PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Santo
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for vessels over 60m length. Available 0500 to 2200hrs only. Vessels arriving at other times are advised to go straight to the anchorage.
Boarding points: E entrance, 1nm E of Black Rock Point (15°32'S 167°12'E).
W entrance, 1nm S of Brigstocke Point (15°36'S 167°06'E), prior notice of intention to use this entrance is required.
Pilot vessel "Moli Vatur" is fitted with radar and VHF radio.
Key data
updated Apr 2022Size limits
LOA 311.12m, beam 38.6m, draught 10.4m, 50,626DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Mean max range 0.9m, mean minimum range 0.6m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo | 10.40 m | 311 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Apr 2022Approach
Access to the port is via two channels. The eastern channel, from Tutuba Island, may be used at any time but the western channel is only accessible in daylight.
Anchorages
The recommended anchorage (15°32'S 167°10.0E') is in a depth of 25.0m, good holding ground, 1.5nm SW of Main Wharf, sheltered from SE Trade winds and out of the main strength of the W going tidal stream.
Prohibited anchorage is centred 0.325nm SSW of the Main Wharf.
Tugs
Available from Port Vila.
Mooring
Vessels berth port or starboard to depending on tidal stream.
Charts and publications
BA 1570, 1638, 1575. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Required if possible, 7 days, 2 days and 1 day prior to arrival. A minimum of 24 hours notice required for vessels at ISPS Level 1 and 48 hours for those at ISPS Levels 2 or 3. ETA messages for night passage and weekends should arrive during office hours Mon-Fri.
Should include last 10 ports of call, security level, number and health status of crew and request for fresh water, number of gangs and other relevant information. This information should be sent 48 hours in advance to local agent who will inform all other parties concerned.
Communications
All radio messages go via Perth radio, the local telephone company closes down their cable service from Sat 1100hrs to Mon 0800hrs, plus holidays.
If possible, communicate with local agent via Inmarsat.
VHF: Port Control, callsign "YJY301" Ch 16.
Notice of readiness
NOR usually tendered at vessel's clearance, but back dated to the time of the pilot boarding.
Documents
If vessel calls at more than one Vanuatu port, an additional copy of each of above documents to be supplied.
The documents are checked by Customs (who also act for Immigration) and Plant Quarantine.
Health
Pratique is applied for automatically by local agent, upon receipt of first ETA. There is no need for vessels to apply.
There are no special health regulations.
Ship Sanitation Control and Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed, but at least 2 working days notice, prior to arrival, is required.
Customs and immigration
No restriction on allowances for officers and crew. No drugs.
No Immigration procedures, except for signing on/off crew or passengers.
No restrictions for crew or passengers.
Flags
Only normal Interco flags required. If not complying a warning will be given.
Notices and regulations
Pre booked passenger/cruise vessels get priority for berthing, followed by regular scheduled cargo vessel, copra vessel and finally Navy vessels.
Inspections
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: Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities.
Position: Director-General.
Address: Private Mailbag 9057, Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Tel: +678 25284
Fax: +678 27714
Mob: +678 43528
E-mail: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Sep 2010Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available, at Main Wharf.
Bunkering: Limited; gas oil may be available.
Medical
Hospital (2km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Pekoa Airport (7km).
Airport facilities: Domestic airport connecting with the international airport at Port Vila.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1100hrs, 1300-1700hrs, 1800-2200hrs, Sat 0700-1500hrs.
Copra loading only, throughout 24 hours (shift basis).
About Santo
updated Apr 2018Where it is
Santo (also known as Luganville) is located on Espiritu Santo Island.
The port
The port handles both wet and dry cargoes, importing general goods and oils and exporting fish products and copra. There are facilities for handling containers, cruise vessels and oil tankers. Exports: Copra, fish and beef.
Questions about Santo
What are the pilot arrangements at Santo?
Compulsory for vessels over 60m length.
What time zone is Santo in?
Local time at Santo is UTC+11. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Santo?
The deepest berth listed is at Santo: 10.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Santo?
1025.
Which load line zone is Santo in?
South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Santo?
Port State Control at Santo: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Santo?
The UN/LOCODE of Santo is VUSAN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Santo 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.