Goose Bay

1. Terrington Basin (Goose Bay) pilot boarding place Pilot boards54°13.5′N 058°21.1′W

Size limits

Draught 9.4m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

In Terrington Basin (53°21.00'S 60°24.00'E) the mean spring range is 0.5m, mean neap range 0.2m.

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

Approach

It is recommended that vessels visiting Goose Bay should check latest depths in the channels with the Harbour Master before arriving or departing.

An entrance channel, length 25km leads to the port, width 90m, advisory depth 9.8m HW, but may be subject to silting. The approach to Goose Bay is through the head of Lake Melville and is entered between Epinette Point (53°31'N 0595°5'W) and North West Point, 4.5nm WSW.

Port limits

The seaward limit of the port is a line drawn between Epinette Point (53°31'N 059°55'W) and North West Point, 4.5nm WSW.

Traffic schemes and VTS

When a tanker is seen to be leaving its berth in Terrington Basin, or is approaching Goose Bay, it has the right of way and other vessels must not attempt to enter until it is clear.

Anchorages

Good anchorage may be obtained with Brule Point bearing 170° distant 1.7nm in 24.0m, mud. Good anchorage may also be obtained in the central part of Terrington Basin in depths of 11.0m, mud, and excellent holding ground.

Explosive anchorage: An area 2nm ENE of Groves Point (53°21'N 060°22'W), the N entrance point of Terrington Narrows, is a designated explosives anchorage for vessels carrying dangerous cargoes. The depths are from 26.0-35m.

Restrictions

The port is navigable from early Jun to the end of Nov, depending on pack ice movements. A restricted area lies close S of North West Point (53°30'N 060°03'W) situated at the head of Lake Melville. Several other restricted military reserve areas are located along the shores of Goose Bay. The main area lie E of Goose Bay (53°20'N 060°25'W), W of meridian 060°24'W. A lesser area flanks both sides of the river.

Tugs

Not available.

Mooring

Two mooring buoys are moored off the main public wharf.

Charts and publications

BA 4404. Admiralty Pilot NP50, NP286(5). Can 4722, 4728.

US15001. US Sailing Directions No 146.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA 24 hours and 6 hours in advance (ETD by arrangement) to Atlantic Pilotage Authority.

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party or upon docking with first line ashore.

Documents

The authorities will accept IMO forms.

The forms are for Revenue Canada Customs and Excise. The vessel's agent will file the documents with the Customs Office after the vessel has berthed.

If the required forms are not onboard they can be delivered with the pilot if agent is notified in advance.

Health

Pratique should only be applied for when vessel is arriving from a country which has a plague outbreak or the vessel has had a death onboard and serious illness among the crew or infestation of rats. Pratique can be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Flags

State flag at the stern, Canadian flag on the mast.

Notices and regulations

Vessels at Goose Bay are subject to Canadian Public Harbours Regulations and Canadian Pollution Regulations in addition to the usual quarantine and Customs regulations.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, 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.

Inspection of ships in Canada

Transport Canada,

Inspection and Operations Standards Division,

Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.

For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 991 4818

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 993 8196

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.

Position: Director General.

Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.

Tel: +1 613 851 6302

Fax: +1 613 949 3906

Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca

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

Repairs

Minor repairs are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available, arrangements should be made via the agent or Harbour Master.

Bunkering: There are some fuel oil products available by road tanker.

Stores: Limited quantities are available.

Medical

Medical facilities close to port.

Crew change

Crew change and repatriation can be carried out, prior notice to agent is required.

Transport

Nearest airport: Goose Bay Airport, 3km.

Otter Creek Waterdrome (Seaplanes), 3.2km from Goose Bay Airport.

Working hours

Work throughout 24 hours, can be arranged.

Where it is

The port of Goose Bay is situated in the Terrington Basin, at the head of Goose Bay in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The port

The port is closed in the Winter and, in warmer months, is utilised for the distribution of supplies to the isolated communities on the Labrador coast. There is a growing tourism industry in the area. A main quay is used for ferries, break bulk and liquid cargoes, with a smaller ferry pier to the west. Goose Bay Airport Corporation have developed seaplane facilities close North of the West Pier. There is also a main airport which is also used for military purposes.

Traffic

Approx 240 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Goose Bay?

The pilot boards at Terrington Basin (Goose Bay) pilot boarding place, 54°13.5′N 058°21.1′W.

What time zone is Goose Bay in?

Local time at Goose Bay is UTC−4. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−4 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Goose Bay?

1025.

Which load line zone is Goose Bay in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Goose Bay?

Port State Control at Goose Bay: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Goose Bay?

The UN/LOCODE of Goose Bay is CAGOO.

What crews who called at Goose Bay 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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