10Sector1.BermudaVessels, having transited Dundonald Channel and intendingities, to one of several buoys lying opposite the Naval Air Sta-to enter Port Royal Bay, should proceed so as to pass throughtion.A tender pier extends 150m SSE from the Naval Base, on thethe channel dredged between Kings Point and Grace Island andthen continue on to destination.S side of Kings Point. On the E side of the pier a ship berths ondolphins in depths from 9 to 1lm. On the W side there areVessels commonly moor,under the direction of local author-depths from 6.7 to 8.8m alongside the pier.Pub. 147
10 Sector 1. Bermuda Pub. 147 1.13 Vessels, having transited Dundonald Channel and intending to enter Port Royal Bay, should proceed so as to pass through the channel dredged between Kings Point and Grace Island and then continue on to destination. 1.13 Vessels commonly moor, under the direction of local authorities, to one of several buoys lying opposite the Naval Air Station. 1.13 A tender pier extends 150m SSE from the Naval Base, on the S side of Kings Point. On the E side of the pier a ship berths on dolphins in depths from 9 to 11m. On the W side there are depths from 6.7 to 8.8m alongside the pier
26FLORIDAANSLANO25130.LVADON3(SEESECTOR3)?234光A2Additionalchatoveage maybefound in NGA/DLIS CatalogofMaps, Chats, and Related Products (Ualimited Distribution).SECTOR2-CHARTINFORMATIONPub.147
11 Pub. 147 2. The Bahamas—Western Part 2.0Additional chart coverage may be found in NGA/DLIS Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related Products (Unlimited Distribution). SECTOR 2 — CHART INFORMATION
13SECTOR 2THEBAHAMAS-WESTERNPARTPlan.This sector describes the western part of the Baha-Fog is rare and visibility is poor on the average of less than 4mas andthe several seamountplateauxintheircontinuationtodays a year.the SE. The description is from Matanilla Shoal in the NW upThe SEgroup has E winds in spring and summer and NEto Crooked Island Passage in the SE.winds in autumn and winter. The average high temperaturereaches33°CinAugustandSeptemberandthelowseldomGeneral Remarksfallsbelow18°Cin JanuaryandFebruary.November is the wettest month; March is the driest.Fog is a2.1The Bahamas (24°15'N., 76°00'W.)are a major por-rare occurrence.tion of an archipelagoof Atlantic Ocean above and below-waterPilotage.-Pilotageis compulsoryfornon-exemptvessels atfeatures; it is NE of Cuba and extends fromFlorida to HispanolaFreeport, Nassau, Douglas Road, Hanover Sound, Salt CayGeographically, the islands extend about 575 miles from Mata-Anchorage, and at South West Bay at New Providence Island;nillaShoalintheNW.totheTurksand CaicosIslands.in theat Hatchet Bay at Eleuthera Island; and at Ragged Island whereSE, and continue to the W so far as to include Cay Sal Bank.necessity allows entry without a pilot.Geologically,they are continued from Turks Islands by a se-Pilots for the anchorages in the vicinity of New Providenceries of three seamount plateaux for a distance of about 155Island may be obtained off the bar at Nassau, but vessels pro-miles SE to Navidad Bank. Politically, they are divided into anceeding to South West Bay may make arrangements to boardindependent Commonwealth of theBahamas and adependentthe pilot at Goulding Cay.British Colony comprising the Turks and Caicos Islands.Caution.Caution is recommendedwhen navigating withinThe Bahamasare formedfromcalcareous matterderivedand around the Bahamasfrom shells and coral and supported on extensive limestoneTheBahamasaboundinshoalwaterofaremarkabletrans-plateaux physiologicallyrelated toFlorida.parency which allows an experienced lookout aloft to assist inThey have a total land area of about 5.386 square miles, dis-navigationbyobserving the subtle shift in water color over var-tributed over some 700 islands and 2,000 cays and rocks whichious types of sunken dangers and sea floor compositions. Mari-ners are cautioned in this regard tohavethe sun well overheadaregroupedinlargemeasureonLittleBahamaBankandGreatBahama Bank.Only a very small number of islands are inhab-or astern, and to realize that passing clouds can cast a shadowited.that might very well conceal a sunken