Betio

Size limits

LOA 175m, Draught 9m, beam 27.6m, 22,032DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.5m.

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

Approach

From Buoy No 3 (01°24'N 172°56'E), the recommended track continues on the alignment 150° of a beacon (white tripod), (01°22.5'N 172°56.9'E) and the NW extremity of Bairiki Island, 3.25nm SE, passing:

Close NE of a 5.8m patch, then;

NE of a 4.3m patch, 1.3nm NNW, then;

NE of Buoy No 6, 0.7nm NNE marking the N side of a 6.4m patch.

When Vinistra Shoal Buoy (No 8 Buoy) 1.25nm N of Betio Island jetty head, (green with a white "V" topmark) bears approx 213°, the track leads towards the jetty head with the radio tower in Betio bearing 192°. Then; between No 9 Beacon, (white, red can topmark), 0.65nm NNE of jetty head and Buoy No 10 into the anchorage.

Anchorages

Anchorage is located off Betio in a depth of approx 17m, approx 0.15nm S of No 9 Beacon, (01°22.4'N 172°56.4'E). The anchorage is bordered by shoals with depths from 3.6m to 8.2m over them. A shoal patch with depth of 1.5m, marked by a beacon, (white, yellow can topmark), lies 0.5nm SE of this anchorage.

Cargo including containers is worked by lighters between the anchorage and Betio harbour.

Restrictions

Daylight pilotage only.

Tugs

There are 3 tugs available, 2 x 50t and 1 x 80t for domestic purposes only to work general cargo ships using lighters to discharge whilst at anchor in designated anchorage in lagoon.

Charts and publications

BA 729, 730. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be advised 48 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

CRS Tarawa Radio on 2182kHz, 6215.5kHz and CW 500kHz. (Future station will be called NCC (National Co-ordination Centre) callsign "T3K").

VHF: Ch 16, used within Betio harbour limits.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Only for vessels of local origin. Fuel could be made available on request during an emergency through prior arrangement via Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Fax: +686 21466.

Medical

Betio Hospital in Betio, 2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Bonriki International Airport in Bonriki, 30km.

Working hours

Stevedores available throughout 24 hours, average discharge rate 12.56tph.

Stevedores available straight after vessel is cleared by Customs and Immigration, and the vessel is worked until completed.

Where it is

Situated on Tarawa Atoll, the port of Betio is surrounded by reefs, which open to form a navigable bay off the harbour.

The port

The port mainly handles container, fishing and liquid cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Betio?

Available. It is advisable to employ a licensed pilot due to poor night navigation lights and reliability of some of the marks.

What time zone is Betio in?

Local time at Betio is UTC+12. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Betio?

The deepest berth listed is at Container Terminal: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Betio?

1025.

Which load line zone is Betio in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Betio?

The UN/LOCODE of Betio is KITRW.

What crews who called at Betio 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 Betio →