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PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS

Augusta

ITAUGItaly37°13.2′N 015°13.8′EUpdated Jul 2025Open in the Ports tool

PILOTPilot boards at Augusta pilot boarding.
KEY DATAUTC+1 · IALA A · deepest berth 20.36 m draught
REPORTINGVessels should confirm ETA 1 hour in advance.
INSPECTIONSParis MOU port.

Pilot

updated Sep 2014
1
Blue: Augusta. Magenta: where the pilot boards (numbered as the list). Drawn by NaviBoss for planning, not for navigation.
  1. Augusta pilot boarding Pilot boards37°11.9′N 015°15.8′E

Compulsory for vessels over 500GT, advance notice is required, available throughout 24 hours. A second pilot is recommended by the local authority for vessels over 60,000GT.

Tankers should also employ a pilot outside the pilotage limits in the event of fog or limited visibility or if the nature of their cargo or navigational conditions deem it advisable.

Pilot boards 1.5nm E of the harbour entrance, 3nm for larger vessels. In bad weather, pilot boards inside the breakwater.

The pilot normally boards 3.0nm from breakwater. The distance from boarding point to anchorage, nearest berth and farthest berth ranges from 3.0-8.0nm. A second pilot is required for vessels of more than 50,000GT and for vessels of 60,000GT when unberthing.

Key data

updated Jul 2025
LOCAL TIMEUTC+1Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.worked out from the port's time zone
WATER DENSITY1025.
LOAD LINE ZONESummer.
IALA REGIONARed to port when entering.from the country
MAX SIZELOA 380m, draught 20.36m, beam 60.0m, 420,000DWT.

Size limits

LOA 380m, draught 20.36m, beam 60.0m, 420,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.2 (spring), mean neap range negligible.

Max draft per terminal

TerminalMax draughtMax LOABerths
ISAB North20.36 m380 m11
Sonatrach16.46 m297 m7
NATO13.00 m250 m3
Commercial Area11.50 m249 m11
Sasol Italy Terminal11.50 m210 m3
Buzzi Unicem10.50 m200 m4
Maxcom Terminal8.70 m230 m3
Versalis8.60 m147 m3

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

Approach

updated Jul 2025

Approach

A turning basin, dredged to a least depth of 21.8m, lies between Passo di Levante and the heads of the piers on the W side of the harbour.

Vessels should keep very close to the line of the leading marks until at least 0.2nm within the entrance. A similar procedure should be followed when leaving the port.

Augusta roads are approached through a 274m wide entrance between two breakwaters, providing a safe anchorage with a depth of about 30m.

Port limits

The port limits is the area between the coast and a line joining Capo Santa Croce Light to 37°09.5'N 015°16.8'E and then to Penisola Magnisi Light.

Anchorages

There are no special restrictions. Since pilotage is compulsory pilots will advise where to anchor.

Restrictions

Prohibited areas: Entry is prohibited in the approaches to Porticciolo di Terre Veechie.

Tugs

Compulsory. To comply with charterers/owners instructions masters of vessels calling at Augusta for loading/discharging are requested to inform port agent immediately upon completion of berthing on VHF Ch 09 or via Marisat message (if vessel equipped), for each tug used for shifting, name and duration of employment stating hours and minutes. Furthermore a copy of tugs voucher signed for services received must be requested from master and handed over to agent as soon as possible in order to check correct time on proper invoice issued by tugs company for safeguard of charterers/owners interests.

As per port regulations the commencement of tugs services assistance to count from arrival of tugs alongside vessel.

Eight tugs of 1800-4000hp are available and can be ordered through agent or pilot.

Tugs can be requested at the pilot station, VHF Ch 12, order 30 minutes in advance.

Mooring

Buoys A1 (37°13.9'N 015°12.5'E), A2 and A3 (37°12.6'N 015°12.8'E) are available for mooring large vessels.

Charts and publications

BA 966, 973, 1941. US 53200, 53201, 53220. Italian 271. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).

Reporting before arrival

updated Jun 2016

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should confirm ETA 1 hour in advance.

Tankers should advise their ETA at least 48 hours prior to arrival and maintain contact with the harbour master by VHF or through the coast radio station for the entire period they remain within territorial waters.

Communications

Roma Radio operates throughout 24 hours on frequency RTF 4320kHz. Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port: Ch 16.

Augusta Pilot: Ch 12. Tel: +39 0931 521967, Fax: +39 0931 976166. Email: [email protected]

Tugs: Ch 11.

Mooring service: Ch 08.

Marine Advisory Service: Ch 09.

Vessels W of a line joining Penisola Magnisi and Cabo S Croce should not use Ch 09, 10, 11, 12 or 68 except when communicating with the pilot.

Standard messages

The following message must be sent at least 12 hours before entering Italian territorial waters bound for Augusta. It is valid for all vessels calling for bunkering/replenishment of fresh water/repairs or other reasons excluding commercial operations.

Quote:

From: Master m/v............

To: Compamare Augusta, Telex No 972336

I assure observance of Prescriptions Art 35 Ordinance 15/95 regarding bunker operations.

Signed: Master's name.

Unquote

The following message must be sent at least 48 hours before entering Italian territorial waters bound for Augusta. It is valid for all vessels loading/discharging/carrying dangerous cargoes.

Quote:

From: Master m/v............

To: Compamare Augusta, Telex No 972336

Stating efficiency of loading/discharging equipment and vessel's safety services in accordance with Article 21, Ordinance 15/95, I assure commencement of commercial operations only after Harbour Master's permission and will observe port safety regulations. I also declare that the officers on duty for loading/discharging operation are in possession of Certificate of Competence (STCW/78).

