PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Pemba
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. No pilots are stationed at Pemba therefore pilots should be ordered 72 hours in advance from Nacala. They embark on vessels arriving from the S and disembark from departing vessels for the S, at Nacala. The pilot remains in Pemba until the vessel departs.
Vessels from the N should order their pilot from Nacala. For these the pilot boards within the bay from a small grey motor boat, which does not display a pilot flag.
Key data
updated May 2022Size limits
LOA 189m, beam 35m, draught 12m, 53,520DWT .
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical zone.
Tides
Tidal heights range between 4.4m and 2.2m.
Currents: The ingoing tidal current sets NE-S and the outgoing tidal current sets SE from May-Aug, winds reach 3kts.
The S wind sets up a heavy sea as it blows against the currents.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENHILS Terminal | 12.00 m | — | 1 |
| Pemba Dry Cargo Terminal | 7.10 m | 189 m | 1 |
| Pemba Bulk Terminal (PBT) | 5.00 m | — | 1 |
| Pemba Oil 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 May 2022Approach
Pass 0.5nm off the coast between Ponta Remero and Ponta Mepira, rounding the latter point by 0.3nm. Do not pass within 0.17nm of Baxio Pinguim.
The approach within 0.125nm of the pier must be kept clear for vessels berthing.
Port limits
The port limits are defined by a line that links Ponta Remero and Ponta Said-Ali to the W.
Anchorages
Sheltered anchorage may be obtained off the town in depths of 26.0m, 0.2nm S of the pierhead.
Anchorage may also be obtained in the N part of the harbour, in depths from 16.0-29.0m, taking care to avoid Pantaloon shoal, located 2.5nm WNW of Ponto Saide Ali with a depth of 9.0m.
Restrictions
Entry at night is not advisable due to the navigation aids being unreliable.
Tugs
Not available.
Charts and publications
BA 2926,2927. Admiralty Pilot NP3, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA, if possible, should be sent 7 days prior to arrival stating deepest arrival draught, last port of call and Master's name. Further ETA's should be sent 72, 48, 24 and 18 hours prior to arrival giving only date and time of arrival and any change in draught. ETA messages to be sent to agent only.
Communications
Cape Town Radio or Inmarsat are recommended for passing messages at long range.
VHF: Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered as per Charter Party.
Documents
Pilot supplies an Arrival Report which is to be completed whilst proceeding to berth. A Crew List is to be attached to the report.
Health
Pratique is granted once alongside as part of the port clearance formalities.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs: An allowance of tobacco and spirits is allowed for each crew member. The bonded store is sealed for the duration of the vessel's stay in port.
Immigration: Passengers require a visa (emergency visas can be issued on arrival).
Crew can obtain a shore pass against surrender of a passport or Seaman's Book at the Immigration Office. Their documents are returned when the shore pass is surrendered on return to the vessel within shore leave hours. There are heavy penalties for non compliance.
The agency boarding clerk will advise current shore leave hours in force at time of arrival.
Flags
It is obligatory to display the Mozambican flag. It can be acquired locally.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: National Institute for Maritime Affairs.
Address: Av Marques de Pombal, 279, Maputo, Mozambique.
Tel: +258 1 320552.
Fax: +258 1 324007.
Mob: +258 82 303988.
Email: [email protected].
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2022Repairs
Only minor repairs can be handled.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Depots for local consumption available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Hospital Provincial De Cabo Delgado, 1.8km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Pemba Airport, 7.0km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1500hrs, 1500-2300hrs and 2300-0700hrs.
About Pemba
updated May 2022Where it is
Pemba (Porto Amelia) is situated 180km N of Nacala.
The port
The port is situated on the E side of a large bay which forms an excellent sheltered natural harbour.
The port handles general cargo, containers and CPP products. Coastal vessels are also handled.
Traffic
Approx 600,000t of cargo, 6,000TEU and 400 vessels visit the port annually.
Questions about Pemba
What are the pilot arrangements at Pemba?
Compulsory. No pilots are stationed at Pemba therefore pilots should be ordered 72 hours in advance from Nacala.
What time zone is Pemba in?
Local time at Pemba is UTC+2. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Pemba?
The deepest berth listed is at ENHILS Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Pemba?
1025.
Which load line zone is Pemba in?
Tropical zone.
Who carries out Port State Control at Pemba?
Port State Control at Pemba: Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Pemba?
The UN/LOCODE of Pemba is MZPOL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Pemba 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.