PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Davao
Pilot
updated Jun 2013- Davao pilot boarding place Pilot boards07°02.0′N 125°39.0′E
Compulsory for all vessels of foreign registry exceeding 100GT. Notice should be given 24 hours prior to arrival and contact between the vessel and pilot should be established via VHF at least 2 hours prior to arrival. Pilots board in position 07°02'N 125°39'E. The pilot launch usually assists when berthing at Santa Ana.
For docking schedule at Sasa Wharf, a daily berthing meeting takes place at 1400hrs Mon-Fri and 1000hrs every other day. The Agents of vessels attending private berths are responsible for providing the approved berthing permits. Note: Pilotage in the Davao Pilotage District is only available during daylight hours.
Key data
updated Nov 2025Size limits
Harbour: LOA 294.13m, beam 43m, draught 14.5m, 100,309DWT.
Off Shore: LOA 119.3m, BCM 56.19m, 7,249DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 1.8m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying V Terminal | 18.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Flying V Terminal | 18.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Flying V Terminal | 18.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Flying V Terminal | 18.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Flying V Terminal | 18.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) | — | 294 m | 4 |
| Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) | — | 294 m | 4 |
| Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) | — | 294 m | 4 |
| Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) | — | 294 m | 4 |
| Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) | — | 294 m | 4 |
| Therma South Power Plant | 14.50 m | 240 m | 1 |
| Therma South Power Plant | 14.50 m | 240 m | 1 |
| Therma South Power Plant | 14.50 m | 240 m | 1 |
| Therma South Power Plant | 14.50 m | 240 m | 1 |
| Therma South Power Plant | 14.50 m | 240 m | 1 |
All 123 terminals
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumifru Terminal | — | 211 m | 2 |
| Sumifru Terminal | — | 211 m | 2 |
| Sumifru Terminal | — | 211 m | 2 |
| Sumifru Terminal | — | 211 m | 2 |
| Sumifru Terminal | — | 186 m | 2 |
| Davao Bay Coconut Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Davao Bay Coconut Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Davao Bay Coconut Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Davao Bay Coconut Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| Davao Bay Coconut Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| INTERCO Manufacturing Corp | — | 183 m | 2 |
| INTERCO Manufacturing Corp | — | 183 m | 2 |
| INTERCO Manufacturing Corp | — | 183 m | 2 |
| INTERCO Manufacturing Corp | — | 183 m | 2 |
| INTERCO Manufacturing Corp | — | 183 m | 2 |
| Unifrutti Philippines Terminal | — | 163 m | 1 |
| Legaspi Oil Company, Inc. | — | 200 m | 1 |
| Unifrutti Philippines Terminal | — | 163 m | 1 |
| Legaspi Oil Company, Inc. | — | 200 m | 1 |
| Unifrutti Philippines Terminal | — | 163 m | 1 |
| Legaspi Oil Company, Inc. | — | 200 m | 1 |
| Unifrutti Philippines Terminal | — | 163 m | 1 |
| Legaspi Oil Company, Inc. | — | 200 m | 1 |
| Unifrutti Philippines Terminal | — | 139 m | 1 |
| Legaspi Oil Company, Inc. | — | 200 m | 1 |
| Sasa | — | 229 m | 10 |
| Sasa | — | 229 m | 10 |
| Sasa | — | 229 m | 10 |
| Sasa | — | 229 m | 10 |
| Sasa Port | — | 200 m | 10 |
| Terminal Facilities and Services Operation (TEFASCO) | 9.50 m | 269 m | 3 |
| Terminal Facilities and Services Operation (TEFASCO) | 9.50 m | 269 m | 3 |
| Terminal Facilities and Services Operation (TEFASCO) | 9.50 m | 269 m | 3 |
| Terminal Facilities and Services Operation (TEFASCO) | 9.50 m | 269 m | 3 |
| Terminal Facilities and Services Operation (TEFASCO) | 9.50 m | 282 m | 3 |
