Castries

1. Port Castries pilot boarding place Pilot boards14°01.4′N 061°00.8′W

Size limits

LOA 304.8m, beam 36m, draught 10.36m, 35,443DWT.

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Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Tides

MHHW 0.6m, MLLW 0.3m.

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

Approach

The entrance channel between Vigie Promontory and Fort Charlotte Promontory has a navigable width of 135m with a least depth of 12.0m. Leading Lights: These lights, on an alignment of 121°, lead through the entrance and along the centre of the harbour channel.

The port, which lies within a sheltered harbour, has a turning basin of 426m diameter with depth of 12.8m.

Port limits

Port Castries is bounded to seaward by a line originating from:

N extremity of Vigie Promontory (14°01.4'N 061°00.1'W) then

301° 1nm, then

211° 1.2nm, then

121° 0.88nm to La Toc Point (14°00.6'N 061°00.8'W).

This includes all marine works, wharves and properties vested in the crown.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available off the harbour entrance, as convenient, keeping clear of the disused cables in La Toc Bay.

Recommended anchorages: To the SW of Vigie Point (0.5nm N of the entrance).

At 0.25nm NW of Vigie Point in depths of less than 20.0m, good holding in coral sand, sheltered from E but little swinging room.

Whilst awaiting a pilot, vessels may be anchored in a depth of 22.0m, rock and sand, approx 1nm NW of Vigie Point. There is good holding ground, but no shelter. Large vessels usually drift off the port awaiting daylight berthing.

Inner Anchorage - Anchorage with good holding ground but little swinging room, is available inside the harbour for small vessels. Vessels can anchor as convenient, clear of fairway and submarine cables, close to the harbour entrance.

Restrictions

Tankers are not permitted to enter the port after sunset.

Vessels should not approach within 3.5nm without establishing VHF contact with Port Control.

Tugs

Two tugs, 1,350hp (Doggersbank) and 1,500hp (Tug Chale). Compulsory use of tug for vessels over 121m.

Charts and publications

BA 197, 499, 1042, 1043, 1273. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be given 48 hours prior to arrival and confirmed with the Port of Castries Signal Station (Vigie Lighthouse) 2 hours before arrival on VHF Ch 16, including vessel length and draught.

Communications

MF 2,182kHz.

VHF: Port Control: Ch 16, 06, 12 and 14. Call "Castries signal station".

Standard messages

Indicate to vessel on which side the pilot will board.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered as soon as possible after arrival.

Health

Vessel cleared by Health Office on arrival.

Vessels should not be brought within 100m of any of the wharves until pratique has been granted by the pilot. Other port officials board after a vessel has been berthed. The quarantine anchorage is situated off the SW side of Vigie Promontory.

Customs and immigration

Customs clearance available between 0800-1600hrs, overtime can be requested.

Notices and regulations

Vessels should not be brought within 3.5nm of the port without first establishing radio contact with Port Control, who will provide entry and berthing instructions.

Repairs

Minor repairs only can be undertaken.

Dry docks

None.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Potable water is available alongside all berths. There is an 8" main at Pointe Seraphine.

Bunkering: By road tanker.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Victoria Hospital, 1.6km from city.

Hospitals: Tapion Hospital Tel: +1 758 459 2000, Fax: +1 758 459 2302.

Victoria Hospital, Tel: +1 758 456 8200, Fax: +1 758 453 0960.

St Jude Hospital, Tel: +1 758 454 6041, Fax: +1 758 454 6684.

Transport

Nearest airport: George F L Charles Airport, 3.2km from city.

Airport facilities: Inter-island airfreight facilities.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1600hrs, overtime as requested.

Where it is

Castries is located on the W coast of the N tip of St Lucia.

The port

The island is centrally located for all shipping routes for vessels of the North and South American and European shipping lines. Deep and sheltered anchorages exist off the entrance to Port Castries.

The port handles cruise passengers, containers, cars, aggregate and lumber, and offers 21 days free storage (30 days for empty containers) for transhipment cargoes.

Traffic

Approx. 481,000t of cargo 32,000TEU, and 677,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Castries?

The pilot boards at Port Castries pilot boarding place, 14°01.4′N 061°00.8′W.

What time zone is Castries in?

Local time at Castries is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Castries?

The deepest berth listed is at Pointe Seraphine: 10.36 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Castries?

1025.

Which load line zone is Castries in?

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Castries?

The UN/LOCODE of Castries is LCCAS.

What crews who called at Castries 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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