04 Maritime Administration of Latvia Hydrographic Service

BALTIC SEA PILOT

Latvian Coast

Third Edition Riga 2014

Corrected: November, 2018 Notices to Mariners: 2014 - 047-048-049-069-096-097-098-099-100-101-102-119-120-121-122-123-151-211 2015 - 117-118 2016 – 192 2017 – 171 2018 - 254

i.1

Appeal to Mariners, Harbour Masters and Ship Owners

To inform the Maritime Administration of Latvia if:  the information provided in this book does not correspond with the real-life situation;  mistakes or inaccuracies have been found in this book;

 there is information regarding real or suspected new dangers to navigation.

Contact details of the Hydrographic Service of the Maritime Administration of Latvia: Trijadibas Street 5, Riga, Latvia, LV-1048 Tel: +371-67062145, +371-67062101 Fax: +371-67860082 E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] Websites: www.lhd.lv ; www.lja.lv .

ISBN 978-9984-628-15-8

© Maritime Administration of Latvia, 2014

The contents of this publication are protected by copyright and without special permission or agreement must not be reproduced in any way, shape or form.

Translation provided by Daina Gross, 2014. i.2

Table of Contents

Introduction ...... i.4 Reference Materials ...... i.5

A PART 1. Scheme Of Territory and Coastal Part in Order of Occurrence ...... A - 1 2. Explanatory Notes ...... A - 2 3. International Conventions and Laws and Regulations of Republic of Latvia ...... A - 3 4. Abbreviations and Explanations ...... A - 4 5. Nautical Charts and Publications of Hydrographic Service of Maritime Administration of Latvia ...... A - 5 6. Aids to Navigation (ATON) ...... A - 6 7. Safety of Navigation ...... A - 7 8. Search and Rescue at Sea ...... A - 8 9. Radiolocation ...... A - 9 10. Ports ...... A - 10

B PART 1. The Latvian Coastline and LVĢMC Coastal Observation Stations ...... B - 1 2. Profile of Latvian Coastline ...... B - 2 3. Sea-Bed Depths and Topography ...... B - 3 4. Sea-Bed ...... B - 4 5. Geomagnetism ...... B - 5 6. Climate Profile ...... B - 6 7. Air Temperature and Humidity ...... B - 7 8. Winds, Storms and Periods of Calm ...... B - 8 9. Fog and Visibility ...... B - 9 10. Precipitation ...... B - 10 11. Radiolocation ...... B - 11 12. Meteorological Phenomena ...... B - 12 13. Sea Level ...... B - 13 14. Currents ...... B - 14 15. Wave Formation ...... B - 15 16. Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density ...... B - 16 17. Water Clarity and Colour ...... B - 17 18. Hydrobiology ...... B - 18 19. Ice Conditions ...... B - 19 20. Icing on Ships ...... B - 20

C PART 1. Scheme of Latvian Ports ...... C - 1 2. Eastern Coast of The Gulf of Riga ...... C - 2 3. From the Estonian- Latvian Border to Kuiviži ...... C - 3 4. PORT OF KUIVIŽI ...... C - 4 5. PORT OF SALACGRĪVA...... C - 5 6. From Salacgrīva to Zvejniekciems ...... C - 6 7. PORT OF SKULTE ...... C - 7 i.3

8. From Zvejniekciems to Riga ...... C - 8 9. FREEPORT OF RIGA ...... C - 9 10. Further Along the Daugava ...... C - 10 11. Western Coast Of The Gulf Of Riga ...... C - 11 12. PORT OF JŪRMALA ...... C - 12 13. From Lielupe to Engure ...... C - 13 14. PORT OF ENGURE ...... C - 14 15. From Engure to Mērsrags...... C - 15 16. PORT OF MĒRSRAGS ...... C - 16 17. From Mērsrags to Roja ...... C - 17 18. PORT OF ROJA ...... C - 18 19. From Roja to Kolka ...... C - 19 20. Irbe Strait ...... C - 20 21. Main Characteristics of E Coast of the Baltic Sea ...... C - 21 22. FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS ...... C - 22 23. From Ventspils to Pāvilosta ...... C - 23 24. PORT OF PĀVILOSTA...... C - 24 25. From Pāvilosta to Liepāja ...... C - 25 26. PORT OF LIEPĀJA ...... C - 26 27. From Liepāja to The Latvian – Lithuanian Border ...... C - 27

i.4

1. Introduction

The first edition of “Baltic Sea Pilot. Latvian coast” (hereinafter referred to as the Pilot) was published in 2002 as a guide to mariners and an additional source of information to nautical charts. The Pilot covers all waters that fall under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Latvia: the Gulf of Riga and the open Baltic Sea as well as the coast and Latvian ports. The second edition of the Pilot has been compiled using the latest information available to Maritime Administration of Latvia as well as in consultation with the ports. When navigating in the waters of the Republic of Latvia it is important to note that the international maritime boundary agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania has been drafted but not ratified in the Latvian Saeima (Parliament), also the maritime boundary between the Republic of Latvia and the Kingdom of Sweden exists, in accordance with the maritime boundary agreement made between the former USSR and Sweden in 1988. This edition supersedes the 2nd edition of “Pilot of Baltic Sea. Latvian coast”, 2013. i.5

2. Reference Materials

Publications of Maritime Administration of Latvia  Paper Nautical Charts;  Publication “Notices to Mariners” (monthly publication, only in digital format, available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv );  Publication No 01 “List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia”, (corrected by the publication “Notices to Mariners’’, only in digital format, available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv ); Physical geographical description:  2013 statistics from “Procesu analīzes un izpētes centrs” (Process Analysis & Research Centre);  Eberhards G., Lapinskis J. Baltijas jūras Latvijas krasta procesi. (Baltic Sea Latvian coastal processes) Rīga: LU izdevniecība, 2008;  Rīgas jūras līcis (Gulf of Riga), 2013, URL http://www.copeslapa.lv/udns/liicis.htm;  Znotiņa V Jūras biotopi (Sea biotopes) 2013, URL www.latvijas.daba.lv/biotopi/jura.html. Port regulations:  Port of Salacgrīva Regulations: 2010;  Port of Skulte Regulations: 2006;  Freeport of Riga Regulations 2006;  Port of Mērsrags Regulations: 2011;  Port of Roja Regulations (draft);  Freeport of Ventspils Regulations: 2012;  Port of Pāvilosta Regulations: 2008;  Port of Liepāja Regulations: 2007.

Note: all photos and tables have the name of the author and / or source mentioned below

A - 1.1 A. PART

1. Scheme Of Territory And Coastal Part In Order Of Occurrence

Illus. 1. Scheme Of Territory And Coastal Part In Order Of Occurence A - 2.1 2. Explanatory Notes

The Pilot is updated by the monthly publication “Notices to Mariners” published by the Hydrographic Service of the Maritime Administration of Latvia. This publication does not include information of temporary (T) and preliminary (P) Notices to Mariners. Positions are in the WGS-84 system with accuracy to a hundredth of a minute. Geographical names are written in Latvian or transliterated. If a feature has two official names, the description contains both of them. A name in the language of origin appears in brackets. Distances are expressed in nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1852 m), cables (1 cable = 0.1 nautical miles = 185 m) or metres. Depths are provided in metres and refer to the Mean Sea Level, which is linked to the 1977 Baltic height system (BHS-77). Heights (of hills, islands, cliffs etc.) are expressed in metres above the Mean Sea Level. Heights of structures are provided in metres above the ground. True directions, bearings and light sectors (referring to a compass) are given in degrees from 0º to 359º, reckoned clockwise from N. Directions of leading lines and shipping routes are shown from seaward to the coast. Time. Latvia is located in the Eastern European time (EET) zone (GMT +2 in winter, GMT +3 in summer). The time difference between Latvia and Universal Time (UTC) is two hours (UTC+2). Summer Time (UTC+3) starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October. Wind. Wind speed is measured in m/s. In some cases wind speed is measured using the Beaufort wind force scale. Wind direction – which direction the wind is blowing from. A conspicuous landmark can be either a natural feature or a man-made feature that is clearly visible in the surroundings, it is easy to identify and visible to mariners from a distance even in variable lighting conditions. These objects are shown when the scale of the chart permits. Electricity supply. In Latvia the power supply is ~220V/50Hz (single-phase power), ~380V/50Hz (three- phase power). European standard 50 Hz power plugs.

Public holidays – official holidays in the Republic of Latvia: January 1 – New Year’s Day; Different date every year – Good Friday, Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday; May 1 – Convocation of the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of Latvia Labour Day; May 4* – Restoration of Latvian Independence Day; June 23 – Līgo celebrations (summer solstice); June 24 – Jāņi celebrations; November 18* – Day of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia; December 24 – Christmas Eve; December 25 – Christmas Day; December 26 – Christmas Holiday; December 31 – New Year’s Eve. * If May 4 or November 18 fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following working day is a public holiday.

A - 3.1 3. International Conventions and Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia

List of international maritime multilateral agreements ratified by the Republic of Latvia. International conventions currently in force.

International Maritime Organization Conventions International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 Protocol of 1978 relating to International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 Protocol of 1988 relating to International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended by 1978 Protocol, (MARPOL 73/78) MARPOL 73/7 Convention 1997 Protocol (MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI) Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 International Convention Relating to Intervention on High Seas in cases of Oil Pollution Casualties with Annex and 1973 Protocol Relating to Intervention on High Seas by Substances other than Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 International Convention on Load-Lines, 1966 Protocol of 1988 relating to International Convention on Load-Lines, 1966 International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 Protocol of 2003 relating to International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992 Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (BUNKER), 2001 Protocol of 1992 to amend the 1971 International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage. Convention on Limitation of the Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976 Protocol of 1996 relating to Convention on Limitation of the Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976 International Convention on Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation; Protocol of 1988 relating to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, 1988 Protocol of 2005 relating to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and the Protocol of 2005 relating to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Directed Against the Safety of Stationary Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (SUA–2005) On the International Convention for Salvage (SALVAGE-1989), 1989 1974 Athens Convention on the Carriage of Passengers and Luggage and the Protocol of 1976 relating to this Convention, 1974 Athens Convention on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage and the Protocol of 2002 relating to this Convention, 1974 A - 3.2

3. International Conventions and Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia

International Convention for Safe Containers as amended (1993), 1972

Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 Convention on the International Maritime Organization, 1948 1991 amendments and 1993 amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization. Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization, 1976

United Nations Organization (UN) Conventions United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Agreement on the implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 On the 1982 United Nations Agreement on the Convention on the Law of the Sea implementation in relation to trans-zonal fish stocks and the preservation and management of far-migrating fish stocks. Convention on the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea/ICES, 1964

Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, 1958

Convention on the Continental Shelf, 1958 Convention on the High Seas, 1958

International Labor Organization Conventions Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 Convention on Seafarers’ Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention (No. 180), 1996 Accommodation of Crews (Supplementary Provisions)(No 133), 1970 Protocol of Merchant Shipping (Minimal Standards) Convention, 1996

Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention. (No 147), 1976

Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (No108), 1958

Unemployment Indemnity (Shipwreck) Convention (No 8), 1920 Placing of Seamen Convention (No 9), 1920 Medical Examination of Young Persons (Sea) Convention (No 16), 1921 A - 3.3

3. International Conventions and Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia

Other International Laws and Regulations and Other Conventions January 26, 1982 Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, 1949 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, 1989 Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil thereof, 1971 Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to the Arrest of Sea-Going Ships, 1952 Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets, 1975 Helsinki Conventions on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, 1974 and 1992/HELCOM International Convention on Arrest of Ships, 1999 On the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading (Hague Rules), 1924 and the amending 1968 Protocol (Visby Protocol) and 1979 Protocol (SDR Protocol). Convention on the International Hydrographic Organization, 1967 On the Protocol that amends the Convention on the International Hydrographic Organization

Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Latvia Currently in Force Port regulations are available on the relevant port websites. The laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia can be accessed via the website www.likumi.lv. This site contains the most current information on amendments to laws and regulations. The site shows the current status of legislation with links between pieces of legislation and links to their translations.

A - 4.1 4. Abbreviations and Explanations

ABS absolute (value) AIS Automatic Identification System ASL Above Sea Level cm centimetre cm/s centimetres per second E east EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System GMT Greenwich Mean Time GRT Gross Registered Tonnage GT gross tonnage h hour HMO Harbour Master`s Office hp horsepower HS Hydrographic Service Hz hertz IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation Lighthouse Authorities IHO International Hydrographic Organization Illus. illustration IMDG code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code IMO International Maritime Organization kHz kilohertz km kilometre kn Knot LOA length overall LVĢMC Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre m metre m/s metres per second MAL Maritime Administration of Latvia max maximum mbar millibar min minute (of time)

A - 4.2

Abbreviations and Explanations

MRCC Riga Latvian Naval Forces Coast Guard Service Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre MSI Maritime Safety Information N north NE north-east NM Nautical mile NNE north-northeast NNW north-northwest NS observation station NtM Notices to Mariners NW northwest p. page RS Radar station S south s second SBRS shore-based radar station SE south-east SSN Safe Sea Net SSW south-southwest SW south-west t tonne, tonnage UTC Universal Time Coordinated V volt VHF very high frequency VTS Vessel Traffic Service W west WSW west-southwest WSW west-southwest

A - 5.1 5. Nautical Charts and Publications of Hydrographic Service of Maritime Administration of Latvia

The Hydrographic Service of the Maritime Administration of Latvia publishes and updates the following navigational charts and publications:  Paper Navigational Charts;  Electronic Navigational Charts;  Chart collection “Leisure Craft Charts. Baltic Sea. Latvia”;  Publication “Notices to Mariners” (published monthly in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv);  Publication “Shipping Regulations” (published yearly in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv as Notice to Mariners 001);  Publication No 01 “List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia” (available free of charge in digital format at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv);  Publication No 02 “Catalogue of Navigational Charts and Publications” (published monthly in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv);  Publication No 03 “Symbols and Abbreviations on Latvian Navigational Charts” (in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv);  Publication No 04 “Pilot of Baltic Sea. Latvian Coast” (in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv).

Nautical charts published by the Hydrographic Service of the Maritime Administration of Latvia cover the territorial sea of the Republic of Latvia, the Exclusive Economic Zone and Latvian ports. Nautical charts are used for route planning, coastal navigation, as well as entering and leaving of ports. Nautical charts that cover other countries are compiled using data from corresponding countries National Hydrographic Services. Charts and publications can be purchased from the Maritime Administration of Latvia, or at www.lja.lv/mapshop, or from the official distributors listed in www.lja.lv.

A - 6.1 6. Aids to Navigation

The IALA International Maritime Buoyage System Region A is used in the Baltic Sea and waters of the Republic of Latvia. Detailed information on floating and fixed aids to navigation can be found in the MAL HS publication No 01 “List of Aids to Navigation in the Waters of the Republic of Latvia” (available free of charge in digital format at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv). Navigation in the open waters of the Gulf of Riga and along the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea is aided by lighthouses with overlapping coverage of light sectors. When navigating in Latvian waters during the ice navigation period it is important to note that floating aids to navigation (buoys, spar-buoys) may not be in their positions or they can be withdrawn. Floating aids to navigation have been placed to ensure safe navigation in Latvian waters and along the coast. Dangers to navigation near fairways are marked off with buoys or spar-buoys. Port fairways may be equipped with leading lines, mole light beacons, buoys or spar-buoys.

A - 7.1

7. Safety of Navigation

Information relating to ship routes and fairways, anchorages, formerly mined areas, disused mine exercise areas as well as those still in use, explosives dumping grounds and other information important for navigation can be found in the annual edition of the publication “Shipping Regulations’’ as NtM 001 (in digital format and available free of charge at www.lja.lv and www.lhd.lv, at “Notices to Mariners”). Requirements for navigation in ports are outlined in the regulations of the relevant port.

A - 8.1 8. Search and Rescue at Sea

Search and rescue operations in Latvia are carried out by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Latvian Naval Flotilla Coast Guard Service (MRCC Riga). The area of responsibility for Latvian search and rescue is determined in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No 674, adopted on December 2, 2003 “Procedures for search and rescue in the case of an aeronautic or maritime accident”. Latvia is within Sea area A1 and A2 of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). MRCC Riga is the national coordinator for COSPAS-SARSAT (International Satellite System for Search and Rescue). MRCC Riga provides daily VHF MSI and weather forecasts at 07.03. and 15.03 (Local Time) Mobile rescue units are situated in Rīga, Kolka, Ventspils, Jūrmalciems and Pāvilosta.

Reporting on marine accidents All marine accidents in Latvian waters must be reported immediately to one of the following services:

1. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Latvian Naval Flotilla Coast Guard Service (MRCC Riga): Address: ...... Meldru Street 5a, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015 Tel.: ...... +371 67 323 103 (emergency); +371 29 476 101; +371 67 082 070 Fax: ...... +371 673 20 100; +371 292 70 690 INMARSAT-C: ...... 581-427518510, 581-427502310: MRCC / ISPS / MAS E-mail: ...... [email protected], [email protected] Interneta mājas lapa: ...... www.mrcc.lv Radio communication: .... 24 hours listening watch, MF 2182,0 kHz, VHF Channel: 16, with call sign ‘’Riga Rescue Radio” DSC: ...... MMSI Nr. 002750100 on 2187,5 kHz and VHF channel 70 Radio telex: ...... 6060 RMRCC LV

2. VTS of the nearest port.

A - 9.1 9. Radiolocation

RACONs operate on the X-band (9 GHz; 3cm wavelength) and S-band (3 GHz; 10 cm wavelength) marine radar band, they receive radar pulses and respond with encoded Morse characters. The accurate location of the ship can be determined using the bearings and distance. Racon’s accuracy is never below 99.6% and it may be used for the following purposes:

 to identify aids to navigation (AtoN);  to identify coastlines, areas and objects that could be hazardous to navigation;  to indicate turning points in ship routes;  to indicate bridge pylons;  as leading radar transponder beacons.

A - 10.1

10. Ports

There are three large (or major) ports in Latvia: Rīga, Ventspils and Liepāja as well as eight small ports: Kuiviži, Salacgrīva, Skulte, Jūrmala, Engure, Mērsrags, Roja and Pāvilosta located along the Latvian coastline.

The large ports are primarily specialized for reloading transit cargo – approximately 80% of cargo that is in- transit through Latvia is reloaded in these ports, most of which are oil products, coal, timber and cargo containers (Ministry of Transport, Statistics. 2013).

The small (or minor) ports are primarily used for reloading timber and landing fish products, during summer they serve as yacht harbours. The small ports currently play an important role in the Latvian economy and have developed into centres for regional economic activity. Historically the smaller ports have been and still remain the place for the docking and unloading of fishing boats. Fisheries in the ports and nearby contribute to the export of the bulk of processed Latvian fish products. Various types of wood products are handled at the ports: pulpwood, timber, cellulose and fuel chips, as well as peat. Approximately 10% of wood products exported from Latvia are transported from the smaller ports.

B - 1.1 B. PART

1. The Latvian Coastline and LVĢMC Coastal Observation Stations

Illus. 2. The Latvian coastline and LVĢMC coastal observation stations

B - 2.1 2. Profile of Latvian Coastline

Gulf of Riga coast The E coast of the Gulf of Riga near Ainaži is low and grassy. The coastal or “randu” meadows are located S of Ainaži, this is the largest coastal meadow region in Latvia. The dune area is often covered with pine forests. The stony beaches of Vidzeme stretch from Salacgrīva to Saulkrasti. The larger boulders are located near Tūja and Dunte. The coastline from the Pēterupe estuary to Rīga and from Jūrmala to Engure is sandy and the dunes are mainly covered with pine forests. Between Lake Engure and the Gulf of Riga and in the Port of Mērsrags region the shore is low in places and covered with grass. The area near Mērsrags has both a low grassy seashore as well as a rocky, sandy beach. The coastline stretch from Roja to Kolkasrags is mainly a sandy shore: the seashore near Kaltene and Roja is rocky but from Mērsrags to Kaltene the seashore is sandy. The coastline near the Gulf of Riga does not have a distinct headland. The largest is Mērsrags on the W coast; less distinct are Ķurmrags and Rankuļrags on the E coast. The largest and most voluminous rivers that flow into the Gulf of Riga: the Daugava River, River Gauja and Lielupe River, less significant – the Salaca, Aģe and Roja rivers. The largest coastal lakes : Lake Engure, Lake Babīte and Ķīšezers.

E Baltic coast The Baltic sea coastline in the territory of Latvia is moderately indented. On this part of the coast the more notable promontories are: Akmensrags, which extends out into the sea slightly, Ovišrags and Kolkasrags, which is the most distinctive cape on the Latvian coastline. The E Baltic coast is subject to wave erosion, shore erosion is noticeable at Kolka and also at Užava. In some places, such as Oviši, there has been an accumulation of sand drifts. The Western Kurzeme coastline as far as Kolkasrags is sandy, it is covered by pine forests, the lower areas have deciduous forests. Some parts of the coastline have steep slopes, for instance the Jūrkalne seashore bluffs that are up to 18 m high. The coastline from Pāvilosta to Liepāja is dominated by sand dunes while from Liepāja to the Lithuanian border the E coast of the Baltic Sea is low and flat. The largest rivers in Kurzeme that flow into the Baltic Sea are the Venta and the Saka rivers, the smallest – the Irbe and Užava rivers. The biggest coastal lakes: Lake Būšnieki, Lake Liepāja and Lake Tosmare. B - 3.1

3. Sea-bed depths and topography

The Oviši – Sõrve threshold forms a natural border between the Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea. The shoal depth here is less than 10 m and in the middle of the threshold, there is a 20-22 m deep ravine in the NW section of the waterway on the Irbe Strait. The Irbe Strait deep sea zone with a depth of over 25 m is located E of the Ovīši – Sõrve threshold within the Irbe Strait territory. Most of the Gulf of Riga is located in the Central Depression with a rather flat sea-bed (average depth of 40 m). The deepest part of the Gulf of Riga – Mērsrags trough (depth 66 m) is located in the W part of the depression, approximately 7 NM N of Mērsrags. The rift is approximately 50 m wide and 2,4 NM long with a steep slope, approximately 20 m in height. An elongated part of the Central Depression is the Gretagrunda shoal, located in the central area of the Gulf of Riga in the NW- SE direction. Ruhnu (Roņu) Island is located in the N part of this shoal. There is a relatively shallow stretch of water from Cape Ovīši to Pape lighthouse, on the E coast of the Baltic Sea. The 20-m isobath is located approximately 1,8-8 NM from shore. After the 20-m isobath the depth increases to 50-90 m, but approximately 45 M W, SW of Cape Ovīši is the location of the Gotland depression where the depth is 200 m and more. The areas on the E coast of the Baltic Sea that are dangerous to navigation are primarily located near the shore, on average in the 20-m isobath zone.