danger.Theislands of the Commonwealth of theBahamas extendfrom Little Bahama Bank, in the N, to Great Inagua Island, inPassages Through the Bahamasthe S,and commonly leshare in a low to hilly terrain substan-2.2Deep-water passages through and around the Baha-tially covered by vegetation.New Providence Island is central to the island group andmas number more than a half dozen and, without exception,most important as the site of the capital of the Commonwealth,present no major difficulty to full-powered vessels.The signifi-Nassau.Freeport,on Grand Bahama Island, along withNassau,cance of the individual passages is largely determined by desti-are the only deep-water harbors available in the Bahamas.nationsoutsidetheBahamas.suchastheStraitsofFloridaandThe Turks and Caicos Islands are low-lying for the most partWindward Passage to the W and S,and the ports of the Medi-and comparatively barren.terranean Sea, North Europe and the E coast of the UnitedA number of deep-water passages transit the Bahamas andStates to the ENE, NE and NThe principal passages are Northwest Providence Channel,their extension SE. The passages are open and largely unen-NortheastProvidenceChannel,OldBahamaChannel,CrookedcumberedseawaysavailabletovesselsproceedingbetweentheAtlantic Ocean and the waters of theGulf of Mexico and theIsland Passage,and Turks Island Passage.The secondary pas-Caribbean SeaPilotage is not required in these passages andsages are Mayaguana Passage, Caicos Passage, Mouchoir Pas-nowhere compulsory except for a few designated areas withinsage,and SilverBankPassage,as well as thepassagesbetweenthe Commonwealth of the Bahamas.Silver Bank and Navidad BankWinds-Weather.TheBahamas,situated on either side ofNorthwest Providence Channel and Northeast Providence25°N. lie within the area of direct NE trade winds influence.Channel lead between LittleBahama Bank and Great BahamaSince the N limit of the trade winds belt fluctuates seasonallyBank.TidesCurrents.In the Atlantic Ocean approaches tobetween25°and30°N.theislandsareeffectivelydividedintoaNWandSEgrouping.TheNWgroupofislandshasEtoSENortheast Providence Channel, currents generally set NW, withwinds in summer and NE and E winds in winter. Northers ofrates up to 1.5 knots. In the Florida Strait approaches, the fulldiminished strength penetrate the area during the latter period.set of the Gulf Stream requires compensation.The hightemperature averages 33°C in July and August, andWithin the channels, the currents are variable and usuallythe low seldom is below13°C in Januaryand February.Sep-weak.The main sets are NW and N, but occasionally NE intember is the wettest month, and December, January andNorthwest Providence Channel from February to April.March are the driest.Directions.From the E, vessels normally make forHole inPub. 147
13 Pub. 147 SECTOR 2 THE BAHAMAS—WESTERN PART 2.0 Plan.—This sector describes the western part of the Bahamas and the several seamount plateaux in their continuation to the SE. The description is from Matanilla Shoal in the NW up to Crooked Island Passage in the SE. General Remarks 2.1 The Bahamas (24°15'N., 76°00'W.) are a major portion of an archipelago of Atlantic Ocean above and below-water features; it is NE of Cuba and extends from Florida to Hispanola. Geographically, the islands extend about 575 miles from Matanilla Shoal, in the NW, to the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the SE, and continue to the W so far as to include Cay Sal Bank. 2.1 Geologically, they are continued from Turks Islands by a series of three seamount plateaux for a distance of about 155 miles SE to Navidad Bank. Politically, they are divided into an independent Commonwealth of the Bahamas and a dependent British Colony comprising the Turks and Caicos Islands. 2.1 The Bahamas are formed from calcareous matter derived from shells and coral and supported on extensive limestone plateaux physiologically related to Florida. 2.1 They have a total land area of about 5,386 square miles, distributed over some 700 islands and 2,000 cays and rocks which are grouped in large measure on Little Bahama Bank and Great Bahama Bank. Only a very small number of islands are inhabited. 