Stupid question alert

[A2THEK101]

Taking a short trip from Ramsgate to Folkestone soon and just wondered what I need to do with Dover VTS. Their website only mentions contacting them if berthing. Is there anytying in particular I need to be aware if just motoring past such as following a certain passage or particular VHF procedures?

 

[Habebty]

There is more on their website about calling them when passing, I read it last week. I’ll dig up a link for you.

Here
https://www.doverport.co.uk/marina/navigation-berthing/

Actually it doesn’t mention passing the port but if you want to pass within 2 miles call them with your intentions.

 

[Biggles Wader]

You need to call them if you are passing within two miles of the port. Still a good idea if you are a bit further off as they will be helpful in telling you what ferry traffic you might encounter and they will also warn the other traffic about you if needed. I have always found Dover port control to be very professional and very helpful.

 

[A2THEK101]

Great stuff. Thank you

 

[johnalison]

It's a good idea to call them anyway. There is no point in getting into their black book; you might want to stay there on the way back. One of the uses of AIS is to check on the movements of ships out of sight in harbours.

 

[Tomahawk]

Once Dover get to recognise you and your seamanship, they are really accommodating.

We were leaving to go back to Ramsgit many years ago. Usual instructions, close up to eastern, staying south and call us up at two cables. As we got to eastern, Dover left her berth and Nord Pas de Calais was approaching.

Our habit is always close up as instructed then when given the go ahead to cross the entrance at full speed then set course for the Foreland/Knucke Light so as to be as clear the entrance as fast possible. Port control had got to recognise us and called us up and told us to follow Dover.

No sooner had our bow cleared the Southern breakwater than Nord Pas de Calais was giving it five blasts on the horn. This was a bit disconcerting as we were following instructions from port control so First Officer calls up to seek clarification we had done the right thing.

"Don’t worry" says port control, "they have plenty of room"....... You wouldn’t get that at Ramsgit.

 

[johnalison]

Once Dover get to recognise you and your seamanship, they are really accommodating.

We were leaving to go back to Ramsgit many years ago. Usual instructions, close up to eastern, staying south and call us up at two cables. As we got to eastern, Dover left her berth and Nord Pas de Calais was approaching.

Our habit is always close up as instructed then when given the go ahead to cross the entrance at full speed then set course for the Foreland/Knucke Light so as to be as clear the entrance as fast possible. Port control had got to recognise us and called us up and told us to follow Dover.

No sooner had our bow cleared the Southern breakwater than Nord Pas de Calais was giving it five blasts on the horn. This was a bit disconcerting as we were following instructions from port control so First Officer calls up to seek clarification we had done the right thing.

"Don’t worry" says port control, "they have plenty of room"....... You wouldn’t get that at Ramsgit.

One of our proudest moments was when entering Dover we heard a ferry asking permission to leave and he was told that he would have to wait because there was a yacht coming in, though we were still some way off.