B - 4.1 4. Sea bed

The Baltic sea bed is primarily covered with a layer of sand, occasionally there are stones, pebbles, grit and cockleshells in the shallow waters. A layer of mud (pelite and fine-grained aleirite) with organic remains settles in the deeper spots where the current is slow. Sand washes off and band clay is exposed on slopes where the current is faster. Middle-Devonian exposures can be found on the shoals around Roņu (Ruhnu) Island, as well as the underwater slope between Skulte and Tūja (Gauja sandstone series), between Ragaciems and Jaunķemeri (Pļaviņu dolomite series) on the Gulf of Riga coast. Muddy sand can be found in some areas in the N part of the gulf and S of Kolkasrags. Most of the central part of the gulf after the 20-m isobath is covered with a layer of mud. The Gretagrunda Shoal was formed by accumulated sand with scattered boulders – the remains of the ice age, Roņu (Ruhnu) Island is located in the N part. The density of quaternary silt deposits usually never exceeds 10 m. A number of regions on the Gulf of Riga coast contains a large amount of rocks (between Mērsrags and Engure, between Tūja and Ainaži). See Illustration 3.

Illus. 3. Chart of bottom sediments of the Gulf of Riga1

1 Stiebriņš O. and Väling P. Bottom Sediments of the Gulf of Riga: Explanatory Note to the Bottom Sediments Map, Scale 1 : 2 000 000. Geological Survey of Latvia, 1996. B - 5.1 5. Geomagnetism

There has been ample magnetic research of the region, in 2010 the magnetic declination is east, it varies from approximately 5° southwest to 7° southeast (according to US/UK World Magnetic Model Epoch 2010.0 data). The magnetic declination is 8’E per year. The Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga contain a large number of regions with magnetic anomalies, as well as separate areas of anomalies. The most distinct anomalies: the E coast of the Gulf of Riga, for example, in a small area in the Vecāķi region the magnetic declination may reach as much as 17°E; near Zvejniekciems – the magnetic variation may reach 16°E (http://www.copeslapa.lv/udns/liicis.htm); also there is magnetic variation in the sea near Mērsrags and Pape. B - 6.1 6. Climate profile

Latvia is located in a temperate climate zone characterised by minimal changes in the average daily (measured over a 1-month period) temperature and annual temperature, a high level of air humidity, significant cloud cover and frequent rainfall. Winter is comparatively mild, predominantly cloudy weather and frequent precipitation. Extreme cold is rare and lasts for a short period of time. Storms during the cold season cause thawing. Winds are predominantly S, SW and W, bringing storms and blizzards. Spring is usually cool and long with less rainfall than during the winter season. Changing winds and frequent fogs are characteristic for this time of the year. Storm activity subsides. Summer is mostly cool with frequent cloudy periods. It is rarely hot and then only for a short time. Winds are mainly N and NW. There is more frequent precipation at the end of summer, primarily heavy showers. Autumn is usually reasonably warm. The weather is variable, often overcast with rain and fog. Autumn usually starts with an Indian summer however end of autumn is characterised by strong winds and frosts. Current weather forecasts can be found on the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) website: www.meteo.lv B - 7.1 7. Air temperature and humidity

The coldest winter month in the coastal areas is February when the average temperature on the coast is – 2,5°C ... – 4,5°C while in January it is –2,0°C ... –4,0°C. The warmest summer month is July, the average temperature is similar all along the coast – around +16°C ... +17°C. On some days it may reach +31°C ... +34°C. Relative humidity is highest in the winter months (from November to February), 85–90%, lowest in the summer months (from April to August), ), 75–80%. In summer, relative humidity changes significantly over the course of a 24-hour period – it is highest around sunrise but decreases significantly in the afternoon. In winter relative humidity does not change much over 24 hours. See Illustrations 4 – 7.

Illus. 4. Average temperature in May 2

2 Stiebriņš O. and Väling P. Bottom Sediments of the Gulf of Riga: Explanatory Note to the Bottom Sediments Map, Scale 1 : 2 000 000. Geological Survey of Latvia, 1996. B - 7.2

Air temperature and humidity

Illus. 5. Average temperature in July. 2

Illus. 6. Average temperature in October 2

B - 7.3

Air temperature and humidity

Illus. 7. Daily course of relative humidity in May and December. Liepāja weather station. LVĢMC data

B - 8.1

8. Winds, Storms and Periods of Calm

S, SW are the prevailing winds on the Latvian coast over the course of the year. Average monthly wind speed at the height of 10–12 m is around 3 m/s on the coast, around 6 m/s in the Gulf of Riga and up to 10 m/s in the open sea. Gusts of wind can reach a speed of 30–35 m/s. There are seasonal variations in wind speed – the months with the highest average monthly wind speed are the winter months – December and January but the months with lowest average monthly wind speed are April to August – in spring and summer. SW, W winds reach a maximum wind speed but NE winds have minimum wind speed. In the summer months winds have a distinct daily course. The calmest time of day is night and the morning hours; winds increase during the day, in the afternoon in particular. Winds usually reach force 7–8, sometimes force 9–10 on the Beaufort scale. It is possible that some years the strongest storms have not been recorded. Similar to the average monthly wind speed, strong wind gusts are more common in late autumn or early winter – from October to January, but in summer (from May to August) strong wind gusts are rare. Storm winds are usually W and SW but can also be S, SE winds. Storms usually last around 24 hours but on the rare occasion a storm can continue for two, three days. Wind lulls are rare. Lull frequency is 1–3 % in winter, up to 6% in the summer months. Land-ocean interaction creates sea breezes in the Gulf of Riga and on the Baltic Sea coast. When there is a wind lull or slight wind on land then during the day the wind will blow from the sea – a sea breeze, but at night it is the opposite – a land breeze. Breezes can be detected on the Latvian coast from April to September, most frequently in June and July. The average wind speed for both sea and land breezes is 2–4 m/s however in some cases they reach a speed of 9 m/s. See Illus. 8-14.

Illus. 8. Course of daily wind speed in July and November. Ventspils weather station, LVĢMC data B - 8.2

Winds, Storms and Periods of Calm

Illus. 9. Average monthly wind speed and direction in March. 3

Illus. 10. Average monthly wind speed and direction in July. 3

3 BaltAn65+ reanalysis: Luhamaa A., Kimmel K., Mannik A., Room R. High resolution re-analysis for the Baltic Sea region during 1965–2005 period. Clim Dyn (2011) 36: 727–738. B - 8.3

Winds, Storms and Periods of Calm

Illus. 11. Average monthly wind speed and direction in September. 3

Illus. 12. Average monthly wind speed and direction in December . 3 B - 8.4

Winds, Storms and Periods of Calm

Illus. 13. Average no. of days in the month where maximum wind gusts have exceeded 13,9 m/s (force 7). Ventspils, 1980– 2009, LVĢMC data

Illus. 14. Average no. of days in the month where maximum wind gusts have exceeded 13,9 m/s (force 7). Rīga, 1980–2005, LVĢMC data B - 9.1 9. Fog and Visibility

Fog – a phenomenon that endangers navigation at sea. An average of 20 – 40 days per year in the Gulf of Riga are foggy but near the shores of the open waters of the Baltic Sea approximately 50 days are foggy. Occasionally there is fog in the SE part of the gulf but more frequently in the N part and the Irbe Strait. An average of four, six days per month are foggy. Fog occurs least frequently in July – September, when the total number of hours of fog add up to less than 80 hours per month. Fog occurs most frequently in the colder months (November – March) totalling up to 175 hours per month. Average annual number of days with fog observed in all weather stations is 208 hours, this ranges from 94 hours in Skulte to 276 hours in Liepāja. See Tables 1 and 2. When the weather is fine visibility at sea is over 5 NM. Visibility is best from July to August while in September and October it declines. Visibility is poorer during the colder months than the warmer months. The possibility that visibility will be less than 2 NM is approximately 10%, in comparison, during the warmer months the likelihood is around 5%. Visibility at sea in winter is reduced by fog, frost, heavy snow and snowstorms but in spring and autumn – fog, haze and rain. Near the cities visibility is reduced because of air pollution.

Table 1. Meteorological Table FOG 1961 - 2000

AINAŽI SKULTE RĪGA MĒRSRAGS

Length of Length of Length of Length of No. of No. of No. of No. of days time with time with time with time with days with days with days with with fog fog, fog, fog, fog, fog fog fog hours hours hours hours

Months

Max. Max. Max. Max. Max. Max. Max. Max.

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

Monthly mean I 10 3 100 13 11 1 72 8 11 3 59 14 8 2 90 14 II 13 4 116 21 12 2 96 13 13 3 79 16 13 3 122 17 III 13 4 86 23 8 3 69 14 9 4 80 18 11 4 105 24 IV 11 4 74 27 8 3 49 11 9 3 47 13 10 4 80 26 V 10 3 55 18 7 2 53 11 7 3 31 9 14 3 77 17 VI 6 1 27 4 3 1 8 2 5 2 22 4 4 2 19 5 VII 5 2 31 5 4 1 17 2 9 3 30 7 7 2 30 6 VIII 8 2 29 6 5 1 17 4 10 3 45 11 9 3 32 10 IX 8 2 70 9 5 1 24 4 12 4 71 16 8 3 44 11 X 13 3 62 14 7 2 42 11 10 4 81 21 9 3 98 19 XI 8 2 55 13 7 2 41 8 9 4 64 23 9 3 67 17 XII 12 3 33 10 9 2 42 6 11 4 115 22 6 2 63 12

B - 9.2

Fog and Visibility

Table 2. Meteorological Table FOG 1961-2000

KOLKA VENTSPILS PĀVILOSTA LIEPĀJA

Length of Length of Length of Length of No. of No. of No. of No. of days time with time with time with time with days with days with days with with fog fog, fog, fog, fog, fog fog fog hours hours hours hours

Months

hly mean hly

Max

Max. Max. Max. Max. Max. Max. Max.

Monthly mean Mont Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean I 12 3 138 22 10 4 59 16 14 3 90 16 13 4 83 18 II 13 4 139 27 11 4 93 20 11 4 102 22 17 5 103 25 III 20 6 175 46 12 6 106 36 13 6 129 39 13 6 103 40 IV 14 6 144 46 14 7 91 41 13 6 99 41 14 7 98 42 V 12 5 114 36 13 6 110 35 12 5 109 29 17 7 118 32 VI 11 2 81 11 12 5 154 23 13 4 141 23 13 5 74 21 VII 10 2 52 8 13 4 66 14 10 4 56 16 9 3 54 13 VIII 9 2 34 8 8 3 31 10 10 3 46 15 10 3 40 13 IX 11 2 78 11 9 2 46 10 8 3 50 13 8 3 38 11 X 11 3 140 19 10 3 85 17 10 4 77 24 12 4 73 23 XI 8 2 83 14 7 3 52 14 10 3 61 17 9 3 57 16 XII 8 2 74 12 8 3 83 15 10 3 75 17 11 5 84 22

B - 10.1

10. Precipitation

The different forms of precipitation are primarily caused by aberrations in atmospheric circulation. Essential preconditions for precipitation above the Baltic Sea are frontal processes associated with the cyclone movement from North Atlantic to E and NE. Their position changes throughout the year, the least amount of precipitation occurs in February and March – when the monthly amount of precipitation is 30–40 mm and most precipitation occurs from August to October: 65–80 mm. The maximum recorded monthly amount of precipitation along the shore has been 290 mm. Rainfall typically averages 600–650 mm throughout the year with a minimum of 586 mm in Rīga and a maximum of 723 mm in Pāvilosta. See Meteorological Tables 3 - 9 B - 11.1

11. Radiolocation

The region has standard radiolocation all year round. The best conditions for radiolocation are in the daytime. B - 12.1 12. Meteorological phenomena

Refraction – an optical phenomenon where objects appear closer than they actually are. Objects appear to be elevated, magnified. The shore appears to be closer than it really is. But at greater distances this phenomenon could have the opposite effect, that objects appear further away that they actually are. Thunderstorms are primarily active from April – September but on occasion in winter as well. Storms are most frequent in July and August. In summer storms are accompanied by heavy rain and wind gusts but in winter – snowstorms. Thunderstorms are recorded on average 10 to 23 days a year. Waterspouts – whirlwinds are a powerful, destructive force with great wind-speed (around 50 – 100 m/s). Swirling motion around a vertical axis either clockwise or anticlockwise. Whirlwinds are usually dark and funnel-shaped and formed by cumulonimbus clouds in unstable atmospheric conditions. They move with an average speed of 10 m/s. They only last a few minutes. Waterspouts usually only occur in summer during the warmer part of the day. Snowstorms – snow storms occur most in the winter months of January and February but can also occur in other months between November and April. Snowstorms reduce visibility and they usually do not last longer than 24 hours, on average there are 15–20 days with snowstorms a year.

Table 3. Meteorological Table AINAŽI 1970 2010 Possibility of reduction in Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s visibility, % mm °C

Months Wind direction

Abs. Min. N NE E SE S SW W NW Abs. Max.

Under 3 km Under 2 km Under 1 km

Monthly total Monthly mean Monthly mean

Max. totalMon.

Min.Mon.Total

Calm

Abs. Max. gusts

Abs. Max. speed I 8 6 11 15 23 17 12 8 2 4,9 17 25 10 7 7 41 107 5 8.1 -4,1 -35,7 II 10 8 12 16 24 13 8 7 1 4,6 14 21 13 12 9 29 73 7 10.8 -4,6 -33,4 III 9 7 13 13 22 13 11 10 2 4,4 14 21 12 9 9 32 61 10 18.3 -1,3 -28,8 IV 9 9 14 13 15 12 13 12 2 4,1 13 20 12 11 9 36 137 1 25.3 4,4 -15,3 V 8 7 11 11 13 14 18 16 2 3,9 14 21 8 6 6 41 86 9 29.5 10,2 -6,0 VI 8 6 10 8 12 15 22 17 3 3,7 13 20 8 6 6 61 161 12 32.4 14,5 -1,3 VII 8 5 12 12 12 15 17 15 4 3,6 15 18 8 5 5 59 132 8 32.2 16,9 0,0 VIII 7 8 15 14 11 16 14 13 3 3,7 13 19 7 6 6 73 200 0 33.0 16,3 0,0 IX 8 8 14 16 15 18 11 9 2 4,3 16 19 10 9 9 71 163 4 30.0 11,9 -4,8 X 10 8 12 17 19 15 9 8 1 4,8 18 24 10 8 8 78 157 9 22.0 7,2 -13,8 XI 7 6 13 23 23 13 8 6 1 5,0 15 26 12 11 11 69 127 5 15.4 2,1 -18,7 XII 8 5 13 20 22 11 10 9 1 5,0 16 24 8 7 6 53 106 14 10.1 -1,7 -37,1 Yearly 8 7 12 15 17 15 13 11 2 643

B - 12.2

Meteorological phenomena

Table 4. Meteorological Table SKULTE 1971-2010 Possibility of Wind distribution, % Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind speed, m/s reduction in mm °C visibility, %

Wind direction .

x

Months km km km

gusts

speed

.

.

3 2 1

x

x

monthly total

monthly total monthly

Abs. min.

onthly onthly total

.

Abs. ma

Under Under Under

N NE E SE S SW W NW x

M

Monthly mean

Monthly. mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs. ma

Min.

Ma I 8 7 11 18 22 17 7 7 2 3,7 17 22 7 5 1 41 90 6 8,4 -4,1 -32,7 II 9 11 13 21 19 14 5 7 2 3,4 20 34 12 11 4 33 69 6 11,0 -4,1 -31,2 III 9 10 14 17 16 14 7 11 3 3,3 18 28 10 8 4 34 72 9 19,0 -0,6 -25,4 IV 9 11 15 13 11 11 7 18 5 3,1 10 20 6 6 3 39 117 5 26,1 5,0 -10,8 V 10 9 12 12 9 13 8 23 4 2,9 12 23 4 4 1 45 108 16 30,1 10,6 -5,1 VI 10 9 10 8 8 16 10 25 4 2,9 14 20 1 1 0 63 226 14 33,0 14,8 -2,3 VII 9 8 14 11 9 15 9 21 5 2,9 10 21 1 1 0 74 179 4 32,3 17,1 0,0 VIII 7 9 16 14 10 15 9 15 4 2,9 18 24 1 1 0 77 275 0 33,4 16,5 0,3 IX 6 11 15 17 14 17 6 10 4 3,3 12 24 2 2 0 68 143 0 30,2 12,1 -4,3 X 8 10 13 21 21 13 6 7 2 3,6 20 24 5 5 2 70 195 0 21,9 7,2 -12,2 XI 6 8 13 27 25 10 5 5 1 3,8 20 34 6 6 3 63 112 0 15,0 2,0 -17,7 XII 7 7 13 22 24 10 7 7 1 3,7 14 24 6 6 2 52 87 0 11,2 -1,8 -32,7 Yearly 8 9 13 17 16 14 7 13 3 657

Table 5. Meteorological Table RĪGA 1971-2010 Possibility of Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s reduction in mm °C visibility, %

Wind direction .

x

Months km km km

gusts

.

3 2 1

x

monthly total

monthly total monthly

S Abs. min.

Abs. ma N NE E SE S W NW Under Under Under

Monthly total W Monthly mean Monthly mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs. max. speed

Min.

Max. I 6 5 6 13 29 20 13 7 2 4,0 22 30 33 81 11 9,8 -3,6 -33,7 II 9 7 6 11 29 16 10 10 2 3,7 16 22 28 88 3 13,5 -3,4 -34,6 III 13 6 7 11 22 15 11 13 2 3,7 19 22 28 75 8 20,5 -0,2 -23,3 IV 20 9 8 15 13 10 8 14 3 3,5 15 24 35 117 4 27,9 5,1 -11,1 V 19 5 8 12 14 11 10 18 3 3,3 13 19 42 104 8 30,4 10,6 -5,1 VI 19 6 8 11 13 12 10 18 3 3,2 15 26 58 135 20 32,5 14,3 -1,2 VII 16 5 6 12 17 14 10 16 3 3,0 15 23 69 150 16 34,1 16,1 0,0 VIII 13 7 9 14 17 16 10 12 3 2,9 15 20 68 242 8 33,6 15,4 0,0 IX 11 8 9 12 22 20 8 8 3 3,3 16 18 65 152 21 29,4 11,1 -4,1 X 8 8 8 16 26 16 9 7 2 3,7 17 20 63 176 18 23,4 6,5 -8,7 XI 5 5 8 20 34 14 8 4 2 4,0 20 31 53 113 8 17,2 1,8 -18,9 XII 6 5 8 15 32 18 9 6 2 3,9 20 23 43 92 18 10,8 -1,9 -31,9 Yearly 12 6 7 13 22 15 10 11 2 586

B - 12.3

Meteorological phenomena

Table 6. Meteorological Table MĒRSRAGS 1971–2010 Possibility of Wind speed, Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % reduction in m/s mm °C visibility, %

Wind direction

.

x

Months km km km

gusts

speed

.

.

3 2 1

x

x

monthly total

monthly total monthly

Abs. min.

Abs. ma

. .

N NE E SE S SW W NW Under Under Under

Monthly total

x

Monthly mean Monthly mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs. ma

Min.

Ma I 7 5 4 7 20 30 19 5 2 3,8 15 21 13 9 4 41 90 10 10,7 -2,9 -33,7 II 9 8 6 9 19 23 15 7 4 3,5 13 21 9 7 3 29 57 3 13,6 -3,4 -36,2 III 10 8 10 9 13 21 16 8 6 3,4 13 19 9 7 4 33 76 6 20,8 -0,6 -28,9 IV 13 12 14 10 8 16 12 8 8 3,3 13 20 7 6 5 39 93 3 27,0 4,3 -16,2 V 14 11 14 7 7 16 14 9 7 3,2 12 21 2 2 1 42 97 9 31,6 9,9 -4,2 VI 11 10 11 6 6 21 18 10 7 3,1 10 19 1 1 1 63 184 11 34,6 14,5 -2,2 VII 11 9 12 8 8 22 14 7 9 2,9 10 17 1 0 0 74 163 9 34,4 16,7 0,0 VIII 7 9 13 9 8 26 14 6 8 2,8 11 20 1 1 1 74 184 9 33,8 16,2 0,0 IX 6 9 10 7 11 31 16 4 6 3,2 14 16 4 3 2 64 158 19 29,1 12,0 -3,9 X 7 6 8 8 19 29 14 4 5 3,4 16 20 9 7 6 69 157 11 24,9 7,2 -7,1 XI 5 5 5 9 29 28 13 3 3 3,6 14 21 18 16 12 60 133 7 15,5 2,5 -18,1 XII 6 4 5 9 25 28 17 4 3 3,7 18 19 11 10 5 46 88 14 12,4 -0,9 -25,6 Yearly 9 8 9 8 14 24 15 6 6 633

Table 7. Meteorological Table 7 KOLKA 1971–2010 Possibility of Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s reduction in mm °C visibility, %

tal

Wind direction .

x

Months km km km

gusts

speed

.

.

3 2 1

x

x

monthly to monthly

Abs. min.

Abs. ma N NE E SE S SW W NW Under Under Under

Monthly total

Monthly mean Monthly mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs. ma

Min.

Max.Monthly total I 9 6 6 8 18 24 20 7 2 4,4 16 26 4 4 0 41 88 9 10,0 -2,1 -28,0 II 8 9 8 12 18 19 18 6 2 4,0 16 27 6 5 1 30 71 6 12,8 -3,0 -31,5 III 9 9 7 10 13 18 23 11 1 3,7 17 23 6 5 2 33 66 6 19,1 -0,7 -22,4 IV 8 12 9 13 12 13 20 11 2 3,3 14 25 8 7 4 34 83 1 23,5 3,5 -15,1 V 10 11 10 9 11 12 23 13 1 3,2 14 22 2 2 1 34 81 6 28,0 8,9 100 VI 8 8 9 8 8 15 27 15 1 3,2 12 22 2 2 1 52 146 2 31,2 13,6 -1,6 VII 10 9 10 10 10 17 20 12 2 3,2 14 21 1 1 0 71 201 2 30,6 16,5 4,2 VIII 9 9 11 11 11 21 17 9 1 3,2 14 21 0 0 0 68 179 7 31,3 16,3 1,0 IX 8 8 8 9 15 26 17 9 1 3,7 18 20 1 1 1 62 138 15 25,4 12,4 -3,2 X 10 7 7 8 19 26 14 9 1 4,1 18 26 2 2 0 67 166 14 21,5 7,9 -5,8 XI 7 7 7 7 26 25 14 7 1 4,2 18 29 3 3 1 62 127 6 13,5 3,2 -15,5 XII 8 7 6 7 22 26 15 8 1 4,4 17 24 3 3 0 47 104 18 12,2 0,1 -19,7 Yearly 9 8 8 9 15 19 18 9 1 602

B - 12.4

Meteorological phenomena

Table 8. Meteorological Table VENTSPILS 1971–2010 Possibility of Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s reduction in mm °C visibility, %

Wind direction x

Months km km

gusts

km

.