2.1 The islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas extend from Little Bahama Bank, in the N, to Great Inagua Island, in the S, and commonly leshare in a low to hilly terrain substantially covered by vegetation. 2.1 New Providence Island is central to the island group and most important as the site of the capital of the Commonwealth, Nassau. Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, along with Nassau, are the only deep-water harbors available in the Bahamas. 2.1 The Turks and Caicos Islands are low-lying for the most part and comparatively barren. 2.1 A number of deep-water passages transit the Bahamas and their extension SE. The passages are open and largely unencumbered seaways available to vessels proceeding between the Atlantic Ocean and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Pilotage is not required in these passages and nowhere compulsory except for a few designated areas within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. 2.1 Winds—Weather.—The Bahamas, situated on either side of 25°N, lie within the area of direct NE trade winds influence. Since the N limit of the trade winds belt fluctuates seasonally between 25° and 30° N, the islands are effectively divided into a NW and SE grouping. The NW group of islands has E to SE winds in summer and NE and E winds in winter. Northers of diminished strength penetrate the area during the latter period. 2.1 The high temperature averages 33°C in July and August, and the low seldom is below 13°C in January and February. September is the wettest month, and December, January and March are the driest. 2.1 Fog is rare and visibility is poor on the average of less than 4 days a year. 2.1 The SE group has E winds in spring and summer and NE winds in autumn and winter. The average high temperature reaches 33°C in August and September and the low seldom falls below 18°C in January and February. 2.1 November is the wettest month; March is the driest. Fog is a rare occurrence. 2.1 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for non-exempt vessels at Freeport, Nassau, Douglas Road, Hanover Sound, Salt Cay Anchorage, and at South West Bay at New Providence Island; at Hatchet Bay at Eleuthera Island; and at Ragged Island where necessity allows entry without a pilot. 2.1 Pilots for the anchorages in the vicinity of New Providence Island may be obtained off the bar at Nassau, but vessels proceeding to South West Bay may make arrangements to board the pilot at Goulding Cay. 2.1 Caution.—Caution is recommended when navigating within and around the Bahamas. 2.1 The Bahamas abound in shoal water of a remarkable transparency which allows an experienced lookout aloft to assist in navigation by observing the subtle shift in water color over various types of sunken dangers and sea floor compositions. Mariners are cautioned in this regard to have the sun well overhead or astern, and to realize that passing clouds can cast a shadow that might very well conceal a sunken danger. Passages Through the Bahamas 2.2 Deep-water passages through and around the Bahamas number more than a half dozen and, without exception, present no major difficulty to full-powered vessels. The significance of the individual passages is largely determined by destinations outside the Bahamas, such as the Straits of Florida and Windward Passage to the W and S, and the ports of the Mediterranean Sea, North Europe and the E coast of the United States to the ENE, NE and N. 2.2 The principal passages are Northwest Providence Channel, Northeast Providence Channel, Old Bahama Channel, Crooked Island Passage, and Turks Island Passage. The secondary passages are Mayaguana Passage, Caicos Passage, Mouchoir Passage, and Silver Bank Passage, as well as the passages between Silver Bank and Navidad Bank. 2.2 Northwest Providence Channel and Northeast Providence Channel lead between Little Bahama Bank and Great Bahama Bank. 2.2 Tides—Currents.—In the Atlantic Ocean approaches to Northeast Providence Channel, currents generally set NW, with rates up to 1.5 knots. In the Florida Strait approaches, the full set of the Gulf Stream requires compensation. 2.2 Within the channels, the currents are variable and usually weak. The main sets are NW and N, but occasionally NE in Northwest Providence Channel from February to April. 2.2 Directions.—From the E, vessels normally make for Hole in
