CONGO, D.R. OF General

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

GENERAL (See Plan)

GEO-POLITICAL:Capital City: Kinshasa.Nationality: (noun) Congolese, (adjective) Congolese or Congo.Population: 62,660,551.COMMUNICATIONS:International Direct Dial Code: 243.Number of Internal Airports: 25.Major Languages Spoken: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca tradelanguage), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba.ECONOMY:Currency: 1 Franc Congolais (CDF) of 100 Centimes.Exchange: (as of July 2004)

US$ 1.00 CDF 390.33Exchange rates under licence from XE.com

Main Industries: Mining (diamonds, copper, zinc), mineral processing andconsumer products.ENVIRONMENT:Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.Other Maritime Claims: Exclusive Economic Zone: boundaries withneighbors.Coastline Extent: 37 km.Climate: Tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drierin southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north ofEquator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December toFebruary); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dryseason (April to October).Natural Resources: Cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum,industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium,coal, hydropower and timber.Natural Hazards: Periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods(seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes.Terrain: Vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east.Average Temperatures:

Month High LowJanuary 30 C 23 CJune 28 C 18 CSeptember 30 C 20 C

DOCUMENTS: Ships Documents required on arrival:Clearance from last port.

7 Crew Lists.3 Lists of Arms and Ammunition.7 Passenger Lists.1 List of stowaways.2 Crew Declarations.3 Lists of Ports of Call.2 Stores Lists.1 International Tonnage Certificate.1 International Load Line Certificate.1 Derat Exemption Certificate.1 Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.1 Certificate of Registry.1 Radiotelegraphy Certificate.1 Construction Certificate.1 Certificate Form on Board.

Free Pratique.Documents required for disembarking passengers and discharging cargo:

A. To be received by mail at least 8 days before ships arrival:(1) Cargo:

3 Freight Manifests.8 Cargo Manifests.5 Bills of Lading.6 Stowage Plans.

(2) Passengers:1 Accountancy3 Passenger Lists, for passengers for the port/or in transit.

B. To be received by ships bag at ships arrival at quay:(1) Cargo:

1 Freight Manifest4 Cargo Manifests3 copies of Bills of Lading.

(2) Passengers:1 Freight Manifest4 Passenger Lists for passengers for the port and/or in transit.

It is most important that stowage plans be available before vessels arrival.Vessels operations are indeed delayed to the next shift if same are onlyremitted upon arrival.Also see Shipmasters Report dated September 1998.DRAFTS AND CURRENTS: Drafts on Congo River are influenced byseasonal water levels and by the state of dredging. They have been varyingover the last 5 years from 21 ft. to 26 ft. and are presently (January 2001)as follows:

Inwards: High Water: 19 ft. 00 in.Outwards: High Water: 19 ft. 06 in.The authorised drafts are notified regularly by the Port Authorities.The currents of the river and from berth to berth as well as in Matadi and

Boma vary and depend upon the high and low levels of the water sometimeswith adverse currents and still waters.

For proceeding to Matadi and according to the season vessels must havea speed of at least 10 knots, especially to pass the Devils Cauldron about3 miles before Matadi. 12-13 knots or greater sometimes requested for a10-15 minute period.BRIDGES: Bridge on River Congo: It is advisable to sound whistle onapproaching bridge, to warn small canoes in the fairway.ARRIVAL: ETA: It is essential that any change of vessels ETA shouldbe transmitted sufficiently in advance in order to avoid short shipments ofcargo.

Matadi is only a transit port where cargo is not stored in order to avoidcongestion.

Imported cargo is immediately re-forwarded to the interior while exportcargo is only brought to Matadi a few days before the ETA of the vessel forwhich it has been booked.

Therefore, in order to make the cargo available at Matadi, shippers needa notice varying according to the cargo concerned, but which cannot be lessthan 2 weeks as is the case for coffee.

Agents at Matadi and Boma have been instructed to inform Port Authoritieslatest 4 days before berthing of inward cargo tonnages.

