Mumbai

1. Mumbai (Bombay) pilot boarding Pilot boards18°51.5′N 072°49.5′E
2. Mumbai rough-weather (monsoon) pilot embarkation position Pilot boards18°53.0′N 072°51.0′E

Size limits

Harbour: Max draught 9.75m, LOA 306m, beam 39m, 82,641DWT.

Off shore: Max draught 17m, LOA 347.06m, beam 60m, 321,137DWT.

Water density

1012-1024. The density varies with the state of the tide and major fluctuations occur during the monsoon season.

Load line zone

Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer June 1 to Aug 31.

Tides

Mean spring range 3.6m; mean neap range 1.4m. The tide does not set fairly through the channel but the flood stream sweeps E over Thal Shoal. During the SW monsoon rains, the ebb is strongly W going out of Dharamtar Creek (18°50.0'N 072°56.0'E).

The rate of strong spring tides between Thal Shoal and Prongs Reef is from 2.5kts to 3kts and can be 4kts in the rainy season.

Between Thal Shoal and a position 4nm WNW the flood stream sets between ESE and ENE turning more N as the rate increases. In East Channel Swatch it sets in about NNE turning more E as it crosses the mouth of Dharamtar Creek.

Off the SW end of Prongs Reef the flood stream sets first in an ESE direction but as the rate increases changes to NE; E of the reef as far as Sunk Rock it sets about NNE.

On the S side of the entrance to the harbour the ebb stream first sets WSW across Dharamtar Creek entrance altering towards SSW on nearing Thal Shoal and almost S as it goes farther S.

Between Thal Shoal and a position 4nm WNW the ebb tide sets about SW. On the N side of the entrance the ebb stream is SW going from Sunk Rock to abreast Prongs Reef Lighthouse where it sets about W changing to SSW as the rate increases.

Tidal streams within the port of Mumbai set as follows with rates of 0.75kts to 3kts:

East Side of the harbour-flood stream: The flood stream sets NE abreast Karanja Island setting more ENE after passing Karanja Beacon. Between Butcher Island and Elephanta Island the flood stream sets N but towards Trombay Island becomes NE.

West Side of the harbour-flood stream: From Sunk Rock to Cross Island the flood stream sets NNE with a rate of 2kts; N of Tucker Beacon (18°56.0'N 072°52.0'E), where the stream separates, it becomes N-going until abreast Mazagaon Dockyard (18°58.0'N 072°51.0'E). It then sets between NE and ENE to join the stream from the E side of the harbour N of Butcher Island.

East Side of the harbour-ebb stream: The ebb stream starts later than on the W side of the harbour.

The ebb stream sets SW from the channel between Jawahar Dweep and Elephanta Island along the N coast of Karanja Island. When abreast the entrance to Dharamtar Creek it sets WSW.

West Side of the harbour-ebb stream: The ebb stream at ordinary tides starts 30 to 35 minutes earlier than on the E side of the harbour. During strong spring tides the stream on the W side may start 40 to 60 minutes earlier.

From Trombay Island to abreast Mazagaon Dockyard the ebb stream sets SW.

Inshore and near Indira Dock Wall, during the SW monsoon, the ebb stream starts 45 minutes before HW Mumbai.

From abreast Cross Island to W of Middle Ground Islet it sets SSW; in the middle of the harbour the set is S to SSW.

From Middle Ground islet to Sunk Rock the set is between S and SSW but with the first of the ebb the set off Sunk Rock is more W going.

The N going stream in the vicinity of the tidal basin and the wet docks is deflected by South Breakwater and runs parallel to it, joining the main N going stream, which passes E of Middle Ground Islet. The stream then runs ENE past the entrance to the tidal basin. An eddy runs S along the E side of the Ballard Pier, before turning W into the tidal basin. The effect of this eddy has been felt up to 100m E of the SE extremity of Ballard Pier.

The S going stream flows close E of the head of South Breakwater, before turning SW parallel to it.

