Gibraltar

1. Gibraltar pilot boarding place Pilot boards36°06.0′N 005°22.0′W

Size limits

LOA 347.06m , beam 45m, draught 11m, 179,276DWT. Deeper draught vessels can be accommodated according to tide.

Draught is unlimited in the anchorage.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Mean spring range about 0.9m; mean neap range about 0.4m. The N going flow runs into the harbour through the S entrance and out through the N entrance; the S going flow runs in through the N entrance and out through the S entrance. Its rate is uncertain, but may, in unsettled weather, be considerable.

In and close outside the S entrance the flow is approx in the direction of the line joining the mole heads. As there is little or no flow inside the harbour, the stern of a vessel entering, or the bow of a vessel leaving, will probably be swung towards the Detached Mole with the N going flow, or more strongly towards South Mole with the S going flow. In the N entrance the direction of flow is more or less at right angles to a line joining the mole heads and a vessel, entering or leaving on that line will be assisted or retarded by the flow. However, if a vessel enters or leaves obliquely, a strong set may be experienced.

All these effects may be modified by eddies which form off the mole heads and by unsettled weather conditions, which can dangerously increase them. In general, the flow is weak and irregular, with a general tendency N or S according to the flow outside. At times there may be an anti clockwise flow round either the N or S half of the harbour.

Caution: Following the blocking of the N mole viaduct and the completion of a large reclamation project in the NE part of the harbour (1994) all information regarding tidal streams and flow within the harbour should be monitored with care.

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

Approach

Directions for entering harbour: Vessels other than large vessels, proceeding into the harbour with the intention of securing alongside South Mole should enter by the S entrance, approaching well from the N.

Vessels bound for Detached Mole and North Mole, and large vessels proceeding to South Mole should, if possible, enter the harbour by the N entrance; the best approach is made by standing N and turning SE when about 0.5nm NW of "E" Head.

Caution: Care must be taken when entering through the S entrance on account of the flow setting across it in the bay. Some idea of the direction of the flow may be formed by observing how vessels at anchor outside the harbour are lying.

In strong winds a large vessel should not enter the harbour until tug assistance is available.

Port limits

Inwards of Europa Point and eastern half of Algeciras Bay.

Traffic schemes and VTS

When the vessel crosses the 3nm territorial sea limit, a report should be sent to Gibraltar VTS on VHF Ch12 providing the vessel's name and position (defined as the distance

from the pilot boarding area).

Vessels over 100GT, anchored or alongside a berth, and once the pilot has disembarked, must advise Gibraltar VTS of their anchoring time and position or berth number. A continuous

listening watch must be kept on VHF channels 12, 16, and 71.

The Gibraltar Port Authority has declared an exclusion zone with a radius of 1nm centred on Europa Point Light from position 36°07.34'N 005°20.24'W to the boundary between

Europa Point Sector Lights at position 36°05.49'N 005°21.31'W. Entry into or transit through the exclusion zone is limited to vessels of less than LOA 24m.

Once the vessel leaves Gibraltar Bay, a report should be made to Tarifa Traffic on VHF Ch 10.

Anchorages

Vessels can anchor in the bay in depths of up to 90m, the only danger in entering being the Pearl Rock on the Spanish coast with 2.4m depth. Vessels can anchor on the E side of Gibraltar while waiting for a berth or anchorage position in the Bay of Gibraltar to become available.

Anchorage off the harbour: Anchorage may be obtained W of the North, Detached and South Moles but clear of the prohibited area. The anchorage is exposed to SW winds, which cause a heavy sea, and vessels should be prepared to move to alternative anchorages on the NW side of the bay, or off the E coast of Gibraltar. Warning of a change in wind direction is often short and a second anchor should be kept ready for letting go, particularly in the winter months when SW gales may be expected.

Caution: Areas of foul ground, which contain debris from old port defence systems, lie close W of Detached Mole (36°08.5'N 005°21.9'W) and to the SW of South Mole (36°07.8'N 005°21.5'W). In addition to the marked areas scattered debris is known to exist within this area extending up to 1nm SW of South Mole. Anchorage in these areas should be avoided wherever possible.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchoring is prohibited N and W of the North Mole within an area approx 0.4nm in width, extending 1.1nm W from the extremity of Gibraltar Airport runway (36°09'N 005°21'W) and a short distance on either side of it. A lightbuoy (special aero light), marking the approach to the runway, is moored within the area 0.75nm W of the extremity of the runway. The area close N of the runway is marked by 4 buoys (special).

The area close N of the runway and between Western Beach and Windsock Island is also prohibited for anchorage.

Anchoring is prohibited within an area extending generally SW to the 100m depth contour from the coast between Europa Point (36°07'N 005°21'W) and Rosia Bay (0.9nm NNW).

Restricted entry area: An area, 140m in width extends 800m W from the centre line of the runway; within the area navigation is prohibited during aircraft movements. Imminent aircraft activity is indicated by amber flashing lights and loudspeaker announcements from the end of the runway.

Submarine cable area: Abandoned submarine cables extend NE and SE from Sandy Bay.

