Kieta

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.7m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

North passage: Approach: In clear weather, the main entrance through the barrier reef can be approached on the alignment (228°) of the NW end of Arovo Island (06°10'S 155°38'E) and Mount Negrohead (11nm SW). In low visibility the entrance can be approached on the alignment of the NW end of Arovo Island and the W shoulder of a saddle above Rapa Point (1nm SW), the NW extremity of Kieta Peninsula.

Caution: The edges of the reefs on either side of the entrance are not clearly defined until close in but the sea breaks on them even in a low swell. The reefs can be identified on the radar display at approx 1.5nm.

The track through the main entrance leads 205°, with Kepotto Point (06°11'S 155°38'E), ahead, passing:

WNW of a light beacon (red tripod, concrete base; 8m in height) on a white sand cay which dries 1.5m, near the W extremity of Moto Reef, and ESE of a light beacon (green pile, 5m in height) on the SE extremity of Banaru Reef, then ESE of a shoal with a least depth of 9.8m over it (0.3nm SSE of SE end of Banaru Reef).

Then the track leads 180° into Kieta Harbour, passing (positions relative to Wogoromodo Reef Light (06°10'S 155°39'E):

E of Arovo Island (1mn WNW), then W of a light beacon (red framework structure on cairn, elevation 8m) on the W end of Wogoromodo Reef, then E of a light beacon (white column with red bands), 6m in height) (2.5nm SSW) standing at the extremity of a reef extending E from a promontory. Detached shoals, with depths of 7.9m and 6.4m over them, lie, respectively, 0.25nm NNW and 0.25nm SSW of this beacon.

South passage: The passage through the barrier reef between Tunani Islet (06°13.5'S 155°43.4'E), on the W end of Tunani Reef, and the S end of Gero Reef (1.25nm NW) appears to be deep and clear of dangers. The track through it leads SSW and then W to join the inshore passage from Luluai Point, passing:

S of a shallow bank (1nm W of Tunai Islet) with a least depth of 3.0m over it.

Then the track leads into Kieta Harbour through the passage S of Bakawari Island on the line of bearing 293° of houses at Kieta, passing (positions relative to S extremity of Bakawari):

NNE of Puanago Shoal (0.8nm SE), then NNE of a 2.4m patch marked by a buoy (N cardinal) (0.6nm SSE).

Anchorages

No recommended anchorages for large vessels.

Charts and publications

Aus 399, 683; BA 3994. Admiralty Pilot NP60, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

To be advised not less than 12 hours prior to arrival through Rabaul Radio with confirmation 4 to 5 hours in advance.

Communications

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 12. Call "Kieta Port Control", listening watch is kept between 0745 and 1600hrs Monday-Friday and when a vessel is expected.

Tel: +675 985 6063 (Office hours), Tel: +675 9885 6308 (AOH).

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: Department of Transport

Address: PO Box 1489, Port Moresby, NCD PNG

Tel: +675 325 7500

Fax: +675 323 3339

Mobile: +675 6813745.

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

Repairs

Light engineering services available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Available from Shell for coastal craft only.

Medical

Arawa General Hospital, 9.8km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Arawa Airport located at Arawa, 8.9km.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1600hrs, 1600-1900hrs and 2000-2359hrs.

Where it is

Kieta is situated on the NE coast of Bougainville Island, on the E side of Kieta Peninsula.

The port

The port which is sheltered from the E by Bakawari Island has facilities for overseas as well as coastal traffic for general cargoes and copra. Most of the port's facilities are dedicated to coastal vessels, there being no bunkering or fresh water available for larger tonnage. Tugs and lighters are available through Bougainville Copper Pty Ltd, but there is no suitable anchorage at which large vessels may be lightened.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kieta?

Compulsory and available during daylight hours only.

What time zone is Kieta in?

Local time at Kieta is UTC+11. No summer time.

What is the water density at Kieta?

1025.

Which load line zone is Kieta in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Kieta?

Port State Control at Kieta: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kieta?

The UN/LOCODE of Kieta is PGKIE.

What crews who called at Kieta 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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