PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Searsport
Pilot
updated May 2016Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade, with draught of 2.74m or more, and is administered by Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association.
Pilot should be requested 48hrs, 24hrs and 12hrs in advance of ETA as no Pilot Vessel is kept on station.
The Pilot boards in the following positions in Penobscot Bay.
Key data
updated Dec 2024Size limits
LOA 209.86m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.9m, 64,253DWT.
Water density
1023.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 3.04m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mack Point Terminal | 11.90 m | 228 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 May 2016Approach
The approach is through a dredged channel, leading to a turning basin off the pier heads. The controlling depth is 10.6m in the access channel and the turning basin. Lightbuoys mark the limits of shoal water W of Sears Island, No 5 Lightbuoy (port hand, bell) is moored 0.3nm SE of Long Cove Ledge and marks the W side of the approach to the piers.
Anchorages
Searsport Harbor (44°27'N 068°55'W) affords good anchorage from W and N winds, in depths of 5.0-9.0m, soft bottom; and in N winds anchorage may be obtained in depths of 11.6-12.8m, soft bottom, 1nm S of Mack Point.
Tugs
Available from a number of harbours in Penobscot Bay. Arrangements should be made via vessel's Agents.
For towage purposes, vessels bound for Searsport are met by tugs off Sears Island Bell Buoy 2.
Charts and publications
US 13309. US Coast Pilot 1. BA 2486. Admiralty Pilot NP68, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2016ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
Communications
Note - Penobscot Bay and approaches have an established Security Broadcast System which can be used by deep draught vessels on VHF Chs 13 and 16 for Security (Securite) calls, when proceeding between the Pilot Boarding Position and dock or anchorages at the N end of the Bay and River.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
No action initiated unless there is illness onboard.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information..
Customs and immigration
Immigration: For crew not to be detained onboard each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
Notices and regulations
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
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
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Dec 2024Repairs
Available. Larger vessels can be dealt with at Boston, Bath and Portland.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunker: Available. Bunker C and gas oil available by special arrangement.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital, 45.9km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Belfast Municipal Airport, 15.8km.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs and 1800-2200hrs. Work on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, time + half rates.
About Searsport
updated Dec 2025Where it is
Searsport, Maine, is situated on the W side of the Penobscot Bay, approx 26nm from the bay entrance. The commercial development of the harbor is at Mack Point, 1 mile east of Searsport.
The port
The port located at the head of Penobscot Bay and the town of Searsport is at the head of the harbor. Searsport handles forest products, breakbulk, heavy lift, liquid and bulk cargo. The town is also known as the home of the famous sea captains and the antique capital of Maine.
Traffic
Approx 1,100,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Searsport
What are the pilot arrangements at Searsport?
Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade, with draught of 2.74m or more, and is administered by Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association.
What time zone is Searsport in?
Local time at Searsport is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Searsport?
The deepest berth listed is at Mack Point Terminal: 11.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Searsport?
1023.
Which load line zone is Searsport in?
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Searsport?
Port State Control at Searsport: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Searsport?
The UN/LOCODE of Searsport is USSRP.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Searsport 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.