Practical Information
Notice to Mariners
Useful Documents
- Bangor Marina Terms & Conditions of Marina Use Bangor Marina Terms & Conditions of Marina Use (PDF, 151 KB) (opens new window)
- Berth Holder Safety Form Berth Holder Safety Form (PDF, 351 KB) (opens new window)
- Bangor Harbour Bye-Laws 2005 Bangor Harbour Bye-Laws (PDF, 154 KB) (opens new window)
- Marine Safety Policy Statement Marine Safety Policy Sept 2025 (PDF, 28 KB) (opens new window)
- Bangor Harbour Marine Operations Safety Plan Bangor Harbour Marine Operations Safety Plan (PDF, 73 KB) (opens new window)
Responsible Boating
Dropping your anchor
Look out for seagrass meadows before dropping your anchor. If you spot sea grass, seek an alternative position. Seagrass not only acts as a great habitat for many species, it can capture 95 times more carbon than the rainforest in a given area.
Take care of wildlife
Our shoreline habitats support a wide variety of species that can be vulnerable to disturbance. Reduce your speed and check your wash in sensitive areas.
Avoid drips and spillages
Don't pollute the water. Drips and spillages have a serious impact on the marine environment. Portable fuel tanks and containers should be filled away from the water's edge. Don't overfill your tanks and make sure to use drip trays and absorbent materials. Dispose of any used engine oil in the waste oil tanks available.
Take care with antifoul
A good antifoul or coppercoat application is essential for keeping your boat's hull cleaner for longer. However, poor application can lead it to peel away. Please help avoid the antifoul entering the water by ensuring that antifoul scrapings are swept up and disposed of. Wherever possible, opt for biodegradable, phosphate and chlorine free products.
Don't be a noisy neighbour
Roaring engines, flapping halyards and loud music can disturb other users of the marina and nearby residents. Do what you can to keep noise pollution to a minimum.
Pump Out
Although we encourage you to use our onsite facilities, we appreciate this is not always possible. Please ensure holding tanks are used and pumped out at dedicated pump out stations. As a last resort, ensure you are at least three miles offshore before emptying your holding tanks.
Swap out single-use plastics
We encourage you to switch to take advantage of our refill stations and opt for reusable containers and water bottles wherever possible.
Disposing of litter
If you spot any litter bobbing about please pick it up! When disposing of rubbish remember the drains in the marina run into the sea so always use the bins provided!
Safety aboard your boat
Be prepared
No matter how much experience you have, it's always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules and practices before leaving the pontoon. Always be prepared. You don't want to ruin a great day out due to poor planning.
Useful sources of safety information include:
Lifejackets on!
Your lifejacket will only save your life if you're wearing it. We suggest you put your life jacket on as soon as you arrive in the marina. Make sure you check it each time you put it on, paying special attention to the gas cylinder and inflation valve.
The RNLI
The RNLI is a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. Some of their services include their 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service, seasonal lifeguard service and boat and equiptment checks.
Safety in the Marina
We need you to keep yourself (and your guests) as safe as possible. Although we want you to have fun afloat don't lose sight of the dangers. Take special care to inform any guests of the dangers of the marina environment, particularly if they are new to boating.
Safety equipment
We want to make sure you stay safe on the pontoons and around the water. We ensure safety equipment is available on every pontoon and is in good, working order. In return we ask you to familiarise yourself with the location of this equipment and how to use it. Can't find something? Let us know as soon as possible!
What can you find on site?
- Safety ladders are located on each pontoon. The tops are painted bright yellow and can be used in an emergency to get out of the water.
- Fire extinguishers are kept in red cabinets and at least one is located on each pontoon.
- Life rings are located on every pontoon and around the marina.
- Throw lines can be found on every pontoon and around the marina.
- A telescopic rescue hook is a lightweight and strong rescue system which gives users control and confidence.
- A Portable Jason's Cradle can be deployed quickly to retrieve people unable to assist themselves due to injury. Usage instructions are displayed alongside its storage location.
Fire safety
In the event of a fire, raise the alarm by shouting 'Fire, Fire, Fire' and evacuate everyone from the area as quickly and safely as possible. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire unless it is safe to do so. Call 999 and ask for the fire brigade. Call the marina office so they can assist and secure the fire brigade to the location of the fire.
Fire extinguishers are located on every pontoon and by the facility buildings
First Aid
Small first aid kits are located on every pontoon, and a defibrillator is available at the marina reception. An additional defibrillator is located on the Commercial Pier.
Health & Safety guidelines
We care about keeping you safe when you're in and around our marina. You can find our health and safety guidelines and policies here - Bangor Marina Safety Policy (PDF, 28 KB) (opens new window)
Waste and Recycling
We take great pride in at Bangor Marina and strive to ensure that sustainable waste management practices are applied where possible on site. We encourage all marina users to recycle where possible. Find out more:- Which bin should I use? - Ards and North Down Borough Council
Blue Flag Status
Prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for Ards and North Down's Stunning Coastline.
9th May 2025: Bangor Marina receives prestigious accolade from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful as part of the 2025 Blue Flag and Seaside Awards programme
The coveted Blue Flag Award, one of the world's most recognised standards for water quality, safety, accessibility and environmental management in marinas.
The awards were announced during a ceremony at Belfast Harbour Office, where 22 sites across Northern Ireland were recognised - including 16 Blue Flag Awards and 6 Seaside Awards.
Ards and North Down Borough Council continues to deliver high standards in environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and accessible coastal experiences. These awards are a testament to the tireless work of Council teams, volunteers, local businesses and partner organisations who work year-round to ensure our coastline is welcoming, clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Environmental Education and Sustainability
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards go beyond beauty - recognising leadership in environmental education and sustainable coastal management.
Find out more at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
Read more about beaches in the area
