Poro

Size limits

Offshore: Max LOA 197m, beam 32.26m, draught 12.4m and 58,772DWT.

Load line zone

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

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

Approach

There are 3 approaches into Poro as follows:

Main approach: From the vicinity of Passe Ouest de Houailou (21°09'S., 165°44'E), the normal channel of approach for deep draught vessels leads along the track 187°, following the centreline of a channel at least 600m in width. It passes W of a lightbuoy (port hand) marking the W extent of dangers off the W end of a drying reef (21°15.3'S 165°44.1'E).

From a position approx 2nm NNW of Cap des Trois Sapins (21°18'S., 165°43.8'E) the passage leads S passing (with positions relative to Cap des Trois Sapins):

E of No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand, 2nm NW), then W of a spar buoy (port hand, 0.75nm WN), then W of a 7.7m patch (0.75nm WNW), then E of No 3 Lightbuoy (starboard hand).

Then the track leads either to the anchorage or the berth.

East approach: From a position close N of Cap des Trois Sapins, the approach from E passes on either side of a 2.5m patch (0.5nm W) marked on its SW side by a buoy (port hand).

West approach: A channel, used by small vessels, lies between the coast on the W side of Baie de Poro and a chain of reefs lying close offshore. It is approx 0.05nm in width at its narrowest and has depths from 4.4-16.0m. Two navigable channels through the chain of reefs lie SE of Ilot Toverou (21°16'S., 165°40'E).

Anchorages

Anchorage available at the end of the recommended route leading into the Baie de Poro.

Restrictions

A chain of reefs extends nearly 4nm along the coast from a position about 1 mile W of the above cape. It is understood that the middle and largest of the aforementioned reefs is separated from the coast by a channel about 135m wide, with depths of 4.4 to 14.6m, which is practicable for small vessels with local knowledge. A sand cay, which lies on a reef, is located 2.5nm N of Cap des Trois Sapins and is marked by a beacon to the W.

It is known that a 5m patch, marked by a lighted buoy, is located 2nm NNW of the above cape.

A buoy marks a shoal to the W and is located approx 0.75nm NNW of Cap des Trois Sapins.

Mooring

Entry and departure are not permitted at night.

Charts and publications

BA 339, 936. Admiralty Pilot NP61.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent 72 hours prior to arrival with further ETA's sent 48 and 24 hours before arrival. Further messages should be sent if requested. The ETA message, in addition to date and time of arrival, should also include the passage to be used for entering (if applicable), LOA, draughts forward and aft, number of crew and passengers, Master's name, flag, port of arrival and port of destination.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be handed to the agent on berthing or at the anchorage.

Documents

The above forms are for Customs, Immigration and agency.

Health

Pratique can be applied for by radio 72 hours prior to arrival. Application can be made through the vessel's agent or through the Harbour Master.

The port has no special health regulations but the crew should be healthy and there should be no notifiable disease onboard.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: The allowances for officers and crew are 200 cigarettes or 500gm of rolling tobacco and 1 bottle of alcohol. Penalties for non compliance are fines of the value of the local resale price of the goods.

Immigration: There are no specific Immigration procedures and formalities at the port. Agent liaises with the relevant authorities.

Flags

The French flag is to be displayed whilst the vessel is in port. Vessels not complying may be subject to a fine at the Custom's discretion.

Notices and regulations

There are no specific regulations but the Master should be advised by the agent.

ISPS

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

Where it is

Poro is located on the E coast of New Caledonia, approx 135km NW of the capital Noumea.

The port

The port is used to service the nearby nickel mining operations. Bulk carriers moor offshore in Poro Bay and commence in STS operations. Barges transport the nickel ore from the shore to the STS location.

What are the pilot arrangements at Poro?

Compulsory. Houailou Western Passage: Official entrance for E coast ports: Moneo (Baie Ugue) - Poro - Kuaua - Canala (Boakaine) - Nakety - Thio.

What time zone is Poro in?

Local time at Poro is UTC+11. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Poro?

The deepest berth listed is at Poro Terminal: 12.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Poro in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Poro?

The UN/LOCODE of Poro is NCPOR.

What crews who called at Poro 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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