3 1

ma

2

x

x. speed

a

m

monthly total

monthly total monthly

Abs. min.

Abs.

. .

Under N NE E SE S SW W NW Under Under

Monthly total

x

Monthly mean Monthly mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs.

Min.

Ma I 7 6 7 17 16 24 14 9 1 5,2 21 32 8 8 3 55 115 11 8,9 -1,8 -24,9 II 9 11 10 18 15 22 9 7 0 4,8 18 28 8 8 4 34 80 8 14,2 -2,3 -26,5 III 12 10 10 14 12 23 9 8 1 4,8 18 27 9 8 5 39 86 9 18,6 0,3 -19,0 IV 16 12 11 14 9 23 6 8 1 4,6 18 31 8 8 5 34 78 3 25,0 4,6 -7,8 V 19 9 10 11 8 27 8 8 1 4,4 17 23 5 5 3 34 69 9 29,5 9,6 -1,8 VI 17 6 7 7 11 28 12 10 1 4,3 16 26 4 4 3 43 113 2 33,1 13,7 0,0 VII 16 7 8 11 11 27 11 8 1 4,3 19 27 2 2 1 57 245 2 33,8 16,7 0,0 VIII 13 9 11 14 10 21 12 9 1 4,4 18 24 1 1 1 57 202 0 34,4 16,8 0,0 IX 10 10 11 16 11 21 12 8 1 5,0 21 27 2 2 1 65 170 15 29,5 13,0 -1,0 X 7 9 10 19 15 18 13 8 1 5,3 22 29 4 4 3 69 181 15 22,6 8,4 -7,5 XI 6 7 10 25 18 14 11 8 1 5,4 23 36 9 8 4 73 133 4 15,1 3,6 -14,2 XII 7 7 9 22 16 16 12 11 1 5,4 22 31 8 8 3 64 145 14 10,2 0,3 -25,0 Yearly 11 9 10 16 13 22 11 8 1 623

Table 9. Meteorological Table LIEPĀJA 1971–2010 Possibility of Precipitation, Air temperature, Wind distribution, % Wind speed, m/s reduction in mm °C visibility, %

Wind direction .

x

Months km km km

gusts

.

3 2 1

x

max. max. speed

monthly total

monthly total monthly

Abs. min.

Abs. ma

. N NE E SE S SW W NW Under Under Under

Monthly total

x

Monthly mean Monthly mean

Calm

Abs. ma

Abs.

Min.

Ma I 10 8 8 10 13 19 20 9 3 5,1 20 29 13 11 6 52 105 10 9,0 -2,1 -29,3 II 12 9 10 9 13 16 20 10 2 4,7 18 28 17 15 9 34 79 7 15,5 -2,4 -30,5 III 10 8 13 13 13 15 17 8 3 4,6 18 22 11 10 6 37 81 10 18,6 0,3 -22,9 IV 12 11 15 11 12 15 14 8 3 4,3 18 22 11 10 6 32 86 2 25,4 5,2 -8,0 V 9 9 12 13 14 15 18 8 2 4,0 14 17 5 4 3 34 107 6 29,3 10,4 -2,8 VI 8 7 10 16 13 15 19 9 2 3,9 14 22 3 3 2 44 110 9 33,0 14,4 1,4 VII 10 13 11 14 8 19 13 9 3 3,9 20 22 2 2 1 61 152 2 32,6 16,9 0,0 VIII 9 10 8 15 9 20 15 10 5 3,9 17 27 1 1 1 66 290 16 30,7 16,8 0,0 IX 7 9 10 16 11 21 13 10 3 4,4 19 21 2 2 1 66 193 20 30,0 13,0 -1,7 X 10 10 8 13 11 21 13 10 3 4,8 20 25 7 6 3 73 192 21 23,0 8,4 -7,3 XI 9 13 13 16 9 17 12 9 2 5,3 24 28 12 10 4 70 202 15 15,4 3,6 -17,5 XII 8 8 10 14 10 25 14 9 2 5,1 19 24 14 12 6 57 119 8 10,5 0,2 -25,8 Yearly 9 10 10 14 11 19 15 9 3 626

B - 13.1 13. Sea level

Baltic Sea water level monitoring on the Latvian coast was started in Daugavgrīva in 1841 using a water level sea-gauge. Nowadays the sea level ir monitored at seven observation stations on the Gulf of Riga coast (Salacgrīva, Skulte, Daugavgrīva, Lielupe estuary, Mērsrags, Roja, Kolka) and three observation stations on the E coast of the Baltic Sea (Ventspils, Pāvilosta, Liepāja), making use of the Baltic Sea depth level monitoring gauge – the Kronstadt sea-gauge zero-point. (See appendix Nr. 2 “LEGMC coastal observation stations”). The water level regime in the Gulf of Riga depends primarily on the water circulation patterns between the gulf and the Baltic Sea. This water circulation in turn depends on the geographical distribution of air pressure that influences wind direction and speed, in other words, the type of synoptic processes. Wind activity also influences the water level regime of the Gulf of Riga. The water level is similar at all observation points – it decreases from January to May, increases in July, fluctuates slightly from August to October but in November and December it increases significantly. The greatest sea level fluctuations have been observed in autumn and winter. Not only are spring and summer the seasons with the least flooding, these floods are also much smaller in volume than autumn and winter floods. The maximum water level recorded in the Gulf of Riga since 1970 was +227 cm in Skulte on 9th January 2005 while in the Baltic Sea the highest level was +146 cm in Liepāja on 14th January 1993. The minimum water level in the Gulf of Riga was –117 cm in Salacgrīva on 15th October 1976 while in the Baltic Sea the minimum level was –91 cm in Ventspils on 1st January 1979. See hydrological tables in “Sea water temperature, salinity and density” B - 14.1 14. Currents

Currents that occur along the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea are not continuous but wind direction- dependent. If the wind blows from NE, N or NW then the current along the W coast of Kurzeme will be flowing N to S but if the wind is from the SW, S or SE, the current will be flowing S to N. With a westerly wind the surface current will be flowing towards the Kurzeme coast whereas with an easterly wind – from the coast. The strongest current on the coast occurs with N and W winds, the weakest – with S and E winds. Currents can be fast-flowing with the current velocity near the entrance to the Irbe Strait reaching two knots. There are no strong continuous currents in the Gulf of Riga either as they depend on wind velocity and atmospheric pressure above the water surface. Water circulation through the straits and river runoff both influence water circulation in the Gulf of Riga. The densest water inflow into the deepest layers of the Gulf of Riga flows in a southerly direction along the Kurzeme coast (anticlockwise). The less dense mass of salty water derives from the southern part of the gulf which contains a large concentration of river (Daugava River, Lielupe River, Gauja River) runoffs into the Gulf of Riga. This water mass flows primarily in the surface layer in a S to N direction along the Vidzeme coast. The direction of the current in the surface layer of the Irbe Strait runs parallel to wind projection to the axis of the Strait. If there is a significant water level gradient between the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of the Baltic Sea this can produce currents in the demersal layer of the Irbe Strait that flow in the opposite direction. Calm weather or weather conditions with a slight wind may lead to the formation of a two-layer current where the water flowing into the Gulf of Riga flows along the Latvian coastline along the lower layer but the outflow flows along the Sõrve peninsula along the upper layer. Standard types of surface current velocities influenced by prevailing winds from various directions are shown in the next few illustrations – the data source is the Baltic Sea operational model of the Danish Meteorological Institute. In calm weather a small inertial eddy current may form in the Gulf of Riga. Along the entire Latvian coastline whenever a large wave formation occurs it is accompanied by a longshore current. A longshore current forms where the waves break and its velocity can exceed a few metres per second. The direction of longshore currents is determined by the line of vector projection to the shore of incoming waves.

Illus. 15. Surface current in N wind B - 14.2

Currents

Illus. 16. Surface currents in NE wind

Illus. 17. Surface currents in E wind B - 14.3

Currents

Illus. 18. Surface currents in SE wind

Illus. 19. Surface currents in S wind B - 14.4

Currents

Illus. 20. Surface currents in SW wind

Illus. 21. Surface currents in W wind B - 14.5

Currents

Illus. 22. Surface currents in NW wind

Illus. 23. Vertical distribution of currents by layer 1–4 (11th April, 2009) (Illus. 27 in section “Sea water temperature, salinity and density”) B - 14.6

Currents

Illus. 24. Currents in the Gulf of Riga during calm weather

B - 15.1 15. Wave formation

Wave characteristics in the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of the Baltic Sea will be discussed separately. Wave height in the Gulf of Riga usually (95% probability) does not exceed two metres. The sea is most restless from November to January when there is a probability of 2–4% of encountering waves two metres in height or more, during the rest of the year waves of this height occur rarely (<1%). Wave height with a probability of 80% does not exceed the one metre mark. In the open waters of the Baltic Sea wave height over the course of the year is similar. However it differs from the Gulf of Riga in that the restless period is from October to February when waves exceeding two metres in height have been recorded (~10%) but the possibility of exceeding three metres (~2.5%) and in extreme conditions (~0.1%) exceeding even five metres. During the rest of the year waves exceed the two metre mark 3% of the time. On average 70% of the time throughout the year wave height will not exceed one metre. Detailed information about wave formation as measured by the coastal weather observation stations can be found in the section “Sea water temperature, salinity and density” in Hydrological Table 10-19.

Illus. 25. Wave height probability distribution during months with storms in the Gulf of Riga and the open waters of Baltic Sea. Danish Meteorological Institute operational wave model data (Sep-2004 / Feb-2013) B - 15.2

Wave formation

Illus. 26. Wave probability distribution in the calmer months in the Gulf of Riga and open waters of the Baltic Sea. Danish Meteorological Institute operational wave model data (Sep-2004 / Feb-2013)

B - 16.1 16. Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Water temperature The water temperature regime in the Gulf of Riga and along the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea is influenced by a number of physical geographic factors – primarily the heat balance of the gulf and sea surface and water dynamics (mainly – vertical mixing) of the gulf and the regions near the Baltic Sea. Changes to water surface temperature in the course of a year are similar to air temperature changes during this period but the range of fluctuations in water temperature is much smaller than the range of fluctuations in air temperature. In winter the water surface temperature is close to zero. The absolute minimum temperature of the water surface in the Gulf of Riga ranges from –0.18°C to –0.45°C and in the sea it ranges from –0.4°C to –0.6°C. The water starts to warm up in April (sometimes in March). The highest monthly average temperature is in July – +16°C ...+ 18°C. The maximum water surface temperature is reached two weeks after the maximum air temperature has been reached. The absolute maximum water surface temperature in the Gulf of Riga can reach +26°C–+28°C, usually in July but on the Baltic Sea coast (Liepāja) – in August. The water cools down at the end of August and continues to cool till the first 10 days in December, reaching +1°C–+3°C. The annual water temperature cycle relates to all depths. The average annual temperature in the deepest layers is lower than on the surface and the maximum is reached approximately two months after the surface maximum has been reached. In the winter months (November to March) there is an almost homogeneous vertical distribution of water temperature (and other parameters). During the other months the temperature distribution on the surface is homogeneous followed by a layer with a sharp temperature change (this layer is called thermocline) followed by a gradual temperature decrease down to the sea-bed.

Water salinity The hydrochemical regime of the Gulf of Riga is largely determined by water salinity. As the water circulates the salty waters of the Baltic Sea flow into the gulf. The largest inflow of water from the Baltic Sea occurs via the Irbe Strait at the end of spring and beginning of summer when the horizontal (spring floodwaters flowing in from the rivers) and vertical (formation of surface homogeneous layer) heterogeneity in the gulf and sea water density area is most pronounced, as are currents of significantly high density. These water-exchange currents are common during periods of prolonged easterly reflux wind activity when a compensatory counter-stream from the sea to the gulf is formed and intensified with the distribution of heterogeneous vertical water temperature and salinity in the Irbe Strait. Similarly a notable water exchange occurs during periods with strong autumn and winter winds. The salinity of the coastal waters in the gulf varies quite considerably. Monthly fluctuations can reach 3,5– 5,5‰ near river estuaries. In some cases salinity varies by 2–3‰ in a 24 hour period. Sudden variations in salinity are related to the inflow of water from the Baltic Sea, the rising of ground waters to the surface during reflux winds or river runoffs in their peak periods – especially the spring meltwater period. The illustrations show the horizontal (water surface) and vertical distribution of salinity, using the Danish Meteorological Institute Baltic Sea operational model.

Water density Sea water density is approximately 1005–1010 kg/m3. Maximum water density can be observed at +4oC.

See sea water temperature, salinity and density illustrations and tables. B - 16.2

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Illus. 27. Typical surface salinity distribution in spring (15th April, 2009)

Illus. 28. Typical vertical distribution of salinity in spring by layer 1-4 (15th April, 2009) B - 16.3

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Illus. 29. Typical surface salinity distribution in winter (15th December, 2009)

Illus. 30. Typical water salinity vertical distribution in winter by layer 6-5 (15th December, 2009) B - 16.4

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Table 10. Hydrological Table SALACGRĪVA 1971 to 2010 Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

,

0, 0, 1 1, 3, 5, 8,

2,

– – – – – – –

–

Abs. max.

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

,5

Abs. max. Abs. max.

0,0 0,2 0 1,0 1,5 2,0 3,0 5,0

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,1 75,4 15,8 7,6 0,7 0,3 0,0 0,1 180 13 -88 II 0,0 79,1 15,9 5,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 111 2 -98 III 1,0 84,6 9,4 3,7 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 144 -6 -82 IV 2,0 92,1 4,7 1,0 0,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 85 -11 -70 V 2,3 90,0 6,1 1,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 48 -15 -79 VI 1,8 88,6 7,9 1,7 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 78 -4 -50 VII 2,2 90,3 5,7 1,7 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 88 7 -40 VIII 3,1 84,1 9,6 3,1 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 90 6 -44 IX 1,2 83,7 11,0 4,1 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 103 8 -74 X 0,2 81,6 12,8 5,1 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 135 8 -116 XI 0,2 82,7 11,5 5,0 0,2 0,4 0,0 0,0 158 14 -80 XII 0,2 76,9 14,4 7,3 1,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 135 16 -84 Yearly 1,3 84,7 9,9 3,7 0,3 0,1 0,0 0,0

Table 11. Hydrological table SKULTE 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

max.

.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , ,

0, 0 1 1 2 3 5 8,

– – – – – – – –

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

, , , , , , ,

0 0, 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,0 54,7 36,4 7,7 0,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 5,8 1,0 -0,6 227 18 -106 II 0,0 65,1 29,1 5,1 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,6 0,4 -0,3 132 5 -90 III 0,0 69,7 25,5 4,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 5,1 0,8 -0,3 163 -1 -74 IV 0,9 81,0 16,6 1,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 14 6,2 0,2 92 -5 -54 V 0,4 72,9 23,7 2,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,8 11,5 4,9 59 -9 -73 VI 0,7 70,1 26,5 2,4 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 23,1 15,8 7,5 98 1 -49 VII 0,2 77,4 20,6 1,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,1 19,3 12,2 118 9 -76 VIII 0,6 72,5 23,6 2,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 23,4 17,6 8,4 93 10 -42 IX 0,0 71,7 25,8 2,2 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 18,1 14,3 9,3 116 14 -74 X 0,7 68,6 25,5 4,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 16,6 9,6 2,1 135 13 -109 XI 0,0 64,9 28,4 5,2 1,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,4 4,0 0,1 166 18 -93 XII 0,0 54,0 37,7 6,2 2,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 2,4 0,1 167 18 -89 Yearly 0,4 70,3 25,4 3,4 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0

B - 16.5

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Table 12. Hydrological table DAUGAVGRĪVA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , ,

0, 0, 1 1, 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2

,

0, 0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 3,0 5,0

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,0 43,5 35,5 14,0 3,0 3,5 0,5 0,0 3,3 1,0 -0,5 208 19 -102 II 0,0 38,8 44,1 15,8 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,5 0,0 -0,4 131 9 -77 III 0,0 49,7 39,8 9,9 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,2 0,4 -0,3 167 1 -77 IV 1,1 64,2 26,9 7,4 0,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 8,2 3,7 0,2 87 -2 -53 V 0,4 68,2 25,2 5,8 0,2 0,0 0,2 0,0 18,9 10,9 1,2 59 -5 -67 VI 0,2 70,9 22,7 5,5 0,0 0,8 0,0 0,0 21,2 17,5 13,1 96 6 -48 VII 0,0 69,2 25,3 4,6 0,4 0,5 0,0 0,0 23,8 19,8 16,4 111 15 -34 VIII 0,0 63,9 27,3 5,8 2,0 1,0 0,0 0,0 22,1 19,1 14,4 78 13 -39 IX 0,0 62,6 25,9 8,8 2,4 0,3 0,0 0,0 19,5 15,8 11,8 121 16 -76 X 0,0 47,0 36,5 14,4 2,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,4 11,0 6,3 135 15 -107 XI 0,0 41,2 44,1 8,1 2,9 3,7 0,0 0,0 8,9 5,3 0,8 172 20 -87 XII 0,0 47,9 40,0 9,1 1,8 1,2 0,0 0,0 5,0 2,5 0,0 164 22 -91 Yearly 0,2 61,1 29,2 7,6 1,1 0,7 0,1 0,0

Table 13. Hydrological table LIELUPES GRĪVA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

min. min.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5, 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2 0 5 0 0 0

, , ,5 , , , , ,

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 6,2 69,8 17,4 5,6 0,9 0,1 0,0 0,0 5,6 0,4 -0,4 195 16 -96 11,51 5,18 0,97 II 6,8 70,3 18,4 4,2 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 5,3 0,3 -0,3 130 4 -75 7,20 4,26 0,25 III 7,5 73,6 17,1 1,7 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 0,8 -0,4 151 -2 -74 6,78 3,84 0,16 IV 9,2 77,8 12,0 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,1 0,0 17,1 4,2 -0,1 93 -1 -57 7,75 3,70 0,07 V 7,2 76,3 14,1 1,9 0,2 0,2 0,1 0,0 23,0 10,2 1,6 52 -8 -66 8,94 4,16 0,17 VI 5,8 76,2 14,6 2,5 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,0 15,3 1,9 92 3 -50 7,41 4,50 1,22 VII 9,8 74,9 13,1 1,5 0,4 0,3 0,0 0,0 27,3 18,1 6,8 107 12 -39 7,65 4,82 2,02 VIII 8,5 73,9 14,6 2,5 0,2 0,2 0,0 0,0 26,2 17,6 8,2 75 11 -42 6,62 4,94 1,84 IX 7,6 74,7 14,6 2,5 0,2 0,4 0,0 0,0 22,1 13,4 5,0 114 13 -62 6,46 5,03 0,82 X 4,8 71,0 17,7 5,2 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 17,0 8,4 0,4 133 13 -107 7,25 5,15 1,11 XI 6,3 75,0 14,3 3,4 0,8 0,3 0,0 0,0 10,0 4,1 -0,2 166 18 -92 7,89 5,11 1,13 XII 8,0 71,8 15,8 3,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,7 1,3 -0,4 177 20 -81 7,21 5,18 1,87 Yearly 7,4 74,1 15,1 2,8 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0 B - 16.6

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Table 14. Hydrological table MĒRSRAGS 1971 to 2010

Water Maximum wave height distribution, % Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. min

Abs. max

Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,0 40,6 56,3 3,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 190 8 -77 II 0,0 53,1 40,6 6,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 95 -3 -68 III 0,0 78,2 21,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 83 -15 -79 IV 0,8 85,2 13,3 0,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 51 -15 -68 V 0,8 85,4 12,3 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 37 -17 -64 VI 0,4 90,7 9,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 47 -5 -41 VII 0,7 90,2 9,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 72 5 -37 VIII 5,6 86,6 7,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 133 4 -46 IX 3,8 79,4 13,1 3,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 83 6 -52 X 3,8 74,3 20,7 1,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 137 4 -89 XI 0,0 61,6 35,4 3,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 136 11 -70 XII 0,0 50,0 50,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 107 13 -75 Yearly 1,9 83,6 13,5 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0

Table 15 Hydrological table ROJA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰

Wave height, m

Months

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

, , , , , ,

Abs. max. Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 0, 0 1 1 2, 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean

Monthly mean.

I 0,0 81,7 13,1 2,3 2,0 0,7 0,3 0,0 6,0 0,6 -0,4 167 9 -89 II 0,0 75,5 21,6 1,4 1,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 6,0 0,3 -0,3 97 1 -73 III 0,0 81,6 12,3 4,3 1,8 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,0 0,6 -0,3 104 -9 -78 IV 0,6 84,5 12,7 1,8 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 11,6 3,1 -0,3 53 -14 -56 V 0,5 87,9 10,4 0,7 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,8 8,8 0,0 39 -18 -69 VI 0,4 91,0 8,5 0,2 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 24,2 13,9 4,1 60 -7 -53 VII 0,2 91,0 8,3 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 28,0 16,6 4,4 65 3 -39 VIII 1,3 85,4 12,4 0,6 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 25,4 16,7 5,4 57 2 -46 IX 0,2 77,9 14,7 5,3 1,9 0,0 0,0 0,0 21,0 12,6 5,0 80 3 -56 X 0,3 76,0 20,5 2,0 1,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,1 8,1 0,1 101 4 -86 XI 0,0 77,2 19,4 2,0 1,1 0,3 0,0 0,0 9,4 4,1 -0,4 130 9 -69 XII 0,0 82,7 16,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 7,4 1,7 -0,4 100 11 -72 Yearly 0,4 83,7 13,4 1,7 0,8 0,1 0,0 0,0 B - 16.7

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Table 16. Hydrological table KOLKA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months .

ax

m

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. max

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs.

