SWAN QUARTER
- Latitude: 35.3917 •
- Longitude: -76.3246 •
- US East Coast •
- Port in US
Address: US
Swan Quarter Marine Port: Overview and Specifications
Location: Swan Quarter is located in Hyde County, North Carolina, in the United States. It's situated on the northern shore of Pamlico Sound, part of the Outer Banks and North Carolina's extensive coastal waterways.
Purpose and Functionality: Swan Quarter serves as a critical access point for ferry services and recreational boating. The port primarily facilitates the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke ferry, a vital transportation link to Ocracoke Island, essential for both residents and tourists.
Port Specifications:
Coordinates:
- Latitude: Approx. 35.4058° N
- Longitude: Approx. 76.3280° W
Operating Authority:
- Managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division.
Facilities:
- Ferry Terminal: The primary structure supports ferry operations with ticketing, waiting areas, and restrooms.
- Docking Areas: Multiple berths designed to accommodate state-operated ferries.
- Parking: Available for both short-term and long-term parking, accommodating vehicles of passengers traveling to Ocracoke Island.
Ferry Services:
- Route: Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Island.
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures, with more frequent service during peak tourist seasons.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes one-way.
- Capacity: Ferries can carry both passengers and vehicles, including cars, RVs, and trucks.
Navigation and Accessibility:
- Channel Depth: Generally requires a depth sufficient for ferry operations, typically around 12 feet.
- Moorings: Equipped to handle the docking requirements of ferries and small recreational vessels.
- Lighting and Signage: Proper navigational aids and signs ensure safe docking and operation, especially during nighttime or poor weather conditions.
Additional Services:
- Fuel and Supplies: Limited; nearest full-service marine supplies are located in larger towns/cities nearby.
- Emergency Services: Provisions for emergency medical services in coordination with local health centers.
Environment and Safety:
- Environmental Policies: Adheres to state and federal environmental regulations to protect the local ecosystem, particularly the sensitive marine environment of Pamlico Sound.
- Safety Protocols: Regular inspections and maintenance of vessels and port facilities to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Additional Considerations:
- Tourism: A significant aspect of Swan Quarter’s port operations, given its role in connecting to Ocracoke Island, a popular tourist destination.
- Regional Impact: Supports local economies by providing a critical link for transportation, especially in a region where alternative routes are limited due to geography.
Summary:
Swan Quarter Marine Port is a modest yet vital infrastructure element within North Carolina's coastal transport system. It supports ferry operations essential for connectivity to Ocracoke Island, combining practical transportation with tourism facilitation, adhering to necessary safety and environmental standards.