PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Ketchikan
Pilot
updated Aug 2010Compulsory. Available through Southeastern Alaska Pilots Association, 215 Heckman Building, Ketchikan, AK 99901. Tel: +1 907 225 9696, Email [email protected]. ETA should be advised 5 days, 48 hours and 12 hours prior to arrival.
Pilots are available at all times and are embarked from a tug stationed 1nm N of Guard Island Light (55°27'N 131°53'W), or if using Nichols Passage 1nm E of Point McCartey Light (55°07'N 131°42'W). A VHF listening watch is maintained on the pilot boats from 1 hour before arrival time.
Key data
updated Feb 2019Size limits
Max size: draught 12.1m, LOA 293m.
Panamax Class vessels.
Water density
1020.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 1.2m to 5.7m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berths | — | — | 6 |
| HARBOR ENTERPRISES, PETRO MARINE SERVICES, KETCHIKAN WHARVES | — | — | 7 |
| WHARF AND FLOATS | — | — | 7 |
| NORTHLAND SERVICES, KETCHIKAN WHARF AND TRANSFER BRIDGE | — | — | 7 |
| ALASKA GENERAL PROCESSORS, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 7 |
| ALASKA GENERAL PROCESSORS, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| ANDERES OIL CO, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 7 |
| TRIDENT SEAFOODS, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, BERTHS 1A AND 1B WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, RYUS FLOAT | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, BERTH 2 WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, HANSEN FLOAT | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, CITY FLOATS | — | — | 6 |
| WATERFRONT STORAGE CO, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 7 |
| TALBOT'S BUILDING SUPPLY, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 7 |
All 27 terminals
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHEAST STEVEDORING KETCHIKAN FLOAT | — | — | 6 |
| E C PHILLIPS & SON, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, BAR HARBOR BASIN SOUTH FLOATS 1, 3-9 | — | — | 5 |
| CITY OF KETCHIKAN, BAR HARBOR BASIN NORTH FLOATS 10-17 | — | — | 5 |
| BRIDGE | — | — | 7 |
| BERTH | — | — | 6 |
| ALASKA SHIP & DRY DOCK, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| KETCHIKAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FERRY DOCK | — | — | 6 |
| KETCHIKAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FERRY SLIP | — | — | 6 |
| SEAPLANE FLOAT | — | — | 6 |
| WARDS COVE PACKING CO, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 6 |
| KETCHIKAN PULP CO, KETCHIKAN WHARF | — | — | 7 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2019Approach
The port is approached and entered from the S through West Channel or East Channel at the SE end of Tongass Narrows and from the N through the NW part of Tongass Narrows.
Anchorages
There are no specified anchorages, though deep draught vessels can be accommodated.
Restrictions
The Harbour Master requires sufficient trained personnel to remain onboard able move the vessel within 15 minutes if required.
Tugs
Tugs up to 1,800hp are available and equipped with VHF-FM Ch 13,16. Tugs normally use their own lines. Arrangements should be made well in advance.
Charts and publications
BA 4801, 4975; NOAA 17428, 17430. Admiralty Pilot NP4, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Communications
VHF: Marine operator: Ch 16, 22.
Port Operations: Ch 16, 73.
Pilots: SE Alaska Pilotage region: Ch 16.
Information broadcasts are made on 157.10MHz after an announcement on VHF Ch 16.
Health
No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Quarantine is administered locally.
Customs and immigration
Contact on arrival. Ketchikan is a Customs Port of Entry.
Notices and regulations
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Feb 2019Repairs
Full repair services available from Ketchikan Shipyard, 365.8m length repair berth available.
Local shops also offer minor repair services.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Fuel and lubricants available.
Fresh water: Available at berths.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Peace Health Ketchikan Medical Centre, 2.25km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Ketchikan International Airport located at Ketchikan, 3.8km.
Airport facilities: Daily flights to and from Seattle.
Nearest railway: Prince Rupert, BC, with marine barge rail system connection.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1700hrs. Summer 0600-2200hrs.
About Ketchikan
updated Mar 2019Where it is
Ketchikan is situated on Revillagigedo Island in the SE region of Alaska close to the border with British Columbia, Canada.
The port
The port is located along SE Alaska'a Inside Passage. The port has facilities for general cargo, liquid bulks, container, passengers and cruise vessels.
Traffic
Approximate 780,000t of cargo, 140TEU, 500 vessels and 1,100,000 passengers are handled annually.
Questions about Ketchikan
What are the pilot arrangements at Ketchikan?
Compulsory. Available through Southeastern Alaska Pilots Association, 215 Heckman Building, Ketchikan, AK 99901.
What time zone is Ketchikan in?
Local time at Ketchikan is UTC−9. Clocks go to UTC−8 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−9 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the water density at Ketchikan?
1020.
Which load line zone is Ketchikan in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Ketchikan?
Port State Control at Ketchikan: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Ketchikan?
The UN/LOCODE of Ketchikan is USKTN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Ketchikan 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.