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Port of Watchet

GBWAT🇬🇧United Kingdom

Port Location

About Port of Watchet

Watchet is a small harbour on the Bristol Channel in Somerset, UK. It handles general cargo and is accessible to vessels up to 1,000 DWT. Pilotage is compulsory.

Background
Watchet is a harbour town and civil parish in Somerset, England. It is situated 15 miles (24 km) west of Bridgwater, 15 miles (24 km) north-west of Taunton, and 9 miles (14 km) east of Minehead. The town lies at the mouth of the Washford River on Bridgwater Bay, part of the Bristol Channel, and on the edge of Exmoor National Park. At the 2021 census, the parish had a population of 3,948.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
2ft
Tidal Range
7ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
No
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
35110 →
Wikidata
Q641921 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.watchettowncouncil.org →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
GBWAT
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Time Zone
UTC+0

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Fair

Region

Subdivision
GB-SOM
Latitude
51.1833°
Longitude
-3.3333°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Watchet?+
The approach to Watchet is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Western Somerset Lighthouses Lighthouse at 0.2 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Hinkley Point (7.7 NM ENE), Burnham-on-Sea Seafront Range Rear (13.1 NM ENE), Instow Range Front (32.7 NM WSW), Trinity House Lightship 72 Juno (33.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Watchet?+
The Port of Watchet is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Watchet?+
You can track vessels near Watchet (GBWAT) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for GBWAT on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Watchet?+
The Port of Watchet operates in the UTC+0 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.