PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Khoms
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory and available during daylight hours only. Pilotage must be arranged in advance as the pilot is based in Tarabulus. The pilot boards either at the anchorage, or 1nm ESE of the breakwater head.
Key data
updated Nov 2018Size limits
Off shore: Draught 13.0m, 40,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Khoms Power Stataion | 13.00 m | — | 1 |
| Al-Khoms Port | — | 188 m | 6 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Nov 2018Approach
The least depth is 13.0m in the channel. Approach and Entry: The port is approached directly from seaward; the coastline is reported to give a good radar response at ranges of up to 18nm. Khoms does not have a designated Approach Reporting Point but vessels must report their position, course and speed when 12nm off.
Traffic schemes and VTS
There are no traffic schemes adopted as the port channel is controlled by the port radio.
Anchorages
The designated anchorage is a 0.5nm radius circle, about 4.0nm ENE from the harbour.
The anchorage area is a part of the water port area. All vessels must anchor as instructed by the port authority and must not shift berth except on the instruction of the port authority.
Restrictions
Port operations are restricted to daylight hours.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 3347, 3403. Admiralty Pilot NP49, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2018ETA and pre-arrival notices
To be sent on departure from previous port and also 24 hours prior to arrival. The port can accept diverted vessels with an hours notice.
Communications
Radio: VHF: Port: Ch 16.
Pilot station: Ch 08, 10 and 12.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered once berthed alongside.
Health
The vessel should have a clean Bill of Health or equivalent document from the last port of call. The vessel's master and all crew should possess International Health Certificates showing a valid Smallpox Vaccination Certificate.
Customs and immigration
Libyan customs and immigration officials will board the vessel as soon as possible, after arrival, to give inward clearance and pratique services. Libyan Government Regulations are strictly enforced.
Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, matches, spirits, wines, beers, perfume, arms, ammunition, saccharin and possibly other items have to be locked up under customs seal, from time of vessels arrival until time of leaving territorial waters.
Each person is allowed 25 cigarettes per day of stay, or 25gm of tobacco or cigars in lieu thereof.
Clearance from the last port of call will be required by the government authorities.
According to the Libyan "Boycott of Israel" Law, it is considered to be a violation for any vessel calling at Libyan terminals or ports to have onboard any item whatsoever of Israeli and South African origin regardless of the country from which it was actually obtained. This law is strictly enforced and the min penalties will probably include a fine and confiscation of all such items.
Flags
During loading or unloading the international code flag "B" shall be displayed in accordance with the International Code Signal agreement.
Notices and regulations
All related Libyan regulations must be met for the port of Khoms. For more detailed information vessel's owners should contact any Libyan marine agent.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya..
Address: PO Box 390, Tripoli, Libya.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Nov 2018Repairs
Small repairs can be provided.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available with advance notice.
Bunkering: Available with advance notice.
Medical
Saraya International Hospital, 7km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Tripoli International Airport, 110km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-2300hrs.
About Khoms
updated Nov 2018Where it is
Khoms (also known as Homs or Al Khums) is situated on the coast of Libya, 120km E of Tripoli.
The port
The harbour consists of a basin enclosed on its NE side by a breakwater and on its SE side by a mole.
The port handles general cargo, container, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, vehicles and liquid cargo.
Questions about Khoms
What are the pilot arrangements at Khoms?
Compulsory and available during daylight hours only.
What time zone is Khoms in?
Local time at Khoms is UTC+2. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Khoms?
The deepest berth listed is at Al Khoms Power Stataion: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Khoms?
1025.
Which load line zone is Khoms in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Khoms?
The UN/LOCODE of Khoms is LYKHO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Khoms 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.