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,9 80,9 14,0 3,6 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0 2,2 0,2 -0,5 161 10 -77 8,15 5,87 2,27 II 0,1 88,6 8,2 2,7 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 1,8 0,0 -0,5 100 5 -67 7,09 5,57 0,32 III 0,3 90,5 7,7 1,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 3,9 0,5 -0,3 105 -5 -78 8,35 5,50 0,68 IV 1,1 91,4 6,6 0,8 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 9,6 2,7 -0,3 48 -11 -57 7,16 5,88 2,20 V 1,1 93,6 4,7 0,5 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 15,9 8,0 0,5 42 -16 -59 7,32 6,02 4,20 VI 0,2 96,6 2,8 0,4 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 21,5 13,8 4,9 42 -5 -39 8,20 5,99 4,30 VII 1,3 91,2 6,8 0,6 0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0 20,6 16,2 6,5 69 5 -30 8,20 5,92 4,31 VIII 0,7 89,4 8,0 1,5 0,4 0,0 0,0 0,0 22,1 15,7 7,5 55 4 -51 8,00 5,92 4,07 IX 0,5 85,8 10,5 2,4 0,7 0,1 0,0 0,0 19,4 13,5 6,9 83 7 -51 8,01 5,97 4,33 X 0,0 80,1 13,6 5,7 0,6 0,0 0,0 0,0 13,0 8,8 3,5 102 7 -68 7,41 6,01 4,00 XI 0,0 75,7 18,0 4,9 1,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 8,3 4,7 -0,3 111 13 -113 8,48 6,01 4,20 XII 0,2 82,2 12,6 3,7 1,0 0,3 0,0 0,0 4,6 1,4 -0,5 105 13 -77 6,96 5,92 4,60 Yearly 0,6 88,0 8,9 2,1 0,4 0,1 0,0 0,0

Table 17. Hydrological table VENTSPILS 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity

Wave height, m

Months

n. n.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. mi Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2 0 5 0 0 0

, , ,5 , , , , ,

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean

Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 0,0 31,1 30,4 18,4 8,5 8,2 3,4 0,1 6,0 0,4 -0,6 135 15 -76 II 0,5 31,0 32,6 20,7 6,8 6,8 1,6 0,0 5,1 0,3 -0,7 110 7 -54 III 0,2 43,5 31,0 13,9 5,9 4,8 0,7 0,0 6,3 1,0 -0,5 107 1 -62 IV 0,0 50,0 32,1 11,8 3,0 1,8 1,3 0,0 12,9 4,8 -0,1 54 -11 -49 V 0,1 48,0 37,7 10,2 2,3 1,7 0,0 0,0 18,1 1,.3 2,7 33 -13 -54 VI 0,1 43,8 39,1 11,8 3,2 1,8 0,2 0,0 21,1 13,8 5,1 53 -3 -48 VII 0,0 46,6 36,2 11,5 3,6 2,1 0,0 0,0 25,5 16,7 8,1 45 4 -32 VIII 0,1 49,1 30,4 12,6 5,8 2,0 0,1 0,0 24,0 17,0 7,5 56 6 -30 IX 0,2 39,8 32,4 14,5 7,4 4,4 1,2 0,0 21,6 14,0 6,9 58 6 -45 X 0,0 30,8 31,5 20,1 9,1 6,4 2,2 0,0 16,4 9,2 1,8 104 4 -55 XI 0,2 37,0 34,5 14,4 5,9 5,4 2,5 0,1 9,8 4,4 -0,3 92 9 -62 XII 0,0 32,8 29,5 17,5 9,1 8,8 2,3 0,1 5,6 1,3 -0,8 94 10 -57 Yearly 0,1 41,7 33,4 14,1 5,5 4,0 1,1 0,0 B - 16.8

Sea Water Temperature, Salinity and Density

Table 18. Hydrological table PĀVILOSTA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity , ‰

Wave height, m

Months.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. min. Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. max. Abs. max.

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

, , , , , , ,

0 0 0 1 1, 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 119 11 -75 II 103 2 -64 III 108 -8 -71 IV 52 -12 -50 V 30 -16 -53 VI 49 -6 -42 VII 51 4 -33 VIII 60 3 -40 IX 65 6 -47 X 86 5 -69 XI 104 11 -54 XII 82 13 -87 Yearly

Table 19. Hydrological table LIEPĀJA 1971 to 2010

Maximum wave height distribution, % Water

Temperature, °C Level, cm Salinity, ‰ Wave height, m

Months

max. max.

2 5 0 5 0 0 0 0

, , , , , , , ,

0 0 1 1 2 3 5 8

– – – – – – – –

Abs. min. Abs. min.

Abs. max. Abs. Abs. max.

Abs. min.

0 2 5 0 5 0 0 0

, , , , , , ,

0 0 0 1, 1 2 3 5

Monthly mean Monthly mean Monthly mean

I 1,3 16,5 30,8 19,8 18,1 13,4 0,0 0,0 -0,9 0,7 4,7 146 12 -86 10,63 6,70 3,48 II 0,8 18,6 25,4 22,9 21,7 10,7 0,0 0,0 -0,4 0,5 6,2 113 2 -61 11,88 6,82 3,22 III 0,2 24,8 33,8 19,8 14,5 6,9 0,0 0,0 -0,7 1,3 9,0 105 -7 -74 10,63 6,57 2,05 IV 0,4 36,4 38,0 14,5 8,5 2,3 0,0 0,0 -0,4 5,3 14,9 65 -11 -54 10,46 6,59 3,78 V 0,5 34,8 42,0 14,9 6,9 1,0 0,0 0,0 3,6 10,4 21,1 37 -14 -53 9,67 6,90 3,12 VI 0,2 24,3 45,1 21,2 6,8 2,5 0,0 0,0 6,1 14,1 22,8 64 -4 -40 9,39 7,06 4,70 VII 0,6 28,6 39,7 18,8 10,6 1,7 0,0 0,0 8,1 17,2 24,8 57 5 -34 9,06 6,97 4,89 VIII 0,5 32,3 32,8 19,7 11,6 3,0 0,0 0,0 10,8 17,8 26,0 79 5 -35 8,46 6,90 4,60 IX 0,0 29,4 32,3 20,7 13,3 4,2 0,1 0,0 1,2 14,4 22,9 81 7 -46 9,15 6,84 4,83 X 0,2 22,2 27,7 21,4 17,3 11,2 0,0 0,0 -0,4 9,6 17,4 76 6 -70 10,20 6,66 4,16 XI 0,0 25,5 31,5 21,3 13,2 8,2 0,2 0,0 -0,4 5,0 10,5 102 13 -65 10,41 6,61 3,95 XII 0,1 22,0 27,5 20,6 19,3 10,5 0,0 0,0 -0,6 1,9 6,9 143 14 -65 10,77 6,57 3,84 Yearly 0,4 27,2 34,8 19,4 12,7 5,6 0,0 0,0

B - 17.1 17. Water Clarity and Colour

Water clarity Water clarity can only be measured in the daytime with the condition that wave height does not exceed 1 m. The transparency of water in the Baltic Sea depends on its capacity to absorb and reemit light which is measured by weighing the amount of particulate organic and inorganic matter. The clearest water can be found in the central and northern regions of the Baltic Sea. Closer to the shallow waters near the shore and the large river estuaries, water clarity decreases, the average depth of a transparent water layer is 10 m. In spring (May) water clarity in the open regions in the sea ranges between 9–14 m and the water is green or greyish. Muddy waters mixing with sea water decreases coastal water clarity. In the meltwater period the water clarity in the large river (Venta) estuary regions can decrease to 1–2 m. In summer when plankton growth peaks minimum water clarity has been measured at 6–8 m. Water clarity reaches its peak in summer when it reaches 12 m in the open sea. In autumn when plankton growth decreases, water clarity increases to 9–11 m and a maximum of 14 m in the open sea. Water clarity peaks at 18 m in the winter months. Water clarity in the Gulf of Riga is relatively low – 4–5 m on average. This is because the Gulf of Riga is isolated from the open sea and there are a number of coastal watercourse runoffs. Water clarity is also influenced by water depth and density, the type of sea-bed, phytoplankton, wave formation and currents. Water clarity increases when heading from the shore to the central part of the gulf. Water clarity is influenced by wave formation as well as intensive phytoplankton reproduction in the shallow waters of the coastal region. In the river estuary regions – river silt. Consequently in the southern part of the gulf where the Gauja River, Daugava River and Lielupe River discharge into the gulf, water clarity is 1–2 m. Water clarity in the Gulf of Riga peaks in June while the minimum clarity has been observed in April and November.

Water colour The colour of the water in the central region of the Gulf of Riga is yellow-green, but in winter – bluish green. Near the shore and in areas with shallow water the water is yellowy and brownish while near the river estuaries it is murky yellow.

B - 18.1 18. Hydrobiology

Bioluminescence Diffusive, shimmering and flashing glowing has been observed in this region. Diffusive glowing is caused by the glowing of deep-sea bacteria. It is uniform in colour and if the glowing is intense then large segments of the surface water are bluish green or milk-white, less frequently orange. Mechanical influence (wave formation, a ship passing etc.) does not affect glow intensity. Diffused glowing can frequently be observed in river estuaries and ports with stagnant and polluted water. A shimmering glow is caused by flashes of microscopic and tiny sea organisms (peridinium) and it looks like separate identically-coloured flashes. Mechanical influence on this type of glowing increases its intensity and can most commonly be observed in August and September. This type of glowing is visible in coastal regions and in the open sea. A flashing glow is a series of separate flashes of light emitted by large glowing sea organisms, for example, jellyfish. Glowing flashes can most frequently be observed in coastal regions in spring and summer.

Sea bloom Sea bloom is caused by a large concentration of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the surface waters of the sea. Water clarity decreases sharply during the blooming period and the water colour changes. Water colour becomes yellow, dark brown, green and reddish. Blooming can primarily be observed around river estuaries in spring and autumn.

Aquatic plants and animals There is low biodiversity in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga due to low salinity and the unique features of the sea bed, there are no large aquatic carnivores in this region. Common seaweed can be found in areas with a sandy sea-bed, in a depth of 1–4 m on average. Most aquatic plants are algae. The most common algae is green algae that grows in rocky areas close to the shore, and brown algae – bladderwrack, which is located in deeper water, unlike green algae and red algae. The most widespread living organism is zooplankton or animal plankton, eaten by herrings but the most common aquatic carnivores are cod, salmon and other fish species (www.latvijasdaba.lv). The submerged parts of a ship tend to foul by sea organisms mainly in spring and summer.

B - 19.1 19. Ice Conditions

See tables with ice conditions.

Formation of first ice Information about the current ice conditions in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga can be found at www.baltice.org and http://www.bsis-ice.de/ The freezing over of the Gulf of Riga usually starts from the Gulf of Pärnu with the appearance of ice in the middle of December. The ice-covered area then spreads to the northeastern coast of the Gulf of Riga then it gradually extends from this coast from W to SW. In mid-January the width of this band of ice extends an average of 5–6 M. Finally ice starts forming also on the southern and western shores. Intense ice formation occurs in February and this contributes to the freezing over of the entire gulf. In the middle of this month in the region to the E of the Irbe Strait drift ice carried in by currents freezes over and forms an immobile ice jam between Kolkasrags and Abruka Island and the ice band on the S and W shore and near Ruhnu Island expands. During this time intense ice formations occur in the rest of the gulf. During moderate winters towards the end of February the Gulf of Riga and the Irbe Strait are covered with immobile ice.During extreme winters the whole Gulf of Riga territory is already covered with ice in mid- January but during mild winters the gulf does not freeze over the whole winter. Pack ice usually starts to form near the shore and continues to form parallel to the isobaths. Pack ice movement around the edges is irregular, indicating changes caused by periods of frosts and thaws. Pack ice reaches its maximum volume in late February and early March. In extreme or moderate winters pack ice completely covers the Gulf of Riga and the Irbe Strait. The ports of Ventspils and Liepāja are primarily ice-free ports as the port aquatorium is covered by a layer of ice only in the most extreme winters. This is usually a thin layer and easily broken by ships and if there is a favourable wind the ice is quickly carried out from the port into the open sea. B - 19.2

Ice Conditions

Table 20. Date of first appearance of ice Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja Mean Dec. 26 Dec. 25 Dec. 3 Dec. 30 Dec. 28 Jan. 14 Dec. 29 SD 29 23 24 24 26 28 26 Earliest Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 4 Nov. 12 Nov. 12 10% Nov. 20 Nov. 28 Dec. 5 Nov. 30 Nov. 27 Dec. 12 Nov. 22 Median Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Dec. 29 Dec. 25 Jan. 11 Dec. 28 90% Feb. 3 Jan. 23 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 16 Feb. 6. Latest Mar. 12 Feb. 15 Mar. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Mar. 24 Feb. 17

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded: SD – standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winters ice has begun to form before the specified date. Median – 50% of the time ice has begun to form before the specified date. 90% – 90% of winters ice has begun to form before the specified date.

Disappearance of ice The breakup of the ice cover in the Gulf of Riga usually begins in the W (Irbe Strait) and progresses in an E direction. Following the breakup of the ice, ice in the Gulf of Riga begins to disappear in a SW to NW direction. Ice disappears first in the Irbe Strait followed by the W part of the gulf and the final regions to be ice-free are the regions surrounding Kihnu Island, Suur Strait and Hari Strait and the Bay of Pärnu. In late spring there may be slight variations to the usual course for ice disappearance. In this situation ice disappears sooner in the N part of the gulf as it warms up sooner in the shallow waters and a contributing factor is the discharge of warm water from the Pärnu River. Chunks of floating ice also remain longer in the central part of the gulf SE of Ruhnu Island where the water is colder. It is important to note that there are significant fluctuations in ice formation and thickness, depending on the severity of the winter. Table 21. Date when all ice has disappeared Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja Mean Apr. 7 Apr. 5 Apr. 3 Mar. 23 Mar. 31 Mar. 22 Mar. 11 SD 27 30 26 31 28 27 26 Earliest Jan. 15 Dec. 26 Jan. 11 Dec. 6 Dec. 31 Jan. 10 Dec. 7 10% Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Feb. 24 Feb. 9 Feb. 8 Feb. 10 Jan. 27. Median Apr. 13 Apr. 13 Apr. 6 Apr. 1 Apr. 6. Mar. 27 Mar. 19 90% May 6 May 4 May 1 Apr. 19 May 3 Apr. 18 Apr. 5 Latest May 17 May 19 May 20 May 4 May 11 May 14 May 8

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded SD – standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winters ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date. Median – 50% of the time ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date. 90% – 90% of winters ice disappearance has been observed before the specified date. B - 19.3

Ice Conditions

Ice longevity The longest ice cover duration occurs in the Gulf of Pärnu and the S coast of the Gulf of Riga – an average of 145 days (approximately five months) with ice. The shortest ice duration occurs in the SW part of the Gulf of Riga, the Irbe Strait and the E coast of the Baltic Sea and it usually does not exceed two months. For example, in the Kolka region and the S part of the Gulf of Riga the ice cover lasts for three months. Table 22. Days with ice Salacgrīva Skulte Daugavgrīva Jūrmala Kolka Ventspils Liepāja Mean 103 103 89 83 93 69 74 SD 45 40 38 41 45 42 36 Least 6 7 1 2 3 1 1 10% 38 49 33 21 12 7 17 Median 117 105 91 80 103 71 81.5 90% 144 159 132 136 146 121 120 Most 196 174 168 161 163 182 145

Table only shows years when ice has been recorded: SD- Standard deviation; 10% – 10% of winters ice has been observed less than the specified number of days. Median – 50% of winters ice has been observed less than the specified number of days. 90% – 90% of winters ice has been observed less than the specified number of days.

Extent of ice cover One of the main indicators of ice regime is the extent of ice cover i.e., the level of ice distribution in a certain time period. The extent of ice cover is indicated as a percentage comparing the area covered with ice with the total area of the sea basin. Longitudinal research of variations in ice cover usually studies the areas that are ice-covered during peak ice periods. Winter ice cover in the Baltic Sea ranges widely from 52 to 420 thou. km2 when the entire sea is covered with ice. The large degree of variation in ice cover in the sea has led to the need for a classification system for the severity of winters. This system is closely related to the maximum expanse of ice taking into account the distribution of ice thickness and number of days with ice cover per year. All winters from 1912 to 2011 can be placed into five categories:  very severe – 7 winters;  severe – 12 winters;  moderate– 46 winters;  mild – 23 winters;  very mild – 12 winters. Most winters the Baltic Sea is frozen over an area up to 200 thou. square kilometres and only very rarely does it freeze over more. See Table 23 and Illus. 31 to 34. B - 19.4

Ice Conditions

Table 23. Maximum extent of ice cover in Baltic Sea aquatorium in winter from 1901 to 20114 Area; Area; Area; x 1000 Year Class Year Class x 1000 Year Class x 1000 km2 km2 km2

1901 Moderate 180 1940 Extr. severe 420 1979 Severe 319 1902 Severe 360 1941 Severe 371 1980 Moderate 261 1903 Mild 92 1942 Extr. severe 420 1981 Moderate 206 1904 Moderate 176 1943 Mild 84 1982 Moderate 237 1905 Mild 134 1944 Very mild 64 1983 Mild 135 1906 Mild 85 1945 Mild 109 1984 Moderate 198 1907 Mild 139 1946 Moderate 215 1985 Severe 369 1908 Moderate 235 1947 Extr. severe 420 1986 Severe 334 1909 Moderate 181 1948 Moderate 201 1987 Extr. severe 407 1910 Very mild 81 1949 Very mild 62 1988 Moderate 153 1911 Mild 110 1950 Mild 113 1989 Very mild 60 1912 Moderate 161 1951 Moderate 149 1990 Very mild 70 1913 Mild 118 1952 Mild 120 1991 Mild 126 1914 Mild 127 1953 Moderate 153 1992 Very mild 74 1915 Moderate 183 1954 Moderate 272 1993 Very mild 98 1916 Severe 330 1955 Moderate 152 1994 Moderate 221 1917 Very severe 400 1956 Very severe 398 1995 Very mild 76 1918 Moderate 161 1957 Moderate 169 1996 Moderate 265 1919 Moderate 150 1958 Moderate 196 1997 Mild 129 1920 Moderate 151 1959 Mild 90 1998 Mild 130 1921 Mild 125 1960 Moderate 228 1999 Moderate 157 1922 Moderate 260 1961 Very mild 66 2000 Mild 96 1923 Severe 330 1962 Moderate 180 2001 Mild 129 1924 Severe 280 1963 Severe 329 2002 Mild 102 1925 Mild 85 1964 Moderate 185 2003 Moderate 233 1926 Severe 382 1965 Moderate 211 2004 Moderate 153 1927 Mild 126 1966 Severe 343 2005 Moderate 178 1928 Moderate 180 1967 Moderate 204 2006 Moderate 211 1929 Extr. severe 390 1968 Moderate 213 2007 Moderate 140 1930 Very mild 58 1969 Moderate 241 2008 Very mild 49 1931 Moderate 175 1970 Severe 314 2009 Mild 110 1932 Moderate 148 1971 Moderate 186 2010 Moderate 244 1933 Moderate 148 1972 Moderate 194 2011 Severe 309 1934 Mild 110 1973 Mild 91 1935 Mild 90 1974 Mild 96 1936 Moderate 148 1975 Very mild 75 1937 Moderate 161 1976 Moderate 196 1938 Very mild 70 1977 Moderate 205 1939 Very mild 61 1978 Moderate 215

4 Jouni Vainio. Finnish Meteorological Institute (updated from Seinä and Palosuo 1996; Seinä et al. 2001). European Environment Agency: http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/maximum-extents-of-ice-cover B - 19.5

Ice Conditions

Illus. 31. Histogram of annual maximum ice cover in the Baltic Sea: number of years (vertical axis) with maximum ice cover in Baltic Sea in a definite time interval (horizontal axis). Data from 1912 to 2011. B - 19.6

Ice Conditions

Illus. 32. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Mild winter.

Illus. 33. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Moderate winter B - 19.7

Ice Conditions

Illus. 34. Possibility of ice forming in Gulf of Riga. Severe winter

B - 20.1 20. Icing on ships

The influence of ice on a ship’s stability Ships navigating in the waters of the Baltic Sea in winter are susceptible to icing. A layer of ice forms on those parts of the ship that are above the water line. Ice thickness on ships can exceed 200 mm. Vessel icing is caused by fog, rain, wet snow, flooding and ships being splashed with sea spray. The most dangerous of these is superstructure icing, caused by flooding of the deck and sea spray. Icing intensity depends on water and air temperature, wind speed, height of the wave and the ship’s course. Severe icing on smaller vessels (for example, small and medium-sized fishing vessels and similar vessels) can start with air temperatures –8 to –10°C and winds with the force seven on the Beaufort scale. Larger ships are susceptible to icing at lower air temperatures and stronger winds. Severe icing has been observed if wave direction is 25° to 300° in relation to the ship’s diametral plane. Icing can result in greater ship displacement, a decrease in freeboard height, a rise in the centre of gravity, a significant increase in the surface area of the iced superstructure (mast, rigging, antennae). This all contributes to decreased buoyancy, reduces original stability and stability in situations with a significant angle of list. As ice covers the ship’s superstructure and rigging unevenly this leads to list and trim and the ship reduces level of stability. Some ships lose stability when the mass of ice reaches 2% of the displacement while buoyancy is lost if the mass of ice reaches 15 to 40% of displacement. If the vessel capsizes because of icing, usually the crew dies as the ship turns over unexpectedly and very quickly. It is nearly impossible to deploy ice-covered life-saving equipment even if there is time to do this. Severe icing of ships occurs from November, December through to March, April. Extremely severe icing has been observed in the SE part of Latvian waters in January and February. Icing intensity is classified as: slow, fast and very fast icing. The following intensity classification refers to ships with small (300–500 t) displacement. Slow icing – the rate of ice “build-up” is less than 1,5 t/h. This has been observed: - when the air temperature is –1C to –3C, any wind speed, splashing caused by sea spray or any one or more of these weather conditions: precipitation, fog, sea water evaporation; - when the air temperature is –4C and lower and wind speed is up to 9 m/s, splashing caused by sea spray or any one or more of these weather conditions: precipitation, fog, sea water evaporation. Fast icing – rate of ice build-up on the ship is 1,5–4,0 t/h. Observed at air temperatures of 4C to –8C and wind speeds 10–15 m/s. Very fast icing – rate of ice build-up on the ship is more than 4 t/h. Observed at: - an air temperature of –4C and lower and wind speed of 16 m/s or more; - an air temperature of –9C and lower, wind speed of 10–15 m/s. During the icing period ice build-up depends on the frequency of sea-spray splashing onto the ship, while splashing is dependent on wind speed, wave height and formation as well as the ship’s course and speed compared to the direction of the wind and waves. The most intense splashing and therefore most intense icing under the same hydrometeorological conditions would occur when wind and wave comes against ships course of less than 45. Icing intensity is also influenced by ship and rigging construction, the type and location of cargo on board. Icing is especially dangerous to ships with low freeboard height. In the event of icing it is suggested that: - all means for combating the ice, as well as life-saving equipment should be ready for use; - de-icing is begun immediately on the appearance of the thinnest layer of ice and ice sludge; - the ship’s course is changed to reduce the frequency of splashing; - the dangerous area is left if possible, the ship enters an ice region or is steered into waters with warm air or currents.