Sector2.TheBahamasWesternPart14the Wall, the remarkable feature associated with the S point ofGrandBahamaIsland(26°38'N..78°25'W.),theprincipalGreat Abaco Island, and marked byAbacoLight.land on theSW sideof LittleBahama Bank and thefourthlargSail as safenavigation permits toapositionabout 8miles Sest island of the Bahama archipelago,is generally quite lowofAbacoLight.thencesteertopassabout6.5milesNofGreatthroughout, swampy in places, and largely covered by denseStirrup Cay,and 7 miles N of Great Isaac Lightforests of pine trees. The bank of the N side, for its entireFrom Florida Strait,makefora position 12 miles NW oflength,is an imperfectly surveyed, more or less continuous,se-GreatIsaacLight.andfollowtheaboveinreverseorder.ries ofmangroveswashes available onlyto small craft withlo-Old Bahama Channel,a deep and comparatively narrow pas-cal knowledge.sage leading between the SW side of the Bahama Bank and theThe area seaward of the S side rises steep-to and everywhereNE sideof Cuba,is a convenientwaterwayfor vessels transitingis fronted by a narrow margin of sunken dangers,except for thebetweentheUnited StatesGulf Ports and PuertoRico.E third of the island where the near-shore area is lacking in de-Seeparagraph 4.25for a description ofOldBahamaChanneltail.The W half of the island is considerably more populatedand the IMO-adopted Traffic Separation Scheme associatedthan the E.withit.FromMemoryRock to SettlementPoint, several small caysOther passages throughtheBahamas will bedescribed ac-are visible. Indian Cay, close aboard the NW extremity ofcording to geographical location.GrandBahamaIsland showsalight.IthasbeenreportedthatCaution.TheBahamashaveextensiveareasof shoal con-there is no safe opening in the reef S of Memory Rock for ves-ceded by some to be among the finest in the Western Hemi-sels with a draft of more than 3.6m.sphereforthe cruising of small boats, yachts,and otherWestEnd(26°41'N.,78°58W.)asmall communityservingpleasure craft. Little Bahama Bank and Great Bahama Bankas the focus for a considerable tourist activity,is close E ofare particularly favored.West End Point (Settlement Point), the low rocky promontoryWhile these areas are appropriately described in their geo-at the W extremity of the island.Freeport Harbour, a deep-wa-graphic sequence within the text, no detailed route descriptionster port described below in paragraph2.4, is about 16 miles totheSEfor their transit are given.Several elaborate small craft marinas indent the coast betweenLittleBahamaBankFreeport and Bell Channel, about 7 miles to the E, while elsewhere as far as the E extremity of the island, the coast is largely2.3LittleBahamaBank(26°55'N.,78°40'W.),themorewithout any particularly distinctive land features.Nand smallerof thetwomajorshoal waterbanksthatsupportCaution.-Vessels should remain at least 4 miles offshorethe bulk of the Bahamas, has its W side about 47miles to theEbetween West End Point and Freeport dueto shoaling.oftheU.S.mainlandanditsSsideseparatedfromGreatBaha-ma Bank to the Sby thedeepseawaysof Northwest Provi-Freeport Harbour (26°31'N., 78°47'W.)denceChannel and Northeast Providence Channel.World Port IndexNo.9985Itcomprises a largearea of shoal water both inaccessibleanddangerous to ocean shipping and includes Grand Bahama Is-2.4Freeport Harbour, one of the two major deep-waterland,Great Abaco Island, and Little Abaco Island as well as amultitude of lesser islets and cays of interest primarily to theports in the Bahamas, is afast developing resort area and bun-yachting community.kering port.Thefacility consists of an open roadstead frontingMatanilla Shoai (27°21'N., 79°04"W.),the northwesterm-an inner harbor. A large petroleum refinery,fronted by two off-mostsunkendangeronLittleBahamaBank.hasaleastchartedshore berthingplatforms, lies just SE of the harbor entrance.depth of 3.5m over a bottom of singularly level rock coveredby dark weeds. It