Non compliance with this provision may result in berthing delay.PILOTAGE: Vessel should cable ETA 24 hours before arrival to theHarbour Master. Cable address: Maritime Banana via Banana Radio.

Pilotage compulsory for all vessels over 500 g.r.t. bound for Boma andMatadi.

Ships bound for Matadi and/or Boma must take a Pilot at the Pilot Stationat Banana (at the mouth of the Congo River). Pilot station at Banana can becontacted directly by radio (VHF).

In order to increase the safety and to facilitate the navigation on the riverthe Regie des Voies Maritimes have decided that in case a vessel is notequipped with a VHF installation the Pilot will bring one on board, for whicha charge is made.

The following rules must be observed at the request of the Regie des VoiesMaritimes for embarking and dis-embarking of Pilots.

If gangway is rigged astern on the port side it is compulsory to use thepilot ladder.

If gangway rigged amidships on port side it is recommended that the pilotladder is used in combination with the gangway.

Pilots requesting only the gangway do so at their own risk.Theoretically sailing from Matadi/Boma is only authorised if vessel can

reach Banana by 1800 hrs. at latest since navigation on the Congo River isnormally limited to daylight hours.

With regard to the trim the pilotage services ask Masters to comply withfollowing rules:

Maximum draft 12 ft. aft; 2 ft. forward.PRATIQUE: Ships crew must have an International Certificate ofVaccination against yellow fever and cholera.PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Banana Radio, 9PA.

Telegraphy medium wave: 0430 2030 UTC.500 kHz.Working frequency: 489 kHz.Listening frequency: 480 kHz.512 kHz.Traffic list each hour + 00 of each hour during service hours.

Telegraphy short waves: 0500 2000 UTC.Traffic list at:0500/0700/0900/1100/1600/1900: 8445.0 kHz0600/0800/1200/1400/1700 : 12660.0 kHz1000/1300/1800 : 22431.0 kHz1500 : 17184.8 kHzReserve frequency for medium wave: 6491.5 kHzRemarks: This frequency is used for traffic when QRN appears on 489 kHz.Reserve frequency: 8546 kHz.Listening on 8, 12 and 16 MHz, Channels 5, 6 and 15. On 22 MHz,

Channels 3, 4 and 9.Each Channel is monitored during 1 minute in a scanning system and this,

during 15 minutes following traffic list (same frequency band as traffic list)after 15 minutes, the receiver is blocked on Channel 6 (4 on 22 MHz) untilnext traffic list.Telex on Request

Paired frequencies:Code 34646 (This is not definite since it must be allocated by UIT).

9PA: 8714 kHz13078.5 kHz

Ship: 8353 kHz12498.5 kHz

Telephony: 0430 2030 UTCListening: 2182 kHz

4125 kHz6215.5 kHz8257 kHz

12392 kHz

2182 kHz4125 kHz6521.9 kHz8780.9 kHz

13162.8 kHzTelephony Short Wave: 0430 2030 UTC.

Traffic list at:0430/0630 on 6521.9 kHz listening 6215.5 kHz.0530/0830/1030/1530 on 8753 kHz listening 8257 kHz.0730/0930/1430/1930 on 4419.4 kHz listening 4825 kHz.1130/1630 on 13162.8 kHz listening 12392 kHz.1230/1730 on 17294.9 kHz listening 16522 kHz.1330/1830 on 22658 kHz listening 22062 kHz.

Telephony VHF: 0430 2030 UTC.Channel 16. Simplex Channels. Duplex Channels.Remarks:1. Telephone connections are possible and Agent accepts telegrams in

telephony.2. Other available frequencies for telephony:

Banana Radio/9PA Ship4357.4 kHz4382.2 kHz8777.8 kHz8762.3 kHz

13181.4 kHz17350.7 kHz

4063.0 kHz4087.8 kHz

8238.4 kHz12410.6 kHz16577.8 kHz

3. Radio beacon continuous.Frequency: 315 kHz. Call Sign: BAN.Position: Lat. 05 53' 24" S., Long. 12 17' 48" E.Power: 1kW.Antenna: Omni-directional.Range: 350 miles (daylight).

