Pangai

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 1.5m.

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

Approach

The approaches to Pangai are well identified on charts.

Anchorages

The outer anchorage, used by large vessels, lies outside the inner reefs, approx 2.0nm NW of Pangai.

A recommended anchorage is afforded in a depth of approx 25.0m, sand and coral, 0.5nm S of Lua Vika (19°47.1'S 174°22.7'W). There is another anchorage, which lies 0.3nm WSW of Kua Vika.

The best anchorage off the town of Pangai is with Tongan flagstaff (19°48.3'S 174°21.3'W), which is distinctive, bearing 124°, distance 0.5nm, in a depth of 8.0m. However this anchorage is much exposed to bad weather and winds from W as the offshore reefs afford little shelter from the violent gales from that quarter, which occur between Nov-Apr, particularly in Feb-Mar.

Numerous reefs and shoals lie on the W side of the island, some of which are marked by beacons. The maintenance of these beacons cannot be relied upon, and, in the event of them being washed away, the marks for fixing are not good. Due to these difficulties, it is recommended that the approach to the anchorage be made in daylight, when the reefs are clearly visible.

Only small craft anchorage inside harbour.

A dangerous wreck with 0.6m of water over it, lies in position 19°47.7'S 174°21.4'W.

Tugs

There are no tugs available but arrangement can be made if requested prior to arrival.

Mooring

Dangerous cargoes: Dangerous cargoes must be declared to Port Control for permission to berth or discharge.

Flammable (liquid or gas) vessels are not allowed to berth.

Charts and publications

NZ 8247, 8248. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4)

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels that are represented by an agent must notify the Port Authorities of their ETA 24 hours prior to arrival. Other vessels must contact Customs Office on arrival at Ha'apai.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16.

Documents

Cargo documentation must be declared during vessel clearance by Port Authorities and Customs/Quarantine.

Health

International Health Certificate required, with a copy sent to vessel's agent, especially for cruise vessels.

Vessel's, which carry any infectious diseases, will not be permitted to enter the port, except in an emergency.

Customs and immigration

Officers will clear all vessels that arrive from an overseas origin.

Flags

The Tongan flag must be displayed when entering Tongan waters. Quarantine flag must be displayed until the vessel has been cleared by Port Control.

Notices and regulations

Regulations and general notices will be supplied upon arrival by a port official or the vessel's agent.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministry of Marine and Ports.

Position: Head of Department and Registrar of Ships.

Address: PO box 397, Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Tel: +676 26233

Fax: +676 26234

Mob: +676 878 6558

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available only for small vessels.

Dry docks

Not available.

Medical

Niu'ui Hospital, 2km.

Crew change

Possible by arrangement with vessel's agent on or prior to arrival.

Transport

Nearest airport: Salote Pilolevu Lifuka Island Ha'apai Airport, 3km.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0830-1230hrs and 1330-1630hrs.

Where it is

Pangai is located on the Ha'apai group of islands in the centre of the Tonga group.

The port

The port handles general cargo, Ro-Ro and passengers. The tourism industry attracts larger cruise liners to visit the anchorage area approx 2.0nm from the terminal.

What are the pilot arrangements at Pangai?

Available by arrangement.

What time zone is Pangai in?

Local time at Pangai is UTC+13. No summer time.

What is the water density at Pangai?

1025.

Which load line zone is Pangai in?

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Pangai?

The UN/LOCODE of Pangai is TOPAN.

What crews who called at Pangai 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.

Read and add tips for Pangai →