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Prince of Wales Dock, Swansea

In the following guidance notes you will find information about Prince of Wales dock and some basic
rules for personal and public safety and protection of the environment in the Port of Swansea.
Specific telephone numbers are given where appropriate however all general enquiries should be
directed to the Lock Controller, Marine Control on (01792) 332282 or E-mail
swahm@abports.co.uk.

Representation

All craft wishing to use Prince of Wales dock hospitality berth must appoint a local shipping agent to
represent their interests whilst in port. A list of local agents willing to provide representation to
charity vessels is shown on pages 8 and 9 of this sheet. A more comprehensive list of agents may
be obtained on request from ABP’s main office. Telephone (029) 20835000. Fax (029) 20835001, or
E-mail: swahm@abports.co.uk.

Pilotage

Pilotage is recommended for all craft over 20 metres berthing at, or sailing from, Prince of Wales
dock and compulsory for all craft over 20 metres in length carrying 12 or more passengers. Orders
for pilots will only be accepted from appointed representatives. Charges for pilotage services can be
obtained on request from ABP’s main office.
For general pilotage enquiries telephone

Boat Handlers and Linehandlers

The engagement of licensed boatmen and linehandlers is recommended for all craft over 20 metres
in length berthing at, or sailing from, Prince of Wales dock. Orders for boatmen must be placed by
appointed representatives. When berthing the first lines ashore must be conveyed by launch or by
heaving lines thrown from the shore. The throwing of heaving lines from craft to the shore is strictly
prohibited.

Indemnities

All parties (individually and collectively) using Prince of Wales dock do so on the basis that they
agree (to the fullest extent permitted by law) to be responsible for and to release and indemnify
Associated British Ports Holdings PLC, its subsidiary Grosvenor Waterside Investment Ltd and
associated companies, including Associated British Ports and its subsidiaries, their servants and
agents from and against all liability for a) Personal injury (whether fatal or otherwise), save to the
extent that Section 2(1) of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 shall be applicable; b) Loss of or
damage to any property whatsoever; and c) Any other loss (including economic loss), damage costs
and expenses howsoever caused or incurred (whether or not caused or incurred or contributed to by
the negligent act or default of the ABP, its servants or agents) arising directly or indirectly from, or
in any way connected with, the above-mentioned permission.

Location and Access

Prince of Wales dock : Access is gained initially by entry to the port through Kings Lock and then by
transit of King’s Dock, through Prince of Wales bridge cut. The Prince of Wales Bridge cut are
crossed by a road bridge. Subject to shipping it will normally take about 20 mins to travel from
Kings Lock to Prince of Wales Hospitality berth.

Depth Alongside

The maximum permissible draft in Prince of Wales dock is 7.6m. The berth is surveyed annually.
This depth can not, however, be guaranteed and any craft which requires a critical underkeel
clearance must consult with the Dock and Harbour Master before confirming any arrangements to
enter the port.

Dock Water Density

The Prince of Wales Dock has an average specific gravity of 1.010. Circumstances though may arise
where the specific gravity may differ.

Fenders

The Prince of Wales dock is unfendered, visiting craft must provide their own fenders.
Mooring bollards and rings
Large mooring bollards, capable of taking up to 10 tonnes lateral pull, are situated at 20 metre
intervals along the 190 metre long quay wall. In between the mooring bollards at approximately 10
metre intervals are large mooring rings capable of taking up to 1 tonne lateral pull. Craft must not
secure lines to the railings.

Lifebuoys

A lifebuoy and line in a protective cabinet is located at 20 metre intervals along the quay.

Pyrotechnics

Craft alongside Prince of Wales Hospitality berth are prohibited from using pyrotechnics (including
the firing of cannons) without the written permission of the Dock and Harbour Master.

Access

The means of access between the quay wall and a craft alongside must be in full accordance with
the Merchant Shipping (Means of Access) Regulations 1988. Where the size of a craft prevents the
deployment of a suitable gangway a cargo net or equivalent must be rigged under any point at
which it is necessary to cross between the quay wall and the craft. The means of access must not
present a tripping risk or a hazard to pedestrians.
Whenever possible gangways should be positioned in the removable sections of the quayside railing.
In circumstances where this can not be achieved prior arrangements can be made with ABP to cut
the railings.

Painting alongside

All craft are prohibited from painting overside either from the quay wall or from a floating painting
platform.

Crew Displays

All sailing craft entering the port or moving within the dock system are prohibited from undertaking
displays in which crew members are encouraged to undertake activities not wholly necessary for the
safe operation of the craft e.g. standing on the yards.

Craft in Prince of Wales dock

Craft alongside prince of Wales hospitality berth are prohibited from deploying any smaller craft,
particularly high speed rigid inflatable boats, into the dock without the permission, in writing, of the
Harbour Master. The speed limit within the docks is 4 knots.

Safety

Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974, the Docks Regulations and the Management of
Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, users of Prince of Wales dock are responsible for
carrying out risk assessments and safe systems of work in respect of the activities with which they
are involved and for implementing and monitoring the control measures deemed necessary arising
from the risk assessments.

Services - Waste Collection

All craft using Prince of Wales dock must make their own arrangements for the removal of galley
and other solid waste. An area near the parking bays has been assigned as a skip location zone for
this purpose.
Appointed representatives must take full responsibility for ordering skips at least three working days
in advance of a craft’s arrival, securing necessary local council approval and obtaining and signing
all necessary waste transfer documentation.
ABP has developed a single reporting website www.abpnotify.co.uk to handle all waste notification
information for all ABP ports around the UK. Electronic notification forms are to be used by all
vessels heading to an ABP-managed berth or terminal, unless in possession of an MCA exemption
certificate.