Caution: The N going and S going streams run strongly past the head of South Breakwater, causing vessels to sheer violently in this vicinity.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The port is approached from W and entered via a channel dredged to 11m, between Prongs Reef Lighthouse (18°52.7'N 072°48.0'E) and an unnamed point of land 6nm SE.

The approaches to the harbour are well lit, with the Prongs Lighthouse (Racon "G") to the N, visible at 14.5nm and Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse (formerly known as Kennery Lighthouse), to the S visible at 15.6nm. The entrance to the harbour, which has approaches from the SW, is between Prongs Reef and Thull Reef lying off the mainland to the SE, a distance of approx 4.8nm.

Port limits

The port limits are eastward of a line joining backway to BFL to the W point of Kennery Lighthouse.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A VTMS is in operation. Vessels should report on VHF Ch 14 when arriving within a radius of 24nm of Prongs Lighthouse and register their approach arrival.

Anchorages

The port has 63 anchorages and 3 anchorages for vessels with explosives and dangerous cargo.

Inner anchorages are available in depths up to approx 9.7m.

An anchorage area has been established 20nm NW of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour. However, most vessels anchor within 2.5nm of a position 6nm WNW of the entrance to the harbour. The area is susceptible to a large ground swell.

There are numerous anchorage berths for merchant vessels in the S part of the harbour, on both sides of the dredged channel.

Tanker anchorages are situated 0.9nm and 1.3nm SW of Butcher Beacon.

An emergency anchorage is established 0.45nm NE of Butcher Beacon.

An area N of Sunk Rock is reserved for Naval vessels.

Prohibited anchorages: Anchoring is prohibited in an area in the harbour entrance extending 4.75nm E from Mumbai Light Vessel.

Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the vicinity of submarine and gas pipelines, which are laid from offshore oilfields to the SW point of Karanja Island (18°52.0'N 072°56.0'E).

A prohibited anchorage is established E of Khanderi Island and NW of Back Bay.

Explosives anchorages: Vessels arriving with or discharging explosives or other dangerous cargoes will be anchored in the explosives anchorages in the channel leading to Thana Creek, NNE of Elephanta Patch; or NNE of Karanja Beacon.

Restrictions

In view of siltation of the channel and for confirmed reduction of water depths contact the port authority for the maximum allowable draught.

Large vessels may enter Mumbai Harbour by day or night. Deep draught vessels normally enter harbour 2 hours before HW.

Tugs

Available. There are 6 dock tugs, 2 x 475hp; 6 harbour tugs and 4 hired harbour tugs, 2 x 1,500hp, 2 x 2,860hp. There are no deep sea tugs stationed at Mumbai.

Mooring

Note: The berthing of deep draught and over dimensional vessels carrying bulk cargo at BPX berth is subject to certain conditions. Vessels should vacate the berth 3 days prior to arrival of passenger vessels. On lightering the draught, the vessel's agent should move the vessel to an alternate berth immediately if required by the port. If the vessel does not achieve productivity of 2,000tpd, the berth should be vacated if required by the port, even if no alternate berth is available. Within 24 hours of vacating the berth, the agent should arrange to have the wharf and surrounding area cleaned and washed at his own cost. In case of bulk fertilisers, the cargo will have to be loaded directly into trucks.

Charts and publications

India 2001, 2015, 2016, BA 2736, 1487, 2622, 2624, 2623, Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA 24 hours in advance to the harbour master.

Ballast water Forms: As of Dec 1 2009, all vessels are required to send a completed electronic ballast water reporting form to the port authorities prior to arrival, forms are available at www.bwmindia.com.

Communications

VHF: Port and pilotage: Ch 12 and 14.

VTMS: Ch 12 (calling), 14 (working).

Lightering Operation Area: Ch 06, 19, all vessels are advised to maintain a continuous listening watch on Ch 06 and give a wide berth.

Standard messages

Time of anchoring to be reported to VTMS on Ch 12.

Notice of readiness

NOR tendered by cable/telex as per terms and conditions of Charter Party. Daily operation group meets where agent has to declare the vessels readiness with documents such as payment of port dues, customs clearance, clearance from port health officer, etc, for allotment of berths.

