PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Hon Chong
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory. The distance of the port from the pilot station is approx 8nm.
Key data
updated Jun 2020Size limits
LOA 130m, beam 20m, draught 4.8m, 8,100DWT.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holcim Cement Terminal | 4.80 m | 130 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2020Approach
The channel has a depth of 5.0m.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained by small vessels with local knowledge close off Hon Chong, according to draught, there is no greater depth than 3.7m off the town. The holding ground is good in a depth of 5.0m, in a position 0.3nm NW of Mui Ong Thoa.
During the SW monsoon the anchorages are untenable and the sea breaks around the off lying islets but there is some shelter for small craft under Hon Heo.
Tugs
Towage is available.
Charts and publications
BA 3879, 3985. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Notice of readiness
The NOR should be tendered when the vessel arrives at the pilot station.
Health
Pratique cannot be applied for by radio. It is normally applied for after the Quarantine delegation have viewed all the vessel's documents related to health (such as Health Declaration, Vaccination books, Ship Sanitation Control Certificate) and granted.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates may be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs: Officers and crew have to declare their personal effects to Customs as required. This includes foreign exchange, accompanied baggage and goods. The Customs allowance for officers and crew are a max of 1.5 litres of alcohol, a max of 400 cigarettes, 50-100 cigars, a max of 100gm of tobacco. Penalties for non compliance are based upon individual circumstances.
The bonded store will be sealed while a vessel stays in the port. A release of bonded goods may be permitted at any time subject to Customs approval and presence onboard.
Crew/passenger are not allowed to sell or change their personal effects, which are already declared to Customs, with local people. It is strictly prohibited to supply any bonded goods to shore personnel.
The following are prohibited from import/export: Weapons, explosives, drugs, antiques, documents relating to national security, cultural articles which may cause harm to Vietnam morality.
Flags
Vietnam regulations require vessels entering a Vietnamese port to display the Vietnam flag. If the vessel does not possess a Vietnamese flag, the Master can request the local agent to supply it on arrival at the pilot station. Penalty for non compliance is approx US$100-200.
Notices and regulations
The main/emergency radio transmitter and direction finder will be sealed when the vessel is in port. No direct communications are therefore possible so all messages must be routed through the vessel's agent.
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.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Vietnam Maritime Administration.
Position: Director of Marine Safety Department.
Address: 8 Pham Hung Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tel: +84 4 768 3194.
Fax: +84 4 768 3058.
Mob: +84 90 329 5340.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
About Hon Chong
updated Jun 2020Where it is
Hon Chong is located on the W coast of Vietnam approx 30km S of the Cambodia border.
The port
The port handles cement, with road connections to Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh (Cambodia).
Questions about Hon Chong
What are the pilot arrangements at Hon Chong?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Hon Chong in?
Local time at Hon Chong is UTC+7. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Hon Chong?
The deepest berth listed is at Holcim Cement Terminal: 4.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Hon Chong in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Hon Chong?
Port State Control at Hon Chong: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hon Chong?
The UN/LOCODE of Hon Chong is VNHCH.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Hon Chong 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.