PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Christiansted
Pilot
updated May 2014- Christiansted Pilot boards17°47.8′N 064°41.8′W
Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots who are administered by the US Coast Guard, board vessels just outside the harbour entrance off No 1 Lightbuoy (port hand) (0.5nm NNW of Fort Louise Augusta).
Notify pilot of ETA 24 hours prior to arrival.
Key data
updated Dec 2022Size limits
LOA 95m, beam 15.96m, draught 4.0m, 3,726DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.60m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christiansted Terminal | 4.00 m | — | 3 |
| USVI Propane Gas Terminal (WAPA) | — | 95 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 Dec 2022Approach
Principal entrance channel (0.5nm NNW) depth 4.5m, leads between Scotch Bank, which forms the E side of the entrance and the extremity of Long Reef, which forms the W side of the entrance. The channel into the harbour is marked on both sides by lightbuoys, buoys, light beacons and beacons (port hand and starboard hand), but is crooked, with very sharp turns. The channel has been dredged but shoaling has occurred close to the edges of the marked channel so that extreme caution is advised and local knowledge is essential.
Anchorages
Anchorage is available outside the entrance (0.5nm NNW of Fort Louise Augusta).
Cable area extends 2.5nm NE from Fort Louise Augusta (17°45'N 064°41'W).
During a hurricane or gale, vessels anchor in Gallows Bay and small craft sometimes anchor in Salt River Bay (4nm WNW of the harbour).
Restrictions
Mariners in small craft and those without a pilot are recommended to avoid entering at night as the navigation lights are difficult to distinguish against the shore lights.
It is dangerous to enter harbour in squally weather due to the very limited manoeuvring space.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 485. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
Port services
updated Dec 2022Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, 8.2km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, 14.3km.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Sat 0700-1700hrs.
About Christiansted
updated Dec 2022Where it is
Christiansted is located near the middle of the N coast of Saint Croix.
The port
Christiansted is a free port. The port handles passengers and LPG.
Questions about Christiansted
Where does the pilot board at Christiansted?
The pilot boards at Christiansted, 17°47.8′N 064°41.8′W.
What time zone is Christiansted in?
Local time at Christiansted is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Christiansted?
The deepest berth listed is at Christiansted Terminal: 4.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Christiansted?
1025.
Which load line zone is Christiansted in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Christiansted?
Port State Control at Christiansted: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Christiansted?
The UN/LOCODE of Christiansted is VICTD.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Christiansted 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.
Plan a route to Christiansted →
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.