Apia

1. Apia pilot boarding position Pilot boards13°48.0′S 171°45.5′W

Size limits

Offshore: draught 9.5m, LOA 200m.

Load line zone

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Tides

Range 1.0m. The current setting across the harbour entrance, 0.3nm off the reef, is variable but predominantly W going, a rate of 4kts under abnormal conditions has been reported. After heavy rains, the outgoing flow from the rivers may have a strong influence. Tidal streams within the harbour are weak.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Entrance channel to the port is 450m wide, depth at the entrance is 30.0m, this decreases to 11.0m in the turning basin.

Leading lights: Front light (white wooden tower, red bands; elevation 16m (13°49.3'S 171°45.6'W) on reclaimed land fronting S shore of the harbour. Rear light: (Mount Vaea Vorberg Light) 0.7nm SSW from front light.

The alignment (194°) of these lights leads through the entrance of the harbour and into the harbour basin, passing (positions relative to front light):

Over the W end of the Toatuga (0.4nm NNE). Then, 1nm W of Muaavasa shoal (2nm NE), which breaks occasionally. Then, between West Reef and East Reef, then:

W of a light beacon (red and white in bands, 3m in height (0.35nm NE)) standing close to a large bollard on the end of a rubble groyne

It has been reported that tankers berthed at the oil terminal may obscure the front leading mark.

Leading beacons (white diamond topmark with red cross), in line bearing 133°, stand 0.35nm E of the front leading light. They are for the use of vessels berthing at the Ro-Ro terminal. Lights are exhibited, on request, from these beacons. It was reported that the front beacon was missing and the rear one was not in its charted position.

Port limits

The port area includes the sea within 2nm of the main wharf together with associated works, wharves, jetties, installations and buildings.

The limits of the port of Apia shall be a circle of radius 5nm from the wharf.

Anchorages

Anchorages available 1.5nm from the reef. Anchorage may be obtained in depths of 36m N of the harbour entrance on or near the leading line, as directed by the Harbour Master.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited in the vicinity of the oil terminal, N of Cape Horn.

Restrictions

The port is open throughout 24 hours for arrival and departure, but tankers are not normally handled during hours of darkness. Arrivals are preferred in either early morning or late afternoon when the trade wind is less fresh.

Depths on the range line vary from 49m at the seaward end, to 16m just NE of the tanker berth. Within the harbor, depths range from 4.8 to 12.8m, but a reef fringes the entire harbor

Tugs

There are 2 x 1,600hp, 25t bollard pull tugs.

Charts and publications

NZ 86, 8655. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4)

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Samoa Ports Authority.

Position: Port Facility Security Officer.

Address: PO Box 2279, Apia, Samoa.

Tel: +685 23552

Fax: +685 25870

Mob: +685 777 0483

Email: [email protected]

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Available, contact Samoa Shipping Corporation, Tel: +685 20935, Fax: +685 22362. Divers are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at main wharf.

Bunkering: Small quantity of diesel oil available by road tanker.

Medical

Medcen Hospital, 5km from Apia Port.

Crew change

Facilities are available for crew change.

Transport

Nearest airport: Faleolo (32km to the W).

Airport facilities: Fagalil International Airport for light aircraft.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Sat throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Apia lies on the N coast of Upolu Island.

The port

Apia is the principal port of the independent state of Samoa. Vessels can berth at night with the help of leading lights. A breakwater has been built to reduce surge at the wharf during the cyclone season. Due to Samoa's location as a holiday destination, cruise vessels regularly visit the port.

Traffic

Approx 40,000TEU and 600 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Apia?

The pilot boards at Apia pilot boarding position, 13°48.0′S 171°45.5′W.

What time zone is Apia in?

Local time at Apia is UTC+13. No summer time.

Which load line zone is Apia in?

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Apia?

The UN/LOCODE of Apia is WSAPW.

What crews who called at Apia 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.

Read and add tips for Apia →