Kismayu

Size limits

Max draught 8.5m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.5m.

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

Approach

An entrance channel, with a least width of 100m, leads from Passo Interno to a harbour basin N of the head of the breakwater.

Fairway Buoy (W cardinal), moored 1nm SSW of the NW end of Deep Water Jetty marks the seaward end of the 100m wide entrance channel which is marked by buoys on both sides. Leading lights in line bearing 008° mark the final approach within the buoyed channel to the harbour basin.

The N corner of the harbour basin is marked by a lightbuoy (S cardinal).

Depths: Dredging is carried out within the limits of the entrance channel and harbour basin, but the depths are subject to change.

Directions for entrance channel: Local knowledge is essential for entering the harbour. Vessels approach on the leading line for Passo Interno and when abreast the lightbuoy (W cardinal) marking the seaward end of the entrance channel alter course NE, leaving that buoy to starboard and then keep within the buoyed channel.

Care is necessary to avoid an unmarked 4.9m patch situated 0.2nm SW of the head of the breakwater.

Anchorages

Depths from 8.0m to 9.0m, may be obtained in the harbour basin. The holding ground is excellent.

Restrictions

Berthing takes place during daylight only.

Tugs

Available.

Charts and publications

BA 1052. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Ships should report their ETA through Djibouti or Mombasa Radio so as to reach their local agent not less than 36 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

ISPS

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

Medical

Medical facilities are available in an emergency.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kismayu Airport (16km).

Working hours

Normally 0600-1400hrs. Overtime by arrangement.

Where it is

Kismayu is situated 205km S of Mogadiscio on the S Somali coast.

The port

The port is formed by a sheltered bay and a concrete breakwater, which provide berths alongside and at anchor. Vessels calling to load bananas are given priority.

Traffic

Over 30 vessels visit the port annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kismayu?

Compulsory. The pilot boards 2.4km SE of the Fairway Buoy.

What time zone is Kismayu in?

Local time at Kismayu is UTC+3. No summer time.

What is the water density at Kismayu?

1025.

Which load line zone is Kismayu in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kismayu?

The UN/LOCODE of Kismayu is SOKMU.

What crews who called at Kismayu 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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