Hydrographic survey of Chichester Bar - May 2005

The low lying entrance to Chichester Harbour, is not easily distinguished against the backdrop of the South Downs and is bordered on both sides by extensive drying banks; West Pole, Middle Pole and East Pole Sands, the later extending more than a mile seaward. A deep-water channel running between these banks to the harbour entrance is interrupted by a bar joining West to Middle Pole and East Pole Sands, this mobile feature varies in position and height and is periodically dredged to maintain a charted depth of 1.5 metres. This depth is liable to decrease by up to 0 .75 metres in unfavourable conditions, leaving a depth of as little as 1.4 metres at MLWS (0.7m).

Mariners should be aware that ebb tides in the entrance to the harbour can attain a rate of up to 6 knots on springs. When falling tides coincide with strong winds from a southerly sector a dangerous sea may be encountered. In these conditions it is advisable to exercise caution and only cross the bar between three hours before and one hour after high-water springs.

When approaching the harbour from westward, remain on the 5 metre contour or with the target beacon in transit with Cakeham Tower bearing 064º until Eastoke Beacon opens to the east of the West Pole Beacon, then alter course to pass between Eastoke and West Winner Beacons leaving West Pole close to the west and Chichester Bar Beacon ½ cable to port to find the deepest water. On entering the harbour Eastoke Beacon and the shore immediately to its north should be left 50 metres to the west to avoid a shingle spit that extends into the channel from the shore.

At night stay in the white sector of the West Pole Beacon Fl W.R.5s, 10m, 7/5M, vis 321º - 081º, R 081º - 321º, when West Pole has been cleared leave Chichester Bar Beacon FL(2)R.10sl4m2M and Eastoke Beacon QR to port. West Winner Beacon QG and the vertical fluorescent light Beacon F 9 Apr-Nov) are prominent as the harbour entrance is closed.

Chichester Bar is normally dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m, at MLWS. However, after severe gales the bottom can vary up to + or -0.75m. (With a falling tide and strong winds from a southerly sector a dangerous sea may be encountered. In these conditions it is advisable to exercise caution and cross the bar between three hours before and one hour after HW springs.) When approaching from the westward, remain on the 5 metre line or with the target beacon in transit with Cakeham Tower bearing 064º until Eastoke Beacon opens to the east of the West Pole Beacon, then alter course to pass between Eastoke and West Winner Beacons leaving West Pole and Chichester Bar Beacon close to the west. Reverse this procedure on leaving. When approaching from the east, mariners are advised not to cross the 2m contour until they are in the white sector of the West Pole light.

Accretion of shingle immediately north of the Eastoke beacon in the harbour entrance periodically forms a Ness. Accordingly the western shore should be given a berth of at least 50 metres.