PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Rocky Point
Pilot
updated Sep 2017Compulsory via the vessel's Agent or through Kingston.
Agents must advise Pilotage Department of vessel's ETA and ETD at least 3 hours prior to arrival or departure. Pilots normally board off the buoys marking the dredged channel up to Port Esquivel, 4.0nm to the North of Rocky Point. By request, Pilots will also board off seaward approaches, approx 2nm SE of Bare Bush Cay (17° 44.95'N 77° 2.02'W)
Key data
updated Mar 2022Size limits
LOA 259m, beam 40m, draught 10.6m, 65,112DWT.
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 0.3m. The port approach is exposed to heavy swell when SE winds prevail in the summer.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Point | 10.60 m | 259 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2017Approach
Entrance to Rocky Point is located at position 17°42'N 077°02'W. From there the pilot station is located 7nm further down the channel.
Anchorages
Anchorage is available NW of Pigeon Island in depths of 13.0 to 15.0m.
Tugs
Tug is available on request.
Mooring
Vessels must shift when at the berth to bring their hatches into a suitable position under the chute opening. Tugs not available but a launch is on call for running lines.
Vessels may only dock in wind speeds not exceeding 15kn.
Charts and publications
BA 255, 257, 457. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).
US 26127, 26220. US Sailing Directions No 147 (Caribbean Sea Vol 1).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should send ETA via the agent to the pilots at least 3 hours before arrival.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered on arrival.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates issued.
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 Mar 2022Repairs
Minor repairs can be effected alongside.
Dry docks
No drydock facilities.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by special arrangement.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Spanish Town Public Hospital, 42.3km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Norman Manley International Airport, 81.2km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Rocky Point
updated Mar 2022Where it is
Rocky Point terminal, Clarendon is located 1nm S of Salt Island on the southern coast of Jamaica.
The port
The port is operated by Jamalco which mines bauxite and refines it into alumina before it is exported from the Company's facilities at Rocky Point. The alumina is transported to aluminium smelters and turned into aluminium metal. Fuel oil and caustic soda are also discharged at the pier, along with supplies, heavy plant and equipment.
Traffic
Approx 700,000t of cargo and 40 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Rocky Point
What are the pilot arrangements at Rocky Point?
Compulsory via the vessel's Agent or through Kingston.
What time zone is Rocky Point in?
Local time at Rocky Point is UTC−5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Rocky Point?
The deepest berth listed is at Rocky Point: 10.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Rocky Point?
1025.
Which load line zone is Rocky Point in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Rocky Point?
The UN/LOCODE of Rocky Point is JMROP.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Rocky Point 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.
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.