A busy west coast marina recently dealt a blow that forced it to stop selling fuel to leisure craft, is trying to find a solution to the problem
Oban Marina, on the isle of Kerrera across the bay from Oban, previously had its diesel delivered on a landing craft.
But the marina has been told the vessel does not comply with Coastguard regulations for transporting diesel.
Neil Price, director of operations at the marina, said: “It became apparent we weren’t adhering to regulations, which we didn’t realise. We are now working with the MCA to remedy that.”
Joey Gough, a member of Oban Sailing Club, who owns the yacht Tangle O’ The Isles said: “It is certainly an inconvenience. I went to pick up fuel at Oban Marina the other day and only found out they aren’t doing it when I got in. We ended up having to change our plans because we had insufficient fuel to get to Tobermory and it was too late to go to Dunstaffnage Marina, which was closed by that time.
“You can buy fuel at the South Pier in Oban but it is awkward, because that is where the fishing fleet is.
“Oban Marina is popular with visitors so this is not an ideal situation.”
Part of the success of the marina relies on the ability to sell fuel to visiting boats.
The only other option for yacht owners to purchase fuel in Oban Bay is at the Railway Pier, which is where the CalMac ferries and the fishing fleet berth and is much busier.
A spokesman for the MCA said: “We received a complaint that diesel was being delivered to the Oban marina by a vessel without the proper certification for transporting dangerous goods. After they were contacted, the operators of the marina have ceased to use the craft to carry diesel and we are working with them to find an appropriate solution.”
Oban Marina and Yacht Services Ltd is in sight of Oban town centre. It runs an hourly ferry service from Kerrera to Oban and has a popular restaurant which is open throughout the summer, the Waypoint Bar and Grill.
The marina has 100 pontoons and 30 moorings.