is extremely dangerous in that it is isolatedand near muchfrequented oceanroutes.does notproduceadistinctive discoloration in overlying water, and gives no indi-cation of its presencebya breaking sea.Little Bahama Bank's W side,between Matanilla Shoal andGrand Bahama Island, is steep-to and gives little warning tovessels making their approach from the offing.CurrentssettingthroughtheStraitsofFloridastrikeitobliauely,particularly at White Sand Ridge which, lying sunken about10 miles SSWfrom Matanilla Shoal but well visiblefrom aloft.experiencesanobliquecurrentof2to3knots.MemoryRock,marked by a navigation light about 17 milesFreeport Harborfrom Sfarther S, is dark and barren and subject to the damaging ef-fects of heavy seas. Vessels have grounded in the vicinity ofTidesCurrents.Mean High Water Neaps rise 1.1m,this light.whileMLWSrise0.lm.AUnited States missile test area extends from the coast, NofWith frequent SE winds there is a strong onshore set be-latitude 27N, within which missiles may impact.tween Gordon Cayand Pinder Point.Tidal currents in the apVessels transiting the area are warned by maneuvering U.S.proach to Freeport Harbour are weak, variable, and influencedaircraft prior to test initiation.Pub. 147
14 Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part Pub. 147 the Wall, the remarkable feature associated with the S point of Great Abaco Island, and marked by Abaco Light. 2.2 Sail as safe navigation permits to a position about 8 miles S of Abaco Light, thence steer to pass about 6.5 miles N of Great Stirrup Cay, and 7 miles N of Great Isaac Light. 2.2 From Florida Strait, make for a position 12 miles NW of Great Isaac Light, and follow the above in reverse order. 2.2 Old Bahama Channel, a deep and comparatively narrow passage leading between the SW side of the Bahama Bank and the NE side of Cuba, is a convenient waterway for vessels transiting between the United States Gulf Ports and Puerto Rico. 2.2 See paragraph 4.25 for a description of Old Bahama Channel and the IMO-adopted Traffic Separation Scheme associated with it. 2.2 Other passages through the Bahamas will be described according to geographical location. 2.2 Caution.—The Bahamas have extensive areas of shoal conceded by some to be among the finest in the Western Hemisphere for the cruising of small boats, yachts, and other pleasure craft. Little Bahama Bank and Great Bahama Bank are particularly favored. 2.2 While these areas are appropriately described in their geographic sequence within the text, no detailed route descriptions for their transit are given. Little Bahama Bank 2.3 Little Bahama Bank (26°55'N., 78°40'W.), the more N and smaller of the two major shoal water banks that support the bulk of the Bahamas, has its W side about 47 miles to the E of the U.S. mainland and its S side separated from Great Bahama Bank to the S by the deep seaways of Northwest Providence Channel and Northeast Providence Channel. 2.3 It comprises a large area of shoal water both inaccessible and dangerous to ocean shipping and includes Grand Bahama Island, Great Abaco Island, and Little Abaco Island as well as a multitude of lesser islets and cays of interest primarily to the yachting community. 2.3 Matanilla Shoal (27°21'N., 79°04'W.), the northwesternmost sunken danger on Little Bahama Bank, has a least charted depth of 3.5m over a bottom of singularly level rock covered by dark weeds. It is extremely dangerous in that it is isolated and near much frequented ocean routes, does not produce a distinctive discoloration in overlying water, and gives no indication of its presence by a breaking sea. 2.3 Little Bahama Bank’s W side, between Matanilla Shoal and Grand Bahama Island, is steep-to and gives little warning to vessels making their approach from the offing. 2.3 Currents setting through the Straits of Florida strike it obliquely, particularly at White Sand Ridge which, lying sunken about 10 miles SSW from Matanilla Shoal but well visible from aloft, experiences an oblique current of 2 to 3 knots. 2.3 Memory Rock, marked by a navigation light about 17 miles farther S, is dark and barren and subject to the damaging effects of heavy seas. Vessels have grounded in the vicinity of this light. 