PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Greymouth
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is not compulsory. The Port Authority has a 14m pilot launch. If a pilot is required, 48 hours notice is to be given as there is no licensed pilot in residence.
Pilot boarding place is within 3.0nm of the harbour entrance.
Pilotage district is bounded seaward by the arc of a circle radius 2nm centred on the flag staff on the S breakwater, between lines drawn 250° and 360° from the harbour entrance.
Key data
updated May 2010Size limits
LOA 109m, beam 15.2m, draught 5.5m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
MHWS 3.4m, MHWN 2.7m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Quay | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2017Approach
Recent local knowledge is required for the passage across the bar. Depths on the bar at the harbour entrance are subject to frequent changes (between 2.4-4.9m) and mariners should contact Grey District Council for the latest information.
Main leading lights:
Front Light: Orange triangle on beacon, 42°26.9'S 171°12.1'E, situated on Richmond Wharf.
Rear Light: White triangle on beacon, 0.075nm SE of front light.
From a position approx 2.2nm NW of the harbour entrance (42°26.5'S 171°11.4'E) the alignment 128.06° of these lights leads in mid channel over the bar and in the deepest part of the fairway of the river channel, passing (positions given from Main Front Leading Light):
Between the breakwaters (0.65nm NW) near the head of each of which a light (concrete column, 5m in height) is exhibited, then:
NE of the signal station (0.55nm NW) from which the Main Harbour Light (concrete column, 5m in height) is exhibited, then:
SW of the training wall, near the seaward end of which a light (0.35nm NW) is exhibited, then:
NE of the entrance to Erua Moana, on the E side of which a light (0.07nm NW) is exhibited.
Lights in line indicate the width of the fairway at the harbour entrance to Grey River (green neon).
Front Light: Black diamond, 2m each side of the Main Front Leading Light (red neon).
Rear Light: Main rear leading light (green neon).
Port limits
The port limit is the seaward arc of a circle, radius 2nm, centred on the Main Harbour Light (42°26.6'S 171°11.0'E).
Anchorages
Outer anchorage is in depths from 18.3m-27.4m, good holding ground, with the harbour entrance bearing 090°.
The quarantine anchorage is anywhere in the roadstead within the port limits, or as directed by the Port Authority.
Restrictions
It is preferable to enter the harbour just after HW but, depending on draught, weather and bar conditions, vessels can enter and leave harbour at any time, day or night.
Mariners must obtain the latest information regarding depths on the bar and in the harbour, and the state of navigational aid and berths, from Grey District Council by radio or telephone before attempting to enter.
Mooring
Vessels always berth bows up river and swing in the harbour to depart.
Charts and publications
NZ 72, 7124. Admiralty Pilot NP51.
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2017ETA and pre-arrival notices
The ETA should be sent to the Harbour Master 24 and 4 hours prior to arrival and if a pilot is required then an ETA 48 hours prior to arrival at the port roadstead should be sent. If ETA falls on a Sat, Sun or on a public holiday which falls on a Mon, notification must be received by the Harbour Master before 1400hrs on the previous Fri.
Communications
Radio: To establish radio contact call on 2182kHz, 2162kHz, 2045kHz and 2430kHz.
Harbour Supervisor:
Telephone: +64 3768 5666
Fax: +64 3768 0646
VHF: 14 (traffic control & advice), 16, 63, 68
Standard messages
Agent/port company will advise pilot boarding time and berth details, port situation.
Notice of readiness
As per Charter Party or at arrival at the pilot station.
Health
A similar exemption is granted to vessels making their first port of call in New Zealand directly after leaving any port on the W coast of Canada or United States of America, or from any port on the E coast of those countries, if using the Panama Canal. In these cases, an intervening call may be made en route to New Zealand at any port of the above listed places.
The exemptions only apply if no person onboard suffers from an eruptive disease attended by fever or glandular swelling.
It is unlawful for any person, except in an emergency or with the authority of Port Health Officer, to board the vessel until pratique has been granted.
Customs and immigration
Normal Customs/Immigration formalities apply. Visa, if required can be applied for on arrival.
Allowances for officers and crew: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits, 750ml wine, there are cash fines and confiscation, for non compliance with these allowances.
Notices and regulations
Regional Council Bye Laws apply. Vessels must comply with ballast water discharge restrictions and be free from Asian Gypsy Moth.
Inspections
Port State Control here: 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 New Zealand
Maritime Safety Authority
PO Box 27006, 275-281 Upper Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 4 382 8198.
Fax: +64 4 382 4934.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand.
Contact person: Maritime Security Adviser.
Address: PO Box 27006, Level 8 Gen-I Tower, 109 Featherston Street, Wellington, 6005, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 4 471 5366.
Fax: +64 4 494 1270.
Website: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
Slipway available for vessels up to 150t, draught 3.0m, max keel length 17m and max beam 7.6m.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available if sufficient notice is tendered.
Medical
Hospital and dentist available at Greymouth.
Crew change
This is available by arrangement at sea by using the pilot launch.
Transport
Nearest airport: Hokitika (40km).
Nearest railway: Greymouth (2km).
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri, 0800-2100hrs and Sat 0800-1200hrs.
About Greymouth
updated May 2010Where it is
Greymouth is located on the W coast of New Zealand's South Island at the mouth of the river Grey.
The port
Greymouth has 2 breakwaters which protect the port's river berths. There is no harbour, but swinging room is available for departing ships.
Greymouth is an important regional fishing centre which offers facilities for 3 deeper draught vessels.
Principal imports and exports are coal, timber, tuna and ilmenite.
Questions about Greymouth
What are the pilot arrangements at Greymouth?
Pilotage is not compulsory.
What time zone is Greymouth in?
Local time at Greymouth is UTC+13. Back to UTC+12 on 3 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC+13 on 25 Sep 2027.
What is the water density at Greymouth?
1025.
Which load line zone is Greymouth in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Greymouth?
Port State Control at Greymouth: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Greymouth?
The UN/LOCODE of Greymouth is NZGMN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Greymouth 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.