STEVEDORES: The ONATRA (Office National des Transports) publicinstitution, has the monopoly of the handling, stevedoring and transitoperations at the ports of Matadi and Boma.

At each berth the responsible Pier Master remains in constant contactwith the Chief Officer during the whole operation.

General CONGO, D.R. OF

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Working shifts are as follows: 1st. shift: 0630 1430 hrs.; 2nd shift: 1430 2230 hrs. overtime; 3rd shift: 2230 0630 hrs. overtime.

Work must be ordered the day before vessels arrival. However, if gangsare available, work can still be ordered the day of vessels arrival but latestat 0930 hrs. during week days.

Port works 24 hours/7 days a week. If vessel is to work on Sundays andholidays, Agent must write to Port Authorities in advance to book gangs.

According to the situation of the Port, the Authorities can also order labour24 hours per day Sundays and holidays included.

At Boma there are two long shifts (0630 1830 and 1830 0630).At Matadi there are 3 shifts for all vessels, except for refridgerated vessels

carrying frozen fish or meat.For all stevedoring operations the use of shore cranes/dock labourers is

compulsory. It is only in particular cases such as handling ofcontainers/heavy lifts or prolonged (electrical) breakdowns that PortOperators can authorise use of vessels equipment.OPENING/CLOSING HATCHES: Normally by crew.FUEL: Must be ordered from SEP Congo (Local supplier for account Fina)at least 48 hours before required. Normally supply of gasoil, light and heavyfuel is effected at Banana between Buoys 12 and 14 ex-barges with minimumquantity 250 tons; maximum quantity 800 tons (total barge quantity).

Smaller quantities can also be supplied in Matadi or Ango Ango.GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Necessary at all times. RateU.S.$10.00 per hour. Length of shift 12 hours.GENERAL: The following telex was received from an Agent in 1994:Quote:

Commercial calls for discharging and/or loading cargo in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo are subject to vessels Owners and/or Operators, havingbeen granted Approved status by Congo freight office Office Zairois deGestion du Fret Maritime OGEFREM, after signing a Contrat dAdhesionand making U.S.$10,000 deposit as security for compliance with the CongoMaritime Rules.

Cargoes loaded abroad for discharge in the Democratic Republic of Congoare subject to a waiver to be obtained at port of shipment with the localOGEFREM representatives. The waiver is evidenced by Attestation deReservation de Cale A.R.C., copy of which together with a copy of theFreight Manifest must be remitted by the vessels Agents to OGEFREM officein the Congo port of discharge. Vessels carrying cargoes to the DemocraticRepublic of Congo without A.R.C. are imposed with a penalty of 20% of thefreight which, if not paid immediately, is deducted from the deposit, and theOwners are invited to complete it to reach again U.S.$ 10,000, pending whichthe Owners Approved status is suspended and their vessels calls are notauthorised.Unquote.Quay Practices:

The Democratic Republic of Congo courtesy flag must be hoisted by foreignships during daytime.

In view of the proximity of the town, the use of whistles, sirens and similarsignals is forbidden, except on special occasions.

Safety nets must be put between ship and quay at each of the workinghatches and beneath the gangway.

No rubbish whatsoever may be thrown overboard.Official Language:

The official language used by the Port Authorities and Administration isFrench.Cargo plans:

According to ONATRAs instructions, stowage plans of ships calling atMatadi/Boma must be issued in such a way that they show clearly where allgoods loaded for Matadi/Boma in several ports are located. This enablesONATRA to have, at once, a clear view of each vessel and to study, beforeships arrival, the discharging/loading possibilities.

Those stowage plans must reach Agent before ships arrival.Vessels loading/discharging operations will only start during the next shift

if stowage plans are remitted upon vessels arrival. A request can be madeto shift the vessel to a more convenient berth depending upon the cargoconcerned.

With regard to cargo loaded, ONATRA does not issue stowage plans andMasters should consequently be instructed to draw up stowage plansthemselves for transmission to corresponding discharging ports.