2.3 A United States missile test area extends from the coast, N of latitude 27°N, within which missiles may impact. 2.3 Vessels transiting the area are warned by maneuvering U.S. aircraft prior to test initiation. 2.3 Grand Bahama Island (26°38'N., 78°25'W.), the principal land on the SW side of Little Bahama Bank and the fourth largest island of the Bahama archipelago, is generally quite low throughout, swampy in places, and largely covered by dense forests of pine trees. The bank of the N side, for its entire length, is an imperfectly surveyed, more or less continuous, series of mangrove swashes available only to small craft with local knowledge. 2.3 The area seaward of the S side rises steep-to and everywhere is fronted by a narrow margin of sunken dangers, except for the E third of the island where the near-shore area is lacking in detail. The W half of the island is considerably more populated than the E. 2.3 From Memory Rock to Settlement Point, several small cays are visible. Indian Cay, close aboard the NW extremity of Grand Bahama Island shows a light. It has been reported that there is no safe opening in the reef S of Memory Rock for vessels with a draft of more than 3.6m. 2.3 West End (26°41'N., 78°58'W.), a small community serving as the focus for a considerable tourist activity, is close E of West End Point (Settlement Point), the low rocky promontory at the W extremity of the island. Freeport Harbour, a deep-water port described below in paragraph 2.4, is about 16 miles to the SE. 2.3 Several elaborate small craft marinas indent the coast between Freeport and Bell Channel, about 7 miles to the E, while elsewhere as far as the E extremity of the island, the coast is largely without any particularly distinctive land features. 2.3 Caution.—Vessels should remain at least 4 miles offshore between West End Point and Freeport due to shoaling. Freeport Harbour (26°31'N., 78°47'W.) World Port Index No. 9985 2.4 Freeport Harbour, one of the two major deep-water ports in the Bahamas, is a fast developing resort area and bunkering port. The facility consists of an open roadstead fronting an inner harbor. A large petroleum refinery, fronted by two offshore berthing platforms, lies just SE of the harbor entrance. 2.4 Tides—Currents.—Mean High Water Neaps rise 1.1m, while MLWS rise 0.1m. 2.4 With frequent SE winds there is a strong onshore set between Gordon Cay and Pinder Point. Tidal currents in the approach to Freeport Harbour are weak, variable, and influenced Freeport Harbor from S
Sector2.TheBahamas—WesternPart15by the prevailing wind.Berth No.LengthDepthRemarksUnder exceptional circumstances, the current may reach aBasin 3rate of 1.5 knots, parallel to the coast. An occasional, strongNW set has been reported closeto the harbor entrance.15274m12.8mContainers16106m12.5mContainersIt has also beenreported thata SW set maybeexperiencedwithin the harbor basin, out of the Hawksbill Creek and across17274m12.9mContainersthe W end of Basin 2.Depths-Limitations.Thecoast of GrandBahama IslandAspect.TheentrancetoFreeportHarbourcanbe identifiedis fronted by reefs which extend several miles offshore.well offshore by the refinery near Pinder Point. Freeport LightDue to shoaling,vessels should remain at least 4 miles off-is a white tower with black bands shown just NW of Pindershorebetween West End Point and Freeport.Point.A restricted area, I mile in radius,lies centered on theE endA radio tower showing obstruction lights stands close E ofof No. 2 Jetty (BORCO Terminal). Additionally, an area 2theharborentrance.Within a1mileradius of PinderPointliemiles in radius, centered on the same point has been estabnumerous tanks, flare structures, and chimneys painted red andlished The area between thetwo circles is a precautionary areawhiteinbands.Vessels should remain clear of the oil terminal and shouldArow ofcement silos,showing red obstruction lights, standsnot pass between the berths and the shore.No other vesselsat the NW end of the harbor.should enter the precautionary,or restricted area unless autho-Several conspicuous watertanks are visible and are best seenrized to do so.on the chart.Pilotage.