PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Masinloc
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign merchant vessels entering or leaving the port and berthing at the pier, but is optional for local coastal vessels. Pilots are stationed at Masinloc-Sual Port District and meet vessels outside the entrance, 1.75nm NW of Alupihing Point (15°32'N 119°54'E). Whilst awaiting a pilot it is best to remain under way off port.
Masinloc should only be entered during daylight hours and in good weather. To enable vessels to leave at night, the pilot will place flares on Nos 1 to 4 Buoys.
Key data
updated Jul 2021Size limits
Draught 13 m.
Water density
1017.
Load line zone
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical 21 Jan to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Tides
MHHW 0.9m; MLLW 0.1m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perton Pier | 10.00 m | — | 1 |
| Masinloc Coal Power Plant | — | 229 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2021Approach
Approach and entry: Port Masinloc is entered from seaward via a narrow, marked channel between the reefs.
The line of bearing 136° of the beacon (white slatted topmark, 5m in height), standing on the N side of Salvador Island 0.5nm E of Alupihing Point 15°32'N 119°54'E, leads into the entrance channel to Port Masinloc.
Caution: The buoys in Port Masinloc cannot be relied upon as they can be carried away or out of position, and it has been reported that the beacons are very difficult to distinguish.
Port limits
The port limit extends 3nm W of BC-MCO pier.
Traffic schemes and VTS
None in operation.
Anchorages
Outer anchorage: Anchoring is not recommended outside the port due to the uneven coral bottom. There is anchorage 0.9nm W of Masinloc, in depths of 20-24m, sand. The best anchorage is reported 1.1nm W of Tagapolo Point, in a depth of 27.0m.
Inner anchorage: With local knowledge vessels may sometimes anchor off the entrance, on the leading line through the entrance, 0.3nm NNW of No 2 Buoy (15°32'N 119°54'E), in 38m, soft coral.
The two mooring buoys off the "T" headed pier may be used whilst awaiting a berth or trimming ore.
Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Tugs
Can be ordered through Manila shipping agencies.
Mooring
During the SW monsoon vessels berth port side to and during the NE monsoon vessels berth starboard side to.
Charts and publications
BA 4411, 4492. Admiralty Pilot NP31, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Manila based shipping agent informs local authorities 24 hours prior to vessels arrival.
Communications
VHF: Pilots and Harbour Master: Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered by the Master upon ship's arrival.
Documents
Cargo documentation: Customs, the Port Authority, Harbour Master and the shipper require copies of the cargo documents.
Health
There is medical, plant and animal quarantine available.
Customs and immigration
The Customs and Immigration Officers are based at San Fernando. Formalities are dealt with on the ship's arrival alongside at Masinloc.
Flags
The Philippine national flag and the ship's flag of registry should be exhibited.
Notices and regulations
Port Masinloc is not a Customs port. Clearance must be obtained before proceeding there. The nearest port of entry is San Fernando (16°37'N 119°18'E).
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: Office for Transportation Security - DOTC
Address: The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines.
Fax: +63 2 725 4787
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jul 2021Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Candelaria District Hospital, 6.8km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Clark International Airport, 187km
About Masinloc
updated Jul 2021Where it is
Masinloc is situated on the South China Sea coast, approx 100km N of Manila.
The port
Coal are being handled at the Masinloc Coal Power Plant.
Questions about Masinloc
What are the pilot arrangements at Masinloc?
Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign merchant vessels entering or leaving the port and berthing at the pier, but is optional for local coastal vessels.
What time zone is Masinloc in?
Local time at Masinloc is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Masinloc?
The deepest berth listed is at Perton Pier: 10.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Masinloc?
1017.
Which load line zone is Masinloc in?
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical 21 Jan to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Who carries out Port State Control at Masinloc?
Port State Control at Masinloc: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Masinloc?
The UN/LOCODE of Masinloc is PHMSC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Masinloc 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.