Port aux Basques

Size limits

LOA 203.3m, beam 26.7m, draught 6.3m, 16,909DWT.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 1.6m.

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

Approach

The directions are as follows:

Vessels should approach the harbour entrance on a NW course to pass between Channel Head and Southeast Shoal, (47°34'N 059°07'W). Then vessels should alter course W to bring the leading lights and Vardys Island light in line bearing 300.5°, this leads through the entrance and in mid channel of the fairway off the S breakwater.

Vessels should then alter course to round the N breakwater at a distance of approx 0.05nm, when the buoyed channel can be followed through the inner part of the harbour.

Within Vardys Island the W end of Fords Island, 0.25nm NW, bearing 326°, leads nearly in mid channel.

A depth of 18.3m can be carried through the harbour to the commercial port, but there are much less depths either side of the leading line and towards both sides of the buoyed channel.

Caution: Without local knowledge it is not advisable to enter Port aux Basques when Southeast Shoal is breaking due to heavy seas that will be running between the S breakwater and Baldwin Rocks, where the channel narrows. Vessels are liable to sheer with a heavy following swell. The channel narrows again off Vardys Island and must be navigated with caution, a depth of 6.7m exists, 131m bearing 236.5° from Vardys Island Light tower.

When the presence of ice makes it necessary, the buoys marking the channel are lifted. They cannot therefore be relied upon in the winter.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A mandatory "VTS" is in operation in Port aux Basques and in the approaches thereto, with Canadian territorial waters between lines drawn 180° from Rose Blanch Point and 232° from Cape Ray.

The purpose of this is to enable vessels to make their presence known, exchange information as to their position and intentions and so contribute to safety in the area. Details including reporting points are given in the Admiralty List of Radio Signals.

Restrictions

There is an overhead cable which spans Channel Cut in the vicinity of the light tower, the overhead clearance is 15.2m.

Tugs

Tugs available.

Mooring

With high winds, berthing in the harbour is difficult.

Charts and publications

BA 4762. CAN 4641. Admiralty Pilot NP50, NP286(5).

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Tokyo 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.

Inspection of ships in Canada

Transport Canada,

Inspection and Operations Standards Division,

Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.

For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 991 4818

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):

Tel: +1 613 991 3135

Fax: +1 613 993 8196

Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863

Email: [email protected]

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.

Position: Director General.

Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.

Tel: +1 613 851 6302

Fax: +1 613 949 3906

Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca

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

Repairs

The agent should receive prior notice of requirements. The following brand names have representatives in St John's: Racal-Decca, Marconi, Kelvin Hughes, Furono, Atlas and Sperry.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Most fuel is provided by road tanker.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Dr.Charles L.Legrow Health Centre, 2.9km.

Crew change

Crew change and repatriation can be carried out, prior notice to agent is required.

Transport

Nearest airport: Stephenville International Airport, 165km.

Working hours

By arrangement.

Where it is

Port aux Basques is situated on the tip of the SW coast of Newfoundland.

The port

The port mainly handles fishing vessels, general cargo, clean petroleum product (CPP), passengers and vehicles. Besides, Talon Energy Services owns and operates a berth which handles project cargo and supports offshore projects.

What are the pilot arrangements at Port aux Basques?

Pilotage is available but not compulsory for merchant ships.

What time zone is Port aux Basques in?

Local time at Port aux Basques is UTC−3:30. Clocks go to UTC−2:30 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−3:30 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Port aux Basques?

The deepest berth listed is at Port aux Basques Terminal: 6.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

Which load line zone is Port aux Basques in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Port aux Basques?

Port State Control at Port aux Basques: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port aux Basques?

The UN/LOCODE of Port aux Basques is CAPBQ.

What crews who called at Port aux Basques 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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