General LIBERIA

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GENERAL (See Plan)

GEO-POLITICAL:Capital City: Monrovia.Nationality: (noun) Liberian, (adjective) Liberian.Population: 3,042,004.COMMUNICATIONS:International Direct Dial Code: 231.Number of Internal Airports: 2.Major Languages Spoken: English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic grouplanguages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence.ECONOMY:Currency: 1 Liberian Dollar (LRD) of 100 Cents.Main Industries: Rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber,diamonds.ENVIRONMENT:Territorial Sea: 200 n.m.Coastline Extent: 579 km.Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to coldnights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers.Natural Resources: Iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower.Natural Hazards: Dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara(December to March).Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and lowmountains in northeast.Average Temperatures:

Month High LowJanuary 32� C 21� CJune 29� C 21� CSeptember 28� C 20� C

PIRACY: Notice to Mariners:1. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when sailing near the coast ofLiberia.2. A cargo vessels was seized by small craft believed to have been operatedby the National Patriotic Front of Liberia. Information indicates that the rebelships may be flying two flags – flag of Liberia and the flag of the NationalPatriotic Front (Red with Black Scorpion).2. Mariners are advised to keep at least 30 miles off the coast.

BUCHANAN: 05� 52' N 10� 02' W (See Plan)

PORT LIMITS: A vessel shall be considered to have arrived at Port ofBuchanan when she enters a circle with a 3 nautical mile radius from thebeacon on the main breakwater head (Fl.G.3 sec.). The above does not affectpresent stipulations of ore ships’ Notice of Readiness, which remainunchanged nor does it limit Port Authorities exclusive right to decide in whichorder ships shall be worked.Notice of Readiness: Notice of Readiness will not be accepted from vesselsanchored more than 3 miles off the head of the main breakwater.DOCUMENTS:

1 Clearance from last Port of Call.1 Health Declaration.6 Number of Passengers Lists.4 Ports of Call Lists.6 Cargo Manifests (even in ballast).7 Crew Lists.3 Stores Lists (ship).3 Personal Effects Lists.1 Vaccination List.Customs, health and passport inspection normally takes place at the berth.It is recommended that the Master of the ship himself attends at the

boarding party to clear the ship upon arrival and that the above documentsare prepared upon the ship’s arrival.MAX. SIZE: See ‘‘Bulk Cargo Facilities’’, ‘‘Berthing’’ and ‘‘TankerFacilities’’.Arrival Draft: Maximum arrival draft for ore carriers must not exceed 8.85 m.and air draft should not exceed 15.0 m. Maximum arrival draft for cargovessels must not exceed 9.15 m.DENSITY: Varying but around 1020/25.RESTRICTIONS: Harbour traffic hours – towage and pilotage (ore ships),0000 – 2400 hrs. General cargo ships (tankers), 0700 – 2300 hrs.PILOTAGE: Lamco provides pilotage. Pilot boarding approximately1.5 miles off the main breakwater, bearing 095�/110�. Pilot to be providedwith a clean and safe ladder on the lee side. Buchanan Pilot on VHF Channel16.ANCHORAGES: If waiting for Pilot, anchor off main breakwater onbearing 090� – 110�, 1.5 miles – 2.5 miles off main breakwater (south).Exit Channel: Anchoring is prohibited within a sector with a bearing of 060�– 080� to the head of the main breakwater, as this is the exit sector.PRATIQUE: Customs, health and passport inspection normally takes placeat the berths. Quarantine signal must not be hauled down before ‘‘FreePratique’’ is received. If diseases are suspected on board contact the PortAuthorities or Agents by radio for instructions. After call at other Liberian portswhere Free Pratique has been granted, Port Health will also board here.PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Contact immediately before arrival:

Watch schedule of Buchanan Harbour:From about 2 hours before expected arrival of an ore ship, the LAMCO

Clearing Office is keeping continuous radio watch on VHF Channel 16 andcall frequency 2182 kHz, for possible subsequent switching over to VHFChannels 6, 9, 12 or 14 and 2738 kHz or 2638 kHz.

The call sign is ‘‘Buchanan Harbour’’, ELM 1.All ore ships heading for Buchanan are requested to establish radio contact

with ‘‘Buchanan Harbour’’, ELM 1, using the above frequencies approximatelyone hour before estimated time of arrival.Contact 24 Hours Before Arrival:

Whenever an expected ore ship is to arrive in the Port of Buchanan withinabout 24 hours, the LAMCO Clearing Office will for the purpose of securingtimely and accurate information on the ETA of the ship, maintain the followingradio watch schedule.