Anchorage E of Gibraltar: Large vessels, many awaiting orders, anchor off the E side of Gibraltar up to 5nm offshore. During periods of predominantly W winds good anchorage may be obtained approx 0.5nm offshore between passage Point (36°06.9'N 005°20.5'W) and Sandy Bay (1nm N) in depths of approx 20.0m, sand.

Caution: Wrecks lie inside the 20.0m depth contour up to 0.5nm E of Passage Point and up to 0.5nm E and ENE of the extremity of the runway. Three lightbuoys (yellow, aero lights) are moored 0.5nm, 1nm and 1.5nm respectively, E of the extremity of the airport runway, marking the runway approach.

Restrictions

For the most part, depths within the harbour exceed 9.0m. Maximum permitted draught alongside berths is 9.6m. Vessels of deeper draughts can be accommodated on a half tide basis according to the rise of tide. There is no restriction at the anchorage.

Fishing reef: A shallow concrete block fishing reef has been laid to the NW of the runway leading line.

Tugs

Voith Schneider tugs, 1 each of 15t, 16t, 18t and 45t bollard pull available. Two conventional tugs of 17t and 40t also available.

Charts and publications

BA 45, 144, 1448. US Publication 131. Admiralty Pilot NP67, NP283(1).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised 24 hours in advance with confirmation 2 hours prior to arrival.

All vessels underway or at anchor in Gibraltar Bay should maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 12.

Berthed vessels wishing to leave must give 30 minutes prior notice of departure on VHF Ch 12.

Communications

VHF: Pilots: Ch 16, 12. Tel: +350 200 77263. Fax: +350 200 41260. Email: [email protected].

Gibraltar VTS: Ch: 12 and 16 available 24 hours. Ch 20 no fixed hours available. Tel: +350 200 46254. Email: [email protected].

Port: Agents: 71. Available 24 hours.

Lloyds Signal Station: Ch 08, 16. Available 24 hours.

Queen's Harbour Master: (Gibraltar Military Port Operations): Ch 08. Tel: +350 200 55791. Fax: +350 200 55489.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificate issued.

Customs and immigration

Any ship arriving in Gibraltar with cargo must, within 24 hours, make a report of the ship and the cargo by delivering to Customs an inward manifest of goods onboard duly signed by the Master or agent. The Master must also answer all questions which may be put to him by the Customs Officer relating to the ship, her crew, cargo, passengers, stores and voyage. He must also produce and deliver any document relating to the ship, its cargo, etc. In the case of a ship over 1,000NT, the manifest required shall only relate to such cargo to be landed or transhipped in Gibraltar. However, the Master must still answer any questions and produce a manifest of goods in transit, if this is required by the Customs Officer.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Communications.

Position: Chief Executive

Address: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Communications, Suite 771, Europort, Gibraltar.

Tel: +350 52052

Fax: +350 47677

Email: [email protected]

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

Description: Gibraltar is situated in the western entrance to the Mediterranean.

Repairs

Drydocks, slipways and repair facilities are available on application to Cammell Laird (Gibraltar) Limited which can carry out all types of hull and engine repairs (See Addresses section). Deepwater repair berths are available for vessels up to 150,000DWT. Any size of vessel can be repaired at anchor.

Underwater repairs can be carried out by Gibraltar Underwater Contractors Limited (Gibunco), Tel: +350 70454, Telex: 2281 DIVER GK, Fax: +350 42994.

Dry docks

Largest slipway: Length 141m, lifting capacity 200t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at anchor and alongside berth.

Bunkering: All grades of bunkers available at North Mole, Western Arm and adjacent berths. Available by lighter at other berths and the anchorage.

Bunkering is available throughout 24 hours, however vessels arriving at night must give prior notice of arrival before 1600hrs on the day of arrival.

Stores: Available alongside or from three off port limits areas by launch.

Medical

St Bernards, 1.5km.

Crew change

Available alongside or from off port limits by launch.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gibraltar, 1km.

Nearest railway: Spain, 12.8km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours. Office staff weekdays 0845-1730hrs.

Where it is

The port is situated on the western side of the Rock of Gibraltar in the Strait of Gibraltar.

The port

Gibraltar is a free port and comprises a commercial port area, a naval base and a ship repair complex including dry docks. It is also a major bunkering and off port supply centre. It is an important centre for transhipment cargo and tourism, with cruise vessels making frequent visits to the port. The main harbour is enclosed by three moles. Transcoma runs a catamaran ferry service.

Traffic

Approx 733,000t of cargo, 1,500TEU, 9,000 vessels and 400,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Gibraltar?

The pilot boards at Gibraltar pilot boarding place, 36°06.0′N 005°22.0′W.

What time zone is Gibraltar in?

Local time at Gibraltar is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Gibraltar?

The deepest berth listed is at Jetty 3: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Gibraltar?

1025.

Which load line zone is Gibraltar in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Gibraltar?

The UN/LOCODE of Gibraltar is GIGIB.

What crews who called at Gibraltar 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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