C - 1.1

C. PART

1. Scheme of Latvian Ports

Illus. 35.Scheme of Latvian Ports

C - 2.1

2. Eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga

Eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga main guides The eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga extends 50 NM in a SE, S direction from Ainaži to the Daugava estuary. The coastline is flat and for the most part – sandy. The E part of the gulf near the Port of Skulte is a wide region with magnetic anomalities. Along almost the entire shore the sea deepens quite sharply, 20 m isobaths are located between 2 NM – 5 NM from the shore. In some places there are sandbars 3 NM –4,5 NM from shore, with obstructions around the capes in particular. The ports of Kuiviži, Salacgrīva, Skulte and Rīga are located on the E coast of the Gulf of Riga.

C - 3.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

3. From the Estonian - Latvian Border to Kuiviži

Petrova shoal with a minimum depth of 6m is located 3.8 NM NW of Ainaži lighthouse. Pikola shoal with a minimum depth of 6.6m is located 4.3 NM WNW of Ainaži lighthouse. Ainaži lighthouse (57°51.98′ N, 024°21.63′ E). The town Ainaži is located near the Latvia – Estonia border. The Port of Ainaži is no longer a working port. There is still a 200 m long mole located in the former port territory and a ruined breakwater that is located 4 Cables from the shore and extends 410 m in a SSW–NNE direction. Visual landmarks in Ainaži from seaward:  Ainaži lighthouse  two wind turbines  the communication tower of the former Ainaži border control point with a red aeronavigation light on top. Shoals of minimum depths – 4.1 m and 4.7 m are located 3 NM and 3.8 NM respectively WSW of Ainaži lighthouse. A wreck with 13 m the minimum depth above it is located 5.2 NM in a WNW direction from Ainaži lighthouse. Randa shoal with a minimum depth of 1.6 m is located on a coastal sand bank 3.8 NM SW of Ainaži lighthouse. Tālais shoal with a minimum depth of 6.8 m is located 6 NM SW of Ainaži lighthouse. A spoil ground area is located 2.2 NM in a NW direction from the port of Kuiviži. It’s defined by a radius of 2 cables. Daragana shoal with a minimum depth of 5.4 m is located 5.2 NM SW of Ainaži lighthouse. Caution. When navigating near the coast it is important to avoid fishing nets. Especially a lot of nets are observed to be located approximately 3NM from the coastline.

C - 4.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

4. PORT OF KUIVIŽI

57°47.4′ N, 024°21.0′ E Charts: 3505 (Plan A), 1011, 1251.

Description Fishing Port with a yacht club. Port village – Kuiviži. Located in the Krišupīte estuary, 4.6 NM to S of Ainaži lighthouse. N mole – 345 m. S mole – 224 m. Distance between mole heads is 35 m.

Harbour Master’s office Port of Salacgrīva Authority: Tel. +371 6407 1111 Fax +371 64071110 E-mail: [email protected] Address: Pērnavas Street 3, Salacgrīva, LV- 4033 Harbour Master: Tel +371 29256812 Tel. / Fax +371 64071109 Email: [email protected]

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs): Reporting channel VHF 12

Restrictions Arrival and departure from Kuiviži port must be made only on the leading line from/to the safe water buoy, because fishing nets and ponds are located near the Kuiviži ship channel. Ice conditions In the winter time the port may freeze over.

C - 4.2

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF KUIVIŽI

Local weather conditions Winds The prevailing winds in the port are SW to NW winds. Navigation is permitted until wind reaches 8 m/s. Currents Place Current Strength (in knots) Notes Port S direction 0,2 The current is dependent on river runoffs and sea level fluctuations

Information regarding port entry Salacgrīva Port Authority regulations must be adhered to when navigating in the port aquatorium. Description of Port of Kuiviži reception safe water light-buoy “K”: Color: white and red with vertical color; Position: 57°46.95’ N, 024°17.10’ E; Light character – Mo(A)10,2 s; In operation: May 1 – September 1.

Entrance channel, fairways Randgala leading line direction 078.4°–258.4°. Leading lights:  57°47.39' N, 024°21.04' E  57°47.40' N, 024°21.14' E Leading lights are in operation only at night time. Dredging is occasionally carried out at the port.

Berths, basins and depths Depths at the entrance to the port may change, particularly during autumn and winter storms.

Berths Berth Length of Max length of Cargo Notes No / Name berth (m) ships (m) Yacht club “Captain’s haven” 30 Berth for fishing boats 120 Berths for wooden fishing boats 70 Berth for fishing vessels 50

Note: detailed information about depths at the port and berths is available from the Harbour Master’s office in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders. C - 5.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

5. PORT OF SALACGRĪVA

57°45.3′ N, 024°21.0′ E Charts: 3505, 1011, 1251.

Description Commercial and Fishing port with yacht mooring facilities Port town – Salacgrīva. Port of Salacgrīva is located in the mouth of the river Salaca. The port is protected by: N mole – 720 m. S mole – 380 m. Distance between mole heads – 310 m.

Harbour Master’s office Salacgrīva Port Authority: Tel.+37164071110, +37164071111 Fax +371 64071109, +37164071110 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Address: Pērnavas Street 3, Salacgrīva, Salacgrīva Region, LV-4033

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs): Reporting channel VHF 12

Restrictions Maximum size of vessel handled on request at the Port Authority.

Local weather conditions Wind Prevailing winds at the port are SW, W and NW winds, entry to the port is difficult during strong winds with a wind speed of 14 m/s and higher.

Currents Place Current Strength (in knots) Notes Port S direction 0,2 The current is dependent on river runoffs and fluctuations in water levels.

C - 5.2

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF SALACGRĪVA

Pilotage and tugs Pilotage. Pilotage is mandatory for all ships with length exceeding 60 m when entering, leaving or moving within the port.

Tugboat services. A 300 hp tug is permanently available at the port.

Anchorage No / Name Coordinates Depths Seabed Function 1. 57°44.4’ N, 024°15.0’ E 10–15 m Sand, pebbles Dry cargo 57°44.4’ N, 024°17.0’ E 57°43.2’ N, 024°17.0’ E 57°43.2’ N, 024°15.0’ E

Entrance channel, fairway The port entrance channel at the port of Salacgrīva is:  3300 m in length  70 m wide at the water level mark – 0,00 m;  depths on request at the Port Authority. The port of Salacgrīva leading line 072°.3–252°.3. Description of Port of Salacgrīva reception safe water light-buoy “P”: Position: 57°44.80’ N, 024°17.78’ E; the turning basin at the port is located between the second and third berth.

Visual landmarks:  chimney,  water tower,  tower.

Berths, basins and depths in the port Depths in the channel and at the entrance to the port may change.

Berths No / Name Length of berth (m) Maximum length of vessels Cargo (m) 1. 80 115 Cargo 2. 145 Fishing 3. 128 Fishing 4. 70 115 Cargo 5. 81 Cargo 6. 100 Cargo Yacht harbour 40 and12 space for 15 yachts, located in the centre of town of Salacgrīva

Note: detailed information about depths in the port can be obtained in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders C - 6.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

6. From Salacgrīva to Zvejniekciems

A spoil ground area is located 3.1 NM in a W direction from the entrance to the Port of Salacgrīva. Defined by circle with radius of 2 cables. Grīntāls lighthouse (57°38.34′ N, 024°22.73′ E) is located 7 NM S of the Port of Salacgrīva, near the Vitrupe estuary.

Lāči lighthouse (57°26.59′ N, 024°23.29′ E) is located on the coast, 6 NM S of Ķurmrags cape and 7.5 NM N of the Port of Skulte.

C - 7.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

7. PORT OF SKULTE

57°19.0′ N, 024°24.2′ E Charts: 3310 INT 12731, 1012 INT 1273, 1251.

Description Commercial and Fishing port with yacht mooring facilities. Port village – Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti parish. Located in the Aģe River estuary, Saulkrasti municipality, 13.5 NM S of Ķurmrags. The port is protected by: N mole – 130 m. S mole – 521 m. Distance between the breakwaters at port entrance – 104 m. Port of Skulte consists of:  an outport - located between the breakwaters;  the Aģe River from the outport to the bridge over the Aģe River;  An outer roadstead: 57°20,0’ N, 024°24,3’ E 57°18,0’ N, 024°24,5’ E 57°18,0’ N, 024°20,0’ E 57°20,0’ N, 024°20,0’ E.

Harbour Master’s office Port of Skulte Harbour Master’s office Phone: + 371 29262891 (24/7) – Harbour Master E-mail: [email protected] Address: Upes Street 41, Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti Municipality, LV-2161

Pilotage Phone: +371 26337621 (24/7) – pilot on duty E-mail: [email protected] Address: Upes Street 41, Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti Municipality , LV-2161

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs) No. Service Call sign Channels 1. Harbour Master’s office „Skultes osta” 12 2. Port equipment protection officer „Skultes Kokosta” 12 3. Permits „Skultes Kokosta” 12

C - 7.2

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF SKULTE

Restrictions Permitted vessel dimensions:

LOA = 140 m; Bmax = 18 m, Dmax = 7,0 m or on request at the Harbour Master’s office.

Movement of ships is not permitted when:  visibility is less than 1 NM;  N and S wind speed exceeds 9 m/s or W and E wind speed exceeds 12 m/s;  current velocity in the outer entrance channel area exceeds 1 knot.  Traffic can be restricted during intense river ice breakup conditions.

Ice conditions In severe winters the port can freeze over if daily average temperature falls below -15°C for a lengthy periods. In such cases tug boat–ice breaker service is available.

Local weather conditions Wave regime Prolonged periods of NW, W winds can affect the wave heights outside the port and in the outport. Wave heights near port entrance can reach 2,0 m, in outport – 0,5 m.

Water level fluctuations Water level rises (in relation to ‘0’ Water level decreases (in relation Wind direction mark) to the mean sea level ) SW and NNW up to 1.0 m E by 0.3 m strong W or NW exceeding 2.0 m during periods of no precipitation with E by 0.7 m wind

Currents Location Current Rates (knots) Notes Outport Affected by Aģe River 0,5 - 0,7 Increased rates in spring and during lengthy periods of precipitation

Information on entering the port Information about the estimated time of arrival of the vessel must be submitted 24 hours before the arrival. Ship’s agent must send the notice of arrival to the Harbour Master’s office using Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Data Exchange System – the National SSN/ SKLOIS system, arrival information can be duplicated via other electronic communication equipment. Vessels should notify the Harbour Master’s Office of the exact arrival time by phone:

• 2 hours before arriving at the reception safe water light buoy ‘S’ (57° 19.20'N 024° 21.81'E) or • Abeam of Kolka lighthouse. VHF channels are used only for communication with vessels entering or leaving port of Skulte.

On arrival at port entrance, vessel’s speed should not exceed five knots. The speed must be maximally reduced when navigating within the port territory. Anchorage in the Outport or Aģe River must be coordinated with the Harbour Master.

C - 7.3

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF SKULTE

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage Pilot boarding place is near the reception safe water light buoy ‘S’ (57° 19.20'N 024° 21.81'E). Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels with a tonnage exceeding 200 GT or LOA = 70 m. Pilotage is available 24 hours a day if a master of the vessel apply for a pilot service at least 1 hour before receiving the service. If vessel’s length is less than 90 m, width less than 15 m and a maximum draught does not exceed 5.5 m to the master of the vessel may be given permission to enter the port without the pilotage.

Tugboat services Permanent services of a 2450 Hp tug boat is available. Tug boat service is mandatory if:  vessel isn’t equipped with bow thrusters or bow thrusters doesn’t work;  maximum wind and current restrictions are in force;  barges are being towed.

Anchorage No./Name Coordinates Depths Seabed Purpose

Port of Skulte 57°18.5’ N, 024°21.0’ E 16 - 18m Sand, For ships designated by the With radius 5 cables pebbles Harbour Master

Entrance channel, fairway Port of Skulte reception safe water light buoy ‘S’ (57° 19.20'N 024° 21.81'E) is located 1,18 NM from the port entrance. The beginning of dredged channel is marked by a pair of buoys located 700 m (0,38 NM) W of the port entrance. Dredging works within fairway are carried out on regular basis. Width of the entrance channel is 72 m. Ship traffic in the approach channel is organized in one direction. Safe navigation for ships entering and leaving the port is provided by sector lights. All three colours of the direction lights are permanently in operation. The direction of the white sector axis is 098.5°. The total angle of the sector direction light is 6°. The angle of each of the permanent white, red and green sector lights is 2°. Ships with a maximum draught of 5.7 m or more must remain in the port approach channel on the way from/to reception safe water light buoy “S”. The turning basin in the Outport has been designed for ships with the following dimensions: LOA = 140 m; Bmax = 18 m; Dmax = 7,0 m.

Visual landmarks High metal SBRS tower. A tall grey chimney-water tower.

C - 7.4

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF SKULTE

Berths, basins and depths in the port Berths. (2017) Max length Berth No./Name Length of berth (m) of vessel Cargo (m) Southern No1 (DP-1) 72,8 100/120 Cargo Southern No. 2 (DP-2) 140 140 Cargo Northern No 1 (EMU-1) 105 140 Cargo Northern No 2 (EMU-2) 100 140 Cargo Port Security berth 14 Closed to navigation Port tug (Oil) berth 15 Closed to navigation Fishing vessel berth No 4 40 Closed to navigation Fishing vessel berth No 2 145 30 Fishing, leisure vessels Fishing vessel berth VARITA 90 30 Fishing vessels Fishing vessel berth No 3 110 30 Fishing, leisure vessels Fishing vessel berth No 1 50 Coastal fishing vessels, boats

Note: detailed information about maximum safe draught and depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s orders.

Repairs “ASK Enterprise” small and leisure craft repair and storage.

C - 8.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

8. From Zvejniekciems to Riga

A spoil ground area is located 3 NM in a NW direction from the entrance moles at the port of Skulte, defined by circle with a radius of 2.3 Cables. Ladiņi beacon (57°11.66′ N, 024°21.14′ E) is located 7.5 NM in a SSW direction from the port of Skulte. River Gauja, description: Gauja flows into the Gulf of Riga 1.5 NM SSW of the port of Skulte. The river banks are low but it’s bed is significantly curved. The depth on the shoal in the river estuary varies depending on the flux/reflux currents. There are six wrecks, marked on the chart not dangerous for navigation located in the Gulf of Riga between the River Gauja and the River Daugava estuary. A wreck, with the hull above water, is located 1 NM NE of the Daugavgrīva lighthouse.

C - 9.1

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga

9. FREEPORT OF RIGA

57°02.0′ N, 024°05.0′ E Charts: 2102, 2103, 2253, 1012, 1251.

Description Multifunctional port. Port city –Riga, capital city of the Republic of Latvia. Freeport of Riga is located at the mouth of the River Daugava and 15 km upstream along both riversides. The port area includes the Daugava basin up to Vanšu Bridge and other bodies of water within port limits as well as the outer roadstead that zones off the basin with a straight line between coordinates:  57°07'0 N, 023°53'0 E,  57°07'0 N, 024°05'0 E;  and lines S along meridians from the above-mentioned coordinates to the shoreline. The following areas and basins have evolved historically and geographically in the Freeport of Riga:  Daugavgrīva including the Bolderāja Ship Repair Yard;  Mangaļsala;  Audupe River;  Zvejas harbour  Mangaļi Ship Repair Yard;  Vecmīlgrāvis;  Jaunmīlgrāvis;  Sarkandaugava;  Kundziņsala;  Pīļumuiža;  Eksportosta;  Andrejsala and Andrejosta;  Riga Passenger Terminal including Customs quay;  Ķīpsala and Roņu pond;  Voleri;  Krēmeri;  Krievu Island and Riga Shipyard.

Harbour Master’s office Freeport of Riga Harbour Master’s Office Tel. +371 67082000 Fax +371 67322750 Email [email protected] Address: Meldru Street 5a, Riga, Latvia, LV-1015

Vessel Traffic Service Tel. +371 67082032; mob. +371 20264379 Fax +371 67323117 Email: [email protected] C - 9.2

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs) No. Service Navigating in the port, vessels Call sign Channels must maintain constant radio communication 1. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Outer roadstead 16 and 9 2. Vessel Traffic Service Centre (VTS) In port, vessel in motion 9 and 16 3. Reserve channel 14 4. Vessels carrying out dredging 9 and 16 operations in port basin 5. Traffic regulation channel 9 6. Pilot Service channel 6; 11; 67 7. Icebreaker “Varma” Varma 9; 13 8. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Riga Traffic 9; 14; 16 9. Maritime Canal Service Riga radio - 20 95 10. Maritime Canal Service Navigation Line 9; 14 Section 11. Riga Shipyard controller Riga radio - 13 6; 30 12. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Riga Rescue 16; 71; DSC 70 (MRCC Riga) Radio No. 002750100

Restrictions Sailing restrictions and information on vessel parameters at specific berths can be found on the Freeport of Riga website www.rop.lv in the “Laws and Regulations” section, “Freeport of Riga Regulations” Ship movements are not permitted in the port without VTS approval.

Ice conditions Winter period Place Ice cover Obstacles Daugava Permanent Mid-December – mid-April Note: navigation restrictions in the port and its approaches during the ice navigation period are determined by the Harbour Master of Freeport of Riga.

Local weather conditions Water level fluctuations With strong NW and W winds the water level in the river can rise up to 2 m and more. With continuous E and NE summer winds the water level in the river can drop to 1 m or lower.

Currents. Place Current Strength (knots) Notes Lower reaches of 2–3 Influenced by hydropower plant’s Daugava River operation on river

Information on entering the port The formalities relating to arrival and departure of ships using the national, unified information system “SafeSeaNet”. Vessel traffic within the port is coordinated by VTS and ship movements are only allowed with a permit from VTS. When the ship arrives or departs the port and when it crosses the boundary and enters the VTS controlled area with a radius of 10 NM in a sector 270°–20° from the Daugavgrīva lighthouse, informs VTS on VHF channel 16 or 9 with the call sign “Riga Traffic” or “Satiksme”. All vessels must comply with the Harbour Master’s orders regarding the safety of a vessel. C - 9.3

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Pilotage and tugs Pilotage According to the regulations of the Freeport of Riga, for all commercial vessels with a length of 24 m or more, pilotage is compulsory when navigating in the port, entering and leaving the port. The pilotage is in operation round-the-clock. The pilot meets the vessel in the outer roadstead by reception safe water light buoy “B”, position 57° 06.50′N, 023° 56.94′E. Tugboat services. Tugboat services are available, with a tugboat engine power of 220 kW to 3650 kW. Tugboat use is regulated by Freeport of Riga regulations and the Harbour Master’s orders.

Outer anchorage, berths at sea Anchorage. No./Name Coordinates Depths Seabed Purpose Anchorage 57°08'82 N, 023°51'60 E 15–30 m Mud, sand Located in outer roadstead of 57°06'28 N, 023°56'01 E port 57°05'08 N, 023°53'71 E 57°07'61 N, 023°49'29 E Note: Anchorage in the roadstead is unsafe in NW and NE winds. A large wave formation has been observed in the roadstead in N - NW winds. When this wind increases it is recommended that vessels heave the anchor.

VTS gives permission to vessels with length less than 100 m for short-term anchoring in the inner roadstead. Vessels are forbidden to anchor in the following areas of the port:  Pīļumuiža basin;  closer than 100 m to floating docks, underwater cables and underflows;  within the fairways;  places that have been signposted on the shore. The magnetic deviation of a ship’s compass can be determined in the outer roadstead. Spoil grounds.  in position 57° 07.00′ N, 024° 02.00′ E with a radius of 0.5 NM.  in position 57° 00.99′ N, 023° 45.06′ E with a radius of 0.5 NM. Warning: There are fishing nets in the River Daugava that have not been charted.

Entrance channel, fairway Entrance to the river estuary Daugavgrīva lighthouse (57°03.57′ N, 024°01.30′ E) is located on the left bank of the River Daugava. Mole Length Mole light beacon Position Projection Western 855 m 57° 03.92′ N, 024° 00.63′ E at end of W mole in a NW direction from the shore Eastern 1010 m 57° 04.10′ N, 024° 00.89′ E at end of E mole in a NW direction from the shore Note: distance between mole heads – 400 m.

Main fairways:  vessel entrance channel into Freeport of Riga (from reception safe water light buoy “B” to Riga Passenger Terminal),  channel width 100 m;  Mīlgrāvja channel, width 80 m;  Sarkandaugava fairway, width 80m. Depth in channel varies, dredging works are carried out periodically. C - 9.4

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

The leading lights of the Daugavgrīva leading line are located on the left bank of the River Daugava near the Daugavgrīva lighthouse and lead from reception safe water light buoy “B” along the canal to the entrance to the Daugava estuary. The direction of the leading line is 141°–321°. Freeport of Riga reception safe water light buoy “B” is located on the Daugavgrīva leading line axis 3.2 NM NW of the sea gate of the River Daugava . The leading lights of Mīlgrāvja leading line are located on the S bank of the Mīlgrāvja channel in Jaunmīlgrāvis and lead along the Mīlgrāvja channel from Daugava to Sarkandaugava channel. The direction of the leading line 116.7°– 296.7°. The leading lights of the Jaunmīlgrāvja leading line are located between the S bank of the Mīlgrāvja channel and the E bank of the Sarkandaugava channel and provide safe navigation in the narrowest section of the Mīlgrāvja channel. The direction of the leading line 223,7– 043,7. Sarkandaugava leading line is located in Sarkandaugava channel. The direction of the leading line 164,8 – 344,8. Daugavas fairway, description: Total length of channel is 6.3 NM and it is equipped with two leading lines: Rīnūži and Baltā baznīca. Rīnūži leading line, its leading lights are located on the right bank of the River Daugava 2.2 NM SE of sea gate of Daugava, lead along Daugavas canal. The direction of the leading line is 128.4°– 308.4°. The lights of Baltā baznīca leading line are located on the right bank of the River Daugava W of the entrance to Mīlgrāvja channel, lead along the Daugava channel to Eksportostas roadstead. The direction of the leading line 176.9°–356.9°.

Visual landmarks:  On entering Daugavas sea gate on the radar screen at a distance of 6 NM the coastal terrace will appear clearly in the region of the front leading light of Daugavgrīva leading line,  a water tower and a red tower with a black roof in Daugavgrīva,  the pylon of Vanšu Bridge,  the “Swedbank” skyscraper (“Saules akmens”)  the TV tower on Zaķusala.

Berths, basins and depths in the port There are 112 commercial berths in the port.

