Kaolack

Size limits

Length 105m and draught 4.3m.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range 0.7m; mean neap range 0.3m.

Approach

River Saloum is only approx 90m wide abreast Kaolack, and vessels are recommended to turn above the town and secure alongside head down river with an anchor laid out in mid river. In winter, vessels should also let go a stern anchor.

A bridge crosses the river approx 1nm above Kaolack, above which the river is only navigable by small boats.

Anchorages

Anchorage is indicated on the chart in depths of approx 4.0m between the quay at Kaolack and the salt jetty at Diorhane.

Restrictions

The depth at the river entrance is 3.0m plus tidal depth.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 607, 1663 and 1664. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 96, 48 and 12 hours prior to arrival. Message to include cargo to discharge, drums to discharge (if any), draught on arrival, expected draught on departure, last port of call and next port of call.

Vessels carrying hazardous and/or strong smelling cargoes, must declare to the harbour master at least 48 hours prior to arrival, the nature/quantity/packing of these goods as well as their stowage onboard. The same applies for Arms and Ammunitions.

Communications

VHF: Kaolack Harbour Office Ch 16.

Documents

Great care should be taken in completing all Store Lists, Slop Chest Lists and Personal Effects Lists as customs check all stores, including fridge spaces. All paints onboard must be declared. Customs also board vessels at anchor and inside territorial waters, inflicting heavy fines in cases where stores, etc, are not prepared and ready for inspection. Also, heavy fines are imposed for any discrepancies.

Even when calling at the port for emergencies (eg, Medivac) a full set of documents must be prepared before entering territorial waters.

No vessel is allowed to leave Dakar without having received onboard an Outward Manifest duly visaed by the local customs authorities. Vessels leaving without such manifest will be heavily fined.

Masters must have all documentation ready, prior to arrival at the pilot station.

Health

Quarantine regulations are strictly enforced and no communication with the shore is permitted until the vessel has been granted pratique.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Small repairs can be carried out.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available but limited.

Medical

Medical facilities are available in the town.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kaolack Airport (5km).

Working hours

Normally 0700-1300hrs/1400-1800hrs weekdays. Sat 0800-1200hrs.

Where it is

Kaolack is situated approx 222nm up the River Saloum from the Sangomar Bar.

The port

The min width of the river is 90m, with the max draught of vessels governed by the depth over the bar. Vessels usually leave the port 1.5 hours before HW in order for there to be sufficient depth of water over some shallow sections of the river.

Main exports are salt and groundnuts.

Traffic

Approx 80,000t cargo handled annually.

What time zone is Kaolack in?

Local time at Kaolack is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the water density at Kaolack?

1000.

Which load line zone is Kaolack in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kaolack?

The UN/LOCODE of Kaolack is SNKLC.

What crews who called at Kaolack 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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