Safety Guide for Lough Neagh

Boat and Sail Safely

Planning for a Journey

Before setting off on a boat, here is a few simple tips for trouble free boating:
Plan your boat journey Tell another party the details of your boat journey Check the weather for the day Check your boats in good condition Make sure you and your crew know how to handle the boat Get local waterway information if possible Make sure that you have more than enough fuel Make sure youve got a tank of clean water Do not take alcohol when piloting a boat

Navigation on Lough Neagh

The surface of Lough Neagh covers some 390km and in some ways could be described as an inland sea. With few exceptions, the Lough shelves gradually from the shoreline. Safe water is usually found by keeping 0.5km from shore, but an exception to this is the entrance to Toome Bay (known as Skady Tower) where safe water is not found until over 1km from the shore.

Good Conduct on the Lough

The Lough is used for cruising, sailing, angling, canoeing, water skiing, commercial fishing, sand extraction, landing amphibious aircraft, jetskis and others. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the Lough, please observe the following code:

The purpose of this guide is to help people to safely boat on Lough Neagh and enjoy what is one of Northern Irelands greatest inland waterway resources. The Lough provides great boating opportunities for both beginners and experienced boaters alike and an opportunity to experience one of our greatest waterway wildernesses. However, it is a very large expanse of water and caution should be exercised at all times but with care and attention and proper training, it can be enjoyed safely and provide a great day out.

General Code of Conduct

Respect and be courteous to other users, visitors and locals Slow down when passing small craft and boat at jetties and slipways Keep wash and wake to a minimum Wear a Life Jacket appropriate to your activity Use a kill cord/cut-out switch on sports boats and jet skis When skiing have an observer or use a wing mirror

This guide is focussed towards new boaters and provides them with practical and useful advice on how to be safe on the Lough. It is not a detailed navigation aid but provides basic safety guidance and advice and points people in the direction of where to buy important safety and navigation equipment and get trained further in boating and navigation skills.

Lough Neagh has no statutory navigation authority and it is vital that you exert caution at all times, as there are a number of hazards on the Lough and the horizon is surrounded by low-lying hinterland and good landmarks are few and far between. There is navigation signage around the Lough and the map overleaf details where all markers and hazards are located, together with reference to some of the main landmarks that can be used for basic location.

Basic Rules of Navigation

Keep to the right of in any navigation channel Keep to the right when meeting craft

The importance of getting trained to pilot or sail a boat on the Lough cannot be over emphasised and one of the best ways of starting to learn basic boating skills is by becoming a member of a local Sailing Club or the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association and learning from other boating colleagues. There are three main boating and sailing clubs around the shores of the Lough and all of them are very welcoming and wish to attract new members. So if you are keen to get on the waters of Lough Neagh, why not contact your local boating and sailing club. Details are provided below.

Check the Weather

It is important to check the weather before a boating journey. Here is a list of weather forecast sources:

When overtaking always give way Keep well clear when passing or overtaking Make your intentions clear by early distinct action Give way to craft converging from the right Give way to bigger, less manoeuvrable craft Power gives way to sail, oar or paddle Do not cross the bows of oncoming craft Always observe the No-wake policy Beware of part or submerged tree debris near river mouths Recreational craft should not navigate after dark

Ringoes and biscuits should be used only at max 20mph and with a rope no longer than 20m Give due respect to others engaged in sporting competitions

Remember to Always Wear a Life Jacket

VHF Belfast Coastguard broadcast weather forecasts and warnings every four hours on VHF with initial announcements on channel 16. Broadcasts are timed at 0305, 0705, 1105, 1505, 1905, 2305 UTC. BBC RADIO BBC Radio 4 broadcasts the shipping forecast at 0048 and 0520 on LW, MW, and FM. It also broadcasts it at 1201 and 1754 LW only. BBC WEBSITE The BBC has a day forecast with current observations for Belfast International Airport (beside Lough Neagh) on their website www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6296569.

Why not join a Lough Neagh Boating and Sailing Club?

Lough Neagh Sailing Club Kinnego Marina Oxford Island Craigavon

Environmental Code of Conduct

Equipment Checklist
Check the equipment you need before a boat journey: Lifejackets, lifebuoy and lifeline

E: info@loughneaghsailingclub.org T: Kevin 077 1080 4169 W: loughneaghsailingclub.org facebook.com/ loughneaghsailingclub

Lough Neaghs natural environment is world renowned. It is designated as an international wetland Ramsar site and is an EU Special Protection Area because of its unique birdlife. The whole lough is also a Special Area Of Scientific Interest. Great care should therefore be taken by all boaters to avoid any damage to habitats and minimise any disturbance to wildlife. Please abide by the following code.