Updated information on berths, permitted depths, vessel dimensions and related restrictions can be obtained on the Freeport of Riga website www.rop.lv in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order. C - 9.5

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Berths. Name of berth Length of berth (m) Cargo Muitas quay MK-3 240 Passengers, general cargo MK-4 - Passengers, general cargo Riga Passenger Terminal JPS-1 132 Passengers, general cargo JPS-2 217 Passengers, general cargo Andrejosta AO-1 - Not in operation AO-2 140 Not in operation Andrejsala **AS-3 110 General cargo, timber **AS-4 120 General cargo, timber AS-5 144 Bulk cargo Eksportostas pier ED 170 Eksportosta **EO-6 240 Bulk cargo, general cargo **EO-7 190 Bulk cargo, general cargo **EO-8 188 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-9 130 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-10 150 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-11 140 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-12 159 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-14 210 Bulk cargo, general cargo EO-15 212 Bulk cargo, general cargo Pīļumuiža basin PM-16 145 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-17 145 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-18 105 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-19 172 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-20 218 Bulk cargo, general cargo PM-21 350 Bulk cargo, general cargo Kundziņsala KS-26 12 KS-28 - Liquid bulk cargo KS-29 Bulk cargo (artificial fertilisers) **KS-32 150 Containers **KS-33 150 Containers **KS-34 149 Containers KS-36 Bulk cargo (artificial fertilisers) KS-36A Bulk cargo (artificial fertilisers) Sarkandaugava SD-3 150 General cargo, timber, containers SD-4 135 General cargo, timber SD-5 165 Liquid bulk cargo Daudersala DS-9 105 General cargo, timber DS-10 100 General cargo, timber DS-11 - Closed DS-12 - Closed Jaunmīlgrāvis JM-15 181 Liquid bulk cargo JM-15A 80/68 JM-16 148 Liquid bulk cargo JM-17 125 General cargo, timber JM-19 Temporary berth JM-20 60 JM-22 150 General cargo, timber C - 9.6

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Name of Berth Length of berth (m) Cargo JM-23 100 General cargo, timber JM-25 110 General cargo, timber JM-26 74 Liquid bulk cargo JM-27 72 Liquid bulk cargo JM-29 154 Liquid bulk cargo Riga Shipyard RKR-3 70 Ship repairs 120 Ship repairs RKR-4 120 RKR-5 161 Ship repairs 188 Ship repairs RKR-6 200 RKR-6A 105 Ship repairs 250 Ship repairs RKR-7 230 RKR-8 184 Ship repairs RKR-9 90 Ship repairs Vecmīlgrāvis VM-3 60 General cargo, timber VM-4 - General cargo, timber VM-5 - Vessel traffic centre berth Terminal “Vecmīlgrāvis” (Mangaļu ship repair yard) MKR-1 175 General cargo, timber , passengers MKR-2 100 General cargo, timber MKR-3 100 General cargo, timber MKR-4 100 General cargo, timber MKR-5 100 Ship repairs MKR-6 - Ship repairs MKR-7 - Ship repairs MKR-8 - Ship repairs Zvejas harbour *ZO-1 150 General cargo, timber ZO-2 168 General cargo, timber , containers ZO-3 100 General cargo, timber ZO-4 100 General cargo, timber ZO-5 100 General cargo, timber ZO-6 100 General cargo, timber ZO-7 100 General cargo, timber ZO-8 100 General cargo, timber ZO-9 100 Bulk cargo (artificial fertiliser) ZO-10 132 Bulk cargo (artificial fertiliser) ZO-11 103 Bulk cargo (artificial fertiliser) ZO-12 230 Bulk cargo (artificial fertiliser) ZO-14 132 General cargo, timber ZO-15 104 General cargo, timber ZO-18 225 Liquid bulk cargo ZO-17 - Liquid bulk cargo ZO-19 - Bulk cargo Audupe *AU-1 195 Liquid bulk cargo AU-2 87 Ship repairs Mangaļsala MS-10 120 General cargo, timber MS-11 130 General cargo, timber MS-12 130 General cargo, timber MS-13 185 General cargo, timber Roņu pond *RD-1 145 General cargo, timber C - 9.7

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Name of berth Length of berth (m) Cargo RD-2 148 General cargo, timber RD-3 145 General cargo, timber Voleri VL-13 105 Ship repairs VL-14 65 Marine and Inland Waters Administration berth VL-17 - Not in operation Krēmeri KR-21 135 General cargo, timber KR-22 70 - KR-24 100 General cargo, timber KR-25 115 General cargo, timber Lejas Podrags LP-27 145 Liquid gas Daugavgrīva DG-1 203 Bulk cargo DG-2 110 Bulk cargo DG-19 155 Ship repairs DG-20 155 Ship repairs DG-54 200 General cargo, timber DG-55 147 General cargo, timber DG-55A 76 General cargo, timber DG-56 105 General cargo, timber Krievu island **KRS-1 166 General cargo, timber **KRS-2 167 General cargo, timber Icebreaker “Varma” berth Varma berth 103 Vessel traffic centre berth Pilot berth Vessel traffic centre berth 84 Pilot berth LK-1 - Note: short-term, forced or spare berthing places without equipment: Krēmeru Bay; RKR-1; ED; DS-11; DS- 12; JM-19; JM-20. *Reloading of fish products, berth for tankers carrying consumables. ** Large passenger ship berths.

C - 9.8

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Basins Mangaļsalas basin. Located near the left bank of the River Daugava 1.6 NM SE of Daugavas entrance. The basin is protected by a dam. River Buļļupe Buļļupe links up River Lielupe with River Daugava and separates Daugavgrīvas Island from the mainland. Length of river – approximately 5,2 NM;  width at the widest point – 400 m but the narrowest point – approximately 80 m;  distinctly uneven depth. Two bridges, located 0.9 NM S of the river estuary. The clearance height is 7 m. Two navigable distributaries branch off from Buļļupe near the bridges:  N distributary – Buļļupe.  E distributary – Loču canal River Audupe Audupe is a tributary of the River Daugava, it is located between Mangaļsalas basin and Zvejas harbour. There is a small port in the Audupe estuary. The entrance to the port is protected by a dam. The NW part of the dam has partly collapsed and a part of it is submerged. The width of the entrance – 70 m. On entering the port vessels must stay closer to the N bank of Audupe. 6.5 Cables from the river estuary Audupe flows into Vecdaugava tributary. Mīlgrāvja channel. Mīlgrāvja channel links River Daugava with Lake Ķīšezers and Sarkandaugava Canal A railway and road bridges cross the NE part of the Mīlgrāvis channel near Lake Ķīšezers. The bridge span height of the bridges is 6.3 m. Sarkandaugava Canal. Sarkandaugava is a tributary of the River Daugava. Kundziņsala Island and Rutku Island are located in the W part of the tributary and Daudersala Island and Lakstīgalu peninsula are located in the E part. The length of the Sarkandaugava Canal is approximately 4100 m.  Northern, which flows into the Mīlgrāvis channel;  Southern, which flows into the River Daugava. The N part of Sarkandaugava Canal is navigable. An underwater pipeline has been erected S of DS-9 berth on the other side of the Sarkandaugava Canal. There are two bridges in the S part of Sarkandaugava Canal. They link Kundziņsala Island and the Container Terminal with the rest of the port and other parts of the city. An underwater cable crosses the River Daugava from the Kurpnieku Island W light beacon 90 m in a southerly direction. Krēmeri basin Located on the left bank of the River Daugava, 7 Cables S of the Kurpnieku Island W light beacon. Two underwater pipelines have been erected S of the Putni Island light beacon on the other side of the River Daugava, at a distance of 165 m and 220 m from the river. Pīļumuiža basin. Pīļumuiža basin is located on the right bank of River Daugava 2.5 Cables S of the S entrance to Sarkandaugava Canal. Port Eksportosta. Port Eksportosta is located S of Pīļumuiža basin. Its inner basin is protected from the River Daugava by the Port Eksportosta dam.

C - 9.9

Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Riga FREEPORT OF RIGA

Andrejsala is located S of Port Eksportosta and is the continuation of it. Port Andrejosta. Port Andrejosta is located S of Port Eksportosta and it operates as a yacht harbour. Ķīpsala. Ķīpsala is located on the left bank of the River Daugava. In the W part it is separated from the bank by the Zunda tributary. Two dams in the Daugava River run parallel to the eastern shore of the island in a N direction:  northern – called FG dam;  southern – CDE dam. A yacht marina is located W of CDE dam. Roņu Pond is an estuary of the northern part of the Zunda tributary. The S part of the Zunda tributary flows into Āgenskalna Bay.

Repairs. Ship repair yards Ship max. Max ship Notes length draught Bolderāja ship repair yard Floating dock 3500 tn. L-118 m, B-28 m. “Vecmīlgrāvis” Terminal 5,5–8 m Three repair berths MKR-6,7,8 J/S ‘’RIGA SHIPYARD’’ 220 m 7,45 m Floating dock load capacity  30000 mt  27000 mt  6000 mt

C - 10.1 10. Further Along the Daugava

Vanšu Bridge is located approximately 800 m (4.4 Cables) upstream from the Ķīpsala light beacon. The clearance of the bridge – 10.5 m. Āgenskalna Bay. Āgenskalna Bay is separated from Daugava River by the 560 m long AB dam. A pier is located on the SE shore of Āgenskalna Bay. It is built on a reinforced concrete base without cover. The length of the pier is 107 m and width 6.0 m. Akmens Bridge is located around 800 m upstream from Vanšu Bridge. The clearance of the bridge – 7.0 m. Dzelzceļa (Railway) Bridge clearance – 7.0 m. Salu Bridge clearance – 7.0 m. Dienvidu (Southern) Bridge clearance – 8.5 m.

C - 11.1 11. Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

Main characteristics of the W coastline of the Gulf of Riga. The SW coastline stretches for 62 NM from Daugavgrīva to the Irbe Strait. The wastewater treatment plant of the City of Riga is located on Daugavgrīva island. Two 2300 m long underwater pipelines stretch from the shore into the Gulf of Riga, ships are not permitted to drop anchor or fish with bottom trawls in this area. The whole shore of the gulf is low and mainly sandy, covered with pine forests and in some places with elevations. Most of the inshore grounds from Ģipka to Bērzciems, especially from Ķirķrags to Kaltene, starting with a depth of 4–12 m, are covered with boulders, pebbles and pebbly sand. Along the coast there are a number of fishing villages and navigating along the coastline some conspicuous landmarks are free-standing towers, chimneys and churches that stand out from the surroundings. The ports of Jūrmala, Engure, Mērsrags and Roja are located on the W coast of the Gulf of Riga. The depth of the SW coast of the Gulf of Riga is navigable. The recommended route crosses the gulf heading from Irbe Strait to the port of Riga with a course 136.3°–316.3°. Navigation hazards are shoals which are less than 10 m in depth. Caution: when navigating close to shore it is important to watch out for fishing nets.

C - 12.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

12. PORT OF JŪRMALA

57°00.0′ N, 023°55.8′ E Charts: 2253, 1012, 1251.

Description Officially port is not open. Port of Jūrmala is located in Lielupe River estuary in most southern end of Gulf of Riga. Yacht berths within Port of Jūrmala territory: “Latvijas jahtklubs”, “Porto Marine”, “Vikings”, “Jahtklubs Uzvara”, “Skautu Osta”, “Stirnu raga jahtklubs”, “Priedaines Jahtklubs”.

Local weather conditions Wind Prevailing winds in winter - SE, S and SW, in summer – SW and W winds.

Water level With N and NW (12–17 m/s) winds the water level in the port can rise above the mean water level by 50 – 70 cm. With continuous N, NW winds high water level can remain for 2 weeks.

With S and SE winds and during calm weather, water level decrease below the mean level by 50 cm. With continuous S, SE winds low water level can remain for a month. Fog Heavy fogs are common in spring. Average count of foggy days during year is about 40. In cold season fogs are more heavy and prolonged.

Information on entering the port Port is not in operation and has no radio call channel. Port of Jūrmala yacht berths can be accessed by two waterways – waterway from Daugava River through Buļļupe River and waterway within Lielupe River estuary in Gulf of Riga. Waterway in Buļļupe is obstructed by the bridge in Bolderāja and high voltage power line, only remaining waterway for yachts to enter Port of Jūrmala is through Lielupe River estuary.

Dangers

Dangerous wreck with depth 2,2 m – N from Lielupe River estuary.

Visual landmarks  Dubulti church tower,  Buļļuciems lighthouse.

C - 13.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

13. From Lielupe to Engure

Lielupe flows into the Gulf of Riga 4.3 NM SW of Daugava estuary. A navigable river, the winding sea-bed of its lower reaches stretches along the shore of the gulf and is separated by a narrow zone of land. A spoil ground area is located 6 NM W of Lielupe estuary. Defined by a circle with radius of 5 Cables. Buļļuciems lighthouse (56° 59.64′ N, 023° 53.21′ E) is located on the Jūrmala coast 13.2 NM E of Ragaciems cape. Jūrmala, description: Jūrmala runs along the coastline for 11 NM from Kauguri to the Lielupe estuary. The coastline consists of sandy beaches, with a width that varies from 25 m to 60 m depending on the season. All along the coastline, behind the beaches, there is a stretch of forest-covered sand dune zones. Behind the dunes are a host of sanatoriums and guest houses. Some of these buildings are handy conspicuous landmarks. Two chimneys in Sloka and Dubulti Church are good landmarks. Ragaciems cape is low and sandy, and the village of Ragaciems is located nearby. Ragaciems lighthouse (57°02.07′ N, 023°29.16′ E) is located on Ragaciems cape.

C - 14.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

14. PORT OF ENGURE

57°09.8′ N, 023°14.0′ E Charts: 1012, 1251.

Description Fishing port with a yacht club. Port village – Engure. Located 10.7 NM SSE of Port of Mērsrags. The port is protected by:  N mole – 258 m;  S mole – 145 m. Distance between mole heads - 214 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Engure Port Authority Tel. +371 29238127 Address: Jūras Street 85, Engure., Engure Region , LV-3113 Email: [email protected]

Local weather conditions Wind. Prevailing – W un SW winds. Water level fluctuations. E winds lower the water level in the port by 30 cm. Currents. The speed of the current is influenced by variations in the sea water level.

Information on port entry All ships must request information from the Harbour Master about the depths on the leading line before entering the port. Minimal depth on the leading line is 1,6 m (2015).

Entrance channel, fairway The direction of the leading line is 270.2°–090.2°. The depth on the leading line varies according to the season, especially during autumn and winter storms as well as meteorological conditions.

Hazards. Object Length Width Location Notes Dam 160 m 70–80 m N direction from the S Ruined berths, on W side, wooden mole dolphins above and below the water Sand shoal In the NW part of the port, Depth 1,0–0,1m, vessels must remain on N of the leading line the leading line

C - 14.2

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF ENGURE

Visual landmarks:  Engure lighthouse from N,  the brick chimney of the boiler-house in Engure village,  Communication tower (63 m).

Berths, basins and depths in the port Berths. No. / Name Length of berth (in m) Purpose Notes Loading – Unloading 38 Fishing vessels Opposite the entrance to the port Floating vessel 28.5 (pedestrian overpass) Yacht service S of the loading/unloading berth Repairs 80 The SW part of the port Yacht club “Engure” 80 un 30 For yachts

Note: Information in the table is informative only. Actual shipping regime information must be obtained from the Engure Port Authority before entering the Port.

Repairs. Repair of small vessels.

C - 15.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

15. From Engure to Mērsrags

Engure lighthouse (57°09.98′ N, 023°13.73′ E) is located on the Engure cape N of port of Engure. A spoil ground area is located 1.5 NM S of the port of Engure. Defined by a circle with radius of 3.5 Cables.

C - 16.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

16. PORT OF MĒRSRAGS

57°20.10′ N, 23°08.00′ E Charts: 3531, 1012, 1251.

Description Commercial and Fishing port with yacht mooring facilities. Port village – Mērsrags. Port of Mērsrags is located near the Mērsrags Canal and is located 2 NM from Mērsrags cape. N mole – 390 m. S mole – 105 m. Distance between mole heads 150 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Port of Mērsrags Authority: Tel. / fax + 371 63235696 Email: [email protected] Address: Lielā Street 62, Mērsrags, Mērsraga Region , LV-3284

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs) VHF-16; 10. Spare: VHF channel – 8.

Restrictions Maximum size of vessel handled: available on request from the Port Authority.

Information on entry to port Pilotage is compulsory for vessels with length exceeding 50 m.

Hazards. Locations dangerous Depth above Distance and direction Notes to navigation hazard Submerged rock 2,4 m 2.7 Cables ESE of entrance to port 57°20.01′ N, 023°08.87′ E Wreck 4,2 m 3.1 NM NE of entrance to port Mazlaides bank 3,6 m 1.4 NM ENE of entrance to port Liellaides bank 5 m 11.8 NM E of entrance to port Sīgrava bank 2,8 m 4.2 Cables NE of entrance to port Shoals 1,8 m un 2,6 m 2-3 NM from SE of the entrance

Pilotage and tugs Pilotage is available round-the-clock. Pilot boards at the Port of Mērsrags reception safe water light-buoy. Within the Port a tugboat is permanently in operation. C - 16.2

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF MĒRSRAGS

Anchorage No. /Name Coordinates Depths Seabed Purpose 57°20.03' N, 023°12.07' E 7–10 m Sand, Pebbles All vessels Anchorage area 57°20.03' N, 023°14.07' E 57°18.15' N, 023°15.07' E 57°18.15' N, 023°13.05' E

Entrance channel, fairway Fairway:  width is 80 m;  length is 3549 m starting from the port entrance ;  depths are available on request at the Port Authority. Direction of Port of Mērsrags leading line 266.5°–086.5°. The leading lights of the Port of Mērsrags are located on the left bank of the Mērsraga channel. The reception safe water light buoy is located 2 NM from the port entrance on the leading line. Four light- buoys are located on either side of the port channel. The port’s inner leading line is recommended for navigation to berths No 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4 or 5. There are two turning basins in the port area:  one turning basin is near berths No 6 and No 7, for vessels up to 130 m and a max. draught of 6.5 m.  the second turning basin is near berth No 4, for vessels of a max. length of 80 m and max. draught of 3.0 m. Visual landmarks:  water tower,  chimneys of the fish processing plant,  Mērsraga lighthouse from the N,  66 m high communication tower,  two wind turbines on the S side of the port entrance . Berths, basins and depths in the port Depths in the entrance to the port are variable, especially during autumn and winter storms, dredging is carried out periodically. Berths No / Name Length of berth (m) Maximum length of Purpose vessel (m) No 1 116.93 111 Fishery No 2 41.8 70 Fishery No 3 40 35 Auxilary fleet No 4 50.4 111 Cargo No 5 41.1 25 Fishery No 6 145 130 Cargo No 6A 88 68 Fishery No 7 164 130 Cargo No 1A 40 20 Yacht mooring Yacht centre berths (3) 50 40 Yacht mooring Hydrotechnical structure for water supply 13 12 Water supply area Note: detailed information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order. Repairs Repair of small vessels. C - 17.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

17. From Mērsrags to Roja

A spoil ground area is located 2.5 N M of the port of Mērsrags in a SE direction. Defined by a circle with a radius of 2.5 Cables. Mērsrags cape: low, sandy, covered with forest; located 2 NM NW of the port of Mērsrags; a sand shoal with a large number of boulders encloses the cape. Mērsrags lighthouse (57°21.95′ N, 023°07.19′ E) is located on Mērsrags cape. Yacht marina in Kaltene (private) (57°27.12′ N, 022°54.14′ E) Located on Lieldienu Island at Kaltene.

C - 18.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

18. PORT OF ROJA

57°30.5′ N, 022°48.5′ E Charts: 3340, 1012, 1251.

Description Commercial and fishing port with a yacht club. Port town – Roja. The port is located in the Roja river estuary and is 16.5 NM SSE of Kolkasrags. S mole – 658 m. N mole – 430 m. Distance between mole heads – 110 m.

Harbour Master’s Office Roja Port Authority: Tel. +371 63269957, +37129238127 Fax +371 63291128 Email: [email protected], www.rojaport.lv Address: Ostas iela 1, Roja, LV-3264

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs): No Service Call Sign Channels 1. „Rojas osta” 10,16

Local weather conditions Wind The prevailing winds in the port are W and SW winds. Currents Place Current Strength (in knots) Notes In the port 0,1 River runoffs and fluctuations in the water level determine the velocity of the current.

Information on entering the port Place Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) Approach channel 500 60 Outport channel 300 60 Inner channel 200 35 Note: the port can dock and service ships with length up to 115 m.

Entrance channel, fairway Depths at the port are available on request at the Port Authority. Port of Roja sector direction light is located on the right bank of the River Roja and ensures the safe entry and exit of vessels in the outport as far as the entrance to the river estuary. The direction of the white sector axis is 215.0°–035°. C - 18.2

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga PORT OF ROJA

Total angle of the leading lights sector is 9°. A permanent sector of white, red and green lights, each has an angle of 3°. All three coloured lights are permanently in operation. Safe navigation for vessels entering and leaving the port is ensured in the white light sector. NW mole light beacon (57°30.66′ N, 022°48.74′ E). SE mole light beacon (57°30.62′ N, 022°48.83′ E).

Visual landmarks:  a chimney,  a water tower,  three communication towers.

Berths, basins and depths at the port Depths at the entrance of the port vary, especially during the autumn and winter stormy periods. Berths No./Name Length of berth (m) Max length of Max length of Purpose vessel (m) vessel (m) 1 170 115 16 Fishing; dry cargo 2 50 20 5 Service 2a 30 15 5 Yachts 3 47 20 5 4 64 50 8 Repairs 5 142 50 8 Fishing 6 92 108 16 Dry cargo 7/6a 25 20 5 Fishing 8 80 80 16 9 114 114 16 Note: detailed information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order.

