Dakar

1. Dakar pilot boarding place Pilot boards14°40.6′N 017°22.7′W

Size limits

LOA 299.97m, draught 13m, beam 50m, 109,996DWT.

Water density

1020.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range 1.2m, mean neap range 0.6m.

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 by passing S and E of Ile de Goree and N of the No 12 Lightbuoy, and entered through a dredged channel between the heads of two breakwaters.

Once Cap Manuel has been passed, Ile de Goree, where the pilot boards can be seen. The vessel proceeds round the island due S. During daylight hours, 3 red buoys are visible, Line Cap, Manuel and Ile de Goree, and a red buoy to the S of the island.

After passing Ile de Goree via S and E, vessels should then proceed to the N of the No 12 Lightbuoy, where the wreck "Tacoma" lies, and entered through a dredged channel between the heads of two breakwaters, 250m in width, in an approximate N-S direction. The entrance channel is 12.3m and due to be dredged during Nov 2013.

Prohibited areas: There is a prohibited passage between the S end of Ile de Goree and Pointe de Daka, due to the presence of underwater obstructions. A prohibited area, 0.5nm wide, is charted on the seaward side of Jetee Nord extending N for 0.4nm, then NW for 0.4nm to the shore.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) is reported to be installed at the port.

Anchorages

The anchorage in Rade de Dakar has depths decreasing gradually from 18.0m in its outer part. The bottom consists principally of sand but in the S part, of sand mixed with shells and gravel. The anchorage is well sheltered, except during the rainy season when thundery squalls, which blow from E, quickly raise a choppy sea.

Good anchorage can be obtained in Anse de Hann over a bottom of white sand. Small pleasure craft should anchor in Baie de Hann to await clearance, as should those intending to proceed to Riviere Saloum and Riviere Casamance.

Vessels waiting to bunker should anchor approximately 0.5nm E of the Head of Jetee Sud on the line joining that jetty and the N end of Ile de Goree.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited in the area, bounded by Cap Manuel, Ile de Goree and the entrance to Port de Dakar. Submarine cables run both S and NW from this area.

A dangerous wreck, the position of which is doubtful, is charted 0.2nm N of the NE corner of Jetee Nord.

Restrictions

There are no beam restrictions at the port of Dakar.

Tugs

Five tugs are available.

Mooring

Mooring information is provided by the port authority.

Charts and publications

BA 1000, 1001, 1663, 3135. US Charts 51480, 51559, 51561. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 96, 48 and 12 hours prior to arrival. Message to include cargo to discharge, drums to discharge (if any), draught on arrival, expected draught on departure, last port of call and next port of call.

Vessels carrying hazardous and/or strong smelling cargoes, must declare to the harbour master at least 48 hours prior to arrival, the nature/quantity/packing of these goods as well as their stowage onboard. The same applies for Arms and Ammunitions.

Communications

VHF: Adherence to International Radio Regulations.

Documents

Great care should be taken in completing all Store Lists, Slop Chest Lists and Personal Effects Lists as customs check all stores, including refrigerated spaces. All paints onboard must be declared. Customs also board vessels at anchor and inside territorial waters, inflicting heavy fines in cases where stores, etc, are not prepared and ready for inspection. Also, heavy fines are imposed for any discrepancies.

Even when calling at the port for emergencies (eg, Medevac) a full set of documents must be prepared before entering territorial waters.

No vessel is allowed to leave Dakar without having received onboard an Outward Manifest duly visaed by the local customs authorities. Vessels leaving without such manifest will be heavily fined.

Masters must have all documentation ready, prior to arrival at the pilot station.

Health

Quarantine regulations are strictly enforced and no communication with the shore is permitted until the vessel has been granted pratique.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Major repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Freshwater: Available along berths.

Bunkers: All grades are available alongside Piers No 8 and 9 and the North Jetty. Elsewhere bunkers can be provided by barge.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Various clinics and hospitals are situated in the city.

Crew change

Process of crew change in Senegal:

Agent receives a scan copy of Seaman's Book and passport

Agent receives the flight details of passenger

Agent will submit a visa demand to the Immigration authorities

After obtaining visa, agent gives a copy to the airport authorities

Agent arrange airport attendance upon arrival

Upon arrival of plane, police receives onsigners who need a visa. Documents are taken and checked by police.

Passengers are escorted by the Police to hotel or port.

Note: All on/off signers must have a valid Seaman's Book, Passport and Vaccination Card.

Transport

Nearest airport: Dakar International Airport (15km).

Nearest railway: The port is connected to the national rail network.

Working hours

Weekdays 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs. Sat, 0800-1200hrs.

Overtime: Weekdays, 0500-0800hrs, 1200-1400hrs, 1800-2200hrs and 2200-0500hrs. Holidays/Sundays 0001-0500hrs, 2200-2359hrs.

Where it is

Dakar is situated on the central W coast of Senegal.

The port

Dakar is the capital and principal port of Senegal, the port being a safe sheltered harbour formed by two jetties. The port is divided into two zones, North and South, separated by the fishing port, with over 40 berths and depths up to 12.0m.

The approach to the port poses no particular problems and good anchorage ground is found in depths of about 15.0m. Depths in the entrance are 11.0m, and the inner roads are spacious, providing ample room for manoeuvring.

Exports: Ground nuts, edible oil, oil cake, gum, gold, sisal, shea butter, kapok, hides, phosphates, flour and cement.

Imports: Cotton, metal goods, oil fuel, petrol, wine, coal, sugar and corn.

Traffic

Approx 30,000,000t of cargo, 900,000TEU and 3,100 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Dakar?

The pilot boards at Dakar pilot boarding place, 14°40.6′N 017°22.7′W.

What time zone is Dakar in?

Local time at Dakar is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Dakar?

The deepest berth listed is at Dakar Container Terminal: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Dakar?

1020.

Which load line zone is Dakar in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Dakar?

The UN/LOCODE of Dakar is SNDKR.

What crews who called at Dakar 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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