PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Port Alma
Pilot
updated Jan 2021- Port Alma anchorage reprint — NE of Timandra Lighted Buoy Pilot boards23°24.4′S 151°00.9′E
- Port Alma boarding — NE of Timandra Lighted Buoy Pilot boards23°24.4′S 150°00.9′E
- Rockhampton Pilotage Area boundary point a Pilot boards23°28.8′S 150°52.3′E
- Rockhampton Pilotage Area boundary point b Pilot boards23°28.8′S 150°56.6′E
Pilotage is compulsory for vessel that is 50m or more, a vessel towing another vessel where the combined length of the vessels is 50 metres or more, a ship whose owner or master asks for the services of a pilot and a ship whose master is directed by the harbour master to use the services of a pilot.
GPC provides pilotage services at the Port of Rockhampton (Port Alma). Should a pilot be required, the following
periods of notice apply: Arrivals 48hrs, removals 24hrs and departure 24hrs.
Key data
updated Jan 2021Size limits
LOA 180m, draught 9.14m, beam 27.4m, 35,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 3.8m (springs); 1.7m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Rockhampton | 9.14 m | 180 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Aug 2010Port limits
The port of Rockhampton is defined by the Fitzroy River from the barrage to a line joining Cape Keppel and Arch Rock and then to Cattle Point, including all rivers, creeks and navigable waters as far as the northern limit of Port Curtis.
Anchorages
In the region of "Timandra" Buoy or Sea Hill.
Outer anchorage: May be obtained 0.5nm or more to seaward of Timandra Lightbuoy (23°25'S 151°00'E) if required. Holding ground is good but it is recommended that a minimum of 110m (4 shackles) of cable is veered to allow for wind and tidal stream.
Restrictions
Min depth in the approach channel is 7.0m LAT, making some deeper vessels tide bound. The maximum LOA of vessels that may enter the port is typically 180m, depending on vessel capability.
Tugs
There are no tugs stationed in the port as towage is not normally required, however they can be ordered from Gladstone, by prior arrangement.
Mooring
A launch and linesman is available to assist with mooring.
Charts and publications
Aus 247. Admiralty Pilot NP15. NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jan 2021ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA and maximum draught should be advised at least 24 hours in advance when a pilot is required. Alterations to this ETA should be sent immediately.
Communications
VHF: Radio is installed on the pilot vessel and also in the port office.
Port Alma and the Harbour Master's operations centre in Gladstone: Ch 16.
Gladstone Harbour Control: Ch 16, and 13.
Port Alma Wharves: Ch 06.
Standard messages
Note: To be lodged at Customs Marine Centre, with a copy of the Crew List, 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival.
unquote
Health
Pratique: Port Alma is a first port of entry for overseas vessels and full quarantine and customs facilities are available when required. There is a quarantine anchorage at Sea Hill Point in the approach channel.
The port is also a designated timber port and facilities are available for the issue of Ship Sanitation Control Certificates. Fumigation services for both ships and cargo are provided by private firms based at Rockhampton and under the control of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
Notices and regulations
As the limits for a normal berth are 400t for ammonium nitrate and 25kg for explosives, Port Alma offers a cost effective port facility for these cargoes. Special procedures apply including restricted access to the wharf area and 24 hour fire prevention and detection services. Port users, shippers and agents should consult with the Port Authority prior to such shipments, particularly if such persons have not used Port Alma previously as a considerable lead time may be required.
Vessels carrying explosives in excess of the quantity stipulated may proceed to Berth No 2 but are restricted to a draught which will permit rapid departure at any time of day.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Contact person: The Secretary.
Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.
Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.
Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.
Mob: +61 0417 273 185.
24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.
Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.
Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.
Email: [email protected]
ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jan 2021Repairs
General engineering services are available for on the spot repairs and maintenance by arrangement through the Port Manager and the Shipping Agent.
Bunkers, water and stores
Bunkering: Fuel oil and diesel oil are available by road tanker in limited quantities by prior arrangements with the ship's agents.
Medical
Rockhampton Base Hospital.
Transport
Nearest airport: Rockhampton, 71km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Port Alma
updated Jan 2025Where it is
Flooding: Port Alma has re-opened for 24hr navigation with reduced draughts on berths (Feb 2011). See Queensland NTM's or Port Authorities for further information.
Port Alma is the deep sea port of Rockhampton on the southern tip of the Fitzroy River delta, close to the mouth of Raglan Creek.
The port
The port, a unit of Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), provides import and export facilities for the city of Rockhampton, which is approx 62km by road.
Port Alma (Port of Rockhampton) is a natural deep water harbour offering security, shelter and can accommodate vessel up to 180m in length. The port has 3 berths, comprising 2 general berths and 1 dolphin berth, used for the import of petroleum products and the export of bulk cargo.
Imports: Petroleum products, ammonium nitrate, explosives, break bulk and general cargoes.
Exports: Frozen beef, live cattle, tallow, ammonium nitrate, explosives, scrap metal, break bulk and general cargo.
Traffic
Approx 250,000t of cargo, 1,000TEU and 80 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Port Alma
Where does the pilot board at Port Alma?
The pilot boards at Port Alma anchorage reprint — NE of Timandra Lighted Buoy, 23°24.4′S 151°00.9′E. Port Alma has 4 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is Port Alma in?
Local time at Port Alma is UTC+10. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Port Alma?
The deepest berth listed is at Port of Rockhampton: 9.14 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Port Alma?
1025.
Which load line zone is Port Alma in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Port Alma?
Port State Control at Port Alma: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Alma?
The UN/LOCODE of Port Alma is AUPTL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Port Alma 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.