PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Port Rhoades
Pilot
updated Feb 2020Pilotage is compulsory and provided by Kingston Harbour. A Pilot Vessel stationed at Port Rhoades.
Vessels should request Pilot 8hrs to 10hrs before arrival.
Contact should be established with pilot vessel by VHF when within range. Pilot will board the vessel approx. 2nm NE of Outer Green lightbuoy (18°28.37'N 077°24.40'W).
Key data
updated Jul 2024Size limits
LOA 255m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.40m, 78,228DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.36m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners Terminal | 11.40 m | 225 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2024Approach
Approach: The channel depth is 12.8m. From the vicinity of 18°30'N 077°24'W, approx 2nm from the entrance channel the alignment (194°) of leading lights:
Front Light (white triangle point up, on mast) on the bauxite wharf (0.6nm SSW of Fort Point).
Rear Light (white triangle point up, on framework tower), 0.1nm SSW of the front light.
Leads past the pilot boarding place into the harbour, along the centre line of the dredged channel (width 122m) which is marked on both sides by lightbuoys, then passing (with reference to Fort Point):
E of Old Man Head (0.35nm W), then W of a lightbuoy (port hand) (0.3nm SSW) marking the extremity of a spit which projects SW from the general shoal area on the E side of the harbour.
Anchorages
Prohibited anchorage: Caution: No designated anchorage. The sea bed within and without Discovery Bay, to a depth of 60m, is the research area of the Discovery Bay Marine Authority. It includes fragile coral and reefs. Vessels are requested not to anchor there. If the alongside berth is occupied, vessels are required to wait under way within 2.5nm of the entrance channel, until the berth is free. Docking instructions are given by VHF.
Restrictions
Reefs: Are located 0.1nm W of Fort Point and 0.45nm E of Bush Point. Care should be taken in these areas.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Mooring
Vessels berth starboard side to, using the port anchor; a powerful pilot boat assists.
Charts and publications
BA 256, 459, 2848, 3936. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2020ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA to be advised 96, 48, 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Pilots and Port: Ch 13, 16.
Search and Rescue: A 24 hour watch is maintained on VHF Ch 16 at Coast Guard HQ, located at Port Royal.
Notice of readiness
To be tendered on arrival.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Port Authority of Jamaica.
Position: Vice President of Security.
Address: 15-17 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica.
Tel: +1 876 922 0290.
Fax: +1 876 924 9437.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Description: Located in the Caribbean, Jamaica is the third largest island in the West Indies.
Port services
updated Jul 2024Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh Water: Available.
Bunkering: Available with advance notice.
Stores: Not Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Discovery Bay Medical and Diagnostic Centre (2km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Sangster International Airport (55km).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Port Rhoades
updated Jul 2024Where it is
Port Rhoades is located in Discovery Bay, St. Ann on the N coast of Jamaica.
The port
The port handles shipments of bauxite for Noranda Bauxite, a partnership between the Government of Jamaica and New Day Aluminum. Bauxite is mined at St. Ann and the ore is transported via railway connection to Port Rhoades where it is dried and shipped to customers from Port Rhoades Pier. A small area located W of Port Rhoades Pier is capable of handling containers.
Traffic
Approx. 2,300,000t of cargo and 15 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Port Rhoades
What are the pilot arrangements at Port Rhoades?
Pilotage is compulsory and provided by Kingston Harbour.
What time zone is Port Rhoades in?
Local time at Port Rhoades is UTC−5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Port Rhoades?
The deepest berth listed is at Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners Terminal: 11.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Port Rhoades?
1025.
Which load line zone is Port Rhoades in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Rhoades?
The UN/LOCODE of Port Rhoades is JMPRH.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Port Rhoades 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.
Plan a route to Port Rhoades →
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.