PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Basse-Terre
Pilot
updated Oct 2019Compulsory and is available throughout 24 hours. ETA and ETD must be notified to agents a minimum of 48 hours in advance, messages can be sent through Fort de France (FFP). There is no pilot station in Basse-Terre, the pilot travels by road from Pointe-a-Pitre.
On arrival, the vessel should call Basse-Terre Port Control on VHF Ch 16 or 12 and the Port Officer will give instructions. The vessel must wait for a pilot approx 0.5nm from the pier. The pilot usually boards on the port side. A port officer will indicate the anchorage position from a small boat, which displays the letter "G" by day and a green light at night.
Key data
updated Dec 2019Size limits
Draught 9.5m, LOA 219.76m, beam 23.7m, 20,0001DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.4m. The current in the anchorage flows in varying directions between NW and SE and sometimes attains a rate of 2kts.
Current: The current in the anchorage flows in varying directions between NW and SE and sometimes attains a rate of 2kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basse-Terre Terminal | 9.50 m | 220 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2019Approach
Rade de Basse-Terre is approached from seaward and entered as required without restriction.
Port limits
The port limits extend 1nm from a position abreast the mouth of Le Galion.
Anchorages
On a 35m bank N of the pier, 0.2nm from the shore.
Anchorage to the NW of the town on the wider part of the coastal bank which is comprised of sand, gravel and rocks as follows:
Good anchorage, in depth of 33m, with the cathedral (0.15nm E of Basse-Terre Quay Light) which has a distinctive adjoining building bearing 105°, 0.6nm.
Anchorage in depth of 70m, with the cathedral above bearing 085°, 0.7nm.
Anchoring: A recommended method of anchoring is to let go the starboard anchor first and then the port anchor, so as to anchor the vessel facing towards Houelmont, (1.8nm SE of Basse-Terre Quay Light), from which direction violent squall may be experienced.
Prohibited anchorage: The presence of submarine cables is located in the following positions:
N of the parallel of the cemetery (0.45nm NW).
In the vicinity of a white hut on the beach (0.45nm SE).
Vessels should not be anchored near the mooring buoy W of the quay.
Restrictions
Vessels can berth and unberth at any stage of the tide, but if it is a vessel's first call to the port, it is recommended that berthing takes place during daylight only.
Tugs
Not available. However a small boat will assist in running lines if the Port Authority is advised in sufficient time on VHF Ch 16 or 12.
Charts and publications
BA 491, 618, 593, 594, 1025, 1042. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).
Inspections
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated Oct 2019Bunkers, water and stores
Stores: Available in quantity with advanced notice.
Medical
Hospital is located in Basse-Terre. Medical facilities are also available in Saint-Claude, 7km.
Transport
Nearest airport: International Aeroport Pole Caraibes, 60km. Daily flights to Paris.
Working hours
Normally 0630-1100hrs and 1300-1830hrs. Extension possible. No facilities on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
About Basse-Terre
updated Dec 2019Where it is
The port is situated on the SW coast of Basse-Terre, one of a group of islands which form Guadeloupe.
The port
The port consists of an open harbour capable of accommodating a variety of vessels. Small passenger vessels utilise a pier to the NW of Quay 2. Cruise season is from October to April.
Questions about Basse-Terre
What are the pilot arrangements at Basse-Terre?
Compulsory and is available throughout 24 hours.
What time zone is Basse-Terre in?
Local time at Basse-Terre is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Basse-Terre?
The deepest berth listed is at Basse-Terre Terminal: 9.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Basse-Terre?
1025.
Which load line zone is Basse-Terre in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Basse-Terre?
The UN/LOCODE of Basse-Terre is GPBBR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Basse-Terre 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.
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.