It is customary not to moor ships at Matadi/Boma between 2200 hrs. and0600 hrs. They remain at anchor.Important Notices:In connection with manifests for Matadi/Boma cargo:

1. Liner Terms Cargo:According to the General Rules and Tariffs stowing, unstowing, loading,

discharging rates are applied on weight/measurement, whichever is thehighest irrespective of the freight unit.The Port Authority ONATRA instructs therefore that:

(a) The Freighted Manifest remitted to them must show three columnsdetailing respectively weight and volume and freight unit (freight tons)of each cargo/bill of lading.(b) At the bottom of each page a summing up of tonnage/weight,tonnage/volume and freight units (freight tons) should be mentioned.(c) The last page of the manifest shall contain a separate recapitulationof weight tons, volumes and freight units (freight tons) showing thus therespective totals of each item.

Corrections or additionals added by the Agent at Matadi/Boma by hand orwith typewriter are not accepted by ONATRA.

ONATRA is fully implementing the regulations and, for vessels whosemanifests are incomplete or incorrect, a penalty, which may reach 1,000%of the stevedoring costs (or 10 times) is charged.

2. F.I.O. Cargo: Free Out is cancelled.SHIPMASTERS REPORT: September 1998.Matadi: This port is one of the most expensive in the world as far as portdisbursement accounts are concerned.

Shipowners are also expected to pay commissions on freight to Ogefremvia local Agents, and this is billed along with the initial estimate of portdisbursements.

The political situation is uncertain and outbreaks of hostilities wereencountered, resulting in detention of our vessel at Matadi in August/September for 28 days.

SHIPMASTERS REPORT: November 1998.River Congo Pilotage: Please be guided by the following comments onpilotage of River Congo from Banana Pilot Station to Matadi Roads:

When the River Congo Pilot boarded the vessel, the vessel was drawinga declared max. draft of 18 ft. 10 in. (fresh water).

Upon exchange of mutual information between Pilot and Master, the Pilotproduced a local River Congo Chart (No. 20.305 Region Divagante),published by Republique Democratique du Congo with no depths markedon it.

When well within the river, the Pilot pointed out on his local chart the areaSeuil Ndele, between Buoys No. 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57, with the commentthe depths over this stretch are unknown and that the river is constantlychanging its configuration.

The echo sounder of the vessel was constantly in the on mode on. Theecho sounder recorded a depth of 2.2 m. (7 ft. 3 in.), when transitting betweenBuoys No. 54 and 55. The Pilot informed us that dredging operations are inprogress, but he or the Maritime Authorities were not certain of the depthsover this particular spot only.

The subsequent 2 Pilots, who boarded at the change of Pilots at Boma,also confirmed that all vessels passing over this area of unknown charteddepths are fully aware of the hazards involved.

Our Chart (B.A. No. 634) is corrected up-to-date, and is also of the lastpublished edition. The changes in the river are so rapid and still changingfrequently, which means that B.A. Chart No. 634 serves no purpose.

Note of Protest will be lodged with the local Agent.Kindly be advised in the Owners/Charterers interest, that the above

information must be made available to the Masters of all vessels on this tradeto enable them to be warned in advance of the hazards, implications andcautions, since neither the Martime Authorities/Pilots/ Agents or the Admiraltysection can do much, due to continuous nature of the rivers erosion.AGENTS REPORT: January 2001.Changes to River Draft: An official notice from Regie des Voies Maritime (theDemocratic Republic of Congos Nautical Routes Authority) has advised thatauthorised drafts in the Congo River are modified with effect from19th January 2001, mainly in the region from Banana to Boma, as follows:

Inwards: 19 ft. 00 in. (High Water).Outwards: 19 ft. 00 in. (High Water).

