Swansea Marina Handbook 2026

Swansea Marina Abertawe

Welcome...

Welcome to the 2026 Swansea Marina handbook which aims to provide you with all the information you need for a relaxing and pleasurable stay.

In this booklet you will find information relating to the marina and the local area. It also includes vital details of locking procedures and important safety information which will be of interest to the first time visitor.

Our teams are on hand daily to provide you with excellent service whilst mooring your boat with us. If you find that anything needs clarifying or you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact us where we will be only too pleased to help.

Swansea Marina Lockside, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 1WG

Tel: 01792 470310

Email: Swansea.marina@swansea.gov.uk

www.swanseamarina.org.uk

VHF: Channel 80

Waypoint position: (PIERHEADS)

51° 36’.43N, 003°

55’.67W (WGS 84 Datum)

Routes from Swansea Marina

Swansea Marina

• 550 fully serviced pontoon berths

• Shower Blocks

• Boatyard

• 16 weeks free winter storage to annual bertholders

• Car Parking

• Free Wifi

• 28 day visitor berthing discounts

• Contract extension when away (1-3 months)

• New Boat Sales & Brokerage

• Marine Engineer

• Sail Maker

• Electric car charging point

• Café’s / Restaurants

• Beach

• City Centre Marina Call Sign “Swansea Marina”

Marina guide to facilities

Boatyard

We have a 20 tonne Marine Travel Hoist available. A crane facility is also available for masts etc. The yard has various businesses that undertake hull, GRP, wood, engineering and electrical repairs. Free storage ashore is offered to annual berthholders for a limited period (space permitting).

Water

Stand pipes are available on most pontoons, push fittings are connected to taps to allow you to quickly connect your hose pipe. Please run the water for 30 seconds before filling tanks.

Laundry

The laundry is located on the ground floor at reception. The machines are coin operated (change available from reception).

Living Aboard

You cannot live aboard as vessels may not be used for permanent habitation.

Electricity Supplies

Most of our berths have 240 volt / 16amp supplies. Electricity is charged via a pre-paid card system. Once the credit has been used the supply of electricity will stop. We cannot guarantee a continuous electrical supply and will not accept any liability of loss due to loss of connection.

To use electricity for the first time, simply purchase a £5 electricty card from reception. This card can also be used for future Top Ups at reception.

Diesel, Petrol & Gas

Diesel & Petrol pumps are located on the outside of the Marina Lock; diesel and gas bottle refills are available from 7.00am until 15 minutes before closing. Please ensure refuelling only takes place only at the fuel berth. Containers of fuel brought on site must still be poured at the refuelling berth away from other moored vessels

Free WIFI

Free WIFI is available to all berth holders. WIFI is available on pontoons A – S and at Marina Reception.

Out of Hours Security 01792 646440

Security

Each bridgehead has a self locking gate, access is via a pontoon security card. Visitors will be issued with a 4 digit pin code. Please do not leave or prop the gates open; site security is in everyone’s interest.

A security officer patrols the Marina at night and CCTV is in operation throughout the Marina.

Car Parking

All annual berth holders are entitled to two car park permits. Permit holders may park their vehicle for free at any of our three car parks providing they display their valid permit, subject to terms, conditions and availability. Permits do not guarantee a parking space.

Toilets and Showers

There is 24 hour access to these facilities by use of a Marina pontoon security fob. They are located at three locations:

Reception building. A toilet for the disabled is also located here.

Adjacent to the bridgehead on the North side of Phase I.

Adjacent to the bridgehead on the South side of Phase II.

A chemical toilet waste point is available at reception building.

A ship’s toilet may not be used whilst in the Marina.

Refuse / Recycling

In order to keep waste costs to a minimum we encourage all berth holders to recycle.

We provide the following disposal points around the Marina:

Pontoon Bridgeheads

• Glass

• Cans

• Plastic (Pontoons A – J located at bridgeheads, Pontoons K – U located at pontoons)

• Small bins for non recyclable waste

Boatyard / Hazardous Waste Point

Cardboard

Oil

Oil Filters / Rags

Antifoul Tins

Gas bottles

Batteries

Berth holders are expected to dispose electrical equipment, large packaging and rubbish that we currently do not recycle at their local amenity site.