Morning watch : 0800 – 0900 GMTAfternoon watch : 1500 – 1600 GMT

Frequencies:The radio watch is kept on call frequency 2,182 kHz for subsequent

switching over to 2638 kHz, or 2738 kHz (0830 – 0900 and1530 – 1600 GMT).

The radio set used on shore has a reach of approximately 600 miles. Inaccordance with the above, ore ships heading for Buchanan and having radiosets operating on frequencies listed are requested to establish radio contactwith ‘‘Buchanan Harbour’’ and give ETA message as soon as possible afterthey have come within 600 miles distance from the port.Contact at a distance of approximately 1,400 miles and on sailing from lastport:

Sailing from last port: On sailing from last port for Buchanan, the owneror the Master shall telegraph to ‘‘GIMSALES’’, Stockholm (Telex No. 17549)and to ‘‘LAMCO’’, Buchanan (Telex No. 44260) stating expected date ofarrival and furthermore indicate to the latter the vessel’s preferred radioworking frequency in the 4000 kHz – 8000 kHz range.

Radio watches: Starting 4 days before the vessel’s ETA at Buchanan,‘‘Buchanan Harbour’’, ELM 1, will call the vessel on 6520.0 kHz between0830 – 0900 GMT and 1530 – 1600 GMT.

Every day, except on holidays and Sundays, Buchanan Harbour keepswatch on 2182.0 kHz between 0800 – 0830 GMT and 1500 – 1530 GMT.These watches will also be kept on holidays and Sundays in case a vesselis expected on those days or the following workday.

Notice in advance: The Master shall give telex or cable notice 72 hoursand 36 hours prior to the vessel’s expected arrival at Buchanan to LAMCO,Buchanan, if no radio contact has been established previously.VHF: Buchanan Harbour on Channels 16, 6, 9, 12 and 14.TUGS: Lamco provides towage with two tugs 1,640 h.p. and one tug3,300 h.p. Tugs join vessel about 0.5 mile north of red buoy.BERTHING: Ore Quay: Length 257 m., depth alongside 14.0 m.

Commercial Quay: Length 320 m., depth alongside 10.0 m.Tug Quay: Length 126 m., depth alongside 10.0 m.

Storage: A commercial warehouse with a storage capacity of 2,300 sq.m.built on the harbour along with the Customs warehouse of 1,000 sq.m.

Iron ore storage capacity: 1.7 million tons on shipping stockpiles. 0.4 milliontons on feed stockpiles.BULK CARGO FACILITIES:Instructions for the handling of ore ships with a draft of 39 ft. or more:

The departure shall be arranged in such a way that the following conditionsare fulfilled:1. Minimum clearance ‘‘C’’ under the ship’s keel shall be 3 ft. except for

ships having a beam ‘‘B’’ exceeding 125 ft., for which minimum clearancerequired shall be calculated by the following formula:

C �B

——125

� 3 ft.

2. Maximum advisable draft ‘‘D’’ Max in the basin shall at any time be basedon the actual height of the sea level ‘‘H’’ at that time (measured from theproject O-level) and on the required minimum clearance ‘‘C’’ under thekeel shall under normal conditions be estimated as follows (for –12.95 area):

D max � 42.5 + H – C (all measurements in feet).3. Departure on falling tide is permitted only when it can be shown that the

minimum clearance ‘‘C’’ as per above will be maintained during a periodof at least 2 hours from the time the tugs start pulling. (This means as aconsequence that for a ship that commences departure less than onehour before high water the draft shall be based on estimated level of thefalling water 2 hours after commencement.

Note that the level one hour after high water has sunk about 7% andthe level 2 hours after high water 25% of the total tidal range.

Deep Water Basin at Buchanan Ore Loading Quay: With the completion ofthe deep water basin at the Ore Loading Quay, the water depth alongsidethe quay is increased from 12.95 m. to 14.00 m. below the zero level of theGeneral Elevation System.