BANANA: 06 01' S 12 25' ELOCATION: Situated on the right bank of the mouth of the River Congo.Charts: BA Charts No. 604, 634, 637, 638 and 3206.DOCUMENTS: See General before first port.Muanda Terminal: Notice of Readiness: Notice of Readiness will beaccepted from 0600 1600 hrs.MAX. SIZE: Buoys No. 12, 14 and 16: Max. length 190 m.; up to 250 m.may be authorised by Pilot.

Tankers up to 11.52 m. draft may discharge at buoy moorings.Also see Berthing Commercial Port and General Agents Report

dated January 2001 before first port.Muanda Terminal: Max. LOA no limit, min. LOA 250 m., bow to manifolddistance 140 110 m., draft 16.76 m.DENSITY: Brackish to salt.RESTRICTIONS: See Tankers Muanda Terminal.APPROACHES: In view of the strong current and unreliability of thenavigation buoys on the river, night navigation is practically impossible andtankers arriving at night, or in times of congestion, are thereforerecommended to anchor approx. 5 miles west of Moita Seca Light in approx.18.29 m., about 12 miles from Stella Buoy.PILOTAGE: River can be entered direct from sea in deep water. Pilot (notcompulsory) will board vessel from 0600 hrs. with Authorities at Pilot Stationlocated one mile south of Banana Point.

The position of the flare of the SOCIR Refinery at Muanda isLat. 05 57' 51" S, Long. 12 25' 07" E.

The flare is visible during day and night and may be a good bearing forvessels approaching river.

Sailing from Stella Buoy at 0600 hrs. vessels with a speed of up to 14 knotsmust pass Bulabemba before 1400 hrs. and vessels with speed in excessof 14 knots by 1500 hrs.PRATIQUE: Quarantine Officer boards at sea buoy. Free pratique usuallygranted as soon as Maritime Health Declaration completed. Valid choleraand yellow fever inoculations required for all crew members.PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Pre-ArrivalInformation Tankers: At least 3 days prior notice required to ships Agent(ETA and draft only) and to Harbour Master, Maritime Banana (ETA only).It is necessary to transmit these notices via another shore station (e.g. CapeTown Radio, Libreville Radio, etc.), as the Banana Radio Station can onlybe reached 2 days prior arrival. Close advice on changes in ETA necessaryto prevent delays in waiting for Pilot and lighters.

Also see Tanker Facilities.TUGS: Not required for berthing at Muanda Terminal SPM.BERTHING: The commercial port consists of a quay 75 m. in length.

If draft is more than 5.18 m. (indicative) cargo operations to be performedat anchor between Buoys No. 12 and 14. Barges and gangs are then suppliedon request.

If draft is less than 5.18 m. (indicative) vessel can berth at ONATRA wharfinside Banana Bay.

Also see Tanker Facilities.TANKER FACILITIES: Tankers remain at anchor between BuoysNo. 12 and 16 on the river, anchorage being agreed upon by the Master andthe local suppliers representative who will have received the advice of thePilot. Since there is no mooring buoy and in view of the strong currents it isrecommended to use both anchors while main engine to remain on standby.

CONGO, D.R. OF Banana

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

Cargo Operations: Tankers discharge into/load from cargo barges mooredalongside either side. These barges (three in total) have a capacity of1,650 long tons or 2,050 cu.m. and can receive the cargo at a rate up to400 t.p.h. Under normal conditions the refinery will handle these barges pershift of 12 hours. Cargo operations are effected continuously day and nightduring Sunday and holidays, in shifts from 0600 1800 hrs. and from1800 0600 hrs.Manifold Connections: Buoys No. 12, 14 and 16: 26 in. manifoldconnections, one connected on each side to barge; 8 in. to 6 in. reducersavailable.Sailing: Except for vessels leaving Banana Dock, all vessels anchoring orleaving Buoys No. 12, 14 and 16 are assisted by Pilots.Muanda Terminal: Operator: Gulf Oil Company. Fax: +871 (573)173 5124.Telex: +871 583 173 5123 CZENX. Email: zmoore@chevrontexaco.com

The terminal consists of a SPM served by the 106,513 d.w.t. FSO BellatrixVoyager, call sign C6FH2.