Ballyronan Boat Club Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan Cookstown

Anchor, rope and chain and mooring ropes Fire extinguishers and fire blanket Compass, VHF Radio and practical knowledge for use

Who To Contact In An Emergency

Lough Neagh has its own professional rescue service with over 40 highly trained volunteers and three modern first response Lifeboats stationed at Kinnego and Ardboe. Visit www.loughneaghrescue.co.uk for details. Lough Neagh Rescue is a declared Marine Coastguard facility and will be called out by the MCA if there is an emergency on the Lough.

Operate within principles of leave no trace Respect wildlife and keep distance from them, especially in breeding season ( Mar Jul) Keep wash and wake to a minimum at wildlife banks and shores Avoid damaging banks, reed beds and shoreline habitat Dispose of waste properly and do not pollute or litter the Lough Use sewage pump-out facilities where possible Respect all designated nature refuges and designated zones

E: jim.barr@qradionetwork.com T: Jim 077 0234 3191 W: ballyronanboatclub.co.uk facebook.com/ Ballyronan-Boat-Club

Antrim Boat Club Shanes Castle Estate Antrim

E: joeaa21@yahoo.co.uk T: Joe 078 6878 0341 W: antrimboatclub.co.uk

Flares and horn, emergency light and a first aid kit Emergency shut-offs for battery, gas and fuel

The River Bann and Lough Neagh Association

E: wauprich@hotmail.co.uk T: 028 3833 5570 W: riverbannloughneagh.org

Charts and maps and journey plan Bilge pump, bucket and rope and fenders Boat pole or hook, gangplank and boarding ladder GPS and practical knowledge for use and a mobile phone

In Case Of Emergency Dial 999 Or Call Channel 16 & Ask For The Coastguard.

For more information visit:

leavenotraceireland.org

Enjoy the Big Lough

Funding for this safety guide was provided by the DARD Rural Development Programme through all of the Local Action Groups around the Lough. These include SWARD, SOAR, the Lagan Rural Partnership, and GROW South Antrim. The guide was produced by the Lough Neagh Partnership with help and assistance from the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association, Lough Neagh Rescue and all of the sailing and boating clubs around the Lough. Particular appreciation must also be given to the Lough Neagh Advisory Group who provided the original template for the guide.

Safety Guide Assistance and Funding

Lough Neagh also has its own canoe trail. Paddlers can explore the numerous bays and inlets of the Lough with the help of the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail Map. See www.canoeni.com for details of the trail.

Lough Neagh Canoe Trail

www.doeni.gov.uk/niea

www.outdoorni.com

www.loughneaghrescue.co.uk

www.iwai.ie

www.discovernorthernireland.com

www.riverbannloughneagh.org

www.oxfordisland.com

www.ramsisland.org

www.discoverloughneagh.com

Lough Neagh is a wonderful place to boat on, with a rich natural, built and cultural heritage. The following is a list of some useful websites which provide information on places to visit, activities and events happening around the Lough.

Activities on Lough Neagh

This guide is intended as a basic safety guide for new and inexperienced boaters on Lough Neagh. The information contained within should not be relied on for navigational use but used on conjunction with other maps, charts, pilot books and skills and knowledge gained from formal boating and sailing training; Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information contained in this guide, the Lough Neagh Partnership, editors and their agents accept no responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions or for any accidents or mishaps which may arise from its use.

www.discoverloughneagh.com

Lough Neagh Partnership Limited Unit 3 The Marina Centre 135a Shore Road Ballyronan Magherafelt BT45 6JA

www.loughneaghheritage.com

www.ballymena.gov.uk

www.canoeni.com

www.discovercraigavon.com

www.visitlisburn.com

www.dungannon.gov.uk

www.cookstown.gov.uk

www.antrim.gov.uk

www.magherfelt.gov.uk

info@loughneaghpartnership.com T: +44 (0) 28 7941 7941

Your Safety Guide To Lough Neagh

This document should NOT be used as a navigation aid.

www.discoverloughneagh.com

Markers, Buoys & Signs

Typical Lough Neagh Combined Marks

A modified IALA Cardinal and Lateral Buoyage system combined with the red and a white semi-circular marker sign is used on Lough Neagh. The Lough Neagh marks are numbered 1-47, starting at Toome Canal Entrance and finishing at Bamford Bank. They are numbered in a clockwise direction around the Lough and the map overleaf gives details of all marks.

