Operational Guidance

Sea Planes

A sea plane service may operate in Oban Bay. The pilot will ensure that the area is clear of surface craft before landing or taking off and will, when on the surface, be governed by the COLREGS.

Before the arrival of the sea plane the operator's Sea Plane Liaison Officer at Oban will be notified where possible one hour in advance of its ETA. The time of departure from Oban Bay will be agreed with the pilot.

The designated Sea Plane Liaison Officer at Oban will liaise with Argyll & Bute's Harbour Master and CalMac Ferries Piermaster to who will in turn notify any relevant vessels.

Avoiding Risk of Collision

Seaplanes landing and taking off must do so in a manner designed to ensure that the seaplane keeps clear of all other users of Oban Bay.

All vessels must exercise vigilance, keep a good lookout and ensure that they use all reasonable endeavours to remain clear of seaplanes which are landing and taking off.

All vessels should maintain a listening watch on VHF radio channels 16 and 12 where any warnings or advice will be broadcast.

Helicopters

Helicopters frequently operate to and from:

  • The Northern Lighthouse Board's depot on Gallanch Road, near to the CalMac Ferries berths
  • The grounds of the private property at the North end of Kerrera, adjacent to the North Channel into Oban Bay

Coastguard helicopters may also operate and/or exercise with Oban lifeboat in the Sound of Kerrera and Oban Bay area.

The pilot will keep well clear of all surface craft.

Before the arrival of the helicopter staff at NLB Oban are notified where possible one hour in advance of its ETA. The time of departure from NLB Oban is agreed between NLB staff and the pilot.

The designated Helicopter Liaison Officer at NLB Oban will liaise with Argyll & Bute's Harbour Master and CalMac Ferries Piermaster to who will in turn notify any relevant vessels.

Private operators and Oban Lifeboat are requested to apply very similar standards of operation, particularly with respect to advising ETAs and ETDs to the Argyll & Bute Harbour Master and CalMac Ferries' Piermaster.