To notify his arrival, Master to call MV Bellatrix Voyager by radio. Vesselwill then proceed to the SPM in position Lat. 05 57' 50" S,Long. 12 08' 19" E, where loading will take place.

The FSO is moored in position Lat. 05 57' 30" S, Long. 12 06' 00" E.Max. LOA no limit; max. draft 16.76 m.Tugs/barges not necessary.

Restrictions: Min. LOA 250 m., max./min. bow to manifold distance140/110 m., max. displacement 175,000 tonnes.

Berthing/unberthing during daylight hours only.Cargo Operations: One shore line used for loading 16 in. cargo hoseconnected on port side.Ballast: Only clean ballast to be discharged at sea. Barge may be madeavailable by refinery upon special request for dirty ballast reception, limitedto 2,000 cu.m.Fresh Water: Not available.Fuel: Not available.

No tank cleaning facilities.Also see Shipmasters Report dated September 1985.

CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES: The port equipment is extremelylimited. Any discharging and/or loading must therefore be done by shipsgear.

There are two portal cranes and four forklift trucks.Storage: 6,000 sq.m. open storage and 450 sq.m. warehouse.BALLAST: See Tankers Muanda Terminal.MEDICAL: Doctor available for emergency only. No dental or hospitalfacilities.FRESH WATER: Not available.FUEL: Must be ordered 48 hours in advance from SEP-Congo. Bunkeringtakes place between Buoys No. 12 and 14. Gas oil, light and heavy fuel oilavailable. Barge capacity 800 tons, minimum order 250 tons.REPAIRS: No facilities.TIME: GMT plus 1 hour.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: See Matadi.NEAREST AIRPORT: Kitona Base Domestic Airport, 11 km.SHORE LEAVE: Shore leave is presently not allowed due to lack ofcommunications; only in urgent cases may a crew member join one of therefinery tugs. There is no entertainment whatsoever ashore.GENERAL: During stay of tankers at anchorage the discharge and/orloading operations are constantly supervised by agent of the vessel andrepresentatives of the refinery, who are to be accommodated on board andto be provided with meals.SHIPMASTERS REPORT: September 1985 (Updated 2003).Location: Muanda Oil Terminal is operated by the Gulf Oil Company. It islocated about 10 miles offshore from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Itconsists of a SPM in position Lat. 05 57' 50" S, Long. 12 08' 19" E, in about75 ft. of water. Crude oil is transferred to the export tanker at the SPM fromthe storage tanker Bellatrix Voyager, 106,513 d.w.t.Wind and Swell: Wind and swell are mostly from a southwesterly directionwith a heavy swell from March to September. The tidal range in the vicinityof the berth is 2.10 m. The current in the area is a composite of the effectof the general northwesterly drift and the outflow of the Congo River. Thisresults in a current of 3 4 knots or more in a northerly to westerly direction.In view of the foregoing, Masters of vessels calling at the terminal are advisedthat under no circumstances are engine repairs permitted within terminallimits.Communications: Vessels bound for the Democratic Republic of Congoare required to advise their ETA (see Muanda Terminal).

ETA messages to be sent 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival at the terminaland should contain the following information:

a) name of vesselb) ETA in GMT (Congo time is GMT plus 1 hour)c) name of Masterd) estimated arrival draft, fore and aft and displacemente) time for discharging clean ballast, if anyf) whether vessel proceeding to any port(s) prior to Muanda and if so

delays anticipated.A 24-hour watch is maintained on VHF Channel 16 on Bellatrix Voyager

