Port Victoria

1. Port Victoria pilot boarding place Pilot boards04°35.8′S 055°29.6′E

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 210m, draught 11.5m.

Off Shore: LOA 175m, draught 12.0m.

Water density

1023-1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Max range 1.8m.

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

Approach

From the pilot station in position 04°35.7'S 055°29.6'E, two orange beacons (leading lights) in transit 210° lead to the channel passing the isolated danger buoy on the starboard side. The channel is then marked by red and green buoys to the Inner Harbour where red and green beacons mark the channel.

Maximum draught in Inner Harbour 11.5m at Mahe Quay S end, 4.5m in Cerf Passage and 2.5m in Sainte Anne Channel.

Port limits

Inner Harbour; the area in Victoria harbour between the foreshore of a line from Pointe Conan to Victoria Lighthouse and from that point due S until Rochon Bridge bears W, then W to Rochon Bridge.

Outer Harbour; the area in Victoria harbour between the limits of the Inner Harbour and a line from Cedre Point to Long 055°29.8'E, then due S to St Anne's Shore and then SSW until Rochon Bridge bears W, then W until Victoria Lighthouse bears N.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A reporting system for inbound and outbound vessels has been established.

Restrictions

All shipping movements for any size of vessel will be on a 24 hour basis. Tankers having max permissible draught of 11.5m will be berthed at night only at pilot's discretion and good weather conditions. However light tankers may berth or depart at any time.

Pilot Exemption Certificates (PEC's) will not apply to movements at night.

Berthing and unberthing at the Tuna Buoys, English River Buoys and Wharf Marina will be during daylight hours only.

No tide restriction.

It is preferable that vessel's arrival/departure is cleared in advance by agent. Upon arrival vessels will be cleared by health and security personnel prior to berthing. Vessels without an agent should deposit the Certificate of Registry with the port authority.

Tugs

The use of tugs is compulsory. The port has 3 tugs equipped with VHF to assist with berthing. Two tugs: LOA 25.6m, beam 6.5m, draught 2.3m, 1,130bhp, 13t bollard pull, speed 10kts, range 1,200nm. One tug: LOA 28.5m, beam 8.8m, draught 3.25m, 2,540bhp, 30t bollard pull, speed 12kts, range 3,000nm. Vessels are usually met on arrival in the Inner Harbour and vessel's lines are used.

Charts and publications

BA 716, 721, 722, 740, 742. Admiralty Pilot NP39, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent at least 24 hours in advance, confirming ETA 4 hours in advance. This is to include length, draught, and request for pilot.

Vessels should send ETD at least 12 hours in advance to the Port Office.

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 12, 16. Call sign "Victoria Port Control".

Tel: +248 429 4700. Fax: +248 422 4004.

VHF: Pilots: Ch 17, when approaching the pilot station.

Notice of readiness

NOR should only be tendered when the vessel is alongside and is ready to load or discharge cargo.

Documents

Seychelles Radio has been upgraded to full GMDSS standard, Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port: Ch 16; 06, 12.

Pilot Vessel and tugs: Ch 67.

Vessels inbound and outbound are to report to Victoria Tower Control on VHF Ch 12 on passing the following Reporting Points:

North Reporting Point (04°23.0'S 055°29.0'E).

South Reporting Point (04°40.0'S 055°37.0'E).

Health

Medical Officer may board vessels at anchor and before entering the Inner Harbour. Crew Lists with vaccination dates against yellow fever and cholera to be produced if vessel has come from an infected area. Health clearance given at Port Victoria only, health clearance may be given at outer islands by special and prior arrangement.

Radio pratique may be granted on request to "Port Health", Ministry of Health.

No animal/pet of any description is permitted to be landed ashore or on the wharf as per Seychelles Quarantine Regulations. Necessary action will be taken against any master who disregards these instructions in addition to the possibility of destroying any such animal or pet found ashore in accordance with strict quarantine regulations.

Quarantine regulations are placed onboard on arrival.

Ship Sanitation Control and issue of certificates (vessels under 500t) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Note: Boarding officer or rummage crew may conduct checks to ensure all goods are declared and additional items may be subject to seizure or prosecution.

Notices and regulations

All mooring ropes between ship/shore to be fitted with rat guards.

No receptacle liable to hold water should be put ashore.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Must be held for a vessel bound into the inner harbour. If not held the vessel will be required to anchor in the outer harbour for inspection and clearance before being allowed to proceed.

Berthing priority is given to cruise liners and tankers. Other vessels may have to shift berth depending on priority.

Immobilisation of main engines must not be undertaken without the permission of the harbour master.

Transmissions by radio or radar are not permitted when berthed alongside.

Low flash point oil products must not be discharged during the hours of darkness.

Fire wires must be rigged while discharging petroleum products, enabling a vessel to be towed off the berth in an emergency.

Port State Control here: Indian Ocean MOU.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Transport Security Division (TRANSEC).

Position: Senior Officer.

Address: PO Box 1416 Bel Etang, Victoria-Mahe, Seychelles.

Tel: +248 226125.

Fax: +248 226125.

Mob: +248 722733

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Limited repairs. Divers and underwater welding equipment are available.

Dry docks

Slipways are available for vessels under 300GT.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside.

Bunkering: Marine diesel available at Mahe Quay, Bunker Pier (NE corner of Long Pier) and by lighter. Seven days notice is advisable for supplies. Heavy fuel oil available on N end of Mahe Quay only. Contact SEYPEC, Tel: +248 224240, Fax: +248 24456, Telex: 2374.

Stores: Fresh and frozen provisions. At least 48 hours notice should be given for requirements.

Medical

Victoria Hospital, 2km.

Crew change

Possible with prior arrangement with Immigration.

Transport

Nearest airport: Seychelles International (12km).

Airport facilities: Passenger and freight service available.

Working hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1600hrs. Sat 0800-1200hrs, any work outside these hours and on public holidays will be undertaken by prior arrangement at no extra charge.

Port office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1600hrs.

Where it is

Port Victoria is situated on the NE coast of Mahe, the largest island of the Seychelles.

The port

The port handles general cargo, container, dry bulk, passenger, cruise and liquid cargo.

Where does the pilot board at Port Victoria?

The pilot boards at Port Victoria pilot boarding place, 04°35.8′S 055°29.6′E.

What time zone is Port Victoria in?

Local time at Port Victoria is UTC+4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Port Victoria?

The deepest berth listed is at Port Victoria (Mahe): 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Port Victoria?

1023-1025.

Which load line zone is Port Victoria in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Port Victoria?

Port State Control at Port Victoria: Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Victoria?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Victoria is SCPOV.

What crews who called at Port Victoria 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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