PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Alexandria
Pilot
updated May 2016Compulsory for foreign vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade. Optional for US vessels in coastal trade who have on board a pilot licensed by the Federal Government for Potomac waters. Arrangements for pilots should be made through ship's Agent. Pilots will meet a vessels entering from sea at Cape Henry.
The Chesapeake and Interstate Pilots Association offers pilot services to U.S. vessels, engaged in the coastwise trade, and public vessels to Piney Point. The Virginia Pilots Association offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Virginia or Washington, DC. The Association of Maryland Pilots offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Maryland or Washington,
The Virginia Pilots' Association offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Virginia or Washington, DC. The Association of Maryland Pilots offers pilotage to any vessel bound for a port in Maryland or Washington.
Key data
updated May 2010Size limits
Draught 6.7m.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Mean Spring range 1.0m; mean neap range 0.7m
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinson Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Marbury Point | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2016Approach
Alexandria is approached from Chesapeake Bay, approx 90nm down the Potomac River, which is entered between Smith Point and Point Lookout. The width of the entrance is approx 5nm. The main channel is clearly marked with red and green buoys. The port area lies on a fast flowing river, with both quays close by the main channel. Two major bridges span the channel leading up to Alexandria.
The Federal Project for Chesapeake Bay provides for depths of 15.2m (50ft) in the Main Channel between Virginia Capes and Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Project Depth for the Potomac River from the mouth to Hains Point at the junction of the Anacostia River is 7.31m (24ft). Channel depths of 11.5m (38ft) or more are then available up to Ragged Point, 20nm above the mouth. From here there is a controlling depth through the dredged cuts of approx 5.4m (18ft) up to Hains Point. The channels should be maintained at or near project depths but vessels are advised to check for the latest information on this, particularly after periods of extreme weather.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained anywhere in the river below Alexandria where the bottom is soft.
When coming up through Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Pilots may occasionally anchor larger vessels at 37°14.06'N 76°25.25'W. The Virginia Pilot Tower may be contacted on VHF Ch 11 for further information.
Restrictions
Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge: A bascule bridge (38°47.568'N, 77°1.984'W) with a vertical clearance of 23.1m when closed and horizontal clearance of 53.3m, spans Potomac River at Jones Point. A fog signal is sounded at the bascule opening.
Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (also known as the Potamac River Bridge) (38°21.701'N, 76°59.791'W) has a central span over the support piers in the main navigable channel. Vertical clearance is 41m and horizontal clearance 146m. The centre line of the main span is marked by fixed green and white lights and a flashing red aero obstruction light. The main trusses and approaches are marked by fixed red lights.
Overhead power cable: with a vertical clearance 52m and marked by marked by red obstruction lights, is carried over the main channel from Moss Point to a position 1.75nm NE.
Speed Limit: 10kn in the Alexandria wharf area.
Old piling may be a hazard leading up to river berths. Vessels should also be aware of the location of Spoil Grounds and Fish Traps.
Tugs
None available.
Charts and publications
Admiralty Pilot NP69. BA 2923, 2924 (Alexandria and navigation up the Potomac River).
US Charts 12285 and 12289 (Alexandria area). US Charts 12288, 12287, 12286, 12233 (for navigation up the Potomac River). US Coast Pilot, Vol. 3.
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2016ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Communications
Virginia Pilot Association: Tel: (757) 496 0995.
The Association of Maryland Pilots: Tel: (410) 342 6013.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
Officials will board vessels at the berth. Alexandria is a first port of entry. For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
Notices and regulations
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Aug 2010Bunkers, water and stores
Diesel, Fresh water and marine supplies available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Washington National Airport.
About Alexandria
updated May 2016Where it is
Alexandria is an inland port area, situated on the upper part of the Potomac River, approx 90nm upriver from Chesapeake Bay and 6nm South of Washington.
The port
Cargoes handled are mainly paper, project and breakbulk.
Questions about Alexandria
What are the pilot arrangements at Alexandria?
Compulsory for foreign vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade.
What time zone is Alexandria in?
Local time at Alexandria is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the water density at Alexandria?
1000.
Which load line zone is Alexandria in?
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Alexandria?
Port State Control at Alexandria: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Alexandria?
The UN/LOCODE of Alexandria is USAXR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Alexandria say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.