Kudat

Size limits

Max LOA 114m, 4,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

MHWS 1.7m; MLWS 1.2m; MHWN 1.2m; MLWN 0.5m. Tidal information is displayed by signals from a tower near the root of Government Wharf.

Approach

After passing Pulan Kalampunian (07°03'N 117° 43'E) keep 2nm off the coast. When Tanjong Tajau is abeam, Melau Besar, a hill 5nm SSW of Tanjong Tigasamil, kept open E of that point, bearing 199°, leads E of the reef off Tanjong Kapor and Sandilands Rock (06°52.3'N 116°51.5'E), with a depth of 2.1m over it.

A rock, with a depth of less than 1.8m over it, lies in the middle of the harbour, 0.8nm WSW of Datum Rock (0.15nm SE of residency point, which dries 2.1m and has a beacon, white topmark point up, on it).

Anchorages

Anchorage is recommended in a depth of 12m mud, 0.3nm S of Gueritz Rock on a bearing of 353° with the radio mast in transit. Anchorage may be had nearer the town if draught permits but regulations prevent anchoring any closer than 0.3nm off the head of Government Wharf.

No vessel carrying explosives or hydrocarbons is permitted to anchor closer than 0.65nm from the head of Government Wharf.

If draught permits anchorage of smaller vessels may be found W of the N bearing of Residency Point but care must be taken to avoid a rock with a depth of 1.8m over it, laying 0.7nm SW of Residency Point.

The Marudu Bay anchorage, approx 1nm S of Tanjung Tigasamil, is sheltered but depths fluctuate seasonally being up to 0.6m more in NE'ly monsoons.

The loading of timber and forest products is done at anchor.

Restrictions

An overhead cable crosses the bay between Residency Point and a point 0.1nm N of Government Wharf, it affords no risk to vessels.

Movement at night is permitted subject to a max LOA 110m and a draught of 6.2m.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 3525, 3728. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent 6 days prior to the vessel's arrival followed by a further ETA 24 hours prior to arrival. In addition to the date/time of arrival the message should also include arrival draughts, pilot requirements and any other requirements of the vessel.

Communications

Radio: Singapore or Kota Kinabalu Radio are recommended for passing messages. Singapore Radio works throughout 24 hours; Kota Kinabalu works from 0800-1600hrs weekdays and 0800-1200hrs on Sat.

VHF: Port: Ch 12 and 16.

Health

The Sabah Government are signatories to the World Health Organisation convention on quarantine regulations. The port health doctor will not board unless the vessel is arriving from an infected port. A Maritime Declaration of Health is to be completed and handed to the agent, together with a copy of the Crew List and a copy of the Passenger List.

The vessel should telex its agent prior to arrival advising the last port of call and whether the vessel is healthy.

Pratique is normally granted by radio and vessels should only proceed to the quarantine anchorage if arriving from an infected area.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be renewed for a 3 month period.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Daily allowance is per person: 142ml of spirit or 1,136ml of wine; beer or stout, 1,136ml, cigarettes, 25 or cigars, 8 or tobacco, 28.3gm or snuff, 28.3gm. Up to 3 days allowance issued at a time. The Customs house is near the root of the wharf.

Immigration: An immigration officer boards on arrival and clears the vessel inwards. The officer requires 2 copies each of the Crew List and Passenger List.

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: Marine Industrial Control Division.

Contact person: Director.

Address: PO Box 12, 42007 Port Klang, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 3 3346 7777.

Fax: +60 3 3168 4454.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.marine.gov.my

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

Repairs

No repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkers: Available in drums.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Kudat Hospital, 4km.

Crew change

A crew change is possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kudat airstrip, approx 5km N.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport, approx 129km SE.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1130hrs, 1300-1700hrs and 1800-2200hrs.

Where it is

Kudat harbour lies on the N shore of the entrance to Teluk Kudat on the northern coast of Sabah.

The port

The port has a wharf with accommodation for 2 vessels. A road system links Kudat with Kota Kinabalu. The importance of Kudat as a dry cargo port has diminished. However, the port continues to function as a timber exporting point.

In the future, with the development of the cement industry in Kudat, exports of limestone and silica should boost the port's importance.

Traffic

Approx 205,000t of cargo and 230 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Kudat?

Pilotage is not compulsory, but if required 24 hours notice should be given through the agent.

What time zone is Kudat in?

Local time at Kudat is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the water density at Kudat?

1025.

Which load line zone is Kudat in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Kudat?

Port State Control at Kudat: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kudat?

The UN/LOCODE of Kudat is MYKUD.

What crews who called at Kudat 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.

Read and add tips for Kudat →