Botwood

Size limits

Draught 9.7m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 1.43m.

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

Approach

The harbour is approached from seaward through the W arm of Bay of Exploits and entered between Lower Sandy Point and Phillips Head, 0.85nm SSE. In the fairway to the entrance, between the dangers lying off Phillips Head and Lower Sandy point, there is least depth of 16.5m.

Entry into Botwood Harbour: From a position 0.4nm SE of Phillips Head, the track continues SW passing SE of a patch with a depth of 9.4m, lying close SSE of Phillips Head, then NW of Lower Sandy Point (2.75nm NE) from which Lower Sandy Point Light (white square tower, green bands, 4m high) is exhibited. Shoal waters extend up to 0.35nm W of the point. Once clear of the dangers, W of Lower Sandy Point, the track leads SSW, passing ESE of High Point. The coast between Phillips Head and High Point is backed by stony hills from 120-150m high. The track leads S passing W of Cairns Point (1.25nm SE) then W of a bank (2.25nm SE) with a least depth of 9.4m then E of Killick Point (1.75nm SSE) then W of All the Way Island (2.75nm SE). The island lies at the N end of shoals which extend 1.25nm S to Right in the Road Island and E of Mill Point (2.5nm SSE) from which Mill Point Light (red column, white bands, 3.0m height) is exhibited. At this point the berths at Peters Arm become accessible.

Port limits

The seaward limit of Botwood Harbour is defined by a line drawn from Phillips Head (49°14'N 055°18'W) to Lower Sandy Point, 0.85nm S.

Anchorages

Good anchorage is located 0.25nm off the wharves in water depths of 18-37m. A shoal bank at a depth of 9.4m is located about 0.6nm E of Killick Point.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 324. Can 4597. Admiralty Pilot NP50, NP286(5). Newfoundland NE and E Coasts, ATL 101.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The second notice should be sent 4 hours prior to the ETA (GMT) at the appropriate boarding station.

If, due to ice conditions, the pilot boarding place will be located off St John's, an initial notice of 24 hours is required with confirmation 12 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Coast Guard Radio (MCTS) Centres enroute to Botwood operate on a 24 hour basis. These Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centres, (St John's/VON, St Anthony/VCM and Halifax/VCS), can be used for passing messages.

VHF: Ch 11 and 16.

Notice of readiness

NOR normally tendered when vessel secured alongside berth except most tankers tender on arrival at the pilot station or port limits.

Documents

The Oil Record Log book should be up to date and readily available for inspection by Government Steamship Inspectors.

Health

If any of the crew require medical facilities, Masters are requested to notify agents at least 72 hours prior to arrival, of the number of crew to see the doctor and the complaint.

Customs and immigration

Allowances: Each crew member is allowed 200 cigarettes and 1 x 40oz bottle of wines or spirits per week.

Immigration: In order to comply with Immigration regulations, crews should be carefully checked before sailing and any missing crew reported to the agent.

In case of crew members left ashore for any reason, Masters are requested to furnish a letter accepting responsibility for all expenses incurred, advances (if any) and also instructions for repatriation. An Immigration Bond may be required.

Flags

State flag to be flown over the stern and Canadian flag at the mast.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, 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.

Inspection of ships in Canada

Transport Canada,

Inspection and Operations Standards Division,

Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.

For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 991 4818

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 993 8196

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.

Position: Director General.

Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.

Tel: +1 613 851 6302

Fax: +1 613 949 3906

Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca

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

Repairs

Minor repairs and diving can be undertaken in the port.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Limited quantities of fresh water are available, arrangements should be made via the agent or Harbour Master.

Bunkering: Light diesel fuel is available. Ship's bunkers are available by road tanker.

Stores: Available

Medical

Botwood Hospital.

Crew change

Crew changes and repatriation can be carried out, prior notice to agent is required.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gander International, 96km.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1700hrs.

Where it is

The port is situated on the NW side of Peter's Arm in the Bay of Exploits on the N coast of Newfoundland.

The port

Botwood acts as a shipping point for pulp and paper products for the nearby Abitibi-Price Inc Mill.

The port which is also used as a distribution centre for petroleum products by Ultramar Canada, also handles the importation of fuel oils, caustic soda, sulphur and general cargo.

It is a public harbour administered by the Transport Canada and consequently has berths for general use in addition to those utilised for designated purposes.

In recent years the port has been used as a base for offshore exploration vessels.

The port is considered to be a year round port, although ice may be a problem from late Jan-Apr. Coast Guard icebreakers are available to render assistance during this period.

The commercial berths in Botwood Harbour are arranged on the NW side of Peter's Arm, W of the harbour.

Traffic

Approx 130 vessels are handled annually.

What time zone is Botwood in?

Local time at Botwood is UTC−3:30. Clocks go to UTC−2:30 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−3:30 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Botwood?

1025.

Which load line zone is Botwood in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Botwood?

Port State Control at Botwood: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Botwood?

The UN/LOCODE of Botwood is CABWD.

What crews who called at Botwood 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 Botwood →