PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Kotzebue
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory, it is advisable for exempted vessels, small craft and boats proceeding into Kotzebue to take a pilot.
Key data
updated Jun 2023Size limits
LOA 45.72m, beam 15.24m, 450DWT.
Load line zone
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowley Marine Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2023Anchorages
Sea going vessels anchor as close as possible to Kotzebue to lighter cargo ashore. The usual anchorage is from 3-6nm SW of Cape Blossom, in depths from 9.0-11.0m, where there is protection from N and E winds. The anchorage should be approached from W. The distance by boat from the anchorage to Kotzebue is approx 15nm over many sand bars which are constantly shifting.
Early in the navigation season anchorage has been obtained 13nm WSW of Kotzebue, in a depth of 11.0m, with Kotzebue Aero Light bearing 078°, some horn-shaped aerials 4nm SSW of the light bearing 121°. Vessels using this anchorage may however, run the risk of damage by ice during W winds.
Charts and publications
BA 4814. Admiralty Pilot NP23, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
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 Jun 2023Bunkers, water and stores
Freshwater: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Maniilaq Health Center, 850m.
Transport
Nearest airport: Ralph Wien Memorial Airport, 1.4km.
About Kotzebue
updated Jul 2022Where it is
Kotzebue is located 880km NW of Anchorage on E side of Kotzebue Sound on E side of Bering Strait.
The port
Kotzebue is a medium sized port.
Questions about Kotzebue
What are the pilot arrangements at Kotzebue?
Compulsory, it is advisable for exempted vessels, small craft and boats proceeding into Kotzebue to take a pilot.
What time zone is Kotzebue in?
Local time at Kotzebue is UTC−9. Clocks go to UTC−8 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−9 on 7 Nov 2027.
Which load line zone is Kotzebue in?
North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.
Who carries out Port State Control at Kotzebue?
Port State Control at Kotzebue: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kotzebue?
The UN/LOCODE of Kotzebue is USOTZ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Kotzebue 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.