| International Copra Exports Corp | — | 117 m | 2 |
| International Copra Exports Corp | — | 117 m | 2 |
| International Copra Exports Corp | — | 117 m | 2 |
| International Copra Exports Corp | — | 117 m | 2 |
| International Copra Exports Corp | — | 117 m | 2 |
| Holcim Davao Terminal | — | 190 m | 2 |
| Holcim Davao Terminal | — | 190 m | 2 |
| Holcim Davao Terminal | — | 190 m | 2 |
| Holcim Davao Terminal | — | 190 m | 2 |
| Holcim Davao Terminal | — | 190 m | 2 |
| Universal Robina Corp. | — | 91 m | 1 |
| Universal Robina Corp. | — | 91 m | 1 |
| Universal Robina Corp. | — | 91 m | 1 |
| Universal Robina Corp. | — | 91 m | 1 |
| Universal Robina Corporation (URC) | — | 91 m | 1 |
| Shell Philippines Fuel Depot Terminal | — | 117 m | 1 |
| Shell Philippines Fuel Depot Terminal | — | 117 m | 1 |
| Shell Philippines Fuel Depot Terminal | — | 117 m | 1 |
| Shell Philippines Fuel Depot Terminal | — | 117 m | 1 |
| Shell Philippines Fuel Depot Terminal | — | 110 m | 1 |
| Mati Port | — | 72 m | 1 |
| Mati Port | — | 72 m | 1 |
| Mati Port | — | 72 m | 1 |
| Mati Port | — | 72 m | 1 |
| Mati Port | — | 72 m | 1 |
| Pacific International Terminal Wharf | — | 163 m | 2 |
| SMFI Davao Grain Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| KTC Container Terminal | — | 228 m | 3 |
| New Davao Oil Mill Terminal | — | 186 m | 1 |
| Astorga Bulk LPG Terminal | — | 119 m | 1 |
| Chevron Petro Depot Terminal | — | 101 m | 1 |
| Petron Terminal | — | 106 m | 1 |
| Phoenix Petroleum Terminal | — | 151 m | 1 |
| Santa Cruz Oil Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Pacific International Terminal Wharf | — | 186 m | 2 |
| SMFI Davao Grain Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| KTC Container Terminal | — | 228 m | 3 |
| New Davao Oil Mill Terminal | — | 186 m | 1 |
| Astorga Bulk LPG Terminal | — | 119 m | 1 |
| Chevron Petro Depot Terminal | — | 101 m | 1 |
| Petron Terminal | — | 106 m | 1 |
| Phoenix Petroleum Terminal | — | 151 m | 1 |
| Santa Cruz Oil Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Pacific International Terminal Wharf | — | 186 m | 2 |
| SMFI Davao Grain Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| KTC Container Terminal | — | 228 m | 3 |
| New Davao Oil Mill Terminal | — | 186 m | 1 |
| Astorga Bulk LPG Terminal | — | 119 m | 1 |
| Chevron Petro Depot Terminal | — | 101 m | 1 |
| Petron Terminal | — | 106 m | 1 |
| Phoenix Petroleum Terminal | — | 151 m | 1 |
| Santa Cruz Oil Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Pacific International Terminal Wharf | — | 186 m | 2 |
| SMFI Davao Grain Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| KTC Container Terminal | — | 228 m | 3 |
| New Davao Oil Mill Terminal | — | 186 m | 1 |
| Astorga Bulk LPG Terminal | — | 119 m | 1 |
| Chevron Petro Depot Terminal | — | 101 m | 1 |
| Petron Davao Terminal | — | 106 m | 1 |
| Phoenix Petroleum Terminal | — | 151 m | 1 |
| Santa Cruz Oil Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Kudos Port | — | — | 3 |
| Mati STS Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Pacific International Terminal Wharf | — | 186 m | 2 |
| SMFI Davao Grain Terminal | — | 200 m | 1 |
| KTC Container Terminal | — | 228 m | 3 |
| New Davao Oil Mill Terminal | — | 186 m | 1 |
| Astorga Bulk LPG Terminal | — | 119 m | 1 |
| Chevron Petro Depot Terminal | — | 101 m | 1 |
| Darong Fuel Depot | — | — | 1 |
| Petron Davao Terminal | — | 110 m | 1 |
| Phoenix Petroleum Davao Bulk Depot | — | 160 m | 1 |
| SEAOIL Santa Cruz Oil Terminal | — | 187 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 Jun 2021Approach
Navigational approach: The approach to Davao Gulf from the open sea is easy and not restricted. The entrance is wide enough and water depths are always sufficient.