Safety and Security

General Safety

Safety equipment is installed on the pontoons at regular intervals. Each bridgehead has a safety map outlining these locations. Please familiarise yourself with this map.

Pontoon Safety/Adverse Weather

The pontoons can become very slippery when they are wet or icy. Grit bins are situated close to each bridgehead. High winds can cause mobility problems and strong gusts can catch you off guard. Customers are advised not to go out onto the pontoons in adverse weather conditions unless absolutely necessary. Particular care should be taken when negotiating the bridgehead ramps and getting on or off boats.

Always wear a Life Jacket

In recent years three people fell off boats into the water at the Marina & locks. Two were not wearing lifejackets and struggled to keep afloat in the water until help arrived. Please ensure life jackets are used.

Insurance

You must have valid marine insurance prior to entering our Marina. Fully comprehensive insurance is preferable and it must include salvage i.e. removal of wreck. Cover should have a 5 million pounds Third Party Liability.

Speed Limits

There is a 4 knot speed limit in the Marina, impounded waters of the River Tawe and between the Tawe barrage lock gates to the orange holding buoys. Please always control your wash.

Pontoons / Boatyard on discovering a fire:

Raise the alarm (shout “FIRE” and alert boat owners).

Emergency Services 999.

Reception on 01792 470310 or 01792 646440 (out of hours).

Clear the area of people.

Only tackle the fire if it is safe to do so, with the extinguishers provided in the emergency cabinets.

Not

to be used for Navigation

Pilotage notes

In Swansea Bay tidal streams flow anti-clockwise for 9.5 hrs (Swansea HW - 3.5 to +6), with at times a race off Mumbles Hd. From HW - 6 to - 3 the stream reverses, setting N past Mumbles Hd towards Swansea. Keep seaward of Mixon Shoal. When N of SW Inner Green Grounds (SWIGG) SCM It buoy, Q (6) + LFI 15s keep to W of dredged channel and clear of commercial ships. Yachts must motor in harbour and approach, maximum speed 4kn.

Swansea Docks

All Marina users are reminded that we share the entrance to the river with the fairway for commercial shipping entering and leaving the port of Swansea. It is very important that all boat owners obey the rules laid down by the authorities and give way to commercial shipping at all times.

Port Regulations

When entering the river all craft should maintain a listening watch on Swansea Dock’s VHF channel 14 (Any instruction issued by the Harbour Master on this frequency must be followed). If in doubt call “Swansea Docks” on VHF14 or “Tawe Lock” on VHF 18 ABP docks can also be contacted on 0870 6096699.

Entering and Leaving the Port

All pleasure craft using the port must observe the rules governing the “Prevention of Collisions at Sea”, particularly when navigating within the dredged channel North of the S.W.I.G.G. buoy (South West Inner Green Grounds) to the harbour entrance. You are advised to approach the harbour entrance in the waters to the west of the dredged channel (where practicable).

Large vessels entering or leaving the harbour must be given a wide berth at all times.

All pleasure craft must be under power when in the vicinity of the harbour and should clear waters used by commercial shipping as soon as possible.

Access to Tidal Locks

All access from the sea to the Marina is through the Tawe Barrage Lock during the published hours. During busy locking periods a queuing system will be in operation. Vessels that do not make contact with the Lockmaster or disobey his/her instruction will not be given priority over other traffic. In the interest of every boat owner’s safety, it is of the utmost importance that the Lockmaster’s instructions are obeyed at all times.

Vessels leaving either lock must then transfer to the next lock’s VHF channel on approach and use the appropriate procedure above.

Lock Operating Hours

Weekdays 0700 – 1900 GMT

Weekdays 0700 – 2200 BST

Sat/Sun 0700 – 2200 BST & GMT

Lock Availability

All boat owners wishing to proceed through the locks or swingbridge operate a VHF radio.

Vessels should call “Swansea Marina” on channel 80 before leaving their berth to request lock information and must remain listening on CH. 80 until passage through the bridge or lock is completed.

