Rabaul

1. Rabaul – Pilot Boarding Station (Matupit Pt Light bearing 310°(T) x 1.62 M) Pilot boards04°15.9′S 152°12.2′E

Size limits

LOA 195m, Beam 32m, DWT 40,000.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.5m.

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

Approach

The port is approached through Blanche Bay and entered through Simpson Harbour. The fairway from Cape Gazelle (04°19'S 152°24'E), through Blanche Bay to Rabaoul at the head of Simpson Harbour, is wide, deep and clear of dangers.

Directions for entering harbour: The alignment 349.75° of the leading lights leads through the entrance to Simpson Harbour. Then the track leads either to the anchorage or to the overseas berths.

Port limits

A line drawn SSE from the E extremity of Matupit Island (04°14'S 152°12'E) to Raluana Point (3.5nm SSE).

Anchorages

Quarantine anchorage: In a depth of approx 33m, 0.7nm SSW of front leading light.

Passenger ship anchorage: In a depth of approx 20.0m, 0.65nm SSE of front leading light.

Prohibited anchorage: Vessels other than those designated are not to anchor in the vicinity of Boral Gas Terminal, 0.4nm WSW of Bay Road Wharf.

Anchorage is also prohibited in the area near the leading line E of Dawapia Rocks and off Taboi on the W side of the harbour near its head.

Caution: The seabed throughout Simpson Harbour is strewn with wrecks. Mariners are warned that undetected wrecks may lie beneath the seabed and cause fouling of ground tackle.

Restrictions

Berthing and sailing are normally restricted to between 0600hrs and 2200hrs.

Tugs

One tug available, 720hp and 10t bollard pull, from Pacific Towage & Salvage Pty Ltd, Tel: +675 922159. Mooring launches are available.

Charts and publications

AUS680. Admiralty Pilot NP60, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent at least 12 hours in advance to Rabaul Coast Radio Station, with confirmation not more than 5 hours and not less than 4 hours before arrival.

Communications

VHF: Ch 12 and 16. Call "Rabaul Port Control", listening watch during working hours and during non working hours when a vessel is expected.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Port State Control here: 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.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Transport

Address: PO Box 1489, Port Moresby, NCD PNG

Tel: +675 325 7500

Fax: +675 323 3339

Mobile: +675 6813745.

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

Repairs

Minor repairs possible. Radio and radar repairs possible. Slipway (2.5nm SSW of front leading light), length 36.6m, 350t maximum haul.

10 smaller slipways between Bay Road Wharf and Toboi Wharf.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at berth by pipeline.

Bunkering: Diesel available by road tanker at Berth 01 and Berth 02.

Medical

Nonga General Hospital, 7km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Rabaul Airport also called Tokua Airport, 41.7km

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs and 1800-2200hrs.

Where it is

Rabaul is located in St George's Channel, on the N coast of New Britain.

The port

Port Rabaul lies at the head of Simpson Harbour, the W-most of the two inlets on the N side of Blanche Bay, and is sheltered from all winds. The port offers good anchorage in depths of up to 26m. Three 12m workboats available, also supply barges. Both fresh water and diesel are available alongside and at anchor.

Where does the pilot board at Rabaul?

The pilot boards at Rabaul – Pilot Boarding Station (Matupit Pt Light bearing 310°(T) x 1.62 M), 04°15.9′S 152°12.2′E.

What time zone is Rabaul in?

Local time at Rabaul is UTC+10. No summer time.

What is the water density at Rabaul?

1025.

Which load line zone is Rabaul in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Rabaul?

Port State Control at Rabaul: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Rabaul?

The UN/LOCODE of Rabaul is PGRAB.

What crews who called at Rabaul 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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