The W-going stream begins 2 hours before local HW and flows for about 6 hours. This stream is deflected SW by East Breakwater, across and into the entrance and can attain 2 kn at springs. The SW-going stream is then deflected into the harbour and diverted NE from the head of West Pier towards the head of East Pier, causing a marked set between the pierheads. The set is strongest from 1 hour before local HW until HW slack, after which it decreases until finally overcome by the out-going stream about 1 hour after local HW.
Within the harbour the in-going stream sets almost entirely up Western Ann, with little change in rate except where the arm narrows at Soldier's Point (3 cables NNW of West Pierhead), where it can attain 4 kn at springs. In Eastern Arm there is practically no stream at all, even at the height of the in-going stream.