Accommodation
The governing depth of water at the harbour's entrance is 12.9m(42.5 feet) at Chart Datum (C.D.) which permits fully laden vessels of approximately 70,000 / 90,000 d.w.t to enter the harbour on any highwater. An inner bar at the spit bank near Cobh is dredged to a depth of 11.2m(37 feet) at C.D. which permits vessels of aproximately 60,000 d.w.t. beyond that point.
The tidal rise at Cork ranges from 3.4m (11 feet) on neap tides to 4.4m (14.5 feet) on spring tides.
From Horse Head, for a distance of four miles, the approach channel to Tivoli has a depth of 6.5m(21.5 feet) at C.D. while there is a depth of 5.2m (17 feet) in the channel from Tivoli to the city quays.
Pilotage
The Port of Cork Company is responsible for pilotage. Pilotage is compulsary for all vessels in the area between the Spit Lighthouse in the Lower Harbour and the quays at Cork. For vessels exceeding 130m in length pilotage is compulsary from 2.5 miles off Roches Point.
Towage
Towage is provided by three tractor tugs. There are two privately owned tugs on station in the port - one of 50 tonne bollard pull is equipped with fire fighting equipment while the other is 17 tonne bollard pull. The port owned tug is a modern, efficient 46 tonne tractor tug.
Radio Communications
The Port Operations and Information Station is located at Cobh. The station, which is equipped with V.H.F. Radio Telephone, maintains a twenty-four hour listening watch on Hague Channels 12, 14 and 16. It enables ships to obtain up to the minute information regarding movements on the river and it is through this station that the requirements of the Harbour Master are made known. Telephone link calls may be made through Cork radio on V.H.F. channels 16 and 26. In April 2000 a new Vessel Traffic Management Information System was installed to enhance vessel safety and to provide continuous monitoring and recording of vessel movements in the port and approaches.
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