Argentia

1. Argentia pilot boarding place Pilot boards47°20.0′N 054°06.3′W

Size limits

Max LOA 300m, beam 44.50m, draught 11m and 61,632DWT.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

The MHW interval at Argentia Harbor is 8 hours 09 minutes. MHWS 2.2m and MHWN 1.6m.

Tidal streams: The tidal streams within the harbour are weak and vary with the winds. Winds from S and SW are more frequent and cause a NE set. It is worth noting that caution must be taken to allow for a strong N set of about 3kts in the approach channel, when S'ly winds prevail, in order to avoid being set onto Moratties Shoal (47°21'N., 53°58'W.).

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

Approach

The alignment of these lights (228°) leads through the harbour towards the berthing area, passing SE of 'A10' Lightbuoy (starboard hand) which marks the SE extremity of a bank extending from the shore on the NW side.

Port limits

The outer limit is a line drawn from Broad Cove Point NNW for 0.55nm then 0.9nm to Roche Point.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A mandatory VTS zone encompasses the whole of Placentia Bay. Vessels should contact Placentia Traffic via VHF Ch 14 for clearance to enter Placentia Bay. Use of the existing Traffic Separation Scheme is recommended.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available 1.6km from the dock in Sandy Cove, at the SW end of Argentia Harbour, in depths of 22.0m. The holding ground of mud, rock and sand is poor. If strong winds are forecast, vessels at anchor should prepare to get underway at short notice. Vessels should avoid anchoring near the abandoned submarine cable laid across the middle of the harbour.

Anchorage is prohibited in and near the channel, between the N coast of Argentia Peninsula and Fox Island, 2.5nm NNE of Latine Point.

Restrictions

Moratties Shoal borders the N side of the approach channel and has a least depth of 1.3m. It has been reported that in the event of prevailing S'ly winds, a strong N set of approx 3kts toward the aforementioned shoal.

It is reported that the shoreline of the Argentia Peninsula has gradually changed over the years due to the action of the sea. The entrance to Fox Harbour is shallow and restricted due to a rock which lies awash. An abandoned submarine cable is located within Placentia Sound and Argentia Harbour, vessels are ordered to not to anchor in this vicinity.

Tugs

Tugs available at the port.

Mooring

Fleet Dock provides the following fenders:

Berth No. 01: Round Rubber Angle D-fender

Berth No. 02: Round Rubber Angle D-fender

Berth No. 03: Rubber V-fender

Charts and publications

BA 290, 2915. Can 4841 and 4622. Admiralty Pilot NP50.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The second notice should be sent 3 hours prior to the ETA (GMT) at the appropriate boarding station.

Communications

Coast Guard Radio Centres (MCTS) enroute to Argentia operate on a 24 hour basis. These Marine Communications and Traffic Service (MCTS) centres (St John's "VON", Halifax "VCS" and Placentia "VCP") can be used for passing messages.

VHF: Ch 16, 14, 12, 24 and 26.

Port of Argentia contact info

Telephone: +1 709 227 5502

Facsimile: +1 709 227 5592

Email: [email protected]

Port Facility and Operations Officer contact info

Telephone: +1 709 227 7390

Facsimile: +1 709 227 2128

Atlantic Pilotage Authority (Halifax) contact info

Telephone: +1 877 272 3477

Facsimile: +1 877 745 3477

Placentia Bay VTS contact info

VHF: Ch 12 (Sector 2)

Notice of readiness

NOR normally tendered when vessel secured alongside berth except most tankers tender on arrival at the pilot station or at port limits.

Documents

The Oil Record Log book should be up to date and readily available for inspection by Government Steamship Inspectors.

Health

If any of the crew require medical facilities, Masters are requested to notify agents at least 72 hours prior to arrival, of the number of crew to see the doctor and the complaint.

Customs and immigration

Allowances: Each crew member is allowed 200 cigarettes and 1 x 40oz bottle of wines or spirits per week.

Immigration: In order to comply with Immigration regulations, crews should be carefully checked before sailing and any missing crew reported to the agent.

In case of crew members left ashore for any reason, Masters are requested to furnish a letter accepting responsibility for all expenses incurred, advances (if any) and also instructions for repatriation. An Immigration Bond may be required.

Flags

State flag to be flown over the stern and Canadian flag at the mast.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Inspection of ships in Canada

Transport Canada,

Inspection and Operations Standards Division,

Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.

For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 991 4818

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 993 8196

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.

Position: Director General.

Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.

Tel: +1 613 851 6302

Fax: +1 613 949 3906

Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca

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

Repairs

Minor repairs are possible at Argentia. The agent should receive prior notice of requirements as most repairs are only available in St John's (radio, radar, gyro, satnav).

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Fresh water is available at all berths, arrangements should be made via the agent or Harbour Master.

Bunkers: MFO available via tanker vessel.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Placentia Medical Clinic (6.5km) and Health Sciences Centre (98.5km).

Crew change

Crew change and repatriation can be carried out, prior notice to agent is required.

Transport

Nearest airport: St. John's International Airport (100km).

Nearest highway: Port has access to Route 100. The highway travels 108km from Whitbourne in the N to Branch in the S.

Working hours

Port of Argentia Fleet Dock by arrangement.

Marine Atlantic Argentia Ferry Terminal: Mon 0900-1900, Tues-Wed closed, Thur-Sat 0900-1900 and Sun closed.

Where it is

The port of Argentia is located on the E side of Placentia Bay, NL, Canada.

The port

Port of Argentia, located on a former naval base, is an ice-free deep-water port strategically located near the main shipping lanes between North America and Europe. The former naval base (1941 to 1994) has been redeveloped and provides support services including; marine transportation, renewable energy, aquaculture, offshore oil, and mining. Argentia serves as a provincial entry/exit point and used as a supply base for offshore drilling platforms. The port offers vast storage space with dedicated 70ha of paved runways to monopile marshalling and the Argentia Marine Terminal covering an area of 40ha adjacent to the docking facilities. Major cargoes handled at the port include containers, salt, scrap metals, fish, wind turbines and cement.

The seasonal ferry service runs up to three times per week from mid-June go late Sep and last 16 hours.

Traffic

Approx 217 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Argentia?

The pilot boards at Argentia pilot boarding place, 47°20.0′N 054°06.3′W.

What time zone is Argentia in?

Local time at Argentia is UTC−3:30. Clocks go to UTC−2:30 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−3:30 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Argentia?

The deepest berth listed is at Fleet Dock: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Argentia in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Argentia?

Port State Control at Argentia: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Argentia?

The UN/LOCODE of Argentia is CANWP.

What crews who called at Argentia 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.

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