When you require use of the Tawe Barrage lock you should call ‘Tawe Lock’ to request information and remain listening on CH. 18 until passage through the lock is completed. Do not proceed into the locks unless instruction has been given. Always obey traffic lights.

DO NOT PROCEED

LOCK CLOSED OR FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

Always pay attention to traffic signals and follow the instructions given by the lights:

DO NOT PROCEED

LOCK CLOSED OR FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

DO NOT PROCEED

LOCK CLOSED OR FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

DO NOT PROCEED LOCKING IN PROGRESS

DO NOT PROCEED LOCKING IN PROGRESS

FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

proceed with caution allowing sufficient room for the preceeding vessel to manoeuvre to its berth

DO NOT PROCEED LOCKING IN PROGRESS

FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

proceed with caution allowing sufficient room for the preceeding vessel to manoeuvre to its berth

LOCK LOADING IN PROGRESS

Proceed into lock as directed

Lock Procedure and Tidal Curves, Datum, Time & Height Differences at Swansea Marina Important Notes

FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

proceed with caution allowing sufficient room for the preceeding vessel to manoeuvre to its berth

LOCK LOADING IN PROGRESS

Proceed into lock as directed

Normal procedure for locking out through the Tawe Barrage lock is for the lock to be taken down on the hour and return to the river on the half hour.

LOCK LOADING IN PROGRESS

Proceed into lock as directed

The first lock out of the day at the Tawe lock will be taken down at approximately 0710. The last Tawe lock in is half an hour before the close of business each day.

Boat owners should be ready to leave their berth at approximately quarter to the hour to allow vessels sufficient time to enter the Tawe lock.

Any deviation from the above will be at the discretion of the duty Tawe Lockmaster who will pay due regard to the volume of traffic and any other prevailing conditions.

Any vessels not returning on the same day are required to inform the Lockmaster and Coastguard. A holding buoy is situated downstream from the

LOCKING

FREE FLOW IN OPERATION

proceed with caution allowing sufficient room for the preceeding vessel to manoeuvre to its berth

LOCK LOADING IN PROGRESS

Proceed into lock as directed

lock and may be used outside of locking hours. Great care is necessary at low water spring tides as there is a danger of drying out.

When using the locks:

1. Always tie up as far forward as possible, this will help everyone behind you entering the lock.

2. Always have ropes available to securely tie up, don’t hold on to the pontoons, sometimes it’s necessary for a boat to tie up alongside you.

3. Engines should be switched off in Tawe Lock.

4. Ladders within Tawe lock must not be used unless there is an emergency situation.

• A variety of RYA courses •

• Power boat level 2 to Advanced •

• Start motorboating Helmsman, Day skipper, Coastal skipper practical •

• Start sailing, Comp crew, Day skipper, Coastal skipper •

• Shore based Day skipper theory, Yachtmaster theory•

• PWC proficiency (Jetski course) •

• One-to-one tuition • Own boat tuition •

• Diesel engine, Vhf, First aid, Radar course, Sea Survival courses • • ICC assessments power and sail • Discount code: sma2023

Travel information

Bus Enquiries 0800 464 00000

Health and Emergency

Coastguard 01646 690909

Morriston Hospital 01792 702222

NHS Wales 111

Taxis 01792 474747

Local attractions

Grand Theatre 01792 475715

Central Library 01792 636464

Swansea Museum 01792 653763

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

01792 516900

Plantasia 01792 474555

National Waterfront Museum 02920 573600

Other services

Glenally Marina Café 07943494339

Swansea Marina

Where the city meets the sea...

The Marina’s unique location guarantees something to please every member of the family.

Swansea Marina’s central location in the Bristol Channel makes it an unsurpassed cruising centre with marinas to the east including Cardiff, Watchet and Portishead, with Neyland and Milford Haven to the West. The spectacular, rugged coastline of Devon is a mere twenty or so miles away.

The vibrant city centre of Swansea lies right on our doorstep. With a huge range of shops and a world-famous covered market this is just the place to indulge in a little retail therapy! There are a large number of bars and cafes and an increasingly cosmopolitan range of restaurants.

