Buka

Size limits

Draught 6.0m, 5,000DWT.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

The flood stream is SW going at a max rate of 6kts; the ebb is NE going at a max rate of 4.5kts.

Caution: Is necessary when approaching Sohana Island Wharf as unexpected tidal streams are often experienced.

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

Approach

Buka Passage separates the island of Buka from the NW end of Bougainville Island. Its principal approach is from the W through a channel between Madehas Island and Cape Hatupoona, the S extremity of Buka Island.

SW approaches: The main channel is entered between Cape Hatupoona (05°28'S 154°37'E) and Madehas Island. The track then leads E through a channel 0.05nm wide between Minan Island and Buka Island and into Buka Passage.

An alternative approach, used only by vessels whose draught is too great for the main channel and by local craft, leads through North Channel (05°29'S 154°38'E) and then between Minan Island and Sohana Island (0.5nm E).

NE approaches: The NE approaches to Buka Passage are deep and clear of dangers.

Controlling depth: A least depth of 7.3m at the E end of the channel between Minan Island (05°27'S 154°39'E) and Buka Island.

Harbour: Buka Passage is nowhere less than 0.1nm in width and is clear of dangers.

Port limits

Port limits are as delineated on the reference chart.

Anchorages

Prohibited anchorage: Between Sohana Island and Buka Island due to submarine cables.

Tugs

None available.

Charts and publications

BA Aus 683. Admiralty Pilot NP60.

Communications

VHF: Buka Port Control: Ch 16, 12. Listening watch maintained during working hours and when ships are expected during non working hours.

Customs and immigration

Not a port of entry.

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: Department of Transport

Address: PO Box 1489, Port Moresby, NCD PNG

Tel: +675 325 7500

Fax: +675 323 3339

Mobile: +675 6813745.

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: DO in drums only.

Fresh water: Not available.

Transport

Airport: The local airstrip, close to the port, has regular services to Rabaul and Honiara.

Where it is

Located on Buka Island, off the NW tip of Bougainville Island.

The port

Buka port handles general cargo.

Traffic

Approx 63,782t of cargo and 2,635TEU handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Buka?

Not compulsory; none available.

What time zone is Buka in?

Local time at Buka is UTC+11. No summer time.

Which load line zone is Buka in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Buka?

Port State Control at Buka: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Buka?

The UN/LOCODE of Buka is PGBUA.

What crews who called at Buka 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.

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