The lead provider of marine safety and related services for Oban Harbour is Argyll & Bute Council with support from CalMac Ferries, the Northern Lighthouse Board and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.
These organisations continue to work together in the Oban Bay Management Group to improve navigational safety in Oban Bay and approaches. A first step to achieving this goal has been the establishment of this website. The terms and conditions for its use can be obtained here »
Oban Harbour, with modern, versatile facilities for a wide variety of users, is a busy working port on the west coast of Scotland and is a vital lifeline to many of the islands nearby with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries making regular trips to Mull, Lismore, Tiree, Coll, Colonsay and Barra.
Sheltered by the Island of Kerrera yet close to the open sea, Oban Bay Harbour is open to shipping in most weathers and operates around the clock, handling over 13,000 vessels annually.
Code of Practice
All vessels operating in Oban Bay are requested to comply with the Code of Practice
There is a dedicated Leisure Guide for small vessels operating within Oban Bay and the approaches, which helps explain the Code of Practice and vessel movements. This guide is available at most marinas in the locality of Oban and is available from Crinan and Caledonian Canal staff.
VHF Ch 12 listening watch
All vessels operating in Oban Bay are requested to listen to VHF Ch 12 at all times. Large vessels will make movement safety announcements on VHF Ch 12. It is important all vessels are aware of these movements so appropriate action can be taken to ensure navigational safety.