-Pilotageis compulsoryforpassengervessels ofThe channel to the harbor, which has a controlling depth of200 grt and larger and for other vessels of 400grt and over.14.3m, is 487m long and 152m wide. Freeport Harbour en-Pilotage for vessels arriving at BORCO should send ETAtrance channel is buoyed and marked by a set of range lights inand draft 7 days (VLCCs only), 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24alignment bearing 021o.Within the harbor, the channel openshours in advance through BORCO Marine.Vessels should con-into a turning basin, about 0.3 mile wide in an E to W direc-tact the terminal at least2 hours in advance.tion, and about 0.3 mile wide in a N to S direction.The turningVessels using Freeport should send their request for pilot atbasin has depths of 14.3m.Vessels having a maximum draft ofleast 2 hours before arrival, 1 hour prior to departure, and 213mmaybesafelymaneuvered.hours prior to shifts. Establish VHF contact when within rangeThe BahamasOilRefining Company(BORCO)operatesto amend or confirm the ETA.The pilot boards about 2milestwo offshore jetties. The longer one, 975m long, has a depth ofSW of the entrance channel breakwater.28m on the seaward side and 19.8m on the shore side; the innerAcontinuouswatchismaintainedbyFreeportHarbourcon-one is64Omlong with aberth depth of16.7m,capableof ber-trol tower (call sign:FreeportPilots)on VHF channel 14or16thing tankers up to 550,000 dwtAnchorage.Anchorage is prohibited in the restricted areaTerminal berths have the following characteristics:described above. Vessels may anchor about 1 mile W of theharbor entrance,in depths of 20 to 27m.The sea bed of sandBerth No.LengthDepthRemarksand limestone rockprovides good holdinggroundVessels areurged to contact the local authorities and the pilotBasin 1for anchorage information.Vessels should be prepared to va-19.1m213mCruise vesselscate the area at short notice if the wind sets in from between SE2106m8.5mRo-roand W.Directions.Due to shoaling,vessels shouldremain at least38.5m183mCruise vessels4 miles offshore until permission to proceed is granted.Tank-Main Wharfers waiting to berth normallyremain about 5miles offshore.During daylight, vessels remain at least 4 miles offshore un-4/5320m9.1mCruisevesselstil ssW of the harbor entrance; vessels then proceed on the en-Basin 2trance range, or approach the oil berths on NNE course.Atnight,vessels should keep well within the white sector of Free-9.7m6, 7, and 8366mCruise vesselsport Light.9100m7.3mRo-roFreeport Harbour should preferably be entered in daylightbut the oil berths are usable at any time.Container and10100m10mThe coastfromPinder Point toSweetings Cay(26°35'N..general cargo77°54W.) is lined with several small craft harbors. Several11305m9.8mContainersconspicuous landmarks are visible,some of which are lightedCaution.With SE winds,there is a landward set betweenBasin 4Sweetings Cay and Gorda Point. The bight is dangerous with129.7m274mWet dockingSW winds.13106m9.7mLiquefied gas2.5GreatAbacoIsland(26°28'N.,77°05'W.),together14274m9.7mWet dockingwith its fingerlike extension Little Abaco Island, is the princi-Pub.147
Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part 15 Pub. 147 by the prevailing wind. 2.4 Under exceptional circumstances, the current may reach a rate of 1.5 knots, parallel to the coast. An occasional, strong NW set has been reported close to the harbor entrance. 2.4 It has also been reported that a SW set may be experienced within the harbor basin, out of the Hawksbill Creek and across the W end of Basin 2. 2.4 Depths—Limitations.—The coast of Grand Bahama Island is fronted by reefs which extend several miles offshore. 2.4 Due to shoaling, vessels should remain at least 4 miles offshore between West End Point and Freeport. 