TIDAL STREAMS AND CURRENTS

The tidal rates and directions in Gibraltar Bay can be unpredictable in all weather conditions. Mariners should carefully monitor and assess the tidal streams before and during departure from the anchorage if no pilot is taken. In the centre of the Strait of Gibraltar an eastward ocean current runs, uninfluenced by the tidal stream; its velocity is variable. From the centre of the Strait of Gibraltar to the shore, ocean current velocity decreases and tidal stream influence increases. For further details, see Admiralty Sailing Directions.