Port Information
Using the port
Permanent dock pass & visitor access
Access to certain areas of the Port is controlled by legislation under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and is regulated by the Department for Transport (Maritime Security and Resilience Division) – formerly TRANSEC.
The Port of Dover security permanent pass is subject to a number of conditions; one of these conditions is that the applicant must complete a ‘Request a Pass’ using the link below.
For information and guidance, please see:
GSSAT
General Safety & Security Awareness Training Programme.
Port reception opening times
- Monday 07:00-16:00
- Tuesday 07:00-16:00
- Wednesday 06:00-18:00
- Thursday 07:00-16:00
- Friday 07:00-16:00
- Saturday 08:00-15:00
- Sunday 10:00-15:00
The Objectives of GSSAT are:
The Objectives of GSSAT are:
- To brief all pass holders on key safety and security information.
- To deliver the training in a flexible way for both partner organisations and individuals.
- To maintain awareness and ensure all safety and security information is refreshed regularly.
- And to maintain records to show who has been trained and when.
The GSSAT programme covers topics on:
- Port safety information – including port specific hazards, contractors’ responsibilities, health and safety, personal protective equipment requirements.
- Security awareness – including the current security regime, current threat status, personal responsibilities and reporting procedures for suspicious events.
- Emergency procedures – including the Port emergency zones, assembly points and alerting procedures.
The GSSAT programme includes four types of pass holders
- Visitor – You are visiting the Port for a few hours, days or maybe a week or slightly longer but are not be staying permanently.
- Contractor – You are working in the Port for a contractor.
- Pass Holder – You hold a permanent Dock Pass that you have to revalidate every year on your birthday.
- Existing User – You have already registered and had to stop watching GSSAT. Please click this option and enter your e-mail or User ID the system gave you and the presentation will start from where you had to leave it.
Pilotage requirements
Notes and guidance on pilotage requirements, including compulsory pilotage and exceptions. All pilotage direction from the Duty Harbour Master is in accordance with Section 7 of the Pilotage Act 1987.
Access & Use
Dover Harbour Board (DHB) owns and controls a significant area of land in Dover, principally the Eastern Docks, the Seafront/Promenade, Dover Marina, the Cruise Terminals, Western Docks, and Port Zone.
While some of these areas are freely accessible by members of the public, DHB exercises ultimate control over all uses of its land. This is reinforced under DHB’s byelaws, whereby no person is entitled to enter in or remain on DHB premises unless he has lawful business or has received permission to do so. Furthermore, as a responsible landowner, DHB is committed to ensuring that anything done on its premises is undertaken in a professional and safe manner.
DHB aims to minimise and control the risks so that the Port of Dover remains a safe place for all. To this end, DHB applies health and safety regulations and sets its own standards and procedures to apply specifically to the use of its land.
DHB’s principal sites are the operational areas of the Eastern and Western Docks (together, the Port of Dover), where DHB oversees the throughput of around 13 million passengers and five million vehicles each year (over two million of which are lorries/HGVs, in connection with its roll-on roll-off ferry operation), as well as other major shipping activities such as general cargo, cruising and a marina. Given the volume of traffic and visitors, the Port of Dover is an extremely busy area with a variety of port operations that may potentially cause hazards.
DHB has therefore produced several guidance documents, below, which provides details of the type of access application you need to make, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the key issues for consideration when using or working on DHB premises.
These guidance documents are applicable to anyone undertaking work on DHB Premises, except for contractors appointed by DHB to undertake works on behalf of DHB. Depending on the nature of the works, a license may also need to be granted by the Board.
2023 Access & Use Charges* are as follows:
* Charges are reviewed annually and are quoted excluding VAT, which will be added at the prevailing rate. Charges must be paid in full as invoiced.
If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement, please contact the Access & Use Technical Clerk at access.use@portofdover.com
The Port of Dover: Harbour House, Marine Parade, Dover, CT17 9BU
Access & Use documents
Work Requests – Single & Annual Permits to Undertake Work (PTUW) Guidance
This document provides guidance for third parties and their contractors applying to undertake any construction and maintenance activities within the Port’s boundary.
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS) Guidance
What a risk assessment and method statement should contain when applying for a Work Request and permits.
Asset Change Control
Document to provide clarity for internal stakeholders and third parties wishing to undertake construction activities that have the potential to effect PoD assets, operations and infrastructure at any location within the boundary of the Port.
Access & Use application form
Work Request Application Form to be completed by the person/organisation on whose behalf the works will be undertaken and the principle contractor. The application form and all associated documents e.g. RAMS, a copy of the contractors Public liability Insurance etc, should be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the start date and at least 3 weeks if a Licence is necessary.
Drone Flying
The use of any unmanned aircraft or drone above the Port of Dover is a controlled activity which must be undertaken in compliance with the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Port of Dover) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations).
The Regulations have created a “Restricted Flying Zone” as shown on the map
Flying an unmanned aircraft or drone within the Restricted Flying Zone is expressly forbidden, unless authorisation is obtained from the Port of Dover Police.
To obtain authorisation, you must:
- Complete and submit the Drone Flying Application Form to the Access & Use Technical Clerk, either in hard copy or electronically to access.use@portofdover.com
- Provide all relevant supporting documentation as listed in the Drone Flying Application Form; and
- Pay the application fee. The application fee for 2023 is £174 plus VAT and will be reviewed annually. Payment should be made by BACS (Sort Code 30-93-34, Account Number 00193204) quoting ‘Drone-Application Fee’ or by debit or credit card (by calling our Central Admin/Finance Department on 01304 240400). Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received in cleared funds.
An application for a Drone Flying Permit must be submitted at least 7 working days in advance of the intended flying date. Applications will be dealt with promptly, but turnaround times will depend on the supplied information, circumstances and the nature of the proposed drone use. It is advisable to give DHB as much notice as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Applications will be considered by the Port of Dover Police for commercial flights only.
Where consent is granted, the Port of Dover Police will issue a Drone Flying Permit to the applicant, via the Access and Use Technical Clerk, and any conditions as stated in the permit will apply.
In view of the various potential hazards involved in flying a drone, whenever operationally practicable, Emergency Services must contact the Port of Dover Police before flying the drone over the Restricted Flying Zone.
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