Port Canaveral

Size limits

Max LOA 362.12m, beam 47.02m, draught 13.1m and 119,456DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 1.0m to 1.5m.

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

Approach

Approach: From a position E of the seaward end of the harbour entrance channel (28°21'N., 081°30'W), the route leads W to the Pilot boarding place, passing (with reference to Cape Canaveral Light):

S of Southeast Shoal (7nm SE), the S side of which is marked by lightbuoys (starboard hand)

Caution:

Great care is required near the shoals off Cape Canaveral. These shoals are subject to change in position and depth; in a heavy sea, they are marked by breakers, but with a smooth sea there is nothing to indicate them except for the lightbuoys. Masters of vessels passing through the area are advised to remain in depths of more than 27.0m when approaching from S and of more than 24.0m when approaching from N.

The entrance to the port from seaward is through a straight channel 7.0nm in length, 121m wide and 14m depth. The Central turning basin in the port has a depth of 13.1m. The West turning basin has a depth of 13.1m.

Entrance channel and harbour: From the Pilot boarding place (28°21'N., 081°30'W) the alignment (310°) of the following Approach Leading Lights leads through Outer Reach, marked by lightbuoys, to a bend in the channel (0.5nm E of the N entrance point).

Front light (red rectangle, green stripe, on framework tower) (28°25.0'N., 080°35.1'W). Rear light (red rectangle, green stripe, on framework tower, on piles) 1nm from front light.

It was reported that the rear leading beacon was obscured by a hill before the turn 270°.

Then the alignment (270°) of the following entrance channel Leading Lights leads through Middle Reach marked by lightbuoys and light beacons to E Basin (0.45nm W of the N entrance point), passing S of No 12 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) which marks the N entrance point.

Front Light (red rectangle, white stripe, on framework tower, on piles), (28°24.6'N., 080°37.9'W). Rear light (as for front light, 582m from front light).

Then the alignment (326°) of the following leading lights leads into the E Basin: Front light (red rectangle, white stripe, on framework tower), (28°25.2'N., 080°35.9'W). Rear light (as for front light, 307m from front light).

From the entrance to the E Basin the same alignment of 270° leads through Inner Reach to the entrance to Middle Basin. From the W side of Middle Reach a channel continues 0.6nm W to the W Basin. Along the S side of that continuation runs Canaveral Barge Canal past W Basin to join the Intercoastal Waterway in Banana River.

Port limits

The limit of the waters is a line joining the heads of the two entrance training walls.

Traffic schemes and VTS

One way traffic to be maintained throughout all channel reaches.

Anchorages

Vessels arriving from off shore may find safe anchorage in the general vicinity of 1nm S to SW of approach channel Buoy No 3. A vessel at anchorage shall ensure that its position will not impede the safe progress of other vessels transiting to/from the approach channel.

Restrictions

Vessels 11.6m draught may transit at any time.

Vessels over 11.6m draught any cargo vessel proceeding to the West Basin will be advised by the Harbormaster and Canaveral Pilots of the time of boarding by a pilot for transit with consideration given to the stage of the tide.

Vessels drawing more than 11.6m draught require three tugboats and a 48hr notice to ensure there are no delays.

A vessel will not commence transit of any channel or basin in the port when visibility is less than 0.8km. For a vessel that has embarked a pilot, at least one set of buoys either ahead or astern must be visible at all times.

Great care is required near the shoals off Cape Canaveral. These shoals are subject to change in position and depth; in a heavy sea, they are marked by breakers, but with a smooth sea there is nothing to indicate them except for the lightbuoys. Masters of vessels passing through the area are advised to remain in depths of more than 27.0m when approaching from S and of more than 24.0m when approaching from N.

Tugs

There are 1 x 2,150hp, 2 x 2,000hp conventional tugs and 1 x 3,600hp tractor tugs available. Three other tugs are available if required with 24 hours notice.

Tugs are not required for berthing when equipped with bow/stern thrusters and at the Master's direction. Any vessels with draughts in excess of 11.6m will require the assistance of 3 tug boats, giving 48 hours notice.

