PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Levuka
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory and it is recommended that notice of ETA at Pilot station is sent through agents at least 48 hours in advance. Pilot boards approximately 1nm E of South Entrance at Levuka.
Key data
updated May 2010Size limits
Max LOA 171m, draught 7.6m, 30,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Wharf | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
Levuka Harbour is entered through
Na Tubari or South Entrance on the alignment (263°) of leading lights:
Front light: Neon cross on face of Roman Catholic church tower (17°41.0'S 178°50.3'E).
Rear light: Vertical neon strip on mast, 0.125nm W of Front light which leads between the light standing close within the N extremity of Balavu Reef and a beacon (triangle, point down, topmark) marking the S end of Lekaleka Reef.
Then the track leads: Either, NW to the quarantine anchorage passing NE of Middle Patch (0.3nm within the entrance) and NE of Ici Cabi Reef,
Or, WSW to Kings Wharf, passing S of Middle Patch.
Port limits
The limits of Levuka harbour are bounded:
To the N by a line drawn NE from Cape Horn, at the NE extremity of Ovalau, to the N side of and including the Nukunuku Passage.
Then to the E, by the seaward edge of the reef extending S to and including, the Nalulu Entrance (17°44.2'S 178°50.6'E).
Then, to the S, by a line drawn NW to the mouth of Tokou Creek.
Anchorages
Quarantine anchorage for vessels over 76m in length, lies in the N part of the harbour, 0.25nm NNE of Ici Cabi Reef (17°40.8'S 178°50.5'E).
Anchorage is afforded in depths of 27-36m, good holding ground, to the E of Kings Wharf; however, overnight anchorage is not recommended owing to lack of swinging room.
Restrictions
Berthing takes place during daylight only.
Tugs
Available from Suva by prior arrangement.
Charts and publications
BA 1244. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised to the vessel's agent 72 hours prior to arrival. Further ETA's should be sent 48, 24, 12 and 6 hours prior to arrival. The messages, in addition to date and time of arrival information, should also include any requirements and health condition of crew and passengers.
ETA should be forwarded to port master's office not less than 24 hours before vessel's arrival. Any cancellation/delays to be advised in advance.
Communications
VHF: Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
Tendered as per vessel's charter party.
Health
Health Authorities require that the vessel cables details of ports visited within 50 days of arrival. This should be sent with the 48 hour ETA message. Details to be sent to Port Health Authority on Fax: +679 313568. Radio pratique will be granted to a vessel which has not visited a port in a malarial area within 50 days.
The authorities will board, inspect and spray a vessel which has visited a malarial port. Such a vessel will not be allowed to berth at night. A Quarantine Officer will sight Maritime Declaration of Health and Ship Sanitation Control Certificate on boarding. Vessel must anticipate delays since Port Health board at quarantine anchorage from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.
No further pratique formalities are required in Fiji other than at the first port of entry.
Flags
Vessels to fly Fiji's national flag.
Notices and regulations
Vessel operations are governed by the Port Authority and Maritime Regulations, copies of which are obtainable.
Inspections
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: Maritime and Port Authority of Fiji (MPAF).
Position: Security Officer.
Address: PO Box 780, Suva, Fiji.
Tel: +679 331 2700.
Fax: +679 330 0064.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Minor repairs only available.
Dry docks
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Light marine diesel available.
Medical
Hospital in Levuka.
Crew change
Crew change possible at Levuka.
Transport
Nearest airport: Approx 19km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours in three shifts.
About Levuka
updated Dec 2016Where it is
Levuka is located on the eastern coast of the island of Ovalau, which lies approx 20km E of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island.
The port
The port is not serviced frequently by foreign vessels and is the base for the local fishing trade, although tankers and cargo vessels take precedence for berthing. Levuka is a Port of Entry.
The main cargoes handled are empty cans for the fish canning factory, frozen tuna, skipjack, etc.
Traffic
Approx 200,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Levuka
What are the pilot arrangements at Levuka?
Pilotage is compulsory and it is recommended that notice of ETA at Pilot station is sent through agents at least 48 hours in advance.
What time zone is Levuka in?
Local time at Levuka is UTC+12. No summer time.
What is the water density at Levuka?
1025.
Which load line zone is Levuka in?
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Levuka?
Port State Control at Levuka: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Levuka?
The UN/LOCODE of Levuka is FJLEV.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Levuka 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.