Health

"Quarantine Mumbai" should be advised 24 hours before arrival using the standard form of message.

The port health authorities require valid smallpox and cholera certificates for arrivals from foreign countries and also valid yellow fever certificates for arrivals from yellow fever areas.

Free pratique will be granted by quarantine authority if vessel arrives from a yellow fever area otherwise it will be granted by the pilot.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

Every vessel must have statutory registration with customs prior to or on arrival, declaring official Crew and Cargo Manifest. Vessels leaving port have to seek Port Clearance from customs. Immigration formality entrusted to police officials who visit vessels and issue boarding passes on request to crew/officials.

Customs allowances: Crew members are allowed 1 bottle of liquor and 1 carton of cigarettes. Any quantities carried by the vessel are to be declared by the master on the Stores List. These are to be kept under customs seal until the vessel departs.

Flags

Indian national flag is to be displayed from time of arrival until departure. Not complying may result in a penalty being imposed.

Notices and regulations

MUMBAI PORT TRUST - PUBLIC NOTICE:

As from September 2010 dangerous goods listed under the IMDG Code, in breakbulk and containers, including cylinders/tonners, shall not be accepted/handled at Mumbai Port Docks and extended outlying areas including Haji Bunder.

Agents handling hazardous properties, will have to make application 15 days in advance with details of cargo including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Director-General of Shipping.

Position: Nautical Adviser to the Government of India.

Address: Jahaz Bhavan, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India.

Tel: +91 22 2261 0606

Fax: +91 22 2269 4352

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dgshipping.com

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

Repairs

All types of repair facilities available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Adequate facilities exist in the port for the supply of drinking water to vessels in the stream and at the berths. While water is supplied from hydrants alongside the berths, vessels in the anchorage receive supply from water boats.

Bunkering: Available at all berths. Bunker supply is controlled by the following government companies:

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation;

Indian Oil Corporation.

Supply in mid stream is by private barge.

Most grades of bunkers and lubricants available by arrangement with local agents.

Stores: Fresh provision available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital, 5.8km.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, 3.9km.

Nearest railway: Sandhurst Road, 3.2km.

The port owns and operates its own railway which is connected to the broad gauge main lines of the Central & Western Railway at its interchange yard at Wadala. The railway runs approx 11km of straight route between Ballard Pier and Wadala and has an extensive network of approx 130km of track.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours (3 shifts).

Where it is

Mumbai (Bombay) is situated on the W coast of Maharashtra State.

The port

Mumbai is India's principal port having facilities for most cargoes and offering a wide repair and bunkering service.

The port, within a natural harbour of approx 14nm length and a general width of approx 5nm, is well sheltered by Mumbai Island to the W and the mainland of Konkan to the E. There are 3 main berthing areas as well as tanker terminals at Pir Pau and Jawahar Dweep.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port is on the E side of the bay and is under separate entry.

Imports: Rock phosphate sulphur, iron and steel, metal and metal products, scrap synthetic fibre, woodpulp, chemicals, other general cargo such as paper and paper products, plastic, etc.

Exports: Fruits and vegetables, fodder, textiles, fish and marine products, iron and steel, oil seeds, tobacco, perfumes, rubber manufactured products, spices, molasses, vegetable oil, leather, hides and skins, etc.

A Special Economic Zone is being set up covering 277 hectares.

Traffic

Approx 69,000,000t of cargo, 550TEU, 7,500 vessels and 260,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Mumbai?

The pilot boards at Mumbai (Bombay) pilot boarding, 18°51.5′N 072°49.5′E. Mumbai has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Mumbai in?

Local time at Mumbai is UTC+5:30. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Mumbai?

The deepest berth listed is at Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal: 17.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mumbai?

1012-1024. The density varies with the state of the tide and major fluctuations occur during the monsoon season.

Which load line zone is Mumbai in?

Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer June 1 to Aug 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Mumbai?

Port State Control at Mumbai: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mumbai?

The UN/LOCODE of Mumbai is INBOM.

What crews who called at Mumbai 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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