Avatiu

Size limits

LOA 200m, draught 8m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 0.9m.

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

Approach

Avatiu Harbour is entered with Avatiu Harbour Leading Lights in line, bearing 193°.

The Front Light (white metal beacon, surmounted by an orange triangle, point up 9m in height), stands on a wharf at the head of the harbour.

The Rear Light (white metal beacon, surmounted by an orange triangle, point down, 12m in height), is situated 100m S of the front light.

It is advisable during the approach to the pass through the reef to keep E of the leading line to allow for the normally W going current.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

Located in position 21°12.0'S 159°46.0'W. Anchorage, in 25m, is marked on NZ chart 9558.

Restrictions

During cyclone season Nov 1 to Apr 30, vessels to be at 4 hours notice to move off berth. Vessels to be at 8 hours notice to move at all other times.

Tugs

One tug available, 1 x 550Hp.

Charts and publications

BA 4630, NZ 9558. Admiralty Pilot NP62, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA must be advised to ship's agent or Harbour Master 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Rarotonga Radio, "ZKR", maintains a continuous watch on 2182kHz and 4125kHz.

Rarotonga Radio monitors VHF Ch 16.

Customs and immigration

Crew Allowance: A reasonable amount of wine, spirits and beer for consumption while vessel is in port, but under no circumstances may these be taken ashore.

Notices and regulations

The following are prohibited imports:

Narcotic drugs, indecent material and documents.

The following are restricted imports: Firearms and ammunition - written permit to import required from Police Headquarters. Animals, plants and their products, written permit required from Agriculture Department Quarantine Division.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Transport.

Address: PO Box 61, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Tel: +682 28810

Fax: +682 28816

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Steelwork and electrical repairs available.

Dry docks

None.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker for diesel only.

Medical

Rarotonga Hospital, 3km. General practitioners and dentists are available.

Crew change

No special regulations.

Transport

Nearest airport: Rarotonga International, 2km.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs and 1800-2200hrs.

Where it is

Avatiu is situated on the N coast of Rarotonga Island.

The port

Avatiu is the Cook Islands principle international port, a small general cargo and cruise ship port with two berths.

The port has recently been upgraded in 2013 , whereby the port's main wharf was strengthened and realigned to make it less vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather and is now capable of berthing cruise ships.

The harbour entrance was widened and deepened, the berth and turning circle were also deepened, to enable larger vessels to berth at the renovated wharf, which is already boosting the delivery of essential social services and consumer goods.

Traffic

Approx 45,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Avatiu?

Not compulsory but a pilot, supplied by the Ports Authority, is available.

What time zone is Avatiu in?

Local time at Avatiu is UTC−10. No summer time.

What is the water density at Avatiu?

1025.

Which load line zone is Avatiu in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Avatiu?

The UN/LOCODE of Avatiu is CKRAR.

What crews who called at Avatiu 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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