Darwin

1. Darwin Inner Pilot Boarding Ground (IPBG) Pilot boards12°24.0′S 130°46.0′E
2. Darwin Outer Pilot Boarding Ground (OPBG) Pilot boards12°19.0′S 130°42.0′E

Size limits

Draught 12.0m, LOA 345.03m, beam 52.0m, 111,815DWT

Water density

Wet season, 1021, dry season 1024.

Load line zone

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Tides

The maximum daily tide height is 8.0m (MHWS). The minimum daily tide height is 4.1m (MHWN). Darwin harbour has a maximum tidal range of 8.0m.

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

Approach

The majority of the traffic approaches the port from the NW. Vessels taking advantage of the shorter passage through Clarence/Dundas Strait approach from the NE.

The Sea Buoy (No 5) a green pillar buoy (Fl G (2) 5s) is moored in 19m of water to guard the shoals extending W towards Charles Point and S to West Point. The entrance is defined by Charles Point Patches to the W and Middle ground to the E with the least depth being 9.4m.

The Middle Pass buoyed channel, with a least depth of 12.2m, is designed for vessels up to 200m, (vessels over 300m have used this passage) and is defined by a starboard hand buoy "A", Fl (3) G 6s and port hand "B", Fl (3) R 5s should be used by vessels drawing more than 9.0m, vessels drawing more than 11.0m may need to wait for appropriate tidal conditions before entering the port. Passage should be made at a moderate speed turning close to the buoys both inward and outward bound, transiting on mean course 210°, 030°.

The main channel from Middle Pass to No 10 Q Buoy (10nm) has a min width of 0.8nm with average depths of approx 20.0m. The transit course in the main channel is approx 140°/320° depending on the tide. Vessels entering on an ebb tide tend to set to the E towards Emery Point.

Port limits

The port limits are formed by a straight line drawn in a NE direction from Charles Point to a position 12°18.2'S 130°41.1'E, then in an ESE direction to Lee Point, from where it continues generally along the HW line to the Port of Darwin to the commencement at Charles Point.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There is no Port Control Radar but pilot boats are radar equipped.

Restrictions

Tankers and LNG vessels may only berth during daylight hours but may depart at night, subject to weather.

Tugs

Five tugs are available.

Mooring

Inbound vessels call "Darwin Harbour" via VHF Ch 10, when passing Buoy No 5 and advise if intending to use deepwater passage between Middle Pass, Buoys A & B or pass close E of these buoys.

Vessels generally berth stemming the tide approaching the berths fairly wide, (ebb tide) to allow for the strong sets, (up to 4kts) along and onto the berths.

Charts and publications

AUS 26 & 28. Admiralty Pilot Vol 5, Admiralty List of Lights Vol K, Australian National Tide Tables Vol 4. Admiralty Pilot NP13, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

For ordering a pilot the vessel's ETA should be sent at least 24 hours before arrival via radio telephone or fax to the Harbour Master. Confirmation should be sent on VHF Ch 16 or 10, 2 hours prior to arrival at usual pilot boarding station. Hours: Mon-Fri: 2230-0700hrs or at other times when a vessel is expected. See Country section for full details.

VHF Channels 16 and 10 are continuously watched and ETA may be confirmed or adjusted on Channel 10, the port's working frequency.

Communications

Harbour Master: Tel: +61 8 8999 3986, Fax: +61 8 8941 2039.

When VHF radio is used between vessels for the purpose of discussing and agreeing special passing arrangements in order to remove the risk of collision, such communications shall be conducted on Ch 10 to ensure that Darwin VTS and other port users are aware of each vessel's intention.

Darwin VTS maintains a continuous listening watch on Ch 16 (Distress, Safety and Calling) and Ch 10 (primary port operations working channel) - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Notice of readiness

Normally tendered on arrival at pilot station.

Health

The message should also state whether or not there are any diseases onboard, whether or not any livestock have been carried within the last six months and whether or not there are any animals or birds onboard at present.

On arrival two copies of the Health Report should be given to the Quarantine Officer on form Q360A (Primary Health Report) one of which will be signed by the Quarantine Officer and returned to the Master. A Passenger List, Crew List and a list of passengers disembarking including their permanent address within the country are also required. The Quarantine Officer will clear vessels other than livestock carries at all times, subject to the provision of suitable lighting during the hours of darkness. A gangway should also be provided for use by the Quarantine Officer.

The appropriate day or night signal should be displayed until clearance is obtained (by night all round red over white lights, by day code flag "Q").

Subject to the receipt of a satisfactory health questionnaire, radio pratique may be available on request.

Customs and immigration

Australian Customs Service which includes Immigration formalities may be contacted on Tel: +61 8 8946 9999, Fax: +61 8 8946 9932.

Flags

The courtesy, nationality, quarantine, pilot flag and any other flag as required by the vessel's specific operation.

Notices and regulations

Vessels must not immobilise main engines without prior permission from the Harbour Master.

Hazardous Cargo Precautions: Copies of port tanker rules are supplied on arrival at the port.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean 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 Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Contact person: The Secretary.

Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.

Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.

Mob: +61 0417 273 185.

24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.

Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.

Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.

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

Repairs

Routine maintenance and light engineering facilities are available.

Dry docks

Synchrolift facility: Max dimensions 65m x 22m; max lift 2,550t. Two slipways, one capable of lifting up to 500t and the other 60t. Travelift with a maximum capacity of 70t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available in unlimited quantities, rate approx 100tph, at Fort Hill, Stokes Hill and at East Arm Port.

Bunkers: Bunkers can be supplied by pipeline, subject to availability, across the East Arm, Fort Hill and Stokes Hill berths. Other berths are serviced by road tanker.

Stores: Ship chandlers and providers are located at the port.

Medical

Darwin Hospital, 15km from city centre. Full hospital facilities available without prior notice.

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Darwin International Airport, 12.2km.

Airport facilities: The international airport provides for crew change and airfreight.

Nearest railway: Alice Springs, 1,550km.

Working hours

Weekend labour (including morning gangs) must be ordered by 1300hrs Friday. Monday labour must be ordered by 1300hrs Sunday. Monday to Friday labour must be ordered by 1300hrs on the day prior to vessel working.

Where it is

Darwin is the principal port of the Northern Territory, situated on the S coast of Beagle Gulf, in the Timor Sea.

The port

The port provides easy access to the capital city of the Northern Territory and other Australian states.

Cargoes handled include zinc and lead concentrate, dry bulk, LNG, LPG, containers, livestock, cruise, passengers and fodder.

Traffic

Approx 2,000,000t of cargoes, 25,000TEU, 1,400 vessels and 95,200 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Darwin?

The pilot boards at Darwin Inner Pilot Boarding Ground (IPBG), 12°24.0′S 130°46.0′E. Darwin has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Darwin in?

Local time at Darwin is UTC+9:30. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Darwin?

The deepest berth listed is at East Arm Wharf: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Darwin?

Wet season, 1021, dry season 1024.

Which load line zone is Darwin in?

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Who carries out Port State Control at Darwin?

Port State Control at Darwin: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Darwin?

The UN/LOCODE of Darwin is AUDRW.

What crews who called at Darwin 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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