Essaouira

Size limits

Max offshore draught 8.0m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 2.7m.

Approach

It is recommended, when making the port of Essaouira, to approach the coast on the parallel of Jebel Hadid (657m in height, 7.5nm ENE of Cap Hadid) and to keep it in sight as the sandhills in the vicinity of Essaouira do not show up well when there is a wind. Sounding should be continuous.

In fine weather, the first objects seen are the craggy summits of the Atlas mountains, capped in snow, to the N, Jebel Hadid appears as a dark island.

On nearer approach, a narrow range of sandhills should be visible. At 9nm or 10nm distance the minarets and white buildings in Essaouira and the low island of Ile de Essaouira should start to show up clearly. The leading line of Sidi Mogdoul Light (31°29.7'N 009°46'W), exhibited from a white square tower, 17m in height, standing 0.1nm SW of Sidi Mogdoul) and a white obelisk (12m in height, standing 1.5nm SE of the lighthouse) in line bearing 128.5° lead through Passe Nord into the roadstead.

Passe Nord lies in the white sector of Sidi Mogdoul Light between the bearings of 124° and 136° and should be approached with the NE extremity of Ile Firaoun in line with the Bordj bearing approx 147°. When on the above leading line course should be altered onto it.

The roadstead Rade d'Essaouira, which extends S from the town is suitable for vessels drawing up to 8.0m and is sheltered on the SW side.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained by large vessels outside Rade d'Essaouira approx 1.0nm W of the town in depths of 22.0-27.0m. Usually the bottom is sand N off the entrance to the roadstead, and rock S of it. A vessel should always be ready to weigh anchor.

Anchorage can be obtained in Rade d'Essaouira approx 0.5nm E off Ile Firaoun in depths of approx 7.5m over fairly good holding ground, sand and mud. There is a rocky patch, with a depth of 4.5m over it, lying approx 0.125nm E of this berth.

Small vessels with a draught of less than 4.0m, will find good shelter within 0.1nm of the E side of Ile de Mogador.

In winter vessels remaining in the roadstead at night should be ready to weigh anchor.

Tugs

Available for handling lighters.

Charts and publications

BA 863, 3133. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP283(1)

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

Health

Vessels having cases of contagious disease onboard are prohibited from entering and should proceed to Casablanca as the town of Essaouira has no facilities for completing formalities.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministere de L'Equipement et du Transport - Direction des Ports et du Domaine Public Maritime

Post: Director des Ports et du Domaine Public

Address: Direction des Ports et du Domaine Public, Hay Nahda II, Takadoum, B.P. 5131.

Tel: + 212 37 755758

Fax: + 212 37 750011

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Small repairs can be carried out. There is a slip capable of handling small vessels.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1200hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime available on request.

Where it is

The port of Essaouira is situated approx 120km S of Safi.

The port

Essaouira is an open roadstead anchorage at which cargo is worked using lighters.

The principal exports are agricultural products and fish. Imports include bentonite, barley and wheat.

What are the pilot arrangements at Essaouira?

There is no pilot, but local assistance can be given if required.

What time zone is Essaouira in?

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

What is the water density at Essaouira?

1025.

Which load line zone is Essaouira in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Essaouira?

The UN/LOCODE of Essaouira is MAESS.

What crews who called at Essaouira 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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