Isabela

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range 0.7m; mean neap range 0.1m.

Tidal streams: The NE-going stream in Isabela Channel sets at a rate of 4 to 5kts and for a much longer period than the SW stream and a rate 1kts less. Heavy tide-rips may be encountered at the channel entrances when the wind is against the stream.

Close W of Malamaui Island, a N or S set is experienced with the rate diminishing as the distance from the island increases. Tidal streams set across the channel S of Moro Island so care must be taken not to be set on to the reefs SE of the island.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: The port is approached through Malamaui Road and entered S of Moro Island at the W entrance to Isabela Channel. If not taking a pilot the port may also be approached through the NE entrance to Isabela Channel, which may be approached from either end, but it is preferable to enter against the tidal stream to avoid turning in the channel.

Directions: West approach passing North of Moro Island: From a position 2nm NNW of Pameluken Bank the track leads SSE for approx 3.5nm to a position 1.25nm WSW of Moro Island and approx 1nm from the Basilan Coast avoiding a shoal with a depth of 2.7m over it, lying 0.05nm N of the E extremity of San Rafael Bay. Then:

The track leads ENE passing N of Moro Island. The NE point of the Island should be given a wide berth as the tidal streams appear to set towards the reef which extends a short distance from that point.

The alignment 067° of the leading beacons on Malamaui Island leads through the channel N of Moro Island.

Front beacon (white triangle) 06°42.7'N 121°57.2'E.

Rear beacon (white triangle) 06°42.8'N 121°57.3'E.

From a position 0.01nm N of the N extremity of Moro Island the track leads ESE towards the prominent chimney then into the port area.

West approach passing South of Moro Island: The track leads E with the prominent chimney right ahead keeping to the mid-channel to clear the shoals.

Note: Both W channels are well marked by buoys and beacons. The N channel is wider and has greater depth, but it has a sharp turn.

North-east approach: Usually used by local craft, it is entered by passing approximately 0.125nm E of Malamaui Island Lighthouse from when the track leads in mid-channel to a position 0.1nm SE of the NE extremity 1.5nm into the port area.

Note: Attention is drawn to the ruins lying on a shoal 0.075nm E of the PPA wharf.

Anchorages

Outer anchorages: Malamaui Road, W of the W entrance to Isabela Channel provides safe anchorage for vessels of all sizes. The holding ground is good and protected from strong winds.

Inner anchorages: The best anchorage in Isabela Channel is in mid-channel close N of the PPA Wharf in a depth of 14.6m, coral and sand. There is a good anchorage N of Kalut Island, but the swinging room is limited so that larger vessels may be required to secure hawsers to mangroves on shore.

Restrictions

Daylight berthing only.

Tugs

Two tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 4470. Admiralty Pilot NP33., NP286(4).

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

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: Office for Transportation Security - DOTC

Address: The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines.

Fax: +63 2 725 4787

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

Repairs

Minor repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

Basilan General Hospital, 2.2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Zamboanga International (26km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Isabela is located on the NW shore of Basilan Island, close S of Malamaui Island, in the Basilan Strait.

The port

The port handles general cargo, Ro-Ro and passenger.

What are the pilot arrangements at Isabela?

Available. Pilotage is not compulsory but is recommended for foreign vessels to request a pilot, with prior notice.

What time zone is Isabela in?

Local time at Isabela is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the water density at Isabela?

1025.

Which load line zone is Isabela in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Isabela?

Port State Control at Isabela: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Isabela?

The UN/LOCODE of Isabela is PHBCT.

What crews who called at Isabela 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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