Toulon

1. Toulon pilot boarding place Pilot boards43°05.0′N 005°57.6′E

Size limits

LOA 277.04m, beam 32.26m, draught 8.4m, 18,885DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.2m (springs), 0.1 (neaps).

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

Approach

Within Grande Passe and the S part of Petite Rade the entrance channel has a least depth of 23m. North of 43°06'N the channel has a least swept depth of 10.1m.

Approach and entry: The port of Toulon is approached through Grande Rade de Toulon which leads W to Grande Passe, the entrance to Petite Rade. Petite Rade leads N to the naval and commercial ports.

Directions for entering harbour:

Vessels carrying dangerous cargoes: From a position 12nm SE of Cap Sicie 43°03'N 005°51'E, the approach channel leads NNW passing, with positions relative to Cap Cepet Light:

W of Pointe Escampobariou (7.0nm ESE), then:

W of Les Formigues (5.75nm ESE), a group of rocks marked by a beacon, then: E of Cap Cepet Light, then:

E of numerous obstructions extending 0.35nm E from Pointe du Canier (0.4nm NNE), then to a position ESE of Cap de Carqueiranne 43°05'N 006°01'E.

All other vessels: From a position E of Cap Cepet Light the approach channel leads N and NW passing: Between Cap Cepet 43°04'N 005°57'E and Cap de Carqueiranne, 3nm ENE, marking the entrance to Grande Rade de Toulon, then:

N of a lightbuoy moored 1nm NE of Cap Cepet. The approach channel then leads generally W and is marked by two buoys (starboard hand), one of which is lit. The final leg of the approach to the entrance to Petite Rade leads WSW passing:

N of Jetee de Saint Mandrier, extending 0.15nm N from Presqu'ile de Saint-Mandrier naval air station, a light is exhibited from the head of the breakwater, then:

SE of Grande Jetee, also marked by a light, into Grand Passe, the entrance to Petite Rade which lies N of Baie de Sainte Mandrier.

Port limits

Vessels approaching Toulon will be affected by a series of limits shown on the charts. The outer end of the approach channel (42°53.5'N) for vessels carrying dangerous cargoes is a reporting point for vessels required to use it.

The military port begins SW of a line joining Grande Jetee and Jetee de Saint Mandrier, closing Grande Passe (43°05.3'N 005°55.8'E).

Restrictions

Subject to Naval port restrictions. There are speed limits of 12kts throughout the port and 4kts within the basins.

Tugs

Available with capacity from 500hp to 2,600hp. Some tugs are fitted for salvage.

Charts and publications

BA 2170, 2120, 1705. Admiralty Pilot NP46, NP286(3).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

These vessels should also call Cepet on VHF Ch 16 informing the Signal Station of their entry into the approach channel.

Vessels over LOA 25m should send ETA 24 hours in advance, stating vessel's name, callsign, nationality, length, beam and draught.

Standard messages

Confirmation of arrival.

Eventual gas free confirmation in case of OBO vessels.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Health

Request for pratique to be made to Harbour Control prior to arrival.

Renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates, possible with prior notice to agent.

Customs and immigration

Usual regulation for cigarettes and spirits.

Seaman's Book and/or passport must be available onboard for presentation to the Immigration department.

Flags

Flags to be displayed: During bunkering "B" flag and on arrival "Q" flag.

Notices and regulations

All vessels which might cause an accident or pollution as a result of reduced manoeuvrability, should call Cap Cepet Signal Station stating the possible dangers. Before entering the area N of a line joining Pointe Rascas 43°04'N 005°57'E and Cap de Carqueiranne 43°05'N 006°01'E, all vessels over LOA 25m should contact Cap Cepet Signal Station for permission to enter the Grande Rade.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean 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

Position: Head of Sea Defense.

Address: 22 Rue Monge, Paris, F-75005, France

Tel: +33 01 40 81 85 30

Fax: +33 01 40 81 70 53

Mob: +33 06 17 15 01 80

Email: [email protected]

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Available, also divers available.

Dry docks

There is a drydock, 70m in length.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available alongside.

Bunkering: All grades of fuel available.

Medical

Font Pre (Toulon), 4km.

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Toulon/Hyeres, 20km; Marseilles/Marignane, 90km.

Nearest railway: Toulon, 2km.

Working hours

Normally 0630-1300hrs, 1300-1930hrs, 2100-0330hrs; also available 0800-1155hrs, 1330-1725hrs, 1930-2325hrs.

Where it is

Toulon is situated on the S coast of France, 45nm ESE of Marseilles.

The port

The port has one of Europe's most beautiful natural harbours. Since 1481, Toulon has been of major Naval importance in the Western Mediterranean. Today the port acts as both a centre of commerce as well as a Naval base. It is more conveniently described as two separate ports, Toulon and the more recent Bregaillon. The ports handle all nature of trades, as well as aircraft carrier and submarine traffic.

Where does the pilot board at Toulon?

The pilot boards at Toulon pilot boarding place, 43°05.0′N 005°57.6′E.

What time zone is Toulon in?

Local time at Toulon is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Toulon?

The deepest berth listed is at Bregaillon: 8.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Toulon?

1025.

Which load line zone is Toulon in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Toulon?

Port State Control at Toulon: Paris MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Toulon?

The UN/LOCODE of Toulon is FRTLN.

What crews who called at Toulon 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.

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