(call sign C6FH2) and contact is usually possible at a distance of20 30 miles.Dirty Ballast: No facilities exist for receiving dirty ballast and all tankersmust arrive with clean ballast.Cargo Information: Oil loaded at the Muanda Terminal is composite crudewith an average API of 31.8. The loading temperature will vary from80.0 86.9F and is fairly steady throughout the year. The loading rate is max.14,500 bbls./hr.Approach to Anchorage/Mooring Master Boarding Area: If vessel isrequired to anchor, the recommended tanker anchorage is within a circle0.5 miles in diameter and its centre is located in a position 5 miles due westof the SPM. Owing to the presence of oil wells and submarine pipelinesvessels should not enter into the area bounded by lines joining the followingpositions:

a) Lat. 05 46.5' S, Long. 12 12.5 Eb) Lat. 05 49.5' S, Long. 12 09.0 E

c) Lat. 06 00.0' S, Long. 12 09.0 Ed) Lat. 06 00.0' S, Long. 12 18.0 Ee) Lat. 05 53.5' S, Long. 12 18.0 E

The Mooring Master boarding area is 3 miles due west (Lat. 05 57.30' S,Long. 12 06' E) of the storage tanker Bellatrix Voyager or boarding will beat the anchorage as appropriate.Accommodation: During vessels stay at the terminal the Mooring Master,Loading Master, Agent, surveyor and four men for the hose gang will stayon board.Mooring Arrangements: Mooring operations are only undertaken by dayunder normal weather conditions. Unmooring operations can be undertakenat any time. The following preparations are required on the export tanker:

a) 4 mooring ropes, minimum length 220 m. and size 9 in., buoyant linesif possible e.g. polypropylene, in good condition

b) 2 suitable heaving lines of appropriate lengthc) 2 mooring lines aft for securing a tug to realign the vessel to the buoy

if necessary.Hose Connections: 116 in. hose is connected to the ships manifold.Bunkers: Not available.Fresh Water: Not available.SHIPMASTERS REPORT: April 1987 (Updated 1998).

Vessel discharged at Banana and Ango-Ango.Approaches: Wide open with very deep water approach. Vessels cananchor at either side of the river mouth in 36.58 m. Pirates do not appear tobe a problem. The very small amount of traffic using the Congo indicatesthat there will be no problems with regard to crowded anchorage.Pilotage: River passage is during daylight hours only. The Pilot boards offthe Banana Creek Channel, and the lightening anchorage is between BuoysNo. 12 and 14. A secondary anchorage is between Buoys No. 16 and 18,abeam of Crique Ariel Beacon. Both anchors with about 7 or 8 shackles willbe used in either anchorage. The current is always outflowing, so there isno fear of a fouled hawser on this visit. This vessel tried to anchor in the firstanchorage (vessels normally try the first anchorage, so as to be that muchnearer to Banana for the lighters). Vessel started dragging anchors, so wehove up and moved into the second anchorage.Officials: 14 officials boarded the vessel.Documents:

8 Crew Lists6 Passenger and Mail Lists6 Stowaway Lists4 Cargo Manifests4 Ullage Reports from Last Port6 Kroo Boy Lists6 Arms and Ammunition Lists6 Narcotics Lists6 Lists of Ports Visited.

Discharge: Lightering only at Banana.The amount of lightering depends on the water available in the dredged

sections further upstream (all the cargo lightened has eventually to be takenup to Ango-Ango by the lighters).

On this occasion, we had to offload into five lighters, to come up to 7.01 m.draft (max. permissible draft up-river at this time). Only one tug was availableso this meant three trips. No unloading took place between midnight and0800 hrs. the next morning.

One pump was used, discharging to one barge each side simultaneously.The tug takes two barges at a time back to Banana.Passage to Banana and Ango-Ango: The passage to Banana takes6 7 hours, and if vessel cannot arrive at Ango-Ango before 1700 hrs., thenvessel will anchor at Boma. All passages take place during daylight hours.

The continuous outgoing river current can vary from 3 knots up to6 8 knots, depending on rainy or dry season.

From Banana to Buoy No. 24, there is plenty of water and room tomanoeuvre, etc., although it should be emphasised that here are very fewaids to navigation that can be relied upon. The buoys throughout the riverpassage are very doubtful as to their position (they may have been movedas the channel moves, but no Notice to Mariners issued). The strength ofthe river current must make the mooring of these buoys very difficult, alsomany of them consist of oil drums fastened together.

