PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Pago-Pago
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory but recommended for large vessels in poor visibility or if proceeding to an alongside berth. Pilotage fees are charged whether or not a pilot is employed.
Pilots board SE of Whale Rock (14°17'S 170°40'W), or in good weather, off Fatu Rock 0.75nm S. Night time entry and berthing up to 2200hrs, weather permitting.
Key data
updated Feb 2018Size limits
MAX LOA 152m, Draught 11.0m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Range 1.1m. MHWS: 0.9m; MLWS: 0.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pago-Pago Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Utulei PetroleumTerminal | 10.00 m | 195 m | 1 |
| LPG Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2018Approach
The alignment (342°) of these marks, which are not easy to distinguish in bright sunlight, leads into the harbour passing (positions relative to Breakers Point):
Close W of a 18.3m patch (0.15nm SW), then;
E of a shallow bank (0.45nm W) extending 0.2nm off the coastal reef on the W side of the entrance, then;
E of Whale Rock (0.5nm NW), on which the sea breaks in bad weather, marked on its N side by No 1 Lightbuoy.
Then the track leads 324° on the line bearing 144°, astern, of Breakers Point, passing (positions relevant to front leading light):
SW of "No 3 Buoy" (0.9nm SSE) marking Toaso Rock, then;
SW of "No 5 Buoy" (0.5nm SSE) marking 2 rocks with depths of 10.4m over them, which are well marked by breaking surf.
NE of No 4 Light Beacon (port hand) (0.55nm SW) on the N side of a reef extending 130m E from Nuututoi Point.
Then the track leads to the wharves or anchorage in the inner part of the harbour.
Port limits
A line between Blunts Point and Breakers Point marks the boundary of the harbour.
Anchorages
Good anchorage may be obtained anywhere in the inner part of the harbour in depths from 11m to 45m, blue mud and sand, with excellent holding ground.
The best anchorage for large vessels is off Fagatogo in a depth of 36m. There is a wooden jetty, with a depth of 1.8m at its head, at Fagatogo.
Caution: Swinging room is restricted at the head of the harbour in depths of less than 29m.
The outer part of the harbour is usually unsuitable as an anchorage owing to heavy swell.
Restrictions
Limiting depth in the harbour is 31m to 69m, deepest alongside berth 10.4 to 11.6m (Fuelling Wharf).
An aerial tramway spans the inner part of the harbour, 0.3nm W of Nuututoi Point the min vertical clearance beneath the tramway is 46m near its S end.
Tugs
Available.
Inter Island towage performed by Government tugs.
Charts and publications
BA 1729, 83484. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
There is a repair wharf 164m in length with depth alongside of 7.5m for fishing vessels. Minor repairs undertaken by a repair shop near Customs jetty, slipway for vessels up to 60m in length.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Diesel No 2, jet fuel No 1, IFO/diesel No 5, unleaded gas and avgas are all available.
Medical
Ambulance services available, approx 0.5km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Pago-Pago International (12km).
Nearest railway: Southwest Marine.
Working hours
Normally 0730-1600hrs. Stevedoring work can be arranged at night subject to overtime fees.
About Pago-Pago
updated Jul 2014Where it is
Pago-Pago is situated on the S coast of Tutuila Island and is the principal port of American Samoa in the SW Pacific Ocean.
The port
There are 5 five berths for general, containerised and oil cargoes. There are also inter Island ferry facilities.
Traffic
Approx 750,500t of cargo and 1,000 vessels are handled annually.
Questions about Pago-Pago
What are the pilot arrangements at Pago-Pago?
Not compulsory but recommended for large vessels in poor visibility or if proceeding to an alongside berth.
What time zone is Pago-Pago in?
Local time at Pago-Pago is UTC−11. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Pago-Pago?
The deepest berth listed is at Utulei PetroleumTerminal: 10.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Pago-Pago?
1025.
Which load line zone is Pago-Pago 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 Pago-Pago?
Port State Control at Pago-Pago: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Pago-Pago?
The UN/LOCODE of Pago-Pago is ASPPG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Pago-Pago 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.