If the sun is shining why not enjoy your coffee al fresco at one of the many establishments offering tables with a view over the water.

When the weather is less kind you can enjoy one of our museums or art galleries, or take the children to the fabulous water park at the LC2.

If you should decide to moor with us permanently you will find that there is something happening throughout the year. Annual events include the Waterfront Wonderland with its winter fair and ice skating; the annual Air Show, in the spring the annual Clyne in Bloom event and, of course, the Swansea Bay Summer Festival with events too numerous to mention.

Closer to home lie the charming villages and breathtaking coastline of the Gower

Peninsula. Whether you are looking for secluded rocky coves or sweeping sandy bays you will not be disappointed. Gower beaches frequently feature in lists of top twenty British beaches, why not visit and find out why.

Sports fans will not be disappointed; we are not far from top flight rugby and championship football at the city’s Swansea.com Stadium. All watersports are well catered for and numerous gyms offer the opportunity to work off last night’s dinner!

Swansea’s new 3,500 capacity Arena is now open, checkout who is performing and purchase tickets at www.atgtickets. com/venues/swansea-arena.

So, whatever the weather and whatever the time of year, the city of Swansea and its acclaimed marina will always have something to offer.

High & Low Waters to Datum for Swansea 2026

January February March

1.11 0919 9.31

0822 9.86 1422 0.65 2037 9.77

0242 0.72 0904 9.69 1501 0.88 2118 9.54 0324 1.01 0948 9.29 1541 1.30 2201 9.09

0409 1.49 1034 8.69

0231 0.92 0852 9.46 1451 1.07 2108 9.46 0320 1.13 0942 9.15 1537 1.38 2157 9.12 0412 1.46 1033 8.71 1627 1.80 2251 8.67 0508 1.87 1127 8.22 1724 2.25 2351 8.22 0610 2.25 1228 7.78 1830 2.62 0056 7.88 0718 2.52 1335 7.52 1945 2.78 0205 7.75 0829 2.58 1445 7.51 2057 2.69 0312 7.82 0934 2.47 1550 7.73 2157 2.45 0411 8.02 1030 2.26 1644 8.05 2247 2.17 0502

High & Low Waters to Datum for Swansea 2026 Times

July August September

0354 0.90 1006 9.28 1601 1.10 2221 9.45 0433 1.16 1046 8.99 1638 1.41 2302 9.07 0509 1.57 1124 8.58 1715 1.85 2342 8.57 0545 2.07 1203 8.09 1755 2.37

7.99 0626 2.62 1248 7.57 1845 2.90 0115 7.44 0718 3.11 1345 7.14 1952 3.30

0426 1.54 1042 8.73 1633 1.73

8.59 0454 2.09 1113 8.20 1703 2.32 2329 7.94 0523 2.69 1148 7.61 1741 2.97 0009 7.26 0606 3.31 1235 7.02 1845 3.58 0110 6.67 0730 3.79 1359 6.62 2030 3.82 0300 6.48 0912 3.77 1555 6.84 2206 3.46 0427 6.89 1033 3.27 1701 7.47 2308 2.83 0523 7.52 1125 2.63 1748 8.12 2351 2.21 0606 8.10 1206 2.07 1827 8.65 0028 1.72 0643 8.56 1242 1.64 1903 9.02 0103 1.38 0718 8.89 1318 1.35

Swansea Marina

Boatyard Services

• 20 tonne marine travel hoist

• 1 tonne crane for masts/engines

• Large boatyard

• 24hr access to yard

• Electricity supplies

• Water points

• Friendly, experienced staff on hand

• Established companies onsite including mechanical engineers, electrical services, riggers, valeting, antifouling and boat repair services

Not an annual berth holder at Swansea Marina?

Not a problem...

We offer boatyard facilities to all local marinas and yacht clubs between May and September. Booking a space couldn’t be easier - simply call us on 01792 470310 one week in advance, and if the weather is against you when you are due to sail to us, we will re-arrange the booking at no cost. Boatyard space is subject to availability.