Repairs Repair of small vessels. C - 19.1

Western Coast of the Gulf of Riga

19. From Roja to Kolka

The region of the spoil ground area is located 6 Cables E of the port of Roja, defined by a circle with radius of 2 Cables. Ģipka lighthouse (57°34.19′ N, 022°39.45′ E) is located 14 NM S of Kolka lighthouse. Roņu (Ruhnu) Island:  is located 20 NM E of Kolkasrags and is part of the territory of the Republic of Estonia;  is approximately 3 NM long and 2 NM wide;  a 28 m high sand dune covered by coniferous forest is located on the W side;  the N and E shores have steep banks, the remaining shores are low, sandy and covered with rocks;  the E shore is relatively deep;  Ruhnu village is located in the centre of the island with a church as a landmark;  a small port – Ringsu – is located on the SE part of the island, not far from the Rinke cape. Ruhnu lighthouse (57°48.08′ N, 023°15.61′ E) is located on a hill in the E part of Ruhnu Island, the lower part is covered by forest. Navigation dangers in the Ruhnu Island region:  many shoals and boulders - both above water and submerged - are located near the W shore. A rocky shoal with a depth of 0.6 m is located 250 m SSW of the W mole head;  a shoal with a depth of 2.2 m is located 2 NM NW of the N part of the island; Gretagrunda shoal with a depth of 2.2 m is located 2.3 NM SSE of Rinke cape. A deeper section with depths of between 20 and 35 m is located between the sandbanks and shoals that surround the island; with widths of 3–4 Cables. A wreck in a depth of 9.6 m is located approximately 4 NM SSW of Kolkasrags close to the recommended shipping route. Pier of Kolka:  sets out from shore opposite the village of Kolka 1.2 NM SSW of Kolkasrags;  is made of reinforced concrete with length 190 m and width 6 m;  from the 40 m mark to the end of the pier it widens to 18 m, the depth there is 1.8–3.2 m;  the direction of the pier is 112°;  there are two sand banks near the approach to the pier, the shallowest depth near the shoal by the pier is 1.4 m. The location of the shoals and depths can vary;  the pier can be approached from the E, using the tall brick chimney and 63 m communications tower as landmarks;  on reaching the pier, watch out for fishing nets that have been cast to the N in a depth 5–10 m, 3–5 Cables from shore.

C - 20.1 20. IRBE STRAIT

Irbe Strait 57°41’ N, 022°00 ’ E connects the Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Riga and is the main entrance to the Gulf of Riga. The central part of the Irbe Strait is the border between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Latvia. The borders of the Irbe Strait:  Eastern – Kolka lighthouse meridian;  Northern – the SE shore of the Sõrve peninsula in Estonia;  Southern – shore from Kolkasrags to Oviši cape (31 NM). Eastern border: Kolka lighthouse (57°48.14′ N, 022°38.04′ E):  is located on a man-made island on the northern part of the Kolkasrags shoal, 2.7 NM NNE of Kolkasrags;  serves as a Racon (K). Kolkasrags:  is low and sandy;  a Coastal Guard technical observation post is located at Kolkasrags;  during periods of sustained W winds in the Kolkasrags region, strong northwesterly currents and wave crossing can be observed. Kolkasrags shoal: Kolkasrags shoal with a depth of under 5 m juts out from Kolkasrags for 3.2 NM in a NNE direction. The N side of the shoal is rather deep. A wreck of unknown depth is located on this side. Northern border: The N part of Irbe Strait is located in waters that are the territory of the Republic of Estonia. The entire N coast of the Irbe Strait is surrounded by stony shoals. Sõrves cape is the tip of the island of Saaremaa, Sõrves lighthouse is located here (57°54.59′ N, 022°03.32′ E), and a few small islands are located nearby in a SSW direction. Three wrecks are located at various distances from Sõrves cape:  3 Cables south,  6 Cables north,  8 Cables east north-east. Mõntu port is located 3.8 NM NE of Sõrves cape. Sõrve shoal:  is a stony, sandy shoal;  depths are 2.3 m–9,8 m;  stretches 8 NM SSW of Sõrves cape;  the E side is rather deep but nearby is the hazardous Kaaramadal shoal with a depth of 2.3 m. The Saare – Laimadal shoal is located in the central part of the shoal, with a depth of 4.4 m. A wreck, partly visible above the water is located 5.9 NM with a direction 232° from Sõrve cape.

Southern border: The shore from Kolkasrags to Ovīši is low and sandy with small sand dunes covered by pine forest. The highest area is Zilie kalni (hills) (highest point is 85.4 m AMSL), 2–3 NM from shore. Depth: the 5 m isobath stretches along the coast at a distance of only 5–6 Cables. Navigating the Irbe Strait could be difficult as currents change direction.

C - 20.2

IRBE STRAIT

Recommended routes for ships in the Irbe Strait:  the Northwestern leg with a minimum depth of 17 m; restricted two-way route, the course is 141.0° – 321.0°/ 109.0° – 289.0°. The route is marked with light buoys.  the Western leg with a minimum depth of 7.8 m, course 088.0°–268.0°.This route is marked with safe water buoys. The route crosses the Čaiņikova shoal.  The Eastern leg with a minimum depth of 17 m, course 063.0° – 243.0° / 123.8° – 303.8°. There are a number of wrecks on this navigation route, the depth of the shallowest wreck is 13.8 m. This wreck is marked with a special light buoy. Saunagciems beacon (57°43.64′ N, 022°27.08′ E) is located 5.4 NM WSW of Kolkasrags. Sīkragciems lighthouse (57°39.46′ N, 022°12.95′ E) is located 8.6 NM ENE of Miķeļbāka lighthouse. Miķeļbāka lighthouse (57°35.99′ N, 021°58.47′ E):  is located approximately 8.5 NM WSW of Sīkragciems lighthouse;  operates as a Racon (M). Ovišrags:  the cape is located SW of the Irbe Strait;  it is low, sandy with a noticeably light colour;  further inland the land is covered by forest. Oviši lighthouse (57°34.12′ N, 021°42.95′ E) is located on Ovišrags cape. Oviši shoal:  juts out from Ovišrags cape 5 NM in a NW direction;  the depth is less than 10 m;  the seabed is sandy;  a spar-buoy marks off the shoal on the N side;  on the SW side the shoal is marked off by the Cardinal West bouy that is located 3.6 NM WNW of Ovišrags cape. A wreck, with a depth of 9.5 m above it is located near the recommended route 4.6 NM NNW of Ovišrags cape. Shoals with a depth of 8.8 m and 9.4 m are located 5 Cables NNW and 9 Cables E of this wreck respectively. Petropavlovska shoal:  is located 2.6 NM from Irbe lighthouse;  the shallowest part is 6.4 m on the W side of the shoal. Mihaila (Mihailova) shoal:  is located 2 NM from Irbe lighthouse;  the shallowest part is 5.2 m on the S side of the shoal;  the shoal is marked off by spar-buoys. Ignatjeva shoal:  is located 4.5 NM from Irbe lighthouse;  the shallowest part is 8 m on the E side of the shoal. Čaiņikova shoal:  is located 5.5N M from Irbe lighthouse;  the shallowest part is 7.8 m on the NW side of the shoal. Vinkova shoal:  is located 13 NM WNW of Ovišrags;  the shallowest part of the shoal is 7.8 m in the E part;  light bouys mark off Vinkova shoal from the W and E, and are located 16.6 NM WNW and 9.8 M NW of Ovišrags. Bezimjannaja shoal:  is located in the approach to the Irbe Strait from the W;  the shallowest part is 9.8 m; C - 20.3

IRBE STRAIT

 light buoys mark off the shoal from the W and E. Irbe lighthouse (57°45.04′ N, 021°43.38′ E):  is located on Mihaila (Mihailova) shoal on a man-made foundation in the sea 11 NM N of Ovišrags cape;  operates as a Racon (I). C - 21.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

21. Main characteristics of E coast of the Baltic Sea

Main characteristics of the E coastline of the Baltic Sea. The coast stretches from Oviši cape to the border with Lithuania in a S direction, for a length of 100 NM. The shore is sandy, with pine forests but some of the lower-lying areas have deciduous forests. The coast is low with occasional steep shores (Užava, Jūrkalne, Bernāti), sand dunes stretch along the shore from Liepāja to Pāvilosta. Tetrapods are used to protect the coast near the Užavas lighthouse. The seashore is shallow the entire length of the coast, the 10 m isobath runs parallel to the shore approximately 4 NM from the shore but the 20 m isobath, approximately 8 NM from the shore. The shallowest depth is near the port of Liepāja. In the coastal region the sea-bed is mainly sandy. The ports of Ventspils, Pāvilosta and Liepāja are located on the E shore of the Baltic Sea. Caution. When navigating close to the shore beware of fishing nets. Shoals with depths less than 10 m are located 3,5–5 NM WSW of Oviši cape. Two spoil ground areas are located 2.1 NM and 1.7 NM N of the port of Ventspils. C - 22.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

22. FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

57º24′ N, 021º32′ E Charts: 2100, 2257, 1015, 1014, 1252.

Description Multifunctional port. Port town – Ventspils. The port is situated in the Venta River estuary and is located 5.7 NM SSW of Oviši cape. The port is protected by: N mole – 1490 m S mole – 742 m Distance between mole heads – 314 m. The Freeport of Ventspils aquatorium comprises:  an aquatorium with a roadstead that is marked off by lines that connect points with the following coordinates: 57° 20.9’ N, 021° 29.3’ E 57° 25.4’ N, 021° 22.6’ E 57° 32.3’ N, 021° 30.3’ E 57° 26.3’ N, 021° 36.0’ E  Priekšosta (outport);  Venta River channel;  Jaunā zvejas harbour;  Vecā zvejas harbour;  Mazā zvejas harbour.

Harbour Master’s Office Freeport of Ventspils Authority Harbour Master’s Office Tel. +371 636 21040, +371 263 29655 Email: [email protected] Address: K. Valdemāra Street 14, Ventspils, LV-3601

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs) No. Service Call signs Channels 1. Vessel Traffic Service „Ventspils kuģu satiksme” 9, 16, 67 2. Freeport Control „Ventspils Ostas kontrole” 9, 16, 30 3. Tugs „Ventspils Radio 6” 9, 33 4. Ventbunkers „Ventspils 93” 37 5. Ventamonjaks „Ventspils 91” 67 6. Vessel Support Service „Ventspils Radio 20” 9, 29 7. Boatmen „Raita-4”, „Raita-5” 9, 30 8. Emergency and Rescue Service „Krasta apsardze” 9, 16, 63 9. Border Guard „Tornis7” 9, 11, 16 10. Customs „Ventspils Muita” 12 11. Marine and Inner Waterways Authority „Ventspils Radio 19” 35 C - 22.2

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

Ice conditions Winter period Place Ice type Hazards Approaches to port of Ventspils Drifting ice in N or NW winds Ice compression Open seas Drifting ice Note: ice-free Baltic Sea port.

Local weather conditions Wind. SW and W winds – prevailing all year. N and NW winds – reach 25 m/s in spring time. S wind – with an average speed of 2–3 m/s in summer time. N wind – from October till January with a speed of 6–7 m/s.

Wave regime. Prevailing are waves with a rating of up to three on the scale. The average height of waves is 0.75–1.0 m. Waves in W winds have been observed to reach a height of 2,0–3,5 m in the autumn winter period. The maximum wave height - up to 6 m - occurs once or twice per year.

Fluctuations in water level. In NW and W winds in the autumn and winter period the water level rises to 1.0–1.2 m. S and SE winds cause an annual average of 12 fluxes and 4–5 refluxes up to minus 0.6 m.

Currents Place Current Strength (in knots) Notes Ventspils port N or S direction 0.2–0.9 Depending on wind direction approach River Venta 0.5 Up to 2 knots in floods or downpours

Fog April – June, 15 to 18 foggy days per month. July – October, 2 to 3 foggy days per month. An average of 50 foggy days per year.

Information on entering the port Vessel traffic. 1. Two-way traffic of vessels longer than 70m on shipping lanes, outer harbour and the Venta River channels is strictly forbidden. 2. Tankers carrying gas and chemicals, dry bulk cargo vessels not exceeding length of 185m, oil and petroleum tankers not exceeding length of 235m are allowed to call the Free Port only if wind speed is below 14m/ sec. and/or visibility is not less than 2 nautical miles. 3. Tankers carrying gases and chemicals, dry bulk cargo vessels exceeding length of 185m, oil and petroleum tankers exceeding length of 235m are allowed to call the Free Port only if wind speed is below 8m/ sec. and/or visibility is not less than 2 nautical miles. When wind speed is below 14m/sec. permission to call or leave port is given by Harbour Master or its authorized personnel and coordinated with the vessel’s Master. During the night-time pilots must coordinate movement of vessels calling or leaving the port with the vessel’s Master.

C - 22.3

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

4. When visibility in the Freeport is less than 0.5 nautical miles and/or wind speed rises above 14m/sec sailing in the Freeport is closed. In some cases when wind speed is above 14 m/sec Harbour Master may grant exceptional permission to sail in or out of the Freeport. 5. When wind speed is above 14m/sec, passenger and cargo-passenger vessel Master shall coordinate sailing in or out of the Freeport with Harbour Master. 6. Vessels sailing and hauled in outer harbour and on the Venta River shipping channels must be ready to drop the anchor at all times. 7. Sailing ships and yachts entering or leaving the Free Port or sailing the Venta River shipping channels must use the engine. Vessels sailing with hydrofoil are allowed to call or clear the Freeport only with fully submerged hydrofoil. 8. All vessels not exceeding length of 70 m and with draught less than 4 m, except tankers, vessels carrying gases and chemical cargo, and sailing in or out of the port must: 8.1 give way to other vessels moving along shipping lane; 8.2 enter or leave the Freeport with Vessel Traffic Service permission through Northern and Southern sectors, not shipping lanes: 8.2.1. Northern sector has boundaries with coastline and lines that connect: 8.2.1.1. 57° 24.8’ N 021° 31.2’ E; 8.2.1.2. 57° 29.2’ N 021° 34.1’ E; 8.2.2. Southern sector has boundaries with coastline and lines that connect: 8.2.2.1. 57° 24.7’ N 021° 31.1’ E; 8.2.2.2. 57° 25.8’ N 021° 23.4’ E; 9. Vessels entering or leaving the Free Port are not permitted to have a list more than 3° and pitch difference exceeding default threshold identified in the vessel’s technical information. Bridges in the Port crossing the River Venta Bridge Bridge coordinates Bridge Bridge Bridge Max. draught Shipping lane length width span of vessel width with bridge open Vertical-lift 57°23’ N, 021°35’ E 281 m 19 m 5.0 (closed) 31 m bridge for roads 7.0 (closed) Detour bridge 57°23' N, 021°36' E 174 m 12 m Railway bridge 57°23' N, 021°36' E 174 m

Pilotage and tugs Pilotage Pilotage is compulsory in the port for all vessels with length exceeding 70 m, and tankers. Pilot boarding places:  Reception safe water light buoy ’A’ (57°26.28’ N, 021°24.67’ E) is located at the start of the Western shipping lane on the Rietumi leading line axis.  Reception safe water light buoy ’B’ (57°28.52’ N, 021°25.91’ E) is located at the beginning of the Northern shipping lane at the port of Ventspils on the Ziemeļi leading line axis 5.1 NM NW from the tip of the northern mole. The pilot boarding place may be changed in difficult hydrometeorological conditions, by mutual agreement with the Master of the vessel. Tugboat services. Tugboats are available with a towing tonnage up to 75 t. Use of a tugboat is compulsory for:  Tankers and vessels with dangerous cargo (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 according to IMDG Code classification) and exceeding 70 m;  vessels with length exceeding 150 m;  Tankers and vessels with dangerous cargo (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 according to IMDG Code classification), equipped with a bow thruster with a length that does not exceed 150 m.  For dry cargo vessels equipped with a bow thruster the use of tugboats or the number required can be determined according to principles of good seamanship, taking into account the weather conditions and other factors. C - 22.4

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

In the Freeport area, irrespective of the towing method, each tugboat can only pull (push) one vessel. The towing of a self-propelled vessel is coordinated by the vessel Master, irrespective of whether this ship’s propellers are working or not. For tugboats and the objects to be towed, except for tugboats with barges, for departure, they must submit the following to the Freeport Harbour Master:  description of the planned route and a voyage plan;  a voyage permit issued by the Maritime Administration of Latvia or vessel classification society.

Anchorage No./Name Coordinates Depths (m) Seabed Function 57°29.74’ N, 021°28.48’ E 13–22 Sand, Tankers with liquefied gas and Anchorage V1 57°31.52’ N, 021°30.28’ E pebbles chemical cargo 57°30.79’ N, 021°31.60’ E Vessels that are in quarantine 57°29.11’ N, 021°29.78’ E 57°30.19’ N, 021°20.90’ E 10–22 Sand, Vessels with a draught > 10 m Anchorage V2 57°31.51’ N, 021°22.42’ E pebbles 57°31.21’ N, 021°23.32’ E 57°29.58’ N, 021°22.67’ E 57°26.99’ N, 021°28.58’ E 12–15 Sand, Tankers with oil and oil Anchorage V3 57°28.07’ N, 021°27.03’ E pebbles products; 57°29.39’ N, 021°28.70’ E Dry cargo vessels with 57°27.89’ N, 021°30.60’ E dangerous cargo 57°26.29’ N, 021°31.00’ E 7,5–13 Sand, Dry cargo vessels, with a Anchorage V4 57°27.82’ N, 021°31.00’ E pebbles draught < 5m 57°27.82’ N, 021°33.58’ E 57°26.29’ N, 021°33.58’ E 57°26.05’ N, 021°26.98’ E 11–22 Sand, Dry cargo vessels with a Anchorage V5 57°26.64’ N, 021°24.73’ E pebbles draught >5m, but < 10m 57°27.97’ N, 021°26.28’ E 57°26.18’ N, 021°28.71’ E Note: During W storms, anchoring in the outer roadstead is dangerous and it is recommended that while waiting for permission to enter the port, the vessel heads for cover behind Kolkas cape in the Gulf of Riga or heads to Gotland Island. Vessels are not permitted to anchor in the outport, Venta River or outer roadstead in fairways.

Entrance channel, fairway Western fairway. Maximum allowed vessel draughts on request from the Port Authority. Two leading lines: Rietumi, with a direction 109.9°–289.9° and Ziemeļi, with a direction 143.7°–323.7°. Western channel – the dredged section of the fairway begins 0.64 NM from reception safe water light-buoy buoy’A’; Length 4.20 NM to the end of the channel in the outport; Maintained depth: available on request from Port Authority. Total width: 164 m, 82 m on either side of the leading line. The Western channel is marked by three pairs of lateral light buoys. From the entrance to the Outport these are located:  3.4 NM (light buoys No 5 and No 6),  2.3 NM (light buoys No 7 and No 8), C - 22.5

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

 1.3 NM (light buoys No 9 and No 10). Three leading lights form the Rietumi leading line on the coast: the front, middle and rear. All three lights operate synchronously. The width of the channel is 250 – 380 m (2012) at the point where the Rietumi and Ziemeļi leading lines intersect, so that vessels can turn safely. Light buoys No 3 and No 4 mark the transition to the wider channel section with a width of 164 m 0.6 NM from the port entrance. Northern fairway Maximum permitted vessel draught on request from the Port Authority. The Northern fairway starts from reception safe water light buoy ’B’ to the intersection with the Western fairway. From the begining the fairway for 1.35 NM is located in a natural depth but then it widens to 130 m with the guaranteed depth that is available on request from the Port Authority and its length to the W fairway turn-off is 2.74 NM. The leading lights of the Ziemeļi leading line are located on the left bank of the Venta estuary, lead into Ventspils Port along the Northern fairway, as well as along the dredged sea canal in the Outport. The lights operate synchronously. The direction of the leading line is 143.7°. An isolated danger light buoy is located to the left of the Ziemeļi leading line axis, 3.5 NM from the end of the Northern mole and it marks off a shoal with a depth of 13.3 m. Starboard hand light-buoy and port hand light-buoy – No 1 and No 2 are located 2.4 NM NW of the end of the Northern mole. There are two vessel turning basins in the Freeport:  an outport turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 270 m;  Venta River turning basin, which is located between berths No 5 and No 16, for vessels with length not exceeding 240 m. Visual landmarks:  a chimney,  a TV tower. Berths, basins and depths in the port Berths Max. length of vessels Berths/No Berth length (m) Cargo (m) Venta River channel 1 204 230 Dry cargo 2 85 230 Dry cargo (1+2) 204 + 85 230 Dry cargo 3 174 240 Dry cargo (2+3) 96 + 174 240 Dry cargo 4 295 230 Dry cargo 4A 356 240 Dry cargo 5 413 170 Dry cargo, auxiliary vessels 6 151 Coastal protection 7 150 Coastal protection 7A 288 240 Dry cargo 8 150 200 Dry cargo 9 150 200 Dry cargo (8+9) 34 + 150 200 Dry cargo 9A 78 Port auxiliary vessels 10 287 230 Dry cargo 11 294 205 Liquid cargo 12 107 Port auxiliary vessels 13 97 70 Dry cargo 13A Not constructed 13B 100 14 140 150 Dry cargo C - 22.6

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

Max. length Berths/No Berth length (m) Cargo of vessels (m) 15 299 240 Dry cargo 16 256 240 Ro-ro, ferries, dry cargo 16A 139 140 Ro-ro, ferries, dry cargo 17 40 200 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 18 100 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo 19 86 Ro-ro, ferries, cargo (17+18+19) 226 Ro-ro, ferries 20 251 Ro-ro, ferries, dry cargo Port auxiliary vessels, 21 250 Cargo-passenger

22 160 Port auxiliary vessels, cargo-passenger 23 360 24 55 25 261 25A 24 26 183 125 Dry cargo 26A 151 125 Dry cargo 26B 55 225 Dry cargo 26C 288 225 Dry cargo 50 Not constructed 51 Not constructed 52 119 53 160 60 Not constructed 61 90 62 203 63 Not constructed Outport 27 95 80 Port auxiliary vessels 28 358 270 Dry cargo 29 312 180 Liquid cargo 30 344 228 Liquid cargo 31 344 228 Liquid cargo 32 360 270 Liquid cargo 33 360 270 Liquid cargo 34 190 165 Liquid cargo

35 Not constructed 35A 230 195 Liquid cargo 36 296 250 Liquid cargo 37 107 180 Reserve, repair, auxiliary vessels 37A 78 Port auxiliary vessels 38 172 100 Dry cargo 39 Not constructed 40 80 40A Not constructed New fishing port 1 200 Fishing vessels 2 230 Fishing vessels 3 107 Yachts 4 100 Yachts 5 100 Fishing vessels 6 107 Fishing vessels 7 230 Fishing vessels Old fishing port 25b (R. d.) 110 25b (A. d.) 42 * Note: detailed information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order. C - 22.7

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea FREEPORT OF VENTSPILS

Repairs

Vessel repairs may be carried out at the port. More detailed information on the port can be found at Ventspils Port Regulations that can be accessed via the internet.

C - 23.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

23. From Ventspils to Pāvilosta

Somniteļnaja shoal with a depth of 4.4 m is located 8.2 NM SW of the entrance to Ventspils Port. An isolated danger light buoy is located on its NW edge. Užava lighthouse (57°12.55′ N, 021°24.88′ E) is built on a forest-covered hill with sandy slopes 3 km (1.6 NM) from Užava and 18 km (9.7 NM) from Ventspils and is 28 m high. A spoil ground area is located 3 NM NE of Pāvilosta port.

