For those who have never had to manage entering a marina, it might seem strange to hear that landing in a tourist port is among the most delicate moments of navigation. Is it possible that after sailing in open waters, perhaps after challenging significant waves and winds, boaters should “fear” entering a tourist port, where everything is designed to facilitate boat mooring? Well, the many accidents that occur right at the moment of entering marinas demonstrate that this step is too often underestimated: countless boats, both small and large, have sunk right at the entrance of ports, perhaps after hitting a surfacing rock (which was well marked). Today we will look at all the precautions to take for landing in a tourist port in complete safety, for yourself, your boat, and other boaters who have chosen to moor in the same marina.

Entering a tourist port: gathering all information

The first rule when approaching a landing in a tourist port is to gather all relevant information. Entering a marina is not like stopping at a highway service station, no sir: every tourist port has its own different characteristics, including water depths, winds blowing from various directions, spaces of varying sizes, and so on. Those who regularly enter and exit the same trusted tourist port obviously won’t need to check the charts every time: however, those facing a landing in an unknown tourist port for the first time must consult nautical charts in advance to understand what they’ll encounter, check for nautical notices, and review the list of lighthouses and beacons. This allows you to “know” the port entrance even before approaching it, then integrate all this information with other details found in the essential pilot book. Here, boaters can discover everything necessary about the entrance shape, depths, potential hazards to watch for, and so on. Let’s be clear: a thorough reading of the pilot book truly enables better management of landing in a port, even in the presence of actual obstacles like winds and surfacing objects.

Landing in a marina: who to contact

Ideally, before heading to a tourist port, you should always book a berth, to ensure finding a mooring space and to get fresh information from the management about any “exceptional” conditions at the port entrance. That said, the rule requires that port entry must be preceded by VHF contact with the relevant port authority to notify them of the imminent landing: this way, you can receive the latest information about docking procedures and other considerations to keep in mind. It should be noted that there are usually several ways to contact the port, from the preset working channel on VHF to regular telephone contact.

Reference signals for landing in a tourist port

After completing the preparatory phase, it’s time to actually approach landing in the tourist port. Well, it must be said that even during the actual entry, information is abundant. Something useful can obviously come from the marine GPS, but it should be noted that in most cases you won’t have much more information than what’s on the updated nautical chart. You should certainly look up to observe the port entrance, which is marked with clear signals to facilitate entry, featuring two colored towers: green on starboard and red on port side. Boaters must pass between these two signals, not alongside them, then proceed paying particular attention to any narrow passages, which are appropriately marked by IALA signals: when entering a narrow channel, you’ll find the red signal on your left. The general rule, in the absence of other instructions, is to keep to starboard.

Right of way for port entry

Beyond the correct interpretation of present signals and pilot book information, there are general rules that apply to every port, of any type. The right of way rules are indeed common to all, and always give priority to vessels leaving the port. It should also be emphasized that boats are always required to give way to larger ships, which due to their size have limited or no room for maneuvering; the same applies to ferries, which must follow specific routes, with boats required to give them priority.

Maximum speed in tourist ports

Above all, in port you should always proceed at a speed low enough to allow for last-second corrections, to avoid collisions with other boats or fixed obstacles. The maximum speed is therefore defined by the port and varies case by case between 2 and 6 knots maximum (in most cases it’s 3 knots).

Landing in a tourist port after sunset: increased difficulties

We mentioned at the beginning that landing in a tourist port should be considered one of the most delicate moments of navigation. Well, as you can imagine, entering a marina becomes significantly more delicate when approaching it after sunset. Those unfamiliar with the tourist port must proceed with maximum caution, guided by the lighthouses and beacons placed as reference points for boaters. In case of doubt or difficulty, obviously, it’s advisable to contact the port for advice and assistance.

By following these rules and preparing in advance for entry, landing in a tourist port can be approached with maximum safety and without too much stress. Are you looking for a berth in Genoa? Book a mooring for your boat in the historic center, in our Marina Porto Antico of Genoa!