PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Biak
Pilot
updated May 2010- Sorido Lagoon (Biak) pilot boarding place Pilot boards01°12.2′S 136°05.0′E
Pilotage is compulsory but is not undertaken at night. The pilot boarding position lies at the entrance to the harbour and on the alignment of the first set of leading lights. Vessels already at anchor will receive their pilot at the anchorage. Requests for a pilot should be made at least 6 hours before arrival and 3 hours before departure.
Key data
updated Mar 2019Size limits
Max draught 9.5m, 30,000DWT.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Approx 1.6m MHWS, 0.4m MLWS, 1.5m MHWN, 0.9m MLWN.Tidal streams in Sorido are weak and do not exceed 0.5kt, the flood stream sets W and the ebb stream sets E.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biak Dry Terminal | — | — | 3 |
| Pertamina Oil Terminal | — | — | 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 2014Approach
Biak is approached from ESE following an offshore passage then from Selat Sorenarwa (passing S of Pulau Biak) on the alignment of leading lights into the harbour.
Vessels should arrive at the approaches to Biak in position 01°13.0'S 136°06.5'E. From this position the first set of leading lights will be clearly seen. On the alignment of (322°) of these Outer Leading Lights the track initially leads NW, through a swept 12m channel, into the harbour entrance, until the inner set of leading lights is reached, passing between two coral spits over which there are depths of less than 2.0m. A lightbuoy (port hand) marks the edge of the W spit.
Then the track leads WNW on the alignment (295°) of the Inner Leading Lights, through an 11m swept channel, into the harbour and towards the general quay berths.
Anchorages
Vessels on arrival, awaiting a berth and/or pilotage usually anchor in position 01°12.0'S 136°05.0'E in deep water.
There are several anchorage berths in the E part of the lagoon, in depths from 10.0-21.0m. If bound for an anchorage berth, it is advisable to request a berthing position from the Port Authority prior to entering.
Tugs
Not available.
Mooring
Berthing/anchorage instructions are usually passed by VHF/Radio prior to arrival.
Charts and publications
BA 3249. Admiralty Pilot NP35.
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Should be advised to agent at 10, 3, 2 and 1 day prior to arrival. In addition to date and time of arrival the Master should also advise the estimated draught on arrival.
Communications
It is recommended to use Jakarta Radio for passing messages at long range, callsign "PKX". Working hours are 0001-0400hrs UTC on 8542kHz and 0001-1200hrs UTC on 8752kHz.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
Documents
The agent will deliver the special forms onboard the vessel when alongside.
Health
Free pratique is granted on arrival.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) can be renewed at the major ports.
Customs and immigration
Immigration: All crew members must have a valid travel document.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo 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: Directorate of Marine Safety and Seafarers, Directorate General of Sea Communications.
Position: Director
Address: Karya Building, 12th Floor, JI Merdeka Barat 8, Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia.
Tel: +62 21 350 5705.
Fax: +62 21 350 5705.
Mob: +62 811 960640.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
ISPS compliance: The US Coast Guard has determined (12/2012) that the Republic of Indonesia is now maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures in their ports. The Republic of Indonesia is removed from the list of the Countries Affected in paragraph B of the Port Security Advisory. Therefore, actions required in paragraphs C and D of this Port Security Advisory are no longer required for vessels that arrive in the United States after visiting ports in the Republic of Indonesia.
In a further effort to combat piracy, the Indonesian Government are allocating Piracy Anchor Safe Zones within some of their ports. These will be patrolled by the Indonesian Marine Police. Individual Port Authorities should be contacted about the latest information concerning these.
Port services
updated Oct 2014Repairs
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available
Bunkering: Available
Medical
There are hospital facilities and Port Doctor available.
Transport
Airport facilities: Airport, 2km E of town.
About Biak
updated Oct 2014Where it is
Biak is located off the N coast of Irian Jaya, approx 300nm WNW of Jayapura.
The port
Biak is the collective name for a group of settlements which extend 3nm SE along the shore from Sorido (01°10'S 136°03'E).
Traffic
Approx 234,120t of cargo, 648 vessels and 80,593 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Biak
Where does the pilot board at Biak?
The pilot boards at Sorido Lagoon (Biak) pilot boarding place, 01°12.2′S 136°05.0′E.
What time zone is Biak in?
Local time at Biak is UTC+9. No summer time.
Which load line zone is Biak in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Biak?
Port State Control at Biak: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Biak?
The UN/LOCODE of Biak is IDBIK.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Biak 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.