Cardinal markers indicate the location of the safest or deepest water by reference to the cardinal points of the compass. They are identified by their top shapes and have four different names, North, South, East, and West. The marks are shaped as follows:

Cardinal Marks

There are a number of other marks on Lough Neagh including lateral marks which indicate channels into or out of a port or harbour and isolated danger marks which indicate a danger area.

Other Marks

The rules governing navigation lights are quite complex and if you are new to boating its best not to cruise in the dark and certainly not without proper training. Cruising at night can be dangerous, as the markers on the Lough Neagh system are unlit, except for the entrance to the Battery Harbour and Ballyronan. If you are new to boating, its simply best to give yourself plenty of time to return to your destination before nightfall.

Navigational Lights

The red and white marker sign is one of the more simple markers on Lough Neagh. On Lough Neagh it is used in conjunction with the Cardinal and Lateral marks. Red indicates shallow or danger and white indicates safe water.

Red and White Marker Sign

North Cardinal

Safe Water (pass this side)

Isolated Danger

Starboard Lateral Mark

South Cardinal

Starboard Lateral Mark

East Cardinal Mark

East Cardinal

Danger

Port Lateral Mark

West Cardinal

Training & Safety Equipment

Ballyronan Boat Club Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan Cookstown

Ballyronan Boat Club Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan Cookstown

Kinnego Marina Oxford Island Craigavon

It is important to have all of the necessary boating and personal safety equipment when taking a boat out on the Lough.

Safety and Navigation Equipment

There are a number of centres around the shores of the Lough which provide Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certified courses, such as certified navigation, VHF, boating, dingy and sailing courses. It is really important for people to develop their training skills. The main training centres are:

Training

For safe passage on the Lough, it is essential that a person buys a chart and pilot book of the Lough and learns how to use it. Both items can be bought at Sands Marine, Kinnego Marina, Craigavon.

Lough Neagh Chart and Pilot Book

VHF radios

Compasses and Plotters

Admiralty Charts of Lough Neagh

Safety Ladder

Fire Extinguishers

Life Jackets

Antrim Boat Club Shanes Castle Estate Antrim

Craigavon Watersports Centre 1 Lake Rd Craigavon

www.sandsmarineonline.com
E: jim.barr@qradionetwork.com T: 077 0234 3191 W: ballyronanboatclub.co.uk facebook.com/ Ballyronan-Boat-Club E: jim.barr@qradionetwork.com T: 077 0234 3191 W: ballyronanboatclub.co.uk facebook.com/ Ballyronan-Boat-Club E: kinnego.marina@craigavon.gov.uk T: 028 3832 7573 W: discovercraigavon.com facebook.com/ kinnegomarina E: joeaa21@yahoo.co.uk T: Joe 078 6878 0341 W: antrimboatclub.co.uk E: watersports.centre@craigavon.gov.uk T: 028 3834 2669 W: craigavonactivity.com

Personal Location Beacons Depth Finders Safety Lights Flares and Horn Lifebuoys rings and throw lines

Pilot Book for Lough Neagh

Ballyronan

Toome

Antrim Loughshore Park

Rams Island

Lough Beg

y err <D

Lower River Bann Moyola River

Lower Bann Flows out of Lough. Toome Floodgates Beware - rapidy changing water levels and flows.

st > elfa eB l Lin Rai

Torpedo Platform Nature Reserve all craft keep 200m clear from March to August breeding birds

A26

1
Water Activities On Land Ativities Sailors Beware Cardinal Marker Lateral Mark
Moyola River Flows into Lough, no boat access.

Toome Jetty, slipway, disabled access ramp, shop, fuel, public house, accommodation, cafe, telephone, parking, historic building, walks. Toome Canal Jetty, navigation lock Tel: 028 7965 0640 Randalstown Forest National Nature Reserve, nature reserve, toilets, bird hide, no direct access from Lough, boats stay 200m off shore.

River Maine
River Maine Flows into the Lough. Private access emergencies only bar to east of River mouth, approach from southwest

Six Mile Water Flows into Lough extreme care needed when approaching in north west & west wind.

Antrim Loughshore Park Public slipway, jetties, camping, caravanning, telephone, toilets, water, cafe, parking, nature walks, bank angling, pwc launching for NCPWC club members.