There are no access channels in the port of Davao except through Davao Gulf. The first approach through this gulf is at Pakiputan Strait, between Davao City and the water W of Samal Island. The second approach is between the E side of Samal Island and the coastline W of Davao Oriental heading towards the tip of Davao Gulf.
A foreign vessel bound for the ports along the coastal stretch of Davao Gulf should proceed to Santa Ana anchorage for clearance purposes. Then vessels pass through Pakiputan Strait, excluding vessels bound for Santa Ana and those bound for the S portion of the gulf, to reach their loading/unloading destinations. On departure, vessels should pass through the same route, in some cases they may take the route E of Samal Island.
The water depth in the strait is approx 36m, the width is 0.4nm. There is an shoal opposite Sasa Wharf which can be seen during LW. No navigational aids are in place to protect traffic from this shoal.
Approach to Malalag Bay, a very sheltered place is hindered by some shoals and reefs but not dangerous with local knowledge. Water depths are always sufficient, ranging from 29.0m-37m, provided that the correct courses and directions are followed.
Port limits
Davao Harbour is bounded on the S by a line running E from Dumalag Point to the W coast of Samal Island; on the N by a line running from Basso Point, the N extremity of Samal Island, to the mouth of Lasang River on the mainland (Mindanao Island) and on the W and E by the coasts of the mainland and Samal Island, respectively.
Anchorages
There is anchorage in depths of 22m , mud, approx 0.2nm SE or NE of Santa Ana Pier Head or up to 1nm from the pier, in depths of 37m.
Santa Ana anchorage: 07°04.30'N 125°38.30'E.
BCI/Ilang anchorage: 07°11.00'N 125°40.00'E, depths 21.0-29.0m.
Malalaq anchorage: 06°37.00'N 125°24.5'E.
Panabo anchorage: 07°17.06'N 125°42.15'E.
Mati anchorage: Approx 1nm S of Mati Lighthouse, in depths of 37m.
Tugs
Compulsory tug assistance for all port movements. Davao Tugboat and Allied Services, Inc, has 5 tugs launches available.
Charts and publications
BA 4419, 4494. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jun 2021Communications
VHF: Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
A vessel is considered an 'arrived vessel' and laytime will commence on arrival at the pilot station.
Documents
Vessels should proceed to the Sta Ana anchorage for boarding formalities and clearance purposes.
Inspections
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: Office for Transportation Security - DOTC
Address: The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines.
Fax: +63 2 725 4787
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Davao City Water District with pipeline facilities beside Berths No 1-6. Leszagon RH Construction supply water to the Mati Wharf using road tankers. Mindanao Trucking Corp and Linao Water Supply supply fresh water to other berths via road tankers with capacity of 10-20t.
Bunkering: Petron, Shell and Caltex jetties provide all grades of bunker fuel. Mindanao Trucking Corp, offers bunkering services through road tankers, advance notice of at least 24 hours must be given.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Davao.
Transport
Nearest airport: Davao International (5km).
Airport facilities: Airfreight and crew change.
Nearest railway: None.
Nearest highway: (Sasa Wharf) Davao-Agusan National Highway.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Davao
updated Sep 2026Where it is
Davao City is located on the SE coast of Mindanao Island and is divided into the areas of Santa Ana, Sasa and Mati.
The port
The port of Davao falls within the jurisdiction of Port Management Office (PMO) Davao. Within PMO Davao there are more than 20 private ports and also 2 government ports (Sasa and Mati).
A number of the private ports export bananas to Far and Middle East markets, one is a commercial port while the remainder handle petroleum products, cocoa oil, fertilisers, rice, flour and cement.
Traffic
Approx 21,000,000t of cargo, 850,000TEU, 50,000 vessels and 4,000,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Davao
Where does the pilot board at Davao?
The pilot boards at Davao pilot boarding place, 07°02.0′N 125°39.0′E.
What time zone is Davao in?
Local time at Davao is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Davao?
The deepest berth listed is at Flying V Terminal: 18.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Davao?
1025.
Which load line zone is Davao in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Davao?
Port State Control at Davao: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Davao?
The UN/LOCODE of Davao is PHDVO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Davao 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.
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.