PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Boma
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is provided by the Port of Banana and is compulsory for vessels over 500GT. Available during daylight hours only. Pilot boards vessel S of Pointe Francaise (06°01.5'S 012°24.3'E).
Key data
updated Feb 2023Size limits
Maximum draught generally 7.2m HW, but depends on season and varies between 6.4m and 8.5m. Port Authority regularly notify applicable draught restrictions.
Max LOA 178.50m, breadth 31.50m and 41,370DWT.
Water density
1005.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 1.8m.
Current: The maximum current normally experienced at the quay is 3kts. Little or no current is felt close in to the river bank during the dry season.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boma | 9.00 m | — | 4 |
| Socimex Oil Terminal | 6.60 m | 179 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 Mar 2016Approach
There is no bar to cross at the river entrance, the depth in the dredged channel below Boma is 7.9m. Vessels drawing 7.2m can navigate the channels from 2 hours before to 2 hours after HW, no restriction on lesser draught.
Restrictions
Passage of the river is restricted to daylight hours only. The season, state of tide and current speed determines transit draught.
Tugs
Available 1 x 200hp and 1 x 300hp.
Mooring
Vessels usually let go the starboard anchor and then haul in to the river bank or alongside one of the piers and secure with hawsers. In stream it is necessary to lay out a stern anchor in order to avoid swinging onshore, on account of the sea breeze which blows up the river in the afternoon. Little or no current is felt close in to the river bank during the dry season.
Vessels awaiting a berth at the wharf anchor below Ile Sacra Ambaka, opposite Boma, where 3 anchorage berths are available, and the holding ground is good. In the case of a long wait a vessel should lie at 2 anchors, in order to avoid being driven towards the shore when a breeze gets up, which blows up stream. Vessels can discharge here, with their own gear and crews, into lighters, and can be loaded, when necessary, throughout the night.
Charts and publications
BA 604, 657, 658, 3206. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent 5 days in advance and confirm 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Pilots: Via Banana Port Radio: Ch 16.
Port: Ch 16, 12, 14, 20, 73, 74.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.
Inspections
ISPS
Designated Authority: Ministere des Transport & Communication. Direction de la Marine Marchande.
Contact: Director.
Address: Av Poids Lourds, Chantier, Naval de la Regie des Vies Fluviales 2356, Kinshasa, Gombe, Congo Democratic Republic.
Tel: +243 992 7710
Email: [email protected].
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures.
Port services
updated Mar 2016Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
There are 2 floating docks with lifting capacities of 1,524t and 2,540t. The former can accommodate vessels up to 1,500DWT, LOA 70m, 15m beam and a draught of 6.0m. The latter, vessels up to LOA 82m, 14m beam and a draught of 5.1m.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Stores: Available.
Bunkers: Diesel Oil up to 20t by truck is available at Banana.
Medical
There are 3 hospitals.
Transport
Nearest airport: Boma, 3km.
Nearest railway: Boma, 3km.
Working hours
Normally 0630-1430hrs. Overtime available on request.
About Boma
updated Feb 2023Where it is
Boma is situated on the N bank of the River Congo, approx 75km from the river mouth.
The port
Commodities handled alongside the main terminal include timber, bananas, cacao, coffee and palm products. Socimex terminal handles vegetable and palm oils. Vessels also work cargo at the anchorage using ships gear.
Traffic
Approx 190,000t of cargo, 6,600TEU and 132 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Boma
What are the pilot arrangements at Boma?
Pilotage is provided by the Port of Banana and is compulsory for vessels over 500GT.
What time zone is Boma in?
Local time at Boma is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Boma?
The deepest berth listed is at Boma: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Boma?
1005.
Which load line zone is Boma in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Boma?
The UN/LOCODE of Boma is CDBOA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Boma 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.