Mooring

Line handling is provided by the Port Authority under the supervision of the Port Operation Managers and is compulsory for all vessels.

Charts and publications

BA 3692. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(5).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The Canaveral Pilots Association and Canaveral Port Authority Harbour Masters require a min. of 48hrs notice prior to arrival at the Port.

Communications

VHF: Port Operations Ch 16, 12.

Pilot Office Ch 12,

Pilot vessels Ch 12, 16, call "Pilot 1" or "Pilot 2".

Tugs Ch 16, 12, 13

Documents

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.

Health

No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.

Customs and immigration

For crew not to be detained onboard, vessels must have either a Visa Crew List or each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.

Notices and regulations

Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

Harbour Regulations:

Emergency vessel movement policy: Vessels are berthed bows seaward. Wires are to be provided, with eyes outboard, for use by tugs.

Oil spillages and fires are to be reported to the Port Authority.

Vessels may, in emergency, be required to undertake movements with the watch onboard.

Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.

Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all berths.

Bunkering: Light and heavy bunkers, diesel fuel and lube oils can be supplied via road tanker, truck or barge. LNG Bunker available by LNG bunker barge.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital (5.5km). Clinic on port property run by Cape Canaveral Hospital.

Transport

Nearest airport: Space Coast Regional Airport (21.4km), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (34.4km), Orlando International Airport (69km) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (73.6km).

Nearest railway: Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) access is available via an intermodal terminal located just 15 minutes from Port Canaveral. Orlando (76.8km).

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to Florida State Road 528 and has access to Interstate 95.

Public transport: Cocoa Beach Express provides vans, shuttles, and buses. Additional Hotel shuttles, rental cars, rideshare services and airport transfers are available.

Working hours

Canaveral Port Authority: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Customs & Border Protection: 0830 - 1700 hrs. Monday - Friday (on call 24 hours).

Pilots: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Tugs: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

U.S. Coast Guard: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Brevard Sheriff's Office: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Line Handlers: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Fuel Suppliers: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Stevedores & Agents: 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Where it is

Situated on the E coast of Florida, 256km (200nm) N of Miami.

The port

Port Canaveral, located on Florida's east coast, stands as the second busiest cruise port in the world, serving as a premier gateway for travellers embarking. The port features strategically positioned berths on both the N and S sides of the main channel, as well as along the W side of the middle basin, accommodating a diverse array of vessels.

As a focal point for the cruise industry, Port Canaveral is equipped to handle some of the largest cruise ships globally, hosting major cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity X Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. This bustling port provides seamless access for millions of passengers each year, making it a vital hub for leisure travel.

In addition to its cruise operations, Port Canaveral plays a significant role in cargo handling. The port efficiently manages a variety of cargo types, including salt, slag, aggregates, Ro-Ro, containers, and refrigerated goods (reefers). This versatility enhances its operational capacity and contributes to the region's economic vitality.

In recent years, Port Canaveral has also emerged as a key player in the space industry, hosting notable space operators such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. These companies utilise the port to house their maritime assets, further diversifying the port's operational portfolio and aligning it with the growing demands of the space sector.

Within the port's boundaries, two wharves are managed by the Naval Ordnance Test Unit, underscoring the strategic importance of Port Canaveral not just for commercial activities but also for national defences and military operations.

Traffic

Approx 6,000,000t of cargo, 15,000TEU and 8,600,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Port Canaveral?

Compulsory for all US vessels with a draught of 2.13m or greater, all non US registered vessels, vessels over 500GT using Canaveral Port Authority docks, unless specifically exempted by the Port Director.

What time zone is Port Canaveral in?

Local time at Port Canaveral is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Port Canaveral?

The deepest berth listed is at North Cargo Berths (NCB): 13.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Port Canaveral?

1025.

Which load line zone is Port Canaveral in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Port Canaveral?

Port State Control at Port Canaveral: US Coast Guard.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Canaveral?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Canaveral is USPCV.

What crews who called at Port Canaveral 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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