PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Apalachicola
Pilot
updated May 2010Fishermen are available to act as pilots.
Key data
updated May 2010Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Strong out going tidal currents may be experienced.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scipio Creek Marina | — | — | 2 |
| Marina Fuel Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jan 2016Approach
The port is approached across Apalachicola Bay and entered through Government Cut, a dredged channel marked by beacons and lightbuoys between barrier islands 5nm E of Cape Saint George Light, with a controlling depth of 2.4m.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained 4nm N of the entrance channel in depths of 2-3.0m. Local knowledge is required to enter.
Charts and publications
BA 3380, 3852. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
Immigration: 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 Jan 2016Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water : Available
Bunkers : Available.
Medical
George E Weems Memorial Hospital, 1.12km.
Transport
Nearest airport : Apalachicola Regional Airport located at Apalachicola FL, 5.95km.
About Apalachicola
updated Jan 2016Where it is
Located on the Gulf of Mexico coast of Florida, approx 64km SE of Panama City. The Port of Apalachicola lies at the mouth of the Apalachicola River off Apalachicola Bay on the Intracoastal Waterway.
The port
Apalachicola is situated on the Apalachicola River and Bay. Apalachicola harvests over 90% of the oysters sold in Florida and 10% of the nationwide supply. Smaller open bay boats, moored or trailed each day, tong for oysters in the many shallow areas of Apalachicola Bay. The port is linked with an extensive barge trading inland waterway.
Questions about Apalachicola
What are the pilot arrangements at Apalachicola?
Fishermen are available to act as pilots.
What time zone is Apalachicola in?
Local time at Apalachicola is UTC−6. Clocks go to UTC−5 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−6 on 7 Nov 2027.
Which load line zone is Apalachicola in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Apalachicola?
Port State Control at Apalachicola: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Apalachicola?
The UN/LOCODE of Apalachicola is USAAF.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Apalachicola 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.
Plan a route to Apalachicola →
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.