The required keel clearance is 3 ft. for ships up to 125 ft. beam. The max.permissible draft alongside the quay is thus:

46 ft. � (beam in ft.—————

125� 3) ft. + tide

Tidal range:MHWS � +1.18 m. above zero level of the General Elevation System. MLW� +0.05 m. above zero level of the General Elevation System. MLWS � �0.15 m. below zero level of the General Elevation System. Because of thenecessity to save a rock shelf to support the sheetpiling of the cells whenblasting and dredging the deep water basin, new fenders have been installedat the quay in order to keep the bilges of the vessels well clear of thoserocks. The new fenders have a diameter of 1.20 m. A ship loaded to maximumpermissible draft can have a list of 5� without touching the rock slope butsince she would touch the bottom with a list of about 3� such lists will not betolerated.

Height of Shiploader: 17.0 m. above the water level at MHWS. A 1.0 m.safety margin is normally sufficient.

Maximum shiploader outreach (including throw) from the new fender lineis 24.0 m. whereby a max. 48 m. wide vessel can be loaded. Loading rate6,000 t.p.h. (3,000 t.p.h. July 1987).

It must be clearly understood that the sailing drafts are unchanged. Thewidth of the deep water basin is only 60 m. It gives however, the greatadvantage of being able to continue loading without stopping for low water,whereby loading can often be completed 12 hours earlier than without thedeep basin.

An even greater advantage is probably the increased safety, should a largeship develop engine trouble after she has exceeded the former maximumpermissible low water draft, in which case operators have no alternative butto pull vessel out at HW as ‘‘dead ship’’ which could very easily result in amajor accident with enormous economic consequences. Now operators canlet vessel remain alongside over the next low tide without any risk.

LIBERIA Buchanan

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Vacation of Berth: Vessels should vacate their berths immediately aftercompletion of loading or discharging.

Ore carriers are allowed a maximum stay of 30 minutes, whereafterU.S.$1,000 per hour or any part thereof will be levied at the Harbour Master’sdiscretion. (This may be exempt if vessel on max. draft awaiting high watersailing.)TANKER FACILITIES: One tanker berth with 1�8 in. pipeline fordischarging only. Hose connections are 6 in. and 10 in.

Max. size: 8.2 m. draft if length 170 m. or less and 7.0 m. if length over170 m.

Oil depot capacity:22,000 cu.m. diesel oil.1,000 cu.m. gasoline.

15,000 cu.m. heavy oil.Various storage tanks:

1,500 cu.m. diesel oil.450 cu.m. heavy fuel.

CRANES: 1�150 ton derrick crane and 1�20 ton portal crane at theCommercial Quay.STEVEDORES: As early as possible advance notice of ETA requiredlatest by 1500 hrs. on day preceding arrival if a weekday, or Saturday beforenoon if arrival on Sunday.

Shore working hours: Ore handling: 24 hours a day.General Cargo Handling:Morning Shift:

Monday throughFriday 0700 – 1500

Saturday 0700 – 1200

Afternoon Shift:Monday through

Friday 1500 – 2300Saturday 1200 – 2300

Night Shift:Monday through

Saturday 2300 – 0700

Holidays: 0700 – 0700 of next work day.Container vessels/Ro-Ro vessels (Afternoon Shift):

