Papeete

1. Papeete pilot boarding position No. 1 (Passe de Papeete, loa over 90m) Pilot boards17°30.4′S 149°36.2′W
2. Papeete pilot boarding position No. 3 (Passe de Taunoa, approaching from the E) Pilot boards17°30.0′S 149°33.2′W
3. Pilot boarding place Pilot boards17°31.3′S 149°35.7′W

Size limits

LOA 348m, beam 41.2m, draught 11.0m, 66,971DWT.

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 0.4m. The flow through Passe de Papeete is determined by the volume of water inside the barrier reef. In turn, this depends on the amount of water driven in over the reef; on the rainfall on the hills behind Papeete, and on the amount of water flowing into Papeete harbour through Chenal de Taunoa and Chenal de Faa'a.

The direction of the resultant flow through Passe de Papeete is normally between WNW and NW, regardless of the tidal streams. During bad weather and particularly when strong N or NW winds drive the sea over the reef, there is a cross set to the W in the pass and this may attain a rate of 5kts, raising a heavy sea with violent breakers. It is then dangerous to attempt the pass.

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

Approach

Passe de Papeete Leading Lights:

The port is approached from the NE and entered through Passe de Papeete on a bearing of 148.1° (328.1°), on alignment of two leading lights, both visible from 8.0nm. Front light (Oc(2).G.8s) (17°32.63S 149°34.80W) is a white rectangle on red and white pylon, 23m in height, and rear light (Oc(2).G.8s) (also a white rectangle on red and white pylon, 34m in height) and located 260m from front light, and synchronised. This channel has a swept depth of 12.0m, width 110m.

Quai Bounty Leading Lights:

From a position E of Motu One at the end of Pass de Papeete, two leading lights, both visible from 5.0nm, on an alignment of 87.6° (267.6°) lead E towards the berths. Front light (Oc(1).G.4s) (white rectangle on white metal column, red bands, 17m in height) (17°32.44S 149°34.35W) and Rear light (Oc(1).G.4s) (also a white rectangle on white metal column, red bands, 21m in height) 110m from front light and synchronised.

Fare Ute Leading Lights:

From a position approx 270m west of Bounty Quay, two leading lights, both visible from 5.0nm, on an alignment of 27.9° (207.9°) lead NNE towards the berths on Fare Ute and the N side of Motu-Uta. Front Light (white rectangular daymark on white metal column, red bands, 16m in height) and rear light (similar structure 20m in height) 110m from front light and synchronised.

Passe de Taunoa: The main access for large vessels is through Passe de Taunoa and Chenal de Taunoa, on a bearing of 173.7° (353.7°). The harbour can handle vessels up to 11.0m draught.

No warning signals concerning entry or exit permissions exist. Further details contact harbour Lookout Point VHF Ch 12, (SSB 2638kHz).

Uturoa can be approached from Passe Teavapiti, Passe Paipai or Passe Rautoanui through the inner passage N of Raiatea. The port is less easily approached through Passe Tuahotu.

Port limits

Uturoa extends from Pointe Tonoi to the temple, 0.8nm NE.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessel traffic is monitored via a Systeme de Trafic Maritime informatise (STM), a computerised maritime traffic system. All vessels are required to use this service within the official area covered by Port Autonome de Papeete.

Anchorages

Anchorage is designated by the Pilot, who is responsible for informing the Harbour Master of any change. Anchorage can be obtained within the harbour roads for vessels not more than LOA 180m, in depths of 20.0-25.0m. The bottom is sand, shells and mud.

Quarantine anchorage: The usual anchorage for a vessel awaiting pratique is with Passe de Papeete front leading light bearing 140° and the alignment (087.5°) of Quai Bounty Leading Lights near Quai Bir Hakeim in line; the depth is 31m.

Vessels waiting to berth alongside usually anchor midway between the S extremity of Mota-Uta and Paofai Temple, 0.3nm SSE, in depths from 18.0-20.0m, good holding ground.

Four anchorage berths available for vessels waiting to berth alongside. The swinging room is limited, the two anchorage berths at the N end, in depths of about 27.0m, are recommended as the holding ground is good, whilst the 2 anchorage berths at the S end, in similar depths are affected by a strong current, usually NW-going.

Restrictions

Vessels arriving from countries infested by "Oryctes Rhinoceros Strategus" (Coconut Beetle) are subject to fumigation (arrival before 1500hrs day time), and can stay alongside at night. Advise agent if fumigation is required.

Navigation in Passe de Papeete is restricted for vessels with a height of more than 20m due to nearby airport and permission must be obtained from the port authority when over this height.

In Chanel de Faaa entry is prohibited close to the NE end of the airport runway and Toa Moa (0.1nm SW). By day, vessels with a height of more than 6.0m must obtain permission from the port authority prior to navigating in Chenal de Faaa.

By night entry is prohibited to all vessels.

A fixed road bridge (17°31.8'S 149°34.5'W) at the NE end of the harbour has a vertical clearance of 4.4m.

It has been reported that the main berth is frequently used by local schooners and that at least 48 hours notice is required to ensure that a berth can be secured.

There are two restricted areas, marked by buoys, lying close NE and NW of Pointe Ofaiputuputu.

Tugs

Compulsory for all vessels exceeding 3,000m³ of submerged volume. Four tugs are available; 3 harbour tugs 1 x 400hp, 1 x 800hp, 1 x 1,400hp and 1 deep sea tug of 3,000hp.

Mooring

A mooring service, with line handlers, is available 24hrs.

Quai Petroliers: Fendered with quick release hooks.

Quais de Cabotage: The whole quay is fendered.

When berthing alongside, entry by one pass and departure by the other avoids the need to turn in restricted space after leaving the berth.

Charts and publications

FR 6940 (7460 De la Passe de Taapuna à la Passe d'Arue - Port de Papeete).

US 83382, 83383, 83385, 83021. US Coast Pilot 126.

BA 998, 1382, 1436, 4656, 4607. Admiralty Pilot NP62, NP286(4).

BA 4653, 4654, Admiralty Pilot NP62, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

In addition the ETA must be advised direct to the captain of the port 24 hours prior to arrival.

ETD must be requested from the harbour authorities at least 24 hours in advance.

These vessels should maintain a constant listening watch on VHF radio Ch06, within the territorial waters of the Archipelago.

Documents

Port Autonome de Papeete provide a list of forms which they require visiting vessels to complete (over and above standard vessel documention).

https://www.portdepapeete.pf/fr/documents-utiles/formulaires

Health

Vessels carrying a doctor onboard should request pratique by radio message 24 and 18 hours in advance of arrival to "Station Cotiere Mahina Radio Sante Maritime Papeete". Other vessels must call at Pepeete for clearance. Every vessel without a clean Bill of Health or which has had sickness onboard, must request a medical inspection and anchor in the quarantine anchorage.

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate issued.

Customs and immigration

Papeete is an official Port of Entry.

Taxes are levied on goods passing through the Motu Uta International Trade Terminal (Le Terminal de Commerce International de Motu Uta). Wharfage duties are applicable. Imports at the Motu Uta International Trade Terminal are subject to storage charges depending on their nature and storage time.

Notices and regulations

No vessel may occupy a berth at anchor or alongside without permission of the harbour authorities.

Permission to depart must be requested from the harbour master at least 24 hours in advance.

ISPS

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

Description: French Polynesia comprises 130 islands which are divided into 5 archipelagos. The Windward and Leeward Islands, collectively called the Society Archipelago, Tuamotu Archipelago, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands.

Repairs

All types of major repairs can be carried out.

Emergency repairs only carried out for Uturoa.

Dry docks

DCN floating dock (former navy dock), 150m length, 26m width and 6.0m draught with lifting capacity of 3,500t.

Harbour slipway 50m length, 12m width and 4.0m draught with lifting capacity of 800t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: A water supply service to vessels is available 24hrs a day, using a private company.

Bunkering: Refuelling with gasoline, diesel oil, marine diesel oil and light fuel is possible. A 700t barge may be used by transit vessels for bunkering, with 24 hours notice.

Stores: Fresh and frozen provisions available.

Uturoa:

Fresh water: Available.

Stores: Limited.

Medical

Centre Hospitalier Territorial de Mamao, 1km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Tahiti-Faaa International Airport, 4km.

Airport facilities: Flights to Europe via USA and to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Hawaii, Chile.

Airport, 2km from Uturoa.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Sat 0700-2200hrs. Overtime available.

Stevedore working hours: 0700-1100hrs, 1300-1700hrs, 1800-2200hrs. No work undertaken from Saturday midnight until Sunday midnight.

Where it is

Papeete is situated on the NW coast of the island of Tahiti, behind the barrier reef which fronts the NW coast.

The port

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and is an official Port of Entry for the Islands. The port has one of the best and sheltered harbours in the South Pacific. Cruise vessels and tourism play a major part in the local economy. There are facilities for general, bulk and oil cargoes. New container facilities have been introduced and there are facilities for bunkers, provisioning and vessel maintenance and repairs. Because of its strategic location, there is also a naval presence in the port. Imports include breakbulk, hydrocarbons, and vehicles. Exports include copra, fish and scrap.

Traffic

Approx 1,430,000t of cargo, 505,700TEU, 120,000 passengers and 190 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Papeete?

The pilot boards at Papeete pilot boarding position No. 1 (Passe de Papeete, loa over 90m), 17°30.4′S 149°36.2′W. Papeete has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Papeete in?

Local time at Papeete is UTC−10. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Papeete?

The deepest berth listed is at Quai au Long-cours (Motu Uta): 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Papeete?

1025.

Which load line zone is Papeete in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Papeete?

The UN/LOCODE of Papeete is PFPPT.

What crews who called at Papeete 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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