PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Kerch
Pilot
updated Mar 2013Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels bound for Kerch or transiting the Kerch Straits. Pilots board at the southern end of the channel, off Lightbuoys No 1 and No 2 in position 45°12.0'N 036°28.0'E and at the northern end of the channel at Varzovskiy Lightbuoy (45°27.5'N 036°41.5'E) for south bound traffic.
Requests for pilots should be made to the Captain of the Port by radio, 24 hours prior to arrival advising ETA at the entrance to Kerchenskiy Strait.
Key data
updated Aug 2022Size limits
LOA 116.06m, beam 21.57m, draught 8.0m, 4533DWT.
Water density
1008-1011.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for vessels over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for vessels of 100m or less in length, Winter Dec 1 to Feb 28/29, Summer Mar 1 to Nov 30.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerch Sea Port | 8.00 m | 116 m | 7 |
| Kerch Fishing Port | — | 109 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 May 2022Approach
The approach channel to Kerch port branches off the strait approx 1nm E of Mys Belyy at position 45°19.0'N 036°31.0'E, then vessels proceed through separate channels to the various sections of the port. Navigation through Kerch-Yenikalskiy Channel should be by the recommended course and fairway only.
Anchorages
Permission for loading operations must be sought from and coordinated by the Port of Kerch.
Vessels with draught of no more than 6.0m are to anchor at anchorage No 452.
The port's inner road anchorage is available for 2 vessels with a total length up to 120m, or 1 vessel of over 120m length.
Restrictions
Restrictions: Entry into the approach channel is prohibited during periods of fog, snowfall, mist, heavy rain and if the wind speed exceeds 27kts.
The max permitted speed through the Kerch-Yenikalskiy Channel is 10kts, however vessels with draught less than 5.0m, may navigate at 12kts.
Anchoring within the channels, fairways and roads of the Kerch Strait is prohibited.
Vessels over 160m LOA can only enter the port during daytime and in good weather conditions. Other vessels can enter at any time during day or night.
Tugs
To enable vessels to turn safely from the Kerch-Yenikalskiy Channel into Port Kerch's approach channel, and vice-versa when leaving the port, tug assistance is compulsory.
Charts and publications
BA 2216, 2242. Admiralty Pilot NP24, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
Vessels should contact local agent through "Kerch Radio" on VHF Ch 16 and maintain a listening watch.
Documents
For discharging: Manifests, Bills of Lading and Cargo Plan are required.
It is also necessary to have all ship's papers and certificates, including Sewage Treatment Plant Certificates and segregated ballast samples, if ballast water required to be discharged in port (see Country section for further details).
Customs and immigration
Due to new Customs regulations, Masters must pay Customs dues in cash for arrival/sailing formalities $10 each, total $20.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Transport of Ukraine, State Department of Maritime and Inland Water Transport.
Position: Director.
Address: 14 Peremogy Ave, Kiev, 01135, Ukraine.
Tel: +38 044 461 5198
Fax: +38 044 461 5318
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2022Repairs
Hull and machinery repairs available.
Dry docks
There are 2 floating docks with lifting capacity of 8,500t and 5,000t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at quays, piers and outer roads.
Bunkering: Bunkering operations are held in the outer roadstead. Orders should be submitted 24 hours prior to arrival.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Akva Med Marin,200m.
Transport
Nearest airport: Kerch' Tsentr, 5.9km.
Nearest railway: Kerch, 3.9km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Kerch
updated Aug 2022Where it is
Kerch is located in Kerchenskaya Bay, in the Kerchnskiy Straits joining the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.
The port
The port handles general cargo (metal products, equipment, etc.), bulk cargo (ferro-alloys, cast iron, scrap metal, iron ore pellets), containers, vehicles, bulk grain and ammonium nitrate, RoRo .
Questions about Kerch
What are the pilot arrangements at Kerch?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels bound for Kerch or transiting the Kerch Straits.
What time zone is Kerch in?
Local time at Kerch is UTC+3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Kerch?
The deepest berth listed is at Kerch Sea Port: 8.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Kerch?
1008-1011.
Which load line zone is Kerch in?
Summer Zone for vessels over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for vessels of 100m or less in length, Winter Dec 1 to Feb 28/29, Summer Mar 1 to Nov 30.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kerch?
The UN/LOCODE of Kerch is UAKEH.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Kerch 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.