Monday throughFriday 1500 – 2300

Saturday 1200 – 2300

Container vessels/Ro-Ro vessels (Night Shift):Monday through

Saturday 2300 – 0700

Container vessels/Ro-Ro vessels (Sundays and Holidays):Sundays &

Holidays0700 – 0700

OPENING/CLOSING HATCHES: Performed by stevedores.MEDICAL: Hospital and medical care is provided; advance notice shouldbe given in serious cases. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations arecompulsory to enter the Republic. Vaccination book is required.FRESH WATER: Fresh water is available, ex-quay only, rate is 20 t.p.h.Subject to availability.FUEL: No bunker facilities available.REPAIRS: No commercial facilities available. In cases of emergencyLamco might assist with minor repairs.POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE: No phone available; however the LamcoPlant Protection Force should be contacted; one Officer is normally assignedto each quay/gate.GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Agent strongly recommendsemployment of night watchmen as thieving is commonplace.TIME: GMT; no alterations during the year.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: January 1st; February 11th; Second Wednesdayin March; March 15th; April 12th; May 14th; July 26th; August 24th; FirstThursday in November; November 29th; December 1st; December 25th.Special holidays as proclaimed from time to time by the Liberian Government.No work will be performed on January 1st, July 26th and December 25th.DELAYS: Generally, no major delays have occurred. For ore carriers andtankers the tide may occasionally involve 24/36 hours waiting time dependingon the size of ships expected to load: general cargo ships; no delay.CONSULS: Swedish Vice-Consul only; however, most countries arerepresented either by Embassy or Consul at Monrovia.NEAREST AIRPORT: Roberts International Airport about 1 hour ride bycar; several connections to the rest of the world.CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES: Direct sales from ships are strictlyforbidden.SHORE LEAVE: No restrictions.REPATRIATION: Can be arranged.IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Not required.GENERAL: Customs: Two Customs Officers stay on board the ship duringship’s entire stay and they should be given meals in the Officers’ Mess andif necessary night quarters.Cabins: It is recommended to keep all cabins locked during the stay in port.Provisions: There are some chandlers in Buchanan for fresh fruits, fish, etc.No duty free or wholesale facilities provided.Tide: Range of tide 0.90 m. – 1.50 m. (3 ft. – 5 ft.)AUTHORITY: Port Operators: Lamco J. V. Operating Company, c/oRoberts International Airport, Robertsfield, Liberia. Tel: Monrovia224238 (local), Monrovia 221190 (overseas), Buchanan 1545, 1546.Telex: 44260, 44293 Lamco. Cables: LAMCO Buchanan (Liberia) KTB.Contact: Harbour Master.AGENT: See ‘‘Monrovia.

GREENVILLE: 04� 59' N 09� 03' W

PORT LIMITS: Sea Buoy: 04� 58.27' N., 09� 04.27' W.DOCUMENTS:

6 Crew Lists6 Passenger Lists4 Customs and Crew Declaration2 Vaccination Lists and valid Cholera/Yellow Fever Certificates2 Copies Manifests2 Copies, Bills of LadingLoad Line and Safety Construction CertificatesLicences of Officers (for Coast Guard)Cargo Gear Certificate.

MAX. SIZE: Length 156 m., beam no restriction, draft 7.31 m.DENSITY: November – April 1025; May – October 1010.RESTRICTIONS: Pilotage is carried out between 0500 hrs. and 2300 hrs.daily. Under extenuating circumstances pilotage can be done after 2300 hrs.,if previous arrangements are made.BRIDGES: None.PILOTAGE: Compulsory. Pilot embarks in position of Sea Buoy or at theauthorised anchorage. Boarding is done from a launch painted black andwhite with the word ‘‘Pilot’’ inscribed. Contact can be established on a normalworking day between 0730 – 1700 hrs., on Saturdays 0730 – 1200 hrs.,holidays and Sundays – office not open, but should a vessel be expectedthe Pilot can be contacted during the expected time of arrival on VHFChannel 16 or 12.ANCHORAGES: Indicated on the chart by a dotted line commencing inposition Lat. 4� 58.8' N., Long. 9� 03.4' W. running in a direction 309� for11 cables thence 092� for 10 cables then 188� for 7 cables with a minimumdepth of 6.5 fathoms. Care should be exercised as there exists a 4 fathompatch at the edge of the anchorage area. Vessels proceeding to theanchorage area should proceed with the Sea Buoy and the North PointLighthouse, bearing 059� to within a distance of one mile from the breakwater,thereafter altering course for the anchorage.PRATIQUE: Pratique granted by Port Health Officer on arrival at berth,no radio pratique granted.VHF: Contact can be established with the Marine Office or the variousAgencies during normal working hours Monday – Friday 0730 – 1700 hrs.,and on Saturdays 0730 – 1200 hrs. on Channel 16 VHF.VTS/RADAR: No Port Control radar.TUGS: One twin screw tug of 1,450 b.h.p. available for assisting vessels.This tug is equipped with modern fire fighting appliances, and can alsoexecute coastal towage of vessels if required. Ship’s lines are preferable fortowing, but if not available then tug’s line can be used.

