PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Ayios Nikolaos
Pilot
updated May 2010Available but not compulsory.
Key data
updated Jun 2016Size limits
LOA 230m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayios Nikolaos Terminal | — | — | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2016Anchorages
Ayios Nikolaos generally affords safe anchorage in all winds. Recommended anchorages are as follows:
Off Ayios Nikolaos, in depths from 13.0-15.0m, sand, weed and shells, N and ENE of the head of the harbour mole. This is the best anchorage, with shelter from SW.
Off the S end of Nisis Ayios Pantes, in suitable depths, during strong winds from NW and N.
Off the NW side of Nisis Ayios Pantes, close offshore in depths from 15.0-25.0m.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 1707, 3679. Admiralty Pilot NP48, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent to vessel's agent on departure from last port. Additional ETA's to be sent 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to arrival to the vessel's agent. One hour prior to arrival, port authorities, pilot and agents should be contacted by VHF giving exact time of arrival.
The ETA message should include: Ship's particulars, cargo information, dangerous cargo (if any onboard, with details), health condition and stowaway details (if any).
Communications
Olympia Radio ("SVA") receives distress or urgent messages and public communication (working channel). Watch frequencies VHF/FM, 2182kHz and HF/DSC as follows:
MF 2187.5kHz.
HF 4207.5kHz, 6312kHz, 8414.5kHz, 12577kHz, 16804.5kHz.
Heraklio, Limnos and Corfu Radio for general watch calling frequencies.
The stations work throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 12 and 19.
Notice of readiness
Can be tendered anytime but will only be accepted between 0800-1700hrs.
Documents
Special forms exist for all documents but apply only to liner vessels. These are delivered onboard on arrival.
Health
Pratique should be applied for on arrival and cannot be applied for by radio.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: Each officer and crew member is allowed 1 bottle of spirits and 1 carton of cigarettes each.
Immigration: Immigration authorities issue crew passes. For EU nationals there are no Immigration procedures. There are special regulations for nationals of countries such as Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia and South American countries.
Crew being repatriated to non European countries must have a ticket which the agent must show to the authorities, agent's guarantees are requested by various authorities.
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: Ministry of Merchant Marine.
Address: 1 K. Paleologou Street, 185 35 Piraeus, Greece.
Tel: +30 210 419 1911/43.
Fax: +30 210 419 1901.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jun 2016Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available at the piers, supplied by road tankers.
Medical
County General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos is approximately 1km from the port.
Transport
Nearest airport: Iraklion International Airport is approximately 60km from the port.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1700hrs.
About Ayios Nikolaos
updated Jun 2016Where it is
Ayios Nikolaos is situated in eastern Crete.
The port
The port mainly handles passengers, general cargo and bulk cargo traffic.
Questions about Ayios Nikolaos
What are the pilot arrangements at Ayios Nikolaos?
Available but not compulsory.
What time zone is Ayios Nikolaos in?
Local time at Ayios Nikolaos is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the water density at Ayios Nikolaos?
1025.
Which load line zone is Ayios Nikolaos in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Ayios Nikolaos?
Port State Control at Ayios Nikolaos: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Ayios Nikolaos?
The UN/LOCODE of Ayios Nikolaos is GRANI.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Ayios Nikolaos 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 Ayios Nikolaos →
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.