Caledonian Canal Skipper’s Guide
Our Skipper's Guide tells you everything you need to know about boating on the Caledonian Canal.
Safety on the Caledonian Canal
Do
- Do have an adequate number of competent crew aboard. Single-handed passage is possible but may be subject to delays depending on staff availability to assist.
- Do take time to plan ahead, lay out warps, fenders, and clear decks before you set off.
- Do check fuel and oil levels before starting the engine and also that all controls are working properly.
- Do make sure that children and non swimmers wear life jackets.
- Do relax and take your time.
Don’t
- Do not speed in the waterway, this damages banks and affects other waterway users.
- Do not cruise after darkness.
- Do not cruise near weirs, or attempt to shoot them in canoes.
- Do not allow pets to wander – keep them on leads and do not allow them to foul the canal banks.
Tidal operation
Special note should be taken of the tidal restrictions at sea locks. Within normal operating hours, Corpach Sea Lock is available ≥ 1m, and Clachnaharry Sea Lock is available ≥ 1.4m. This restriction for sufficient depth to float the sea lock gates. At low water and spring tides the sea locks are CLOSED 2 HOURS (or a little longer) either side of low tide.
Contact the Sea Lock Keeper on VHF CH 74 for advice.
Corpach Basin
Corpach Basin is at times used by large freight vessels which require room to manoeuvre, therefore it is rarely available for berthing leisure craft. Please follow the lock keeper’s advice and berth where directed.
Navigation
Information is contained in the following publications; Pilots: The Admiralty North Coast of Scotland Pilot (NP52) and the Admiralty West Coast of Scotland Pilot (NP66), both of which can be obtained from Admiralty chart agents.
Also in Yachtsman’s Pilots published by Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson, and by Clyde Cruising Club.
Charts: Eastern Approaches: – Moray Firth 115, Inverness Firth 1078, Caledonian Canal 1791. Western Approaches – Loch Linnhe (North) 2380, Fort William and Corpach 2372.
Narrowboats
Skippers of narrowboats are requested to contact the canal office for specific safety advice in advance of arrival.
Slipways
Seaport Marina has one foating slipway for small, non-motorised craft only.
- Caley Marina: 01463 236328
- Great Glen Water Park: 01809 501381
- Corpach Boat Builders: 01397 772861
- Dores / Inchnacardoch Bay - check slipways for access details.
Please check slipways for suitability before use.
Jetties and transit moorings
There are transit jetties adjacent to most locks and bridges. Please check with lock keeper as to the best place to berth, particularly if you plan a long stay. During the summer season, it is helpful if skippers of large vessels (LOA ≥ 15m) call the canal office prior to arrival, to allow planning of overnight berthing on passage.
Customs and Immigration Procedure
Overseas vessels wishing to make first UK landfall at the Caledonian Canal must follow carefully these two entry procedures, from UK Border Force, in advance of arrival:
Customs reporting procedure
- Fly the yellow Q flag on entering UK Territorial waters (the 12-mile limit).
- Complete Part 2 of the HMRC C1331 form (available on Gov.UK)
- Call the HMRC National Yachtline +44 (0)300 123 2012 on arrival.
- Declare any excess goods on the C1331 form and pay the duty/tax using the Online Service for Passengers via Gov.UK
Immigration reporting procedure
Before disembarking your vessel, you must contact the local Border Force office to request permission to enter.
In all cases for vessels visiting one of Scotland’s canals, this would be +44 (0)300 106 5725 (Border Force North, 24/7)
Swing Bridge Protocols
Please be advised that other than for safety reasons, the canal road swing bridges will NOT be opened to boat traffic at the following times:
Muirtown Swing Bridge - not open to canal traffic at the following times all year:
Monday to Friday 08:15 – 09:20 12:10 – 13:20 16:25 – 17:45
Saturdays 08:20 – 09:20 13:15 – 13:45 17:00 – 17:30
Sundays 08:20 – 09:20 10:20 – 10:50 13:15 – 13:45 17:00 – 17:30
Fort Augustus Swing Bridge - not open to canal traffic at the following times:
Monday to Friday (during school term) 08:20 – 09:00
Monday to Friday (during school holidays) 08:40 – 09:00
Banavie Road Swing Bridge - not open to canal traffic at the following times all year:
Monday to Friday 08:30 – 09:00 13:30 – 14:00
Safety first
Insurance and Boat Safety Scheme
Insurance
You must have in place a valid insurance policy for your vessel which covers third-party liabilities for at least two million pounds. The policy must also cover cost of recovery if your vessel takes on water or sinks. A valid copy must be provided to the local waterway office or sea lock upon arrival.
Boat Safety Certificate
All those berthing within the canal system for periods in excess of 30 days must obtain a Boat Safety Certificate or equivalent.
Owners using the canal for less than 30 days will be subject to spot checks to ensure their craft meet the standards of safety required under the scheme. Checks will cover the gas system, electrical system, and will be visual or in the case of the gas test carried out by use of a leak detector
Speed Limits
The maximum speed permitted on the canal sections is 5 knots, but please plan your passage with leisure in mind since excess speed not only damages canal banks, but is hazardous to other users. Please slow down as you approach locks and bridges, and also whilst passing moored craft. Vessels found to be speeding may be held back by canal staff.
VHF Communication
Sea locks and most locks and bridges are equipped with VHF and operate on Channel 74. Please keep your VHF Radio switched on!
Radar
Masters are requested to ensure radar scanners are switched off whilst craft are within or approaching locks.
Swimming
Please do not swim in the waterway, you could become entangled in weeds, be hit by a passing craft or be drawn into a sluice when locks are in use. The results could be fatal.
Large Vessels Warning
Large commercial vessels operate on the Caledonian Canal. These craft normally have right of way and it may be necessary to stop smaller craft for short periods. For your safety please adhere to Scottish Canals’ staff instructions at all times.
Facilities
Fuel
Diesel fuel is available at Seaport Marina.
Garages provide petrol in small quantities - enquire as to opening hours.
Camping Gaz is available at many garages and local stores – please ask lock keepers for advice.
Drinking Water
Available at Seaport Marina, Dochgarroch, Fort Augustus, Laggan, Banavie and Corpach. Please bring your own hose pipe for connection to the taps.
Toilets and Showers
Available at locations throughout the canal. Keys to access the facilities are issued by sea lock keepers on arrival and collected on exiting the canal. The fee for a key is included in the licence fee for boaters. Walkers / canoeists can buy the use of keys for a fee at Seaport Marina and Corpach Sea Lock
Pump-out Facilities
Available at Banavie, Fort Augustus and Muirtown locks. If you require a pump- out please ask lock staff for advice on operation and service cost. Please note that black water must not be discharged into the canal.
Litter
Please respect the sensitive environment along the canal by using the bins provided at locks or retain litter until you can recycle it. All locations have compulsory recycling facilities.
Laundry Facilities
Available at Seaport Marina and Fort Augustus, Gairlochy and Banavie – please see local notices for advice on costs and operation. Be sure to bring your own washing powder or liquid detergent!
Port Waste Management
Scottish Canals has produced Port Waste Management Plans which are agreed with the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) and must be complied with at all times.
Please note that no discharge of oil or bilge water is permitted either in the canal or its adjacent waters and any contravention of this ruling will result in notification to the MCA and may render you liable to prosecution by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Emergency discharge facilities can be arranged using specialist contractors at additional cost - please contact the canal office for advice.
There are disposal facilities for small amounts of waste oil at Seaport Marina and Corpach.