High & Low Waters to Datum for Swansea 2026

October November December

0306 6.76 0915 3.45 1540 7.36 2151 2.96 0411 7.43 1012 2.82 1633 8.03 2241 2.32 0457 8.12 1057 2.21 1717 8.64 2321 1.77

8.71 1137 1.71 1757 9.14

1.36 0516 9.17 1117 1.36 1736 9.49 2340 1.10 0555 9.49 1157 1.13 1816 9.70 0019 0.97 0634 9.66

9.57

IMPORTANT!

Check your boat Insurance cover is correct!

You must have valid marine insurance prior to entering our Marina. Fully comprehensive insurance is preferable and it must include salvage i.e. removal of wreck. Cover should have a 5 million pounds Third Party Liability.

You should know that, as a boat owner, you may be personally liable for all damage to your own boat, third party boats and pollution costs should your boat not be insured, or an insurance company decline a claim.

During 2024 we had several boats sink where the boat owner did not have salvage cover. Please check this with your insurer. The total costs to raise a boat after it sinks can be anywhere between £2,000£50,000. These costs can include specialist dive teams, support boats, oil spillage booms, oil & fuel extraction, and associated waste disposal charges.

Please check your insurance policy includes the following cover:

• up to 5 million pounds Third Party Liability

• salvage/ removal of craft

You should take this opportunity to check all the details are correct and accurate to make sure the insurance company have all the information they need to process any claims smoothly:

• The price you paid for the boat

• The correct make / model of the craft

• Where the boat is moored (Swansea Marina)

If you are uncertain contact your insurance broker or insurance provider to check the details and ensure that your policy is in keeping with your details and requirements.

Tawe Lock Low Water Closures 2026

Friday 02 Lock Master’s Decision

Saturday 03 1030 - 1330

Sunday 04 1130 - 1430

Monday 05 1215 - 1515

Tuesday 06 1300 - 1600

Wednesday 07 1345 - 1645

Thursday 08 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 19 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 20 1145 - 1445

Wednesday 21 1230 - 1530

Thursday 22 1300 - 1600

Friday 23 1330 - 1630

Saturday 24 Lock Master’s Decision

January February March

Sunday 01 1030 - 1330

Monday 02 1115 - 1415

Tuesday 03 1200 - 1500

Wednesday 04 1245 - 1545

Thursday 05 1315 - 1615

Friday 06 1345 - 1645

Saturday 07 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 16 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 17 1100 - 1400

Wednesday 18 1130 - 1430

Thursday 19 1200 - 1500

Friday 20 1230 - 1530

Saturday 21 1315 - 1615

Sunday 22 1345 - 1645

Monday 23 Lock Master’s Decision

Sunday 01 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 02 1030 - 1330

Tuesday 03 1100 - 1400

Wednesday 04 1145 - 1445

Thursday 05 1215 - 1515

LOCK CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

Friday 06 1245 - 1545

Saturday 07 1315 - 1615

Sunday 08 Lock Master’s Decision

2200 Sunday 1st March – 0700

Tuesday 17 0945 - 1245

Wednesday 18 1030 - 1330

Thursday 19 1100 - 1400

Monday 23rd March 2026

Friday 20 1145 - 1445

Saturday 21 1215 - 1515

Sunday 22 1245 - 1545

Monday 23 1315 - 1615

Tuesday 24 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 30 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 31 1100 - 1400

April

Wednesday 01 1130 - 1430

Thursday 02 1215 - 1515

Friday 03 1245 - 1545

Saturday 04 1315 - 1615

Sunday 05 1330 - 1630

Monday 06 Lock Master’s Decision

Wednesday 15 1015 - 1315

Thursday 16 1045 - 1345

Friday 17 1130 - 1430

Saturday 18 1215 - 1515

Sunday 19 1245 - 1545

Monday 20 1330 - 1630

Tuesday 21 1415 - 1715

Tuesday 28 Lock Master’s Decision

Wednesday 29 1030 - 1330

Thursday 30 April 2026 1100 - 1400

Tawe Lock Low Water Closures 2026

May

Friday 01 1130 - 1430

Saturday 02 1200 - 1500

Sunday 03 1230 - 1530

Monday 04 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 14 Lock Master’s Decision

