PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Kingstown
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory, for vessels over 100GT proceeding to the Deep Water Wharf, Camden Park Bay Berth and Arnos Vale tanker berth. Requests for a pilot should be made 24 hours prior to the ETA.
Pilot boards 0.5nm S of Fort Charlotte Light.
Key data
updated May 2010Size limits
North Cruise Ship Berth: LOA 260m, draught 9.0m, 70,000GT.
Deepwater Pier: LOA 168m, draught 9.1m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.1m (springs). MHHW 0.6m, MLLW 0.5m.
The streams appear to run at HW and LW by the shore, the NW going stream synchronising with the falling tide, but they are subject to great irregularities from wind and current.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campden Park Container Port (CPCP) | — | — | 1 |
| East Carribbean Flour Mills Terminal (ECFMIL) | — | — | 1 |
| VINLEC Lowmans Bay Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| SVG Cruise Terminal | — | 260 m | 2 |
| Kingstown Port Terminal | — | 168 m | 1 |
| Arnos Vale Terminal | 7.00 m | — | 1 |
| Ferry Terminal | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2018Approach
Kingstown Bay is open to the SW and there are no charted dangers in the approach, outside 0.2nm from the coast.
From the vicinity of 13°07'N 061°16'W, 1nm WSW of Cane Garden Point, the approach track leads NE.
Leading mark: Light structure on the cupola of the police station approx 0.15nm N of the Deep Water Wharf. The line of bearing 042.5°, of this structure leads into Kingstown Bay, passing with positions from Fort Charlotte Light, 13°09.4'N 061°14.5'W, then:
SE of the Gimlets, a small above water ledge extending a short distance S from Johnson Point 0.3nm SW and NW of Cane Garden Point 1.5nm SE the W extremity of a promontory which slopes gently to the sea. A dangerous wreck, with a depth of 1.8m over it, lies 0.12nm S of Cane Garden Point. Then SE of a 10m patch lying 0.1nm S of Old Woman Point; 0.2nm S. Then as required for anchoring or berthing.
Approach to berth: If proceeding alongside, an approach on the cathedral tower may be more appropriate. Two wrecks (1 dangerous and 1 with 2.1m of water over it) lie between the wharf and the Cruise Ship Jetty.
Port limits
The limits of Kingstown Bay extend from Old Woman Point 13°09'N 061°15'W to Cane Garden Point 1.5nm SE. The port limits also include Camden Park Bay (13°10'N 061°15'W) and Arnos Vale LPG terminal in Great Head Bay (13°08.3'N 061°13'W).
Anchorages
Anchorage may be found S of the quay in Kingstown Harbour Roadstead 0.15 to 0.2nm offshore in a depth of 30.0 to 42m, clear of the 2 submarine cables and not to obstruct ships approaching or leaving the Deep Water Wharf. The holding ground is good.
Restrictions
Fort Charlotte Signal station (0.2nm N of the Old Woman Point) from which storm warnings and signals are displayed.
Tugs
Not available but a launch is maintained for use as a pilot boat and to assist in berthing.
Charts and publications
BA 596, 791, 799. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2018ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notify ETA 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16 and 11 are used for all communications.
Health
Quarantine: Port Health Officer boards at anchorage prior to granting pratique.
Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Immigration: Officials board at the anchorage.
Flags
National, "Q" and "G" flags should be flown on vessels arriving at the port.
Notices and regulations
It is reported that berthing is not recommended during the hours of darkness but vessels may un-berth at any time.
Port services
updated Feb 2018Repairs
Minor electrical and mechanical repairs, including welding are available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at the Deep Water Wharf.
Bunkering: Diesel and commercial aviation fuel can be delivered by road. Only available in quantities up to 100t.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Kingstown General Hospital (Milton Cato Memorial Hospital), 0.9km.
Transport
Nearest airport: E T Joshua Airport, located at Arnos Vale, 3.0km and Argyle International Airport located at Argyle Gardens, 12.7km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Kingstown
updated Feb 2018Where it is
Kingstown is located on the SW part of the Windward Island of St Vincent.
The port
The port is the centre for agricultural and tourist industries. Kingstown port handles a wide range of vessel traffic from deep sea cargo to cruise ship. The major commodities import and export includes lumber, container, cement, grain, flour, banana, rice, animal feeds, peas, beans, steel products, liquid and LPG.
Traffic
Handling approx400,000t of cargo, 1,300TEU's and 700 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Kingstown
What are the pilot arrangements at Kingstown?
Compulsory, for vessels over 100GT proceeding to the Deep Water Wharf, Camden Park Bay Berth and Arnos Vale tanker berth.
What time zone is Kingstown in?
Local time at Kingstown is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Kingstown?
The deepest berth listed is at Arnos Vale Terminal: 7.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Kingstown?
1025.
Which load line zone is Kingstown in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kingstown?
The UN/LOCODE of Kingstown is VCKTN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Kingstown 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.