Diego Garcia

Tides

Tidal ranges: Mean spring range 1.6m; mean neap range 0.4m.

Currents in the approaches to, and through Main Pass, are reported as strong (up to 4kn) and unpredictable. The set begins approx. 0.5nm from the buoyed channel, in a NE or SW direction, and eases once passed the No. 6 channel marker inbound. Tidal flow is advised by a tug stationed off the entrance on departure and arrival of vessels, and a long approach is advised to assess the effect of the tidal set before entering.

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

Approach

The Lagoon is accessed through Main Pass, a narrow channel at the NW tip of the lagoon (beware strong tidal currents - see below). It is reported that land on the S side of the island is more clearly visible than land on the closer N side, which may cause some confusion on making landfall. It is considered safe to approach Main Pass in daylight if visibility is greater than 2nm. The island is often covered by mist at night and should not be approached if lights on the island are not visible, especially without a reliable radar. Passage through Main Pass is in the white sector of the Minni Minni Directional Light. The channel is buoyed, dredged and swept from the entrance, and leads 2.6nm into the open lagoon. N.B: Outer channel markers may be off station, especially during NW monsoon, and depths in the lagoon may be less than charted.

Least charted depth on approach to POL Pier is 14.1m.

Anchorages

The Port Authority should always be consulted for latest information about anchoring positions.

Restrictions

Harbour is closed to non authorised traffic and entry is at the discretion of the Port Authority and the British Representative. Prior authorisation for all vessels is required in advance from the relevant authorities in the UK or USA.

Tugs

Are available and will stand by in the entrance on arrival, and use their own lines.

Mooring

Rough seas can occur in the lagoon during the SE Trade Winds, and can cause uncomfortable swell at exposed alongside berths.

Charts and publications

BA920. Admiralty Pilot NP39, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Mandatory, at least 24 hours in advance.

RN or RFA vessels must advise the British Representative.

US vessels, or vessels on charter to the US, must advise the Commanding Officer, US Naval Support Facility.

Communications

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 13, 16, 12, 14, 65. Call "Diego Garcia Port Control". Tel: +246 3704313, Fax: +246 3703028, Email: [email protected].

Pilot vessel and Tugs: Ch 12, 14, 65.

RT: 2182KHz.

Documents

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates required.

Health

Health officials will board vessels on arrival.

Customs and immigration

Officials will board vessels on arrival.

Notices and regulations

Vessels usually leave and enter the lagoon in daylight. Night movements are possible but are only allowed with the permission of the Port Authority.

ISPS

British Commanding Officer, Diago Garcia for RN or RFA vessels.

Commanding Officer, US Naval Support Facility for vessels chartered to US forces.

Repairs

Base features maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for the preposition ships are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

All are available to authorised vessels, advance notice required.

Medical

Small hospital.

Transport

Nearest airport: Military airport adjacent Diego Garcia Airprt (NKW), 4.1km.

Where it is

Diego Garcia is an atoll in the Chagos Archipelago - part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, and lies S of the Maldives and E of the Seychelles.

The port

The atoll, which has been leased to the United States, is a private US Military support base and is considered closed to non authorised traffic, except for emergencies. It consists of a main island which almost completely encloses a large lagoon, with 3 small islands on reefs spread across the entrance at the N end of the lagoon.

Most vessels entering the harbour are military vessels, however occasionally non military vessels are given authorisation to enter.

What are the pilot arrangements at Diego Garcia?

Recommended, and available during daylight hours only.

What time zone is Diego Garcia in?

Local time at Diego Garcia is UTC+6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Diego Garcia?

The deepest berth listed is at Diego Garcia Harbour: 10.97 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Diego Garcia?

The UN/LOCODE of Diego Garcia is IODGA.

What crews who called at Diego Garcia 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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