Accessing the Marina

Milford Marina 51o42.25N 05o02.02W 
Standard Port - Milford Haven (-0500 Dover)

Situated in an ideal location on the Milford Haven Waterway, Milford Marina provides more than just shelter along the Pembrokeshire coast. The locked marina offers fantastic sailing and water sports opportunities as well as plenty of things to do off the pontoon.

Access to Milford Marina is via the entrance lock. The lock gates are staffed 24/7 and with the installation of the Samson Gate, accessing the marina has never been easier.

Navigating to Milford Marina

For tides, refer to the Port of Milford Haven Tide Tables and consult Admiralty charts 1478, 2878, 3273, 3274, 3275, and Leisure Charts SC1478, SC2878, Imray 2600.11, C60.

For information on the Milford Haven Waterway, please refer to the Leisure User Guide. Milford Haven Port Control Centre can be contacted on VHF channel 12 (call sign 'Milford Haven VTS'). All vessels with a LOA of 20m and over must report to Port Control as required by the Port of Milford Haven General Directions.

During the summer months, to avoid disappointment we recommend contacting Marina Control (Tel: +44 1646 696312) 24 hours before your ETA to confirm availability.

Access to the dock basin is via the entrance lock. Lock times are published in advance on our website as well as displayed in Marina Control and on marina notice boards. 

During the 'freeflow' period - which operates two hours before high water - up until high water, vessel movement is generally unrestricted.

Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the published lock times, mechanical failure, operational requirements, severe weather and/or planned maintenance may affect the programme. 

Milford Docks Pier Head can be contacted on VHF channel 14 (call sign ‘Pier Head’) and to be allocated a marina berth contact Pier Head or Marina Control (call sign 'Marina Control') on channel 37.

Arriving by transport or trailer

Marina customers are able to launch vessels at Milford Marina’s slipway (small fee charged to general public). For access to slipway contact the Marina Office, once launched please contact Pier Head to be given clearance before entering the dock basin.

If arriving by transport, please contact the Marina Office to arrange boat hoist services prior to booking a transport date.

Lock etiquette

• All traffic using the lock is controlled by the Pier Head staff contacted via VHF Channel 14, call sign 'Pier Head'. (Tel: +44 1646 696310).
• It is essential that vessels contact Pier Head before leaving the berth or entering the dock basin.
• During all lock operations, vessels must moor alongside the pontoon/fenders provided, as directed by the duty lock keeper.
• Moor as far forward on the pontoon as possible. If the pontoon is full, then it may be necessary to raft up, so fenders are recommended on both sides of your vessel.
• When the lock cycle is completed, allow the vessels ahead and/or outside you to leave first.
• All the vessels in the lock are to be secured with breast lines and springs.
• Please observe the 'Dead Slow' speed at all times and remain vigilant when entering or leaving the lock.

Lock Operation

During ‘freeflow’

• All gates are open for 2 hours before high water.
• Do not enter or exit the lock without clearance from Pier Head via VHF Channel 14.
• We are unable to fuel vessels during the ‘freeflow’ period, to arrange fuelling please contact Marina Control.
• Pedestrian access across the lock gates between Milford Waterfront and Hakin Point is inaccessible during the ‘freeflow’ period.

Access lock procedure

Short lock (length in lock - 7 to 10 minutes)

• Boat awaiting entry to the marina or dock is called into the lock as instructed by Pier Head VHF Channel 14.
• Open gate (Mitre gate) closes on the published ‘Access’ time.

Full lock (length in lock – 30 to 45 minutes)

• Boat awaiting entry to the marina or dock is called into the lock as instructed by Pier Head VHF Channel 14.
• Open gate closes on the published ‘Access’ time.
• The lock operator can use either the Mitre or Samson gates depending on the length of the incoming vessel.

Upon arrival, once you are safely tied onto your berth, please sign in at the Marina Reception.

Exit lock procedure

Short lock (length in lock - 7 to 10 minutes)

• Boat awaiting exit from the marina or dock is called into the lock as instructed by Pier Head VHF Channel 14.
• Open gate (Samson gate) closes on the published ‘Exit’ time.

Full lock (length in lock – 30 to 45 minutes)

• Boat awaiting exit from the marina or dock is called into the lock as instructed by Pier Head VHF Channel 14.
• Open gate closes on the published ‘Exit’ time.
• The lock operator can use either the Mitre or Samson gates depending on the length of the incoming vessel.

From April to October, Berth Holders and Milford Marina visitors can use the marina’s holding pontoon (The Mackerel Stage) when waiting for an access lock, the pontoon is situated east just outside the lock gates. The Mackerel Stage is a holding pontoon only, overnight stays are not permitted, and the vessel should not be left unattended.

All exit locks must be booked a minimum of one hour in advance. When departing the marina, please ensure all outstanding charges are paid prior to booking an exit lock.

For use of diesel and petrol facilities during your stay, please contact Marina Control to arrange a time for a Marina Operative to assist you at the fuel berth. If you plan to take fuel before a booked exit lock, please ensure you leave yourself sufficient time to receive fuel and provide payment before the published exit time.

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