Navigation & safety

Approaching Belfast Harbor

From Bell Buoy 2 at Steel’s Ledge or coming up the southern shore:

  • Look for the Channel Entrance Marker Buoys, and follow to Red Nun 4 to Red Nun 6
  • Belfast City Landing is directly across from Red Nun 6 on the Port side entering harbor
  • NOTE: If continuing into the Inner Harbor stay close to the western shore (port side entering) in the designated channel. The Inner Harbor shoals quickly on the eastern or starboard side

VHF Contact with Harbor Master Office/Belfast Public Landing

  •   VHF 16 emergency & hailing
  •   VHF 9  is working channel

Coordinates of Belfast City Landing

  •   44 25.45 N
  • 069 00.14 W

Body of Water

  • Belfast Harbor, Northwest Penobscot Bay

NOAA Charts Recommended

  • 13309: inset of Belfast Harbor and East & West Penobscot Bay approaches
  • 13302: East, West, & Lower Penobscot Bay to Matinicus Rock and Monhegan Island

Controlling Water Depth at MLW

  • Entry: 15 feet in channel
  • Fuel dock: 12 feet
  • Moorings: 6 to 20 feet
  • Slips: 4 to 15 feet

Tidal Range

  • Average of 10.5 feet

Current

  • Average of 2 - 3 knots in or near channel

Hurricane Warning Procedures

  • Nearest hurricane hole is Stockton Harbor
  • No boats are allowed on Belfast Public Landing docks or rental moorings in ESE/SE winds over 25 knots coastal forecast 
  • Tune to United States Coast Guard channel 22

Boating Safety

Below are links for all vessel owners, whether power, sail, or paddle to learn more about boating safety.

Various Charts of Belfast Harbor - Not for Navigation