Two 192 h.p. launches are available for assisting coasters, and the towingof logs when rafting is being done.BERTHING: One jetty 585 ft. in length with a depth of 8.1 m. Smaller jettyfor vessels not exceeding 180 ft. in length with a depth of 4.9 m. alongside.In addition vessels loading floating logs can be berthed safely in the middleof the basin parallel to the main jetty with a depth of 8.1 m. Under favourableweather conditions (November – April) a third vessel can be accommodatedat right angles to the jetty in a similar depth to the inner basin. All loadingand discharging must be done by ship’s gear.BULK CARGO FACILITIES: Cargo handled-forestry products only,i.e. logs, boules, sawn timber and plywood.SPECIALISED CARGO FACILITIES: None.TANKER FACILITIES: Facilities for small coastal tankers only, butlarger tankers loading palm oil can use the large jetty with portablehoses/pipes connected from the permanent installation.CRANES: None presently available, but plans are underway to purchasea 70 ton mobile crane.STEVEDORES: Arrangements can only be made on vessel’s arrival asthis depends on the availability of the logs and sawn timber to be loaded.The required loading rate for vessels alongside the jetty is 800 cu.m. per24 hours and vessels in the basin 500 cu.m. per 24 hours.OPENING/CLOSING HATCHES: Opening/closing carried out bycrew but alternative arrangements can be made for shore labour.CARGO GEAR: Ship’s gear only.MEDICAL: One government owned hospital with 50 beds, and one privateclinic, both with limited facilities available.FRESH WATER: Available at berth or by tug.FUEL: Small amounts of diesel can be delivered by truck.SERVICES: No facilities exist for tank cleaning or compass adjusting.NEAREST DRY DOCK: None.REPAIRS: No facilities.SURVEYORS: All classification societies are represented at Monrovia.Surveyors will travel to Greenville if arrangements are made by Agents.POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE: Within reach. Not available bytelephone.FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Usual precautions.GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Available but not compulsory.REGULATIONS: No unusual regulations.TIME: GMT is observed throughout the year.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: There are 13 national holidays: 1 January, NewYear’s Day; 11 February, Armed Forces Day; 2nd Wednesday in March,Decoration Day; 15 March, JJ Roberts’ Birthday; Good Friday; 2nd Friday inApril, Fast and Prayer Day; 12 April, National Redemption Day; 26 July,National Independence Day; 24 August, National Flag Day; 1st Thursday inNovember, Thanksgiving Day; 29 November, Tubman’s Birthday and25 December, Christmas Day.

No work is permitted whatsoever on 1 January, New Year’s Day; 12 April,Redemption Day: 26 July, Independence Day and 25 December, ChristmasDay.

Greenville LIBERIA

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DELAYS: Can be expected during the rainy season (April-November)whenadverse weather conditions (heavy swell) exist causing vessels to part theirmoorings. This usually lasts not more than two days in any given period. Atsuch times, vessels are moved to the inner basin or to the roadstead untilthe conditions improve.CONSULS: Nearest at Monrovia.TELEPHONES: Not available.NEAREST AIRPORT: Small domestic airport 5 miles from the port withtwo flights daily to Monrovia, approximately 45 minutes flying time.CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES: 200 cigarettes/1 bottle spirits per crewmember, but depending on duration of stay.SHORE LEAVE: No restrictions.REPATRIATION: Carried out via Monrovia.IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Not required.GENERAL: The port designed for the handling of logs and related woodproducts has just completed a rehabilitation project which included thedredging of the basin and approaches, new rafting and lighting facilities, alsothe placing of both fresh and salt water mains to the quay. Feasibility studiesare now underway with a view to increasing the length of the main quay by33 m. Despite the fact that the present facilities are for vessels of 156 m.,vessels of 160 m. were safely berthed in the past year.

Navigational aids installed in 1987 as follows:Sea Buoy R & W HOR. bands, Posn., 04� 58.27' N., 09� 04.27' W. Fl. W.

ev. 10 secs.Buoy marking mutine patch R & W HOR. bands, Fl. W. ev. 6 secs.Red Buoy bearing 337� � 2 cables from the breakwater marking the

northern extremity of the harbour, Fl. R. 3 ev. 8.5 secs.North Pt. Lt. Ho. Sectored Fl. R. & W. 2 ev. 11 secs.

130� – 310� Obscured310� – 040� Red040� – 080� White080� – 130� Red

Light at the northern extremity of Jetty, Fl. G. ev. 3 secs.AUTHORITY: National Port Authority, Port of Greenville, PO Box 165,Greenville, Sinoe County, Liberia. Tel: 9538/9. Cables: ‘‘Sinoe Port’’.Contact: Captain SL Wynter, Chief Pilot.

