PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Useless Loop
Pilot
updated Aug 2011- Useless Loop pilot boarding Pilot boards25°51.0′S 113°15.0′E
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels. Pilot boards in position at: 25°51.00'S 113°15.00'E. Pilots are available from Fremantle.
Key data
updated Mar 2024Size limits
LOA 186.4m, beam 31.6m, 45,556DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Mean Maximum Range 0.6m. Mean Minimum Range 0.2m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Useless Loop Terminal | — | 186 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 Apr 2024Approach
Denham Channel is a narrow passage between Bar Flats and Heirisson Flats. A cut, about 122m wide, which extends approx 1nm SE from Denham Channel No 1 Light Beacon (25°54'S 113°15'E), gives access to Denham Channel from Denham Sound. Vessels from the N proceed direct to Denham Channel, vessels from the S navigate through the Naturaliste Channel. The depth in the approach channel is 10m.
The Denham Channel has a length of 1,160m, width 122m and is marked by 3 pairs of beacons, equipped with solar lights for night navigation.
Caution: A shoal with a least depth of 1.6m, (26°06'S 113°27'E) lies 2nm ESE of the berth and a tongue with a least depth of 8.7m extends 3.25nm NNW from the shoal approx 1nm from the berth.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained 1nm N of Denham Channel No 1 Light Beacon, 25°53'S 113°15'E.
Tugs
The port operates without tugs.
Charts and publications
BA 4708. Admiralty Pilot NP13, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2011ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA's should be sent to the operator 72, 48, and 24 hours prior to arrival. Any amendments should be sent as soon as possible.
Communications
VHF: Port and Pilot: Call Useless Loop, Ch 12 and 16. Tel: +61(0)8 94204320, Fax: +61(0)8 94204322, email [email protected].
Harbour Master: Tel: +61 08 9216 8867, email [email protected]
Standard messages
Note: To be lodged at Customs Marine Centre, with a copy of the Crew List, 96 hours prior to the vessel's arrival.
unquote
Notice of readiness
NOR tendered on arrival.
Health
Quarantine: Useless Loop, under the administration of Carnarvon, is a first port of entry, radio pratique may be available.
Notices and regulations
Mariners should arrive with their vessels in full or good ballast condition or they may be unable to berth.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo 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
ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Contact person: The Secretary.
Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.
Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.
Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.
Mob: +61 0417 273 185.
24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.
Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.
Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.
Email: [email protected]
ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Mar 2024Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available
Bunkering: Not available
Medical
Nearest hospital: Silverchain - Shark Bay Health Centre (24km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Useless Loop Airport (7km).
About Useless Loop
updated Apr 2024Where it is
Useless Loop (Topper Island, also referred to as Slope Island), is situated 16nm S of Denham Channel, which is marked between sandbanks at the S end of Shark Bay.
The port
Useless Loop port serves as a hub for salt exports and is integrated into the Carnarvon port, located around 75 nautical miles to the north-northeast.
Questions about Useless Loop
Where does the pilot board at Useless Loop?
The pilot boards at Useless Loop pilot boarding, 25°51.0′S 113°15.0′E.
What time zone is Useless Loop in?
Local time at Useless Loop is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the water density at Useless Loop?
1025.
Which load line zone is Useless Loop in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Useless Loop?
Port State Control at Useless Loop: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Useless Loop?
The UN/LOCODE of Useless Loop is AUUSL.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Useless Loop 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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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.