There is a narrow channel section (dredged in parts) from Buoy positionNo. 46 to Buoy No. 78. Part of the new channel veers away from the dottedline on the chart, and goes off to the west of Archipel des Tortues, up whatappears on the chart to be a narrow creek. From here on there is no visualchart indication of where you are going. In the narrow parts there may betwo buoys (oil drums) to go between, but even so there are quite a few severeturns.

From Buoy No. 86, you are back in soundings and there is plenty of waterup to Boma. The Pilot changes at Boma.

We anchored overnight at Boma. The anchorage is opposite Boma townand is in a quiet stretch of water out of the current. Only one anchor is used(four shackles), and as the current flow is always in the same direction, thereis no reverse of heading, so although you are close to the south side of theriver, the only problem will be if there is a sudden change of wind during oneof the passing tropical downpours.

The passage from Boma to Ango-Ango is all in deep water, and iscomparatively wide, although there is the occasional whirlpool, and navigationaids are sparse with a rocky shoreline.Ango-Ango Berth Approaches: The approach is straightforward,although there are no mooring launches or tugs. The berth itself is in slackwater. Normally, the vessel is put slightly ahead and off the berth, and theport anchor is dropped, with three shackles. The bow is then manoeuvredinto the berth using engines and anchor, then head lines are sent ashore viashore messengers (the headlines may look like breast lines, and the breastlines like half springs), but be sure to get the correct lines as per plan (seePlan), they appear to have set messengers for each shore bollard, nosprings are allowed on to the pontoon. The after lines are also sent viamessengers, so be sure to organise with the Pilot as to which sequence isrequired, especially the springs being sent from aft, and the breast lines fromthe main deck.Documents at Ango-Ango: The same number of documents as requiredat Banana are again required in Ango-Ango.

Banana CONGO, D.R. OF

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Discharge: The discharge is made via two sets of 26 in. lines connectedvia shore supplied Y pieces connected to ships 8 in. manifolds. Both jetfuel and MOGAS were discharged simultaneously.

The departure is fairly straightforward, heaving off on the anchor, and thereis plenty of room to swing vessel round in, especially with the bow being outin the current, and the stern in comparatively slack water.

The passage down river is, of course, much quicker with all the currentwith you.AUTHORITY: SEP Congo, PO Box 21, Ango-Ango, DemocraticRepublic of Congo. Tel: +243 (81) 902 2612. Contact: Alphonse Nzinga,Manager (Email: nzingalu@yahoo.fr).

BOMA: 05 51' S 13 03' ELOCATION: On the right bank of the River Congo, 88 km. inland fromBanana and 60 km. from Matadi.Charts: BA Charts No. 634, 637, 638 and 3206.DOCUMENTS: See General before first port.MAX. SIZE: Minimum depth 7.32 m.RESTRICTIONS: Depth at bar 9.14 m. Permissible draft for navigatingriver varies from 6.10 8.23 m. according to local conditions and should bechecked with Port Authority in advance.

Also see General Agents Report dated January 2001.PILOTAGE: Radio Maritime Banana 24 hours prior arrival giving ETAat Banana and requesting Pilot. Sailing for Banana from 0600 1600 hrs.PRATIQUE: Quarantine Officer boards on arrival. All crew membersrequire valid cholera vaccinations and yellow fever inoculation certificates.TUGS: Four tugs and five launches available.BERTHING: Total quay length 450 m. with three berths alongside. Depthof water at the quay 7.32 m. at LW.CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES: Exports: Logs and timber,plywood, veneer wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber, bananas, palm kernels, oils,cakes, about 8.8% of the total exports of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Imports: Various. About 2.5% of the total tonnage imported into theDemocratic Republic of Congo.Port Equipment: One electric crane, 6 portal cranes, 1 automatic crane fortimber products, 1 automatic container crane, 84 7 tonne forklift trucks,1 tractor.Storage: 20,000 sq.m. of open storage and 9,700 sq.m. of warehousing.STEVEDORES: See General before first port.MEDICAL: Doctors and hