PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Jolo
Pilot
updated May 2010- Jolo pilot boarding Pilot boards06°03.7′N 120°59.7′E
Pilotage is compulsory with at least 3 days prior notice to Jolo Pilot's Association. The pilot will board approximately 0.4nm NW of the pier.
A customs launch assists in berthing and unberthing provided sufficient notice is given.
Key data
updated Aug 2010Size limits
Max draught 10.0m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Mean spring range 0.6m; mean neap range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berths | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2020Approach
Approach and entry: Vessels approaching Jolo from N and E, especially those coming from Zamboanga, enter Jolo Harbour between Daingapic Point and Pangasinan Island. Vessels from Sandakan and points W approach through Pangutaran Passage.
Directions: Enter the port from a position NW of Jolo Lighthouse keeping it right ahead on which line of bearing enter the harbour. When 0.5nm from the lighthouse steer SW towards the anchorage or for the approach to Jolo Pier. The approach channel is approximately 0.2nm wide between shoals on either side with a controlling depth of 4m below MLLWL. The pier should be approached from W, as there is shoal water off its NE end.
Port limits
Jolo Harbour limits are contained within lines drawn from Belan Point towards the SW extremity of Marongas Island (06°07'N 120°57'E) extending only so far as it is intersected by another line drawn W from Daingapic Point.
Anchorages
Outer anchorages: Foreign vessels entering Jolo Port should anchor 4nm NW of the pier to await instructions.
Jolo anchorage, situated NE of Belan Point, is open N and W and because the coastal bank is steep and tidal streams strong, it is not a good anchorage. During the NE monsoon (Oct-Mar) it may be necessary to shelter under the lee of Marongas Island. Care must be taken to avoid the fishtraps 0.25nm NE of Belan Point.
Inner anchorage: The usual anchorage for vessels not intending to proceed alongside Jolo Pier, is NW of Jolo Lighthouse, in depths from 22.0 to 26.0m. Merchant ships must anchor to the W of a line drawn 351° from the lighthouse. Warships and vessels of the Philippines Transport Service anchor E of this line.
Restrictions
Entry is permitted only during daytime.
Tugs
Not available.
Charts and publications
BA 4446. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent 3 days prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered to PPA and PMO, Jolo.
Documents
Documentation is as required by National Government.
Cargo documentation: Contact PPA, Jolo/Cargo Handling Services for documentation requirements.
Health
Contact Bureau of Quarantine, Jolo for health regulations.
Notices and regulations
General notices and regulations will be advised 24 hours prior to arrival.
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: 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
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
None.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available on request, private road tankers owned by Caltex Phil.
Medical
Integrated Sulu Provincial Hospital, Jolo.
Transport
Nearest airport: Jolo Airport.
Working hours
Normally 0500-2000hrs.
About Jolo
updated May 2010Where it is
Jolo is located on the northern shore of Jolo Island, between Mindanao Island and Sabah (Malaysia).
The port
The main cargoes handled by the port are copra and hemp, seaweed and dried fish.
Questions about Jolo
Where does the pilot board at Jolo?
The pilot boards at Jolo pilot boarding, 06°03.7′N 120°59.7′E.
What time zone is Jolo in?
Local time at Jolo is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the water density at Jolo?
1025.
Which load line zone is Jolo in?
Tropical.
Who carries out Port State Control at Jolo?
Port State Control at Jolo: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Jolo?
The UN/LOCODE of Jolo is PHJOL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Jolo 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.