Signed: Master's name.

Unquote

The following message must be sent at least 12 hours before entering Italian territorial waters bound for Augusta. It is valid for all vessels calling at Augusta for loading/discharging all products except dangerous cargo.

Quote:

From: Master m/v............

To: Compamare Augusta, Telex No 972336

Stating efficiency of loading/discharging equipment and vessel's safety services in accordance with Article 6, Ordinance 11/87, I assure commencement of commercial operations only after harbour master's permission and will observe port safety regulations. I also declare that the officers on duty for loading/discharging operation are in possession of Certificate of Competence (STCW/78).

Signed: Master's name.

Unquote.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered at the end of sea passage/at the pilot station/at anchorage/alongside loading/discharging berths or issuance of Gas Free Certificate.

Health

Pratique should be applied for by radio within 12 hours prior to vessel's arrival or on vessel's arrival at the inner anchorage. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate or Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

If the vessel is coming from following countries: Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, it is granted free pratique without any request.

If the vessel is coming from one of the following countries: Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic), Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia, Yemen, free pratique can only be granted when inside the port after Sanimare, Augusta have visited onboard.

The quarantine flag must be flown until the visit is completed.

If the vessel is coming from a port not listed above, the master must request 12 hours before arrival (no earlier than 12 hours) free pratique by radio sending a message to "Sanimare, Augusta" by Roma Radio or other coastal station. The cable must specify: ETA/port of destination/number of crew members/health conditions onboard/valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate/master's name.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Bonded stores will be sealed by customs on arrival and only 50 cigarettes for each crew member will be allowed until vessel's departure. Fines will be imposed for non compliance.

Immigration: Agents will pass on to the immigration office, crew and passenger lists and Vessel's Information Note.

No shore passes are required to visit town. Crew coming ashore must be provided with identity card/passport/Seaman's Books. Passports must be retained by crew members.

Flags

Display the Italian flag while in port.

Notices and regulations

According to port regulations, vessels which are not effecting commercial operations cannot stay at refineries piers for safety reasons therefore must shift at anchor.

Ships lifeboat cannot be lowered into the sea, unless authorised by harbour master. In no case can it be used for transportation of crew members.

All vessels either at anchor or alongside, must have their own engine ready at any moment for quick sailing in case of emergency.

Although pilots, tugboats and mooring service are arranged by your agent, master will have to confirm to pilots on VHF Ch 12, the time when vessel is in all respect ready to sail or leave berth.

Cargo documents will be given to master either at pier or at anchor directly by refinery representative.

We recommend to ships masters to sign proper supporting vouchers after port services are used (never before services are rendered) and to take care to cross out void space and to countersign with ship's stamp eventual corrections made in the port services vouchers.

Inspections

Port State Control here: Paris 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.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Italian Coast Guard Headquarters, Legal Department.

Address: Viale dell'Arte 16, I-00146 Rome, Italy.

Tel: +39 06 590 841 87.

Fax: +39 06 596 482 93.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it

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

Port services

updated Aug 2010

Repairs

Available.

Before commencing any kind of repairs or maintenance works authorisation must be granted by the harbour master. Works must be carried out while vessel is at anchor. If workshop is requested it is suggested that master/chief engineer should agree price before commencement of repairs and advise agent of correct amount.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available. Supply to vessels moored or anchored will be provided by a private company with self propelled barges. Only LPG vessels must obtain their water supply at anchor. Water supply is also authorised for vessels anchored outside breakwater, if pratique has been granted.

Bunkering: Available with 72 hours notice.

All grades of bunkers, fuel and gas oil are available, including intermediate fuels. Quantities required must be ordered in advance by vessel owner/charterer to sales department head office of the suppliers.

Bunkers are normally supplied by barges and sometimes ex-wharf at the refineries for vessels during cargo operations. Bunker barges are not allowed alongside tankers while at piers.

Local customs regulations doe not allow any remaining quantity of bunkers to be returned to the refinery and/or to the suppliers so in order to avoid delays and problems, it is imperative that vessel's ETA and exact amount/type of bunker requirements be cabled by the master at least 72/48 hours before arrival, especially for vessels calling only for bunkers, and for vessels arriving at weekends or holiday time.

If the masters comply with these instructions, bunker service will be accomplished in a very short time.

Stores: Available.

Medical

In town.

About Augusta

updated Jun 2025

Where it is

Augusta is located in the province of Syracuse in Eastern Sicily.

The port

The port handles general, Ro-Ro and bulk cargoes but is primarily a tanker port. It is sheltered from the E and SE by breakwaters, with depths in the approaches to 35m and entrance can be made by day or night.

The port has three berths for NATO vessels.

Loading and unloading of various goods include sulphur pills, concrete, marble, wood, mechanical parts, special parts (wind towers ), waste and special waste, fertilisers, chemicals, iron, grain, coal, basalt, bulk goods and containers.

Traffic

Approx 24,000,000t of cargo and 2,000 vessels handled annually.

Questions about Augusta

Where does the pilot board at Augusta?

The pilot boards at Augusta pilot boarding, 37°11.9′N 015°15.8′E.

What time zone is Augusta in?

Local time at Augusta is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Augusta?

The deepest berth listed is at ISAB North: 20.36 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Augusta?

1025.

Which load line zone is Augusta in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Augusta?

Port State Control at Augusta: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Augusta?

The UN/LOCODE of Augusta is ITAUG.

Tips from seafarers

What crews who called at Augusta 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 Augusta →

Plan a route to Augusta →

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.