HARPER (Cape Palmas): 04� 22' N 07� 44' W(See Plan)

SHIPMASTER’S REPORT: August 1991.

OVERVIEW: Harper Port (Cape Palmas) located in positionLat. 04� 21.7' N., Long. 07� 43.8' W. is a small port with major export of logs,mainly to Europe.

The port is situated on the NE side of Russwurm Island.There are buoys placed in directions and distance measured from Sea to

Cape Palmas as follows (also see ‘‘Plan’’):Buoy No. 1 – 072� � 1.6 miles. Buoy No. 2 (red) – 093.5� � 1.14 miles, nearCongo Rock. Buoy No. 3 (green) – 092� � 0.6 miles, near Yoruba Rock.

Buoy No. 1 in line with beacons at Yoruba wreck (easy to spot), buoy inline with the beacons 045� � 1.8 miles which lead to Cape Palmas anchorage.

When entering the port of Harper from Buoy No. 1 steer 067�. This willbring vessel to the middle of the harbour entrance. A red buoy near OuterRock and Cape Rock has to remain close on the portside. When enteringthe port the Old Jetty will remain close on starboard side. When the Old Jettyis abeam to starboard, vessel is swung to starboard in order to go portsidealongside at the New Jetty. There is very little space in the port, just sufficientto swing around.

The New Jetty is about 100 m. long. There are just enough bollards tomoor the ship. Several bollards are broken. Moorings break regularly and ifthey do not break during periods of high swell the bollards will, as happenedto us, be ripped off the pier. The swell is most frequent between Mayand August (rainy season). The port is dangerous in the months June/July(in my opinion) when the swell is very high, especially for ships over2,000 tons.

The New Jetty is designed for ships up to 2,000 tons but ships over3,000 tons enter the port. Safe draft is 5.20 m., but according to personnelit is 6.0 m. at high water, but I would not recommend this. We did severaltrips and touched the bottom during low water with a draft of 5.2 m. (therewas a big swell at the time). The swell is at times very big and it is notadvisable to stay alongside the pier at night in those periods. Night navigationis also not advisable.

There are no Pilots or tugs and there is little or no communication possibleby VHF or radio.

There is one working mobile crane but usually ship’s gear will be used.The shipper acts as the agent so few services can be expected.

No provisions, water or fuel are available.The following documents will be requested: 7 copies Crew List; 2 copies

Narcotics List; 2 copies Stores List; 2 copies Crew Declaration; 6 copies Armsand Ammunitions List; 1 copy Health List; 6 copies Stowaway List; 6 copiesAnimals List; 6 copies Last Port of Call List; 2 copies Vaccinations List.

MONROVIA: 06� 20' N 10� 50' W (See Plan)

DOCUMENTS:4 Crew Lists4 Passenger Lists or Statements ‘‘Nil’’ if none aboard2 Manifests for Customs. This should state ballast if no cargo aboard4 List of Ports of call from commencement of voyage with date of calls1 International Health Declaration1 List of dates of yellow fever and cholera vaccination4 Stores Lists2 Crew Customs Declarations

Immigration now stamp all seamen’s Discharge Books or Passports2 Livestock Lists.

Notice:The National Port Authority have issued Circular No. 1/1988 which reads:

‘‘The National Port Authority, Freeport of Monrovia, is herewith announcingthe following:

1. Ship’s ETA, draft – and corrected ETA – shall be furnished to theHarbour Master in writing, minimum 24 hours prior to ship’s arrival.

2. The following cargo documents shall be furnished minimum 48 hoursprior to ship’s arrival to the Operations Manager (with the exceptionof those cargo documents of last coastal port in West Africa, whichshall be made available at ship’s arrival).

Import:6 complete and legible sets of Cargo Manifests, classing separate:

– containers (size and type to be indicated)– rolling units– general cargo (loose)– LCL-container manifest (separate per unit)– summary.

2 Manifests of cargo to be shifted via quay1 Stowage/bay plan3 List of Dangerous Goods (as to IMDG-codification) for Monrovia1 List of Dangerous Goods (as IMDG-codification) in transit

Export:2 copies of the provisional Booking List shall be furnished minimum

48 hours prior to ship’s arrival to the Operations Manager3 complete and legible sets of Export Manifest classed as the Import

Manifests – Customs passed and stamped, shall be furnishedminimum 48 hours after ship’s departure to the Operations Manager.

