PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Saipan
Pilot
updated May 2010It is compulsory for all vessels over 300GT to use a pilot. A vessel requiring a pilot must wait at Tango Buoy station for a pilot to board. If a vessel must wait for a pilot it should cruise back and forth or drift through the Tango Buoy area.
All vessels moving within the confines of the Saipan Harbour area should advise Saipan Port Control of all moves into, within or departing Saipan Harbour, giviing the destination and the time of leaving the berth. All such vessels will operate under the direction of Saipan Port Control.
All vessels entering Saipan Harbour must have a certified pilot onbard. All vessels arriving or departing between sunset and sunrise must secure the services of a certified pilot. All vessels in excess of 500GT must secure a pilot prior to entering the harbour. All vessels exceeding 500GT must also secure the services of a tug(s) except for US Flag fishing vessels under 1,500GT.
Key data
updated Aug 2019Size limits
Draught 10.36, LOA 300m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saipan Port Terminal | 9.14 m | 300 m | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Aug 2019Approach
Vessels should make for the approach buoy marked "Tango Buoy", 3,200m from the entrance of the harbour, at 15°12.0'N 145°40.2'E. From Tango Buoy, the first leg of the entrance leading line is 044°, there is a sharp right turn to 088° for the second leg, which is slightly narrower, with a depth of 12.1m throghout the channel.
Caution: All Pilots and Masters are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching this sharp bend as this section of the channel may be tight and dangerous when making the turn.
Charts and publications
BA 1101. Admiralty Pilot NP60, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010Communications
VHF: Saipan Port Control: Ch 13, 16. All incoming and outgoing vessels must first obtain radio clearance from the port authority.
Customs and immigration
Rules of CNMI Customs, Quarantine and Immigration apply. CNMI Customs and CNMI Quarantine enforce customs and quarantine regulations.
Notices and regulations
Entering or leaving the harbour: Prior to entering or departing Saipan Harbour, all commercial vessels must first contact a Saipan agent who will coordinate activities with the Commonwealth Ports Authority. The port authority will only deal directly with the agent. The vessel is responsible for obtaining an agent and providing all necessary information and documents.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Aug 2019Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Medical
Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, 2.4km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Saipan International Airport located at Saipan, 13.9km.
About Saipan
updated May 2010Where it is
Saipan is located in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The port
The port, on the NW coast of Saipan Island, is operated by the Commonwealth Ports Authority. The port consists of a three sided wharf with several berths for various types of vessels, including US Navy logistics vessels, container and ferry vessels. The berths are capable of handling medium to deep draught vessels.
Questions about Saipan
What are the pilot arrangements at Saipan?
It is compulsory for all vessels over 300GT to use a pilot.
What time zone is Saipan in?
Local time at Saipan is UTC+10. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Saipan?
The deepest berth listed is at Saipan Port Terminal: 9.14 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Saipan?
1025.
Which load line zone is Saipan in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Saipan?
Port State Control at Saipan: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Saipan?
The UN/LOCODE of Saipan is MPSPN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Saipan 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.