Vieux Fort

1. Vieux Fort pilot boarding place Pilot boards13°42.2′N 060°59.0′W

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 0.3m.

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

Approach

The least charted depth in the approach to the main berths is 10.7m.

Directions for entering the harbour:

Approach from W: From the vicinity of 13°45.0'N 061°10.0'W, the approach to Vieux Fort Bay leads ESE, passing SSW of Gros Piton Point, then SSW of a spit, with a least depth of 5.5m over it, which extends approx 0.5nm S from the E end of Balembouche Rocks. When there is any swell the sea usually breaks on these rocks, which extend approx 0.3nm offshore. By maintaining a distance of at least 1nm off the coast keeps vessel outside the 20.0m depth contour.

Then SSW of Laborie Reefs, which extend approx 0.4nm offshore to the W of Laborie Bay. The sea breaks heavily on these reefs except in calm weather.

Entering harbour from SW: Initial position is 1.75nm WSW of Mathurin Point.

Leading Lights: The alignment 059.5° of these lights leads towards the jetty in a least depth of 10.7m.

Port limits

From Mathurin Point (13°42.3'N 060°57.3'W), 319° for 1.43nm to Georgie Point (13°43.3'N 060°58.2'W), then along the foreshore at the average high water mark to Battery Point, then to Noir Point and then to Mathurin Point being the area that includes all waters and ocean bed up to the average high water mark of Vieux Fort Harbour and Marine works and upland vested in the crown for Port use lying within the above defined limits.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained to the NW of the prohibited anchorage area.

Prohibited anchorage area extends 0.7nm WNW of Mathurin Point and 1.0nm SW of the town.

Tugs

Tugs are available, on request.

Charts and publications

BA 499, 596, 1273. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Advise ETA 48 hours prior to arrival. Application for a berth by the vessel or agent to be submitted 72 hours before expected time of arrival.

Communications

Port Radio, established in Cape Moule a Chique Lighthouse, is manned day and night. Vessels should not approach closer than 3.5nm of the port before VHF radio contact has been established.

Radio: MF 2182kHz.

VHF: Port: Ch 06 and 16.

Tel: +758 457 6100.

Standard messages

Indicate to vessel on which side the pilot will board.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered as soon as possible after arrival.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Where possible, Cargo Manifests and Stowage Plans should be forwarded, by fax or email, ahead of the vessel's arrival to the vessel's agent.

Health

Vessels are cleared by the Health Office on arrival. Vessels should not be brought within 100m of any of the wharves until pratique has been granted by the pilot. Other port officials board after a vessel has been berthed.

Customs and immigration

Customs clearance can be obtained between 0800-1600hrs, overtime can be requested.

Repairs

There are no facilities for large vessels, routine maintenance or minor repairs can be carried out.

Dry docks

None.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Medical

St Anthony Medical Centre, 2km.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hewanorra International Airport, 2km.

Airport facilities: International flights to Europe and North and South America from Hewanorra Airport.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1200hrs and 1300-1600hrs.

Where it is

Vieux Fort is located at the S end of Saint Lucia.

The port

The port handles general cargo, containers, Ro-Ro, liquid cargo, cruise and passengers.

Traffic

Approx 17,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Vieux Fort?

The pilot boards at Vieux Fort pilot boarding place, 13°42.2′N 060°59.0′W.

What time zone is Vieux Fort in?

Local time at Vieux Fort is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the water density at Vieux Fort?

1025.

Which load line zone is Vieux Fort in?

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Vieux Fort?

The UN/LOCODE of Vieux Fort is LCVIF.

What crews who called at Vieux Fort 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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