Merca

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Off Merca the current follows the general direction of the coast, running NE or SW depending on the monsoon, with rates from 3kts to 4kts at times. The flow is strongest at HW and weakest at LW.

Anchorages

The anchorage is on the edge of the coastal bank fronting Merca and is entirely exposed. Owing to the steepness of the bank, there is only a narrow space with depths suitable for anchoring. Though it is considered to be one of the worst anchorages on this coast, vessels lying to two anchors with a good scope of cable generally ride out even a strong SW monsoon.

Temporary anchorage may be obtained off some of the villages along the coastline from Mogadiscio to Merca, but the anchorages are completely unsheltered.

Anchor berths lie on the alignment of Punta Agarre Light and El Mugane Light bearing approx 241°, which line leads clear of the coastal reef S of Merca.

During the SW monsoon the best berth, in a depth of 22.0m, is with Merca Rear Leading Light and the beacon standing 37m SW of Sheikh Osman Mosque in line bearing 355°.

Restrictions

As a result of the coral reef, which extends along the shoreline approx 5.6nm to 14nm NE of Merca, vessels must anchor 348nm offshore and work their cargo using lighters.

There are numerous hazardous rocks and islets which extend up to 1.3nm from the coastline along Mogadiscio to Merca. It has been reported that a wreck is located approx 5.2nm NE of Merca and caution must be taken.

Tugs

Not available.

Charts and publications

BA 671. Admiralty Pilot NP3.

ISPS

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

Medical

Nearest hospital: Merca General Hospital (0.5km) and Mogadiscio City Hospital (70km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Aden Adde International Airport (68.5km).

Nearest highway: Port has access to Mark Afgooye Rd, which travels NE to Mogadiscio.

Where it is

Merca is situated on the Indian Ocean, approx 100km SW of Mogadiscio, Somalia.

The port

The region was used as a fishing inlet for many centuries until the increase of Italian settlers in the region in the early 20th century. This led to an expansion at the port with an increase in commercial activity and infrastructure due to the exportation of bananas to European countries in the early-mid 20th century.

The Port of Merca consists of an open roadstead and offshore coral reefs meaning that vessels work cargo using lighters, 348nm offshore. In recent years, conflict has halted commercial activity and destroyed the majority of infrastructure at the port. It is reported that the port is now used by local fishing vessels and traders.

The winds and currents in the area vary according to the season. Between May and Sep the SW'ly monsoon predominates, and between Oct and Apr the NE'ly Trades predominate.

What are the pilot arrangements at Merca?

Not available.

What time zone is Merca in?

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

What is the water density at Merca?

1025.

Which load line zone is Merca in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Merca?

The UN/LOCODE of Merca is SOMER.

What crews who called at Merca 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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