Georgetown

Size limits

Draught 9.7m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.0m.

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

Approach

If a vessel has to approach the port at night, it is safest to follow the leading lights which are situated just NE of Georgetown on Cross Hill. These describe a line bearing 140° when they are in transit. Small craft should approach with care as there is a floating hose moored between 2 buoys across the entrance to Clarence Bay. When the hose is deployed, it passes from the pierhead around the inner spar buoy in the area of "CB1". If there are any doubts regarding the whereabouts of the floating hose, Cable and Wireless should be contacted via VHF Ch 16 to obtain the current position of the hose.

Anchorages

The best position in which to anchor is in a depth of 20.0m, with the lights or beacons near Redpole Monument in line, bearing 140° at a position where the leading lights on Pyramid Point are also in line bearing 050°. From this position the light or beacon near Catherine Point should bear approx 180° and the Bates Rock Beacon approx 082°.

The S limit of the port is marked by 2 spar buoys, vessels should not anchor to the S of the line between these buoys as rollers break heavily there when they set in.

Tugs

There are no tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 1691, 1771. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be advised 48 hours prior to arrival and addressed to the Harbour Master Ascension.

Communications

Radio: There is a port radio station at Georgetown. Call Pier Head, Ascension Port Control, Tel: +247 6217, Fax: +247 6827, telegraph: AIS ASCENSION.

VHF: Ch 16, 12 and 24 (Power Station), Ascension Island Radio should be contacted to agree working channel.

Tankers should use Ch 15 locally for mooring and operations.

Notice of readiness

NOR is usually tendered by agent.

Health

Pratique is available by radio. Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates is possible.

Customs and immigration

The police are responsible for Customs and Immigration formalities.

Flags

Courtesy flag, "Q" flag and either the British Maritime or Union Jack are required.

Notices and regulations

Nobody is allowed on the island without the permission of the Administrator unless they are employed by an exempt organisation, or are members of HM Forces on active service.

Repairs

Minor repairs possible.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: There is no natural water on the island. All water is desalinated and in short supply.

Bunkering: Not available.

Medical

Hospital available in Georgetown.

Transport

Nearest airport: Military Airbase, 3.2km.

Airport facilities: Repatriation can be arranged by agents, currently 2 flights weekly to and from United Kingdom and USA.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1700hrs.

Where it is

Georgetown is situated on the S side of Clarence Bay to the NW of Ascension Island in the S Atlantic, which is approx 1,300km NW of Saint Helena Island and covers an area of 88km².

The port

The port of Georgetown has the only recognised landing area on the island, where lighters are discharged and passengers embark and disembark. Ocean going vessels anchor in the roadstead. The port also handles liquid cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Georgetown?

None available, the shipping agent or marine section leader will assist via VHF.

What time zone is Georgetown in?

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

What is the water density at Georgetown?

1025.

Which load line zone is Georgetown in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Georgetown?

The UN/LOCODE of Georgetown is SHASI.

What crews who called at Georgetown 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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