The approach to the Port of Belfast has a series of markers and buoys indicating a direct channel that all commercial shipping must take when entering and departing the port. They mark a thin route about 220 metres wide through the lough which is dredged deep enough for all commercial shipping to use - either side are sandbanks on which ships could run aground. The markers begin at the Belfast Fairway Buoy J4385 : Belfast Fairway Buoy (old position) which sits approximately half way down the lough and continue into the Victoria Channel. Some markers are buoys and some, as this, are permanent structures attached to the seabed. For safety reasons pleasure craft are not permitted to enter or cross into this channel without permission - the yacht in the background is sitting north of the channel. The signs reads:
"BELFAST HARBOUR
NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY BEYOND THIS POINT
Recreational craft MUST contact "Belfast Harbour" on VHF Channel 12 for traffic clearance to proceed."