All cargo documents (in English) shall use metric system in weight andmeasurement.

Port charges are payable prior to departure.MAX. SIZE: Max. draft at marginal wharf is 30 ft. Vessels exceeding thisdraft will receive heavy fine (double all charges).

Also see ‘‘Berthing’’.DENSITY: Density varies with the tide. Also varies during rainy season asriver flow increases. Varies from 1009 to 1024 oz. per cu. ft. with average ofapprox. 1019 oz. per cu. ft.RESTRICTIONS: Pilot service is available in daylight hours only.

Depth in harbour entrance is 9.0 m. (November 1998), dredging underway.BRIDGES: None.APPROACHES: The artificial harbour is protected by two rock breakwaterextending 1.25 miles out into the open sea, encompassing some 750 acresof protected waters. The distance between the breakwater entrance is 970 ft.and in the centre of the opening a 500 ft. wide channel marked by buoyshas been dredged to 49 ft. MLW. This channel is 1.33 miles long with a 30�turn half way and marked by means of 4 lit channel buoys. North and SouthMole ends of the breakwater are marked by red and green rotating lightbeacons respectively. The channel within the breakwaters gradually widensinto a turning basin whose depth towards the Iron Ore Piers is dredged to adepth of 45 ft. MLW and 30 ft. off the General Cargo Pier.PILOTAGE: Pilot is compulsory. Pilotage available in daylight only. Pilotordered through local Agent. 24 hours or minimum 12 hours notice of ETAby VHF Channel 16.

Pilot comes out from inside breakwaters by pilot launch, displaying ‘‘H’’flag. Pilot will inform ship by VHF which direction to proceed to meet the pilotlaunch by the Fairway Buoy. Vessels should always keep clear of the FairwayChannel, as very large bulk carriers sail on deep draft.ANCHORAGES: Recommended anchorage is 3 miles from breakwater(45 – 60 ft.) in roadstead is to the south of the buoyed channel which providesgoods holding ground on a sand and mud bottom. Vessels are not anchoredwithin inner harbour except for very short periods of time.PRATIQUE: Vessels entering must fly international code flag ‘‘Q’’. PortHealth officials board upon berthing. Pratique automatic for vessels havingcleared at other Liberian ports, but vessel must still clear Customs.PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: ETA messages from ships arereceived in the Freeport through VHF only.

The VHF is of the Marine type with Channels 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15 and 16.Telex Address: National Port Authority - NATPORT 44275.VHF: Vessels arriving or sailing must make contact with Freeport ControlTower on Channels 16 and later 14 or 12 within the port area and Pilots’office and for manouvering Channel 9.TUGS: Use of tug is compulsory. Only one tug available. Tug joins justinside breakwater entrance. For berthing, tug lines used; for sailing, ship’slines often used.BERTHING: Cargo Wharf: The marginal cargo wharf is 2,000 ft. long(230 ft. leased to Amoco) and 36 ft. wide with 8 transit warehouses. The wharfhas a concrete deck and has a depth alongside of 30 ft. at MLW. All cargois discharged and loaded by ship’s gear. Sufficient amount of cargo handlingequipment is available such as forklift trucks ranging from 4 tons to 35 tonscapacity. Tractors and trailers are available. Fresh water is available byprivate road tanker.Bunker Pier: This is a T-jetty on the south edge of the dredged basin with adepth of 34 ft. at MLW. No fresh water is available at this pier.Port Authority Circular: October 1985.

‘‘The maximum summer deadweight of vessels allowed to berth at theBunker Pier should not exceed 30,000 tonnes. The vessel must be providedwith a minimum of 10 manila mooring ropes and under no circumstances willwire mooring lines be accepted especially those from auto-tension winches.It is also recommended that special shackles be provided by the vessels tobe used in case of any unfavourable weather that will endanger the safetyof the vessel while she is berthed alongside.’’

The bunker pier can accommodate vessels of max. LOA 700 ft. and draft32 ft.TANKER FACILITIES: See ‘‘Restrictions’’ and ‘‘Berthing’’.STEVEDORES: Several stevedoring companies. Port Authority handlesall cargo on shore and accepts cargo ex-ship’s hook only.