2.4 A restricted area, 1 mile in radius, lies centered on the E end of No. 2 Jetty (BORCO Terminal). Additionally, an area 2 miles in radius, centered on the same point has been established The area between the two circles is a precautionary area. 2.4 Vessels should remain clear of the oil terminal and should not pass between the berths and the shore. No other vessels should enter the precautionary, or restricted area unless authorized to do so. 2.4 The channel to the harbor, which has a controlling depth of 14.3m, is 487m long and 152m wide. Freeport Harbour entrance channel is buoyed and marked by a set of range lights in alignment bearing 021°. Within the harbor, the channel opens into a turning basin, about 0.3 mile wide in an E to W direction, and about 0.3 mile wide in a N to S direction. The turning basin has depths of 14.3m. Vessels having a maximum draft of 13m may be safely maneuvered. 2.4 The Bahamas Oil Refining Company (BORCO) operates two offshore jetties. The longer one, 975m long, has a depth of 28m on the seaward side and 19.8m on the shore side; the inner one is 640m long with a berth depth of 16.7m, capable of berthing tankers up to 550,000 dwt. 2.4 Terminal berths have the following characteristics: 2.4 Aspect.—The entrance to Freeport Harbour can be identified well offshore by the refinery near Pinder Point. Freeport Light is a white tower with black bands shown just NW of Pinder Point. 2.4 A radio tower showing obstruction lights stands close E of the harbor entrance. Within a 1 mile radius of Pinder Point lie numerous tanks, flare structures, and chimneys painted red and white in bands. 2.4 A row of cement silos, showing red obstruction lights, stands at the NW end of the harbor. 2.4 Several conspicuous water tanks are visible and are best seen on the chart. 2.4 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for passenger vessels of 200 grt and larger and for other vessels of 400 grt and over. 2.4 Pilotage for vessels arriving at BORCO should send ETA and draft 7 days (VLCCs only), 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance through BORCO Marine. Vessels should contact the terminal at least 2 hours in advance. 2.4 Vessels using Freeport should send their request for pilot at least 2 hours before arrival, 1 hour prior to departure, and 2 hours prior to shifts. Establish VHF contact when within range to amend or confirm the ETA. The pilot boards about 2 miles SW of the entrance channel breakwater. 2.4 A continuous watch is maintained by Freeport Harbour control tower (call sign: Freeport Pilots) on VHF channel 14 or 16. 2.4 Anchorage.—Anchorage is prohibited in the restricted area described above. Vessels may anchor about 1 mile W of the harbor entrance, in depths of 20 to 27m. The sea bed of sand and lime stone rock provides good holding ground. 2.4 Vessels are urged to contact the local authorities and the pilot for anchorage information. Vessels should be prepared to vacate the area at short notice if the wind sets in from between SE and W. 2.4 Directions.—Due to shoaling, vessels should remain at least 4 miles offshore until permission to proceed is granted. Tankers waiting to berth normally remain about 5 miles offshore. 2.4 During daylight, vessels remain at least 4 miles offshore until SSW of the harbor entrance; vessels then proceed on the entrance range, or approach the oil berths on NNE course. At night, vessels should keep well within the white sector of Freeport Light. 2.4 Freeport Harbour should preferably be entered in daylight, but the oil berths are usable at any time. 2.4 The coast from Pinder Point to Sweetings Cay (26°35'N., 77°54'W.) is lined with several small craft harbors. Several conspicuous landmarks are visible, some of which are lighted. 2.4 Caution.—With SE winds, there is a landward set between Sweetings Cay and Gorda Point. The bight is dangerous with SW winds. 2.5 Great Abaco Island (26°28'N., 77°05'W.), together with its fingerlike extension Little Abaco Island, is the princiBerth No. Length Depth Remarks Basin 1 1 213m 9.1m Cruise vessels 2 106m 8.5m Ro-ro 3 183m 8.5m Cruise vessels Main Wharf 4/5 320m 9.1m Cruise vessels Basin 2 6, 7, and 8 366m 9.7m Cruise vessels 9 100m 7.3m Ro-ro 10 100m 10m Container and general cargo 11 305m 9.8m Containers Basin 4 12 274m 9.7m Wet docking 13 106m 9.7m Liquefied gas 14 274m 9.7m Wet docking Basin 3 15 274m 12.8m Containers 16 106m 12.5m Containers 17 274m 12.9m Containers Berth No. Length Depth Remarks