B1 60

Traad Point Disused jetty, walks, Local Nature Reserve.

47

46 3
Ballyronan Marina Public jetties, slipway, hoist, water electricity, shops, public house, Local Nature Reserve, walks, parking, camping and caravaning, restaurant, play area, toilets, fuel, telephone.

Doss Bay Wildfowl refuge

Cranfield Jetty, toilets, historic buildings, parking, public house, slipway

8 9

45 4 Churchtown Point 5 6
Kettlebottom Island Caution stay clear.

Six Mile Water

Caution Shallow water keep clear.

Water Intake Tower Craft keep clear.

Salters Castle

B1 60

Ballinderry River Flows into Lough, no boat access.

Campbells Rock Caution stay clear.

6 A2

Ballinderry River

44

Curran Quay Public jetty, slipway, boat hoist, toilets, nature walks, public house at Kinturk Cultural Centre 400m.

Anneeter Point Stanierds Point

Ardmore Point (Hunters Point)

Airport

Battery Harbour
The Battery Public Marina, jetty, slipway, Lough Neagh Rescue, parking, toilets, angling, restaurant, public house, informal camping, nature walks.

43

10

Gartree Stay well clear submerged rocks

Ardboe Point

B52 0

Ardboe Cross Historic buildings.

41 Farsnagh Point Gartree Point

Lennymore Bay Very shallow.

11 40

Budgeon Bank Caution - Stay well clear.

Rams Island
13

12

Blackers Rock

39

Rams Island Nature Reserve March to July, jetty, camping by arrangement, historic buildings, nature walks www.ramsisland.org

Kells Point
Brocagh Informal camping, water, fuel on request, slipway, parking, jetty, restricted depth, historic castle 2km. Extreme caution as entrance to harbour is silted up with sand.

14

Sandy Bay Private marina, jetties, slipway Rams Island Ferry terminal.

Ballinderry River
Washing Bay Livingwell Centre, Local Nature Reserve, no powered craft, restricted depth, toilets, parking, informal camping, nature walks, shops and public house 3 km.

18 38 17

15

Hog Park Point 16

Lady Bay Very shallow.

Blackwater Mouth Severe Hazard. Do not enter by mouth of river but by Maghery Canal instead but still with caution.

19

Bartins Bay
Tolans Point
Skane Flat Caution - Stay well clear.

A26

Gawleys Gate Jetty, slipway, public house, water,toilets.

Rai l

Lin

Bel

fa

Maghery Canal Access to River Blackwater, channel unmarked, Maghery Village and Country Park, toilets, informal camping, slipway, jetty, parking, nature reserve, nature walks.
with restricted depth, enter with extreme caution as entrance is silted up with sand .

Coney Island
36

37 35

34 33 Ardmore Point 32
Radome (Large Golf ball)

31
Emersons Quay Public harbour, restricted depth.
Upper Bann Mouth Channel unmarked, restricted depth, enter with extreme caution as entrance is silted up with sand, disused ferry jetties can be used for short stop. Upper Bann River Navigable to point of White Coats, keep to starboard side. Lough Neagh Discovery Centre & Oxford Island National Nature Reserve

30 24

20 29 23 25 22 21

Morrows Point Private Marina, safe haven emergencies only.

River Blackwater
River Blackwater Flows into Lough. Navigable to Blackwater town (11 miles), height restriction at M1 bridge.

28

Coney Island Informal camping, jetty.

27

Kinnego 26 Marina
Kinnego Marina www.discovercraigavon.com Public jetties, slipway, camping, angling, caravanning, water, electric, showers, cafe, toilets, boat trips, parking, play park, telephone, Lough Neagh Rescue, chandlery, shop 1mile.

Landmarks

River Bann

Visitor short stop jetty, visitor centre, toilets, cafe, parking, telephone, slipway, nature walks, bird hides, sculpture trail. www.discovercraigavon.com

< Dublin

A3
Rail Lin e Belfa st >

Blackwater & Upper Bann

Do not aproach River Blackwater through mouth of river but by Maghery Canal. Approach to River Blackwater through Maghery Canal with caution

Battery Harbour

06. Battery Harbour Kinnego Marina

Approaches to River Bann with caution.

Verners Bridge and Motorway Bridge The motorway bridge has limited headroom (2.55m above 12.45 O.D. -south side is 50cm lower than the north side) slipway, jetty, parking, shop 1km.

Upper Bann River Navigable beyond Point of Whitecoats, keep to Starboard side.