A daily meeting with all ship’s agents is conducted by the OperationsManager regarding the arrivals and departures of ships and to arrange for

LIBERIA Monrovia

1698 Readers are encouraged to send updates/additions (see p. xi for details)

required gangs to load or discharge ships including requests for overtimeand night work.

Stevedores gangs have to be ordered the day before required, thereforeessential for Agents to receive ETA messages in sufficient time.Working Hours: Monday – Friday: 0800 – 1200 and 1300 – 1600. Saturday:0800 – 1200. Overtime is permitted at night, Sundays and Holidays ifrequested.OPENING/CLOSING HATCHES: Normally done by stevedores.WASTE DISPOSAL: Service not available.SLOPS DISPOSAL: Service not available.MEDICAL: Whenever possible Masters should cable Agents if requiremedical attention especially when arriving weekends or during night. Hospitalfacilities available. Port Health require yellow fever vaccinations for crewmembers.FRESH WATER: Available (see ‘‘Berthing’’).FUEL: Light diesel oil and heavy fuel oil available and these can be blendedto specification by supplying oil company.SERVICES: Hull, deck and engine surveys can be obtained throughLloyd’s, German Lloyd, BV, Norske Veritas, America Bureau Agents and mostof the other classification societies.

Provisions are available. These include frozen, chilled and tinned food,spirits and tobacco products. A wide variety of housekeeping items, such assoap, paint, etc. are also available. Fresh vegetables and fruits are availablethrough ship chandlers.NEAREST DRY DOCK: One very small floating dock capable of lifting300 tons with max. draft of 8 ft. This dock is used for small coastal craft andonly accepts very limited outside work. There is also a synchrolift of about250 tons, owned by private fishing company.REPAIRS: Limited deck and engine repairs can be carried out by privatecompanies.POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE: Port Authority have own security forceand fire service, situated in port area. There is also an ambulance service.GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Private security men are engagedby the Agent. Port security also maintain regular patrol.PIRACY: Acts of piracy have taken place at the port.TIME: GMT.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: Many official holidays during year but cargo workcarried out those days on overtime rates. Port closes three times a year:26 July (Independence Day), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.WEATHER/TIDES: Tides and Currents: The rise of tide varies from2.0 ft. to 3.9 ft. from neaps to springs. The flood tide runs in a northeasterlydirection at approximately 1 knot and the ebb to the SW at approximately1 knot. Inside the harbour a tidal flow of 0.5 – 1.0 knots is experienced. Thereis no prediction of the directions of flow as the water circulates around theharbour sometimes in one direction and sometimes in the opposite. Thecurrents along the coastline are variable and not predictable.Prevailing Wind: The prevailing wind is west to southwest during the dryseason. A northerly wind is sometimes experienced for 2 or 3 weeks. Thestronger winds are experienced during the wet season of April to Novemberand during this period the average wind force is about Force 4 (BeaufortScale). The wind usually rises in the afternoon or early evening and falls offduring the night. During the dry season the wind is usually northerly duringearly mornings and backs to the SW by late afternoon. Dangerous winds arerevolving line squalls of intense force and usually of very short duration.Heavy rain/winds normally comes from the landside. These conditions areconsidered dangerous to vessels only during the process of berthing, butcause no danger to vessels in port securely moored. These infrequenttornadoes occur during the seasonal transition months of March/Apriland October/November.

Vessels alongside piers will sometimes experience a surge, which maypart mooring lines. This is due not to the wind, but to a swell entering theharbour and is a condition which seldom occurs.CONSULS: Majority of foreign countries have consuls.TELEPHONES: There are no facilities for telephones on board.NEAREST AIRPORT: Roberts Field International Airport 45 milesdistant. Served with daily international flights to Europe and America.CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES: Tobacco, reasonable quantities forconsumption while in port. Wine and/or spirit, as tobacco.SHORE LEAVE: No restriction on shore leave.REPATRIATION: Repatriation of crew is possible.IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Not required, but Seaman’s Books areendorsed aboard by Immigration.SEAMAN’S CLUBS: None.AUTHORITY: National Port Authority, Freeport of Monrovia,PO Box 1849, Monrovia, Liberia. Tel: +231 221454, 222932. Telex: 44275.Cables: ‘‘Natport’’. FAX: +231 224615, 225556. Contact: Mrs E DosenBadio, Managing Director.