel markers.
Last updated 7.3.25
Navigation
In common with all Solent harbours, Bembridge Harbour is tidal. A sand bar extends between buoys 1, 2, 2a and 3 at the start of the main outer Entrance Channel as you approach from seaward. The outer Harbour limit is marked by a "Tide Gauge" post (topmark X Fl. Y2s) situated NW of St Helens Fort. An electronic live-feed tide height gauge, showing the depth of water over the bar, is displayed on the Harbour website and updated every 60 seconds.
On spring/medium tides, 1.5m draft vessels can enter approximately 3 hours +/- HW. On neaps with a HW height of less than 4m at Portsmouth, the channel depth sometimes does not exceed 2.2m. On spring tides the depth in the channel can exceed 3.5m.
From the Tide Gauge post a course of approximately 240° brings you to the start of the buoyed channel. Vessels MUST stay within the channel at all times.
Numbers 1 and 2 buoys are lit, with all other channel marker buoys marked with reflective numbers and tape.
Click for a video of the Entrance Channel. For the positions of Channel marker buoys click here.
The recommended maximum speed of 6 knots should be observed within the entrance channel and Harbour at all times. Please do not proceed in such a manner as to cause damage or annoyance to other vessels, especially excessive wash. Anchoring is not permitted in the entrance channel.
Please check Local Notices to Mariners, issued by Bembridge Harbour Authority, for relevant advice. Note: LNTM 1 - General Instructions and Advice, and LMTM 2 - Navigation, remain in force at all times.