Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 18

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

Cowes Chain Ferry

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The Chain Ferry operates between the east and west banks of the River
Medina hauling on two chains, each of approximately 165m, which span
across the estuary and are permanently attached to both river banks. The
Chain Ferry displays a flashing yellow light on the forward end of the
Chain Ferry to indicate to mariners its intention to commence a crossing
and the light remains illuminated until it reaches the opposite bank.

The Chain Ferry has right of way over all river traffic, however, any vessel
requiring an unimpeded passage is required to establish early contact (call
sign ‘Cowes Chain Ferry’) and agree on VHF Ch 69 which side the Chain
Ferry will hold for your passage.
The Chain Ferry is situated on a blind bend and the narrowest stretch of
the River Medina; you are strongly advised to navigate with caution when
approaching the ferry particularly when following the tide. The tidal flow
generally accelerates as you approach the Chain Ferry due to the river
narrowing, which may set you down towards the Chain Ferry quicker than
you initially anticipated. Give way in good time.
During all tid es, especially spring tides, there are strong currents associated
with this area. The ebb flows are usually more pronounced than the flood.
The ebb tide is accentuated towards the eastern side of the river where
the spring ebb may be in excess of 4 knots and cause the unwary to be set
down upon the eastern bank, especially in the area of the Trinity House
Wharf (East Cowes) and the Red Funnel ferry terminal (East Cowes).
The depth of navigable water above the chains varies depending on
the state of the tide height and the position of the ferry in relation to
either the east or west riverbank. When the Chain Ferry is berthed on
either riverbank, and therefore not partway across the fairway, the depth
of navigable water is deepest in the middle of the visible fairway and
decreases rapidly towards either riverbank and the prow or ‘forward end’
of the ferry as the chains rise closer to the surface. The least depth of
navigable water over the chains is approximately 1.7m below chart datum
in the middle of the visible fairway during the half tide period.
Full survey diagrams and the Cowes Chain Ferry Local Notice to
Mariners are on www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk.
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