C - 24.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

24. PORT OF PĀVILOSTA

56°53.5’ N, 021°10.0’ E Charts: 3370, 1016, 1015, 1253

Description Fishing and yacht port. Port town – Pāvilosta. The port is situated in the Saka River estuary. Located approximately 20 NM SSW of Užava lighthouse and approximately 5 NM NE of Akmeņrags lighthouse.

Harbour Master’s Office Pāvilosta Port Authority: Tel. +371 29463351, +371 29104444 Fax +371 63486309 Email: : [email protected] Address: Dzintaru Street 2A, Pāvilosta, LV-3466

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs): Latvian State Border Guard Pāvilosta section. VHF 12 (spare channel VHF 10).

Restrictions Maximum size of vessel handled: available on request from the Port Authority.

Ice conditions Practically an ice-free port. Average length of ice period: 1.5 months per year.

Local weather conditions Wind Vessel traffic in the port is allowed in winds of the following direction and strength: E and S to 14 m/s, N and W to 10 m/s. Silt W winds create sandwaves and cause fluctuating depths in the port area.

Information regarding entry to the port Reception safe water light buoy ’P’ (56°54.34’ N, 021°08.94’ E), light: Mo(A).W.10s is located on the port leading line 1.1 NM from the mole heads. The direction of the port leading line is 144.2°. The turning basin in the port: 50 m.

C - 24.2

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF PĀVILOSTA

Pilot and tugboat services Not available

Anchorage Anchorage at port approaches is permitted at a depth of over 10 m and not closer than 0.5 M to the leading line and 1.0 M from the moles. Seabed: sand, pebbles.

Entrance channel, fairway Entering the port Moles Length Width Light beacon Notes Northern 278 m 5 m 56°53.51′ N, 021°10.06′ E Distance between is located at the N mole head moles 45-52 m Southern 185 m 5 m 56°53.52′ N, 021°09.99′ E is located at the S mole head

Note: when approaching the port it is important to use the Ieeja leading line and to keep to the centre as there are shallow sections on either side. The vessel must also keep to the centre on entering the River Saka.

Visual landmarks:  a brick chimney – 30 m, 2 NM SE of the port (visible 5–6 NM from the port),  a water tower,  a communication tower.

Berths, basins, depths in the port Berths No/ Name Length of berth Max. length of Function (m) vessels Pāvilosta Marina (on the left bank of the 125 Yacht, motoryacht River Saka) Cargo terminal (on the left bank of the 120 70 Cargo vessels, large leisure craft River Saka) Yacht harbour (on the right bank of the 100 15 Yachts, motoryachts, motorboats River Saka) Fishing berth (on the right bank of the 130 River Saka) Smaller fishing boats, motorboats Multifunctional berth (on the right bank 100 30 Large fishing boats, passenger of the River Saka) ferries Note: detailed information about depths in the port in accordance with the Harbour Master’s order.

Repairs For small boats and motorboats. C - 25.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

25. From Pāvilosta to Liepāja

Akmeņrags lighthouse (56°49.91′ N, 021°03.43′ E) is located at Akmensrags. The communication mast at Akmeņrags lighthouse is equipped with an aeronautical light. Akmensrags (Akmeņrags) cape is located 5 NM SW of the entrance to Pāvilosta Port. At Akmensrags cape the coast is clearly visible on the radar screen while the cape itself is a good radar landmark. A shoal with depths of less than 10 m, a rocky and uneven seabed is located west and northwest of Akmensrags. A wreck with a depth of 3.8 m is located on a shoal 4.1 Cables W of Akmeņraga lighthouse. A mobile communication tower with a red aeronautical light on the end is located approximately 13 NM S of Akmeņrags lighthouse. Liepāja water treatment plant with a sewer into the sea is located approximately 2.7 NM N of the Northern mole of Liepāja. A protective zone has been established around the pipeline. A disused spoil ground area is located NW of the water treatment plant sewerage area at sea. Wind turbine (56°35.46′ N, 021°00.96′ E). Northern forts – ruined concrete fortifications, partly collapsed into the sea.

C - 26.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

26. PORT OF LIEPĀJA

56°32.0′ N, 020°59.0′ E Charts: 3700, 2259, 1016, 1253.

Description Multifunctional port. Port town – Liepāja. Liepāja Port is located on the E coast of the Baltic Sea 18.5 NM S of Akmensrags. The Liepāja Port comprises:  an outer roadstead,  an Outport  Brīvosta port  Ziemas port  Tirdzniecības channel as far as the Tramvaja Bridge,  Karosta channel and Tosmare basin.

Harbour Master’s Office The Harbour Master’s orders regarding procedures of safety of navigation are compulsory for all vessels. Contact information: Harbour Master: Tel. +371 634 24721 Fax +371 634 81451 Email: [email protected] Vessel Traffic Service (VTS): Tel. +371 634 25180 Fax +371 634 01700 Email: [email protected] Port Control Service: Tel. +371 634 26127 Fax +371 634 849003 Email: [email protected] www.portofliepaja.lv Address: Liepāja, Vecā Ostmala 59, LV-3401

Communications in Port (VHF channels, call signs): No. Service Call sign Channels 1. Port Control „Liepāja 5” 11 2. VTS „Liepāja radio 1” 11, 16 3. Pilot service „Gamma” 11 4. MRCC Riga „Riga Rescue Radio” 16

C - 26.2

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

Ice conditions Ice-free port, however in the most severe winters it is covered with a thin layer of ice that vessels can easily break. Local weather conditions Wave regime Place Wind direction Wind velocity (m/s) Wave height (m) Wave length (m) Inner breakwater area N > 1,5 Coast to the N of the dividing NW 25 1,3–1,4 12–16 mole Freeport S part 1.0/ spray 5-6 Opposite the Ziemeļi 0,6–0,7 (Northern) and Dienvidi (Southern) gates

Water level fluctuations With NW and W winds the water level rises a max. of 50–60 cm, but with winds of 30 m/s or more the water level rises by 1.0 m. The water level falls with E and SE winds.

Currents Place Current Strength (in knots) Notes Liepāja Port approach N or S direction 3–4 Influenced by strong winds Note: the current is particularly dangerous for navigation when the wind has decreased, but water is flowing into or out of the port.

Silt Due to silt build-up depths decrease mostly:  in port approaches;  in the outport near the moles;  at the Dienvidi (Southern) gate;  near breakwaters.

Information on entering the port The formalities for vessels entering the port are regulated by legislation that covers the formalities regarding port entry. All vessels with a tonnage of less than 700 GT, including fishing vessels, must apply for a permit at least 3 NM from Liepāja Port. Vessels entering the Liepāja VTS controlled area but are not heading for the port must report to Liepāja VTS on VHF channel 11 in accordance with IMO SRS (ship reporting system) reporting positions: Alpha, Charlie, Lima, Papa.

Pilotage and tugboat services Pilotage is compulsory for: all vessels with a maximum length exceeding 60 m or GT exceeding 700 GT, tankers and vessels with hazardous cargo regardless of their size, entering and leaving the port or navigating in the port, as well as compass swings. The pilotage in Liepāja Port operates round-the-clock. Pilot boarding place:

C - 26.3

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

The port reception safe water light buoy “A” (56°30.39′ N, 020°49.78′ E), but in the case of difficult hydrometeorological conditions the boarding place may be changed, by mutual agreement with the Harbour Master and the pilot. Tugboat services. Sea and port tugboats operate in the port. Port tugboats tow vessels in the port.

Anchorage Outer roadstead: No. Name Location Coordinates Depths Seabed Function 1 Anchorage for 2.5 M SW of 56°30.00′ N, 020°53.00′ E 10–15m sand For small small tonnage Vidējie (Central) 56°30.00′ N, 020°56.00′ E vessels vessels.(L1) gate 56°30.20′ N, 020°53.00′ E 56°31.00′ N, 020°56.00′ E 2 Anchorage for W of Vidējie 56°31.20′ N, 020°50.00′ E 10–15m sand, For vessels medium tonnage (Central) gate 56°31.00′ N, 020°52.00′ E pebbles with a draught vessels (L2) 56°33.00′ N, 020°50.10′ E up to 6 m 56°33.00′ N, 020°52.00′ E 3 Deepwater W of Ziemeļi 56°30.00′ N, 020°43.20′ E 20–25m sand, For all vessels anchorage (L3) (Northern) gate 56°31.00′ N, 020°48.00′ E pebbles 56°33.20′ N, 020°44.80′ E 56°33.20′ N, 020°48.00′ E Note: it is forbidden to anchor outside the designated anchorage. In strong W winds vessels are permitted to anchor outside the designated anchorage only in extreme situations. The anchorage is determined by VTS.

Entrance channel, fairway Vessel dimensions and maximum vessel draughts permitted on entering and exiting the port and navigating in various areas in the port are determined in the Liepāja Harbour Master’s orders and in the Liepāja Port regulations. Navigation in Liepāja Port Centrālais fairway Leads into the port along the Centrālā leading line through the ports Vidējie gate. It begins 4.9 NM SW of the Vidējie entrance. The first section of the fairway is located in naturally deep water for 2.65 NM, but further on the sea channel which is 140 m wide and 2.25 NM long leads to the Vidējie gate. Reception safe water light buoy “A” is located at the beginning of the fairway axis 4.9 NM from the Vidējie gate. The sea channel is marked by two pairs of lateral light buoys. The leading lights on the Centrālā leading line are located on the bank of the N part of the Karosta channel. The direction of the leading line 067.7°–247.7°. Dienvidu fairway. Dienvidu fairway leads into the port along the Dienvidi leading line through the port’s Dienvidu gate. It splits off from the Centrālā fairway 0.64 NM before entering the Vidējie gate. The fairway is 140 m wide. Dredging works are continually being carried out in the channel. The front light beacon of the Dienvidi leading line is located on the S bank of the Freeport but the rear light beacon – the SE end of Ziemas port. The direction of the leading line 112.4°– 292.4°. Vessel traffic in the Liepāja Port area is not permitted without permission from VTS. Entering Liepāja Port through the Vidējie entrance. From Liepāja reception safe water light buoy “A” (56°30.39′ N, 020°49.78′ E) you must navigate along the Centrālā leading line with course 067.7°, continue along this, moving past light bouys No 1 and No 2 and leaving light buoy No 5 on the starboard side as far as the Vidējie entrance through which you enter Priekšosta (outport). When navigating this fairway it is important to follow the leading line. Entering Karosta channel – you must navigate through the Vidējie entrance, 3.5 Cables from the entrance near Priekšosta (outport) cardinal south light buoy you must take the course 050°. Nearing the Karosta

C - 26.4 channel entrance moles, 1.5 – 2.0 Cables before the moles you must pass the Priekšosta (outport) cardinal north light buoy and then you must turn to starboard so that you don’t navigate into the middle of the Karosta channel and later you continue along the centre of the channel.

C - 26.5

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

When entering the Freeport via the Dienvidi entrance, from the intersection point of the Centrālā and Dienvidi leading lines you must turn towards the Dienvidi leading line (direction 112.4°), leaving light buoy No 5 on your starboard side, but the Liepāja Port cardinal west light buoy on the port side and following the leading lights, you must enter Priekšosta (outport) via the Dienvidi entrance and further on into Brīvosta navigating between the N and S light beacons of the inner breakwater of Priekšosta (outport). When entering Ziemas Port (Winter port) and Tirdzniecības Channel, you must navigate along the Dienvidi leading line for 550 m, then starting from Dienvidi entrance, gradually veer to starboard, using the Priekšosta (outport) cardinal west light buoy for orientation, navigate onto the Loči leading line, leaving the light buoy on your port side. The course on the leading line is 153.4°. Continuing along the leading line, enter Tirdzniecības Channel and by continuing along the channel you will enter Ziemas Port (Winter port). You must keep to the middle when navigating in Tirdzniecības Channel. Vessels can also enter Brīvostas and Tirdzniecības Channel via Vidējie entrance. Navigating along the Centrālā leading line you will pass through Vidējie entrance, turn starboard so that you navigate through light buoys No 7 and No 8 and enter white sector of the port sector leading light with an axis direction of 170.7°. Continue along this, staying within the white sector and leaving the Priekšosta (outport) cardinal south light buoy on your port side and then on your port side – port hand light buoy No12, as far as Loči leading line, then follow this leading line and enter Tirdzniecības Channel as mentioned above. To enter Brīvosta turn to port at the intersection of the Dienvidi leading line and the axis of the white sector, and follow the Dienvidi leading line into the port. Outport. From the north – a 1650 m long N mole, which juts out from the coast in a WSW direction; From the west – N and S breakwaters. N breakwater is a semi-circular breakwater, its southern end, 1230 m long, juts out in a NNW direction but the northern section, 460 m long, juts out in a NE direction. The 760 m long S breakwater juts out in a NNW direction. From the south a 1440 m long S mole juts out from the shore in a NW direction. The following light beacons are located at the end of the breakwaters at Vidējie and Dienvidu entrance and the end of the S mole: Place name Light beacon Coordinates Location Vidējie (Central) Z 56°32.30′ N, 020°57.91′ E S end of the northern breakwater entrance Vidējie (Central) D 56°32.18′ N, 020°57.94′ E N end of the southern breakwater entrance Dienvidi (Southern) Z 56°31.78′ N, 020°58.05′ E S end of the southern breakwater entrance Dienvidi (Southern) D 56°31.66′ N, 020°58.08′ E N end of the S mole entrance

Ziemeļi (Northern) entrance is used for special purposes, having received permission from the Harbour Master. The port sector leading light in position 56°31.37′ N, 020°58.69′ E is located on the S mole not far from the entrance to Tirdzniecības Channel. It leads through the N part of the Outport to the Outport channel, starting from the Centrālā leading line axis opposite Vidējie entrance as far as the Dienvidi leading line axis opposite the entrance to Brīvosta. The width of the channel in this section is 140 m. The direction of the white sector axis is 170.7°–350.7°. The total angle of the leading light sector is 6°. The angle of each separate permanent white, red and green light sector is 1°. The angle of each separate permanent white red and white green light sector is 1.5°. The channel is marked by light buoys on starboard hand and port hand. Vessels can anchor in the Outport only in emergency situations. Karosta Channel: The width of the channel is 50 m, length is 3027 m (Outport E as far as Tosmares basin). The Karosta Channel N light beacon (56°32.82′ N, 020°59.55′ E) is located at the end of the N mole. The Karosta Channel S light beacon (56°32.76′ N, 020°59.55′ E) is located at the end of the S mole.

C - 26.6

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

The Karosta Channel may be entered or exited when the Karosta Channel swing bridge is open. The opening of the bridge and navigation in the channel must be approved by VTS. The bridge will be opened on instruction from VTS and incurs a service charge that is included in the fee.The width of the bridge span – 10.0 m, height of the bridge span – 7.2 m. Karosta Channel leading line: Leading line Direction Length Lights First 097.5°–277.5° 724 m green Second 113.8°–293.8° 819 m red Third 271.0°–091° 981 m white

A vessel turning basin, for vessels with length not exceeding 165 m is located at the crossroads of the Karosta Channel and Tosmare basin. Freeport (Brīvosta). Two entrances located S and N of the Inner breakwater. A turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 230 m is located behind the entrance to Brīvosta (Freeport). Tirdzniecības Channel. The leading lights of the Loči leading line that are located on the S mole by the entrance to Tirdzniecības Channel, lead from Priekšosta (outport) to the entrance of Tirdzniecības Channel. The direction of the leading lights is 153.4°. Bridges over Tirdzniecības Channel: Bridge Bridge Width of Width of Height of bridge Max. length bridge bridge span span draught Notes Tram 281 m 8,5 m 2,45 m New 132 m 7,3 (road) 6,4 m Railway

Vessels with a length that does not exceed 60 m may turn in the Tirdzniecības Channel turning basin. The Northern light beacon in Tirdzniecības Channel (56°31.31’ N, 020°58,96’ E) is located in the NW corner of the dam by the entrance to Tirdzniecības Channel. Ziemas (Winter) Harbour Ziemas Harbour is a man-made water basin with granite embankments, it is located on the NE side of Tirdzniecības Channel 3 Cables from the entrance. Ziemas Harbour is connected to a railway network. A turning basin for vessels with length not exceeding 150 m (2011) is located at the intersection of Tirdzniecības Channel and Ziemas Harbour. Zvejas (Fishing) Harbour Zvejas Harbour is located near the S embankment of Tirdzniecības Channel opposite Ziemas Harbour. Zvejas Harbour is separated from Tirdzniecības Channel by a mole. The port embankment walls are equipped for the mooring of fishing boats.

Visual landmarks:  Liepāja lighthouse,  a wind turbine,  a TV tower.

C - 26.7

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

Berths, basins, depths in the port Berths. Berth No. Berth length Max. Cargo or Berth No. Berth length Max length Cargo or (m) length of Function (m) of ship (m) Function vessel (m) 5 127,6 130 Dry cargo 61 214,0 140 General cargo 12 98,5 / 83,8 110 / 100 Coal 62 145,0 140 General cargo 14 106 / 102 100 Cement 63 145,0 140 General cargo 16 97,7 / 100 100 Coal 17 183,5 150 Repairs 64 176,9 140 General cargo 18 213,4 165 Repairs 65 12,7 120 General cargo 19 381,7 165 Repairs 66 120,0 120 Dry cargo 20 83,8 165 Repairs 67 120,0 120 Dry cargo 21 103,5 100 Repairs 68 120,0 140 Liquid cargo 22 180,3 165 Repairs 69 120,0 140 Liquid cargo 25 89,5 150 Liquid cargo 70 120,0 120 Coal 26 45,7 – – 71 120,0 120 Coal 27 35,2 50 Water treatment 72 120,0 120 SEZ, port vessels equipment 28 32,5 135 Liquid cargo 73 101,0 120 General cargo 30 89,6 100 General cargo 74 134,0 120 General cargo 30 A 80,0 80 General cargo 75 134,0 120 General cargo 40 171,0 170 General cargo 76 134,0 120 General cargo 41 171,0 170 General cargo 80 137,0 30 Yachts 42 172,4 170 Dry cargo 81 94,0 60 Yachts 43 412,0 230 Dry cargo 82 118,0 100 Training ships 44 180,0 230 General cargo 83 144,0 80 Fishing boats 45 189,7 230 General cargo 84 150,0 120 Navy vessels 46 Z 204,5 180 Ro-Ro, 85 52,0 50 Fishing vessels passenger ferries 46 D 181,0 170 Ro-Ro, 86 26,0 50 Fishing vessels passenger ferries 46 W 51,5 35 87 144,0 50 Port vessels 49 Z 129,0 140 Coal 88 140,0 50 Port vessels 49 D 129,0 140 Coal 89 132,0 100 Navy vessels 50 180,0 150 General cargo 90 100,0 100 Repair vessels 51 165,0 210/230 Dry cargo 91 100,0 50 Fishing vessels 56 105,0 115 General cargo 92 103,0 50 Fishing vessels 57 151,0 140 General cargo 93 179,0 50 Fishing vessels 58 153,0 140 General cargo 93 A 45,0 50 Liquid cargo 59 153,0 130 General cargo 94 104,0 50 Fishing vessels 60 198,0 130 General cargo Note: detailed information about depths in the port in accordance with Harbour Master’s order.

Repairs Two ship repair and construction yards are located at Liepāja Port, offering a wide range of ship repairs and vessel construction services: JSC „Tosmares Kugu buvetava”, JSC „Liepājas Kuģu būves rūpnīca”, Repairs of small vessels a/s “Kursa”.

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The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea PORT OF LIEPĀJA

Hazards Navigation Coordinates Depth hazards above Distance and direction Notes hazard Wreck 1,2 m 1 NM N of the Ziemeļi (Northern) Marked by an entrance to the port isolated danger buoy Shoal 3,6 m 1.1 NM N of the Ziemeļi (Northern) entrance to the port 6,5 m 0.47 NM from the Vidējie (Central) Wreck entrance N light beacon in direction 342° 56°33.22’ N, 020°49.26’ E centre is located 4.3 NM NW of Ziemeļi Spoil ground 56°35.02’ N, 020°50.86’ E (Northern) entrance, direction 280° area 56°34.79’ N, 020°51.73’ E 56°33.00’ N, 020°50.16’ E 56°36.19’ N, 020°57.48’ E centre is located 3.5 NM N of Ziemeļi Spoil ground 56°37.17’ N, 020°55.78’ E (Northern) entrance, direction 357° area 56°37.17’ N, 020°58.58’ E 56°36.19’ N, 020°58.58’ E 56°33.04’ N, 020°52.09’ E centre is located 2.6 NM NW of Ziemeļi Spoil ground 56°34.24’ N, 020°55.29’ E (Northern) entrance, direction 285° area 56°34.56’ N, 020°54.91’ E 56°33.36’ N, 020°51.71’ E

C - 27.1

The Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea

27. From Liepāja to the Latvian – Lithuanian border

Liepāja lighthouse (56°31.01′ N, 020°59.54′ E) is located in the S part of Liepāja Port, 380 m from the shore not far from Zvejas Port. Liepājas Lake. W winds often drive salty sea water into the lake, a number of small islands have been formed in the lake. Liepājas Lake is accessible to motorboats with a draught to 0.5 m as the depth in the middle of the lake is 1 – 3 m, but closer to shore only 0.5 – 0.6 m. Bernāti village is located 8 NM S of Liepāja Port. Bernāti lighthouse (56°22.94’ N, 020°58.90’ E) is located on a hill W of Bernāti. Bernāti shoal is a stony shoal with depths that are less than 10 m and stretches 3 NM W of the shore opposite Bernāti village. Depths of 4.0 m can be found on the shoal between the 5 m and 10 m isobath. Jūrmalciems is located 4.8 NM S of Bernāti. One of the unique features of the coastline are the large piles of algae that cover the rocky seabed at a depth of 6 – 20 m and stretch up to 10 km into the open sea. Various types of algae are found here in various stages of growth, but the most common algae is furcellaria. Wrecks (two wrecks) are located S of Bernāti village 9.4 NM from shore, in a depth of 1.8 m, also SE and NE of these wrecks two more partly submerged ships have run aground with some parts visible above the water. The area around the wrecks is closed off. An Obstruction with a depth of 9 m is located approximately 2 NM NW of Pape lighthouse and has a depth of 7.8 m approximately 0.8 NM SW of Pape lighthouse. Pape lighthouse (56°09.29’ N, 021°01.40’ E) is located 13.8 NM S of Bernāti lighthouse. Pape port is not operational, it’s moles have collapsed, and only a few posts remain where the N mole used to be located.