Friday 15 1015 - 1315

Saturday 16 1100 - 1400

Sunday 17 1145 - 1445

Monday 18 1230 - 1530

Tuesday 19 1315 - 1615

Wednesday 20 400 - 1700

Saturday 30 Lock Master’s Decision

Sunday 31 Lock Master’s Decision

June

Monday 01 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 02 Lock Master’s Decision

Saturday 13 Lock Master’s Decision

Sunday 14 1045 - 1345

Monday 15 1130 - 1430

Tuesday 16 1230 - 1530

Wednesday 17 1315 - 1615

Thursday 18 1400 - 1700

Friday 19 1445 - 1745

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July

Wednesday 01 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 02 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 13 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 14 1130 - 1430

Wednesday 15 1215 - 1515

Thursday 16 1315 - 1615

Friday 17 1345 - 1645

Saturday 18 1430 - 1730

Sunday 19 1515 - 1815

Wednesday 29 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 30 Lock Master’s Decision

Friday 31 1245 - 1545

August

Saturday 01 1315 - 1615

Sunday 02 1345 - 1645

Monday 03 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 04 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 11 Lock Master’s Decision

Wednesday 12 1130 - 1430

Thursday 13 1215 - 1515

Friday 14 1245 - 1545

Saturday 15 1330 - 1630

Sunday 16 1400 - 1700

Monday 17 1430 - 1730

Tuesday 18 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 27 Lock Master’s Decision

Friday 28 1145 - 1445

Saturday 29 1215 - 1515

Sunday 30 1300 - 1600

Monday 31 1330 - 1630

Tawe Lock Low Water Closures 2026

September

Tuesday 01 1400 - 1700

Wednesday 02 Lock Master’s Decision

Wednesday 09 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 10 1115 - 1415

Friday 11 1145 - 1445

Saturday 12 1230 - 1530

Sunday 13 1300 - 1600

Monday 14 1330 - 1630

Tuesday 15 1400 - 1700

Friday 25 Lock Master’s Decision

Saturday 26 1115 - 1415

Sunday 27 1200 - 1500

Monday 28 1230 - 1530

Tuesday 29 1300 - 1600

Wednesday 30 1345 - 1645

October

Thursday 01 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 08 Lock Master’s Decision

Friday 09 1045 - 1345

Saturday 10 1130 - 1430

Sunday 11 1200 - 1500

Monday 12 1230 - 1530

Tuesday 13 1300 - 1600

Wednesday 14 Lock Master’s Decision

Saturday 24 Lock Master’s Decision

Sunday 25 0945 - 1245

Monday 26 1030 - 1330

Tuesday 27 1100 - 1400

Wednesday 28 1145 - 1445

Thursday 29 1230 - 1530

Friday 30 Lock Master’s Decision

November

Saturday 07 Lock Master’s Decision

Sunday 08 1000 - 1300

Monday 09 1030 - 1330

Tuesday 10 1100 - 1400

Wednesday 11 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 12 Lock Master’s Decision

Monday 23 Lock Master’s Decision

Tuesday 24 1000 - 1300

Wednesday 25 1045 - 1345

Thursday 26 1145 - 1445

Friday 27 1230 - 1530

Saturday 28 Lock Master’s Decision

December

Wednesday 09 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 10 Lock Master’s Decision

Wednesday 23 Lock Master’s Decision

Thursday 24 1045 - 1345

Friday 25 Christmas Day - Closed

Saturday 26 1230 - 1530

Sunday 27 1315 - 1615

Monday 28 1400 - 1700

Tuesday 29 Lock Master’s Decision

What

are

lock Closures?

The lock will stop operating when the tide level drops below 1.5 metres. This happens on spring tides and the closure will last approximately 90 minutes either side of low water, 3 hours in total.

What is a Lockmaster’s decision?

Our tide heights are only predictions and if we anticipate low water level to be between 1.5 – 1.8 metres, we list these tides as lockmaster decision. There is a possibility of a closure up to 60 minutes either side of low water.

In addition, around low water there may only be enough water to lock out boats with a small draft, it’s possible for the lock to remain operational around low water for ribs and very small boats however deeper draft vessel may need to wait until after low water.