Richibucto

Water density

Brackish.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 1.0m.

Tidal streams: The rate of the tidal streams in Richibucto River is between 1.5 - 2.0kts.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: The harbour is approached through a narrow channel over a sand bar, and entered through Richibucto Gully (46°43'N., 064°48'W). The entrance channel has depths of approx 2.7m, but is liable to shift with the action of gales and ice. The charted channel, narrow and intricate, is marked by buoys (lateral) and may be moved to meet the changing conditions in Richibucto Channel. The approach through the two sand pits are several miles in length and have sand dunes which stand 9.1m high.

From the vicinity of "Q" Lightbuoy (safe water) 46°43.5'N., 064°44.5'W moored approx 2nm ENE of the SE extremity of North Richibucto Dune, the entrance channel is approached from NE, passing between "Q3" and "Q4" Lightbuoys, moored approx 2nm E of the river entrance. The track then leads W for approx 1.75nm, passing S of "Q10" Lightbuoy (starboard hand), then;

N of the W part of South Richibucto Beach, and S of drying patches and rocks, awash, on Richibucto Bar, extending E from the SE extremity of North Richibucto Beach.

Ultimately, the port is located on the W bank approx 3nm from the entrance channel.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained off the bar, in depths of 6.7 to 9.1m. The bottom is made up of sand however E of the range line it is made up of rock. This anchorage is completely exposed.

Caution: Oyster farms are located in Aldouane Lake and in Baie du Village; mariners are advised to proceed with care in the vicinity of the farms.

Restrictions

A road bridge with a vertical clearance of 5.5m spans the river from Jardineville on the SW shore to Pratts Point on the NW shore.

A road bridge with a vertical clearance of 2.4m spans the river at Rexton, 1.75nm above Richibucto town.

Vessels are advised not to enter/depart the harbour at more than idle speeds.

It is worth noting that local knowledge is necessary when navigating to the harbour. This is due to the fact that the range lights and buoys are moved from time to time to mark the best channel.

Charts and publications

BA 2034, 4765; Can 4909. Admiralty Pilot NP65.

Communications

Halifax Coast Guard Radio contact info:

Call sign: VCS. Available throughout 24 hours. Amver messages can be passed through "VCS".

Notice of readiness

NOR normally tendered when vessel secured alongside berth except most tankers tender on arrival pilot station or at port limits.

Documents

Documents are received by Canada Customs on arrival or in the absence of Customs it is the responsibility of the vessel's agent to take documents to Canada Customs and Immigration.

Health

Pratique should be applied for when arriving from a country which has infectious diseases or death onboard from unknown causes. Pratique is applied for through the vessel's agent.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances: For each officer or crew member the allowance is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 0.9kg of tobacco and 1.1 litres of liquor or 8.2 litres of beer or ale.

Penalty for non compliance with the above is forfeiture. If ship's bond count is not accurate, overage results in forfeiture and penalty, under results in payment of duty, taxes and penalty.

Immigration: Routine filing of documents is undertaken by the vessel's agent. There are no restrictions on crew and/or passengers except those who require a visa. If they do not possess a visa they must remain aboard the vessel.

Flags

State flag to be flown over the stern and Canadian flag at the mast.

Notices and regulations

Wharf garbage bins are provided however it is not to be used for wood products and fishing gear. Anyone found in violation will be prosecuted.

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

Where it is

Richibucto is located on the W shore of the Northumberland Straits, Gulf of St Lawrence, situated on the left bank 8km from the mouth of the Richibucto River, Canada.

The port

Richibucto caters for fishing and small private pleasure vessels The town of Rexton is about 5km farther up the river.

The port is open from mid April to beginning December.

What are the pilot arrangements at Richibucto?

Compulsory. Pilot boards the vessel about 1nm off the harbour entrance.

What time zone is Richibucto in?

Local time at Richibucto is UTC−4. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−4 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Richibucto?

Brackish.

Which load line zone is Richibucto 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 Richibucto?

Port State Control at Richibucto: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Richibucto?

The UN/LOCODE of Richibucto is CARBT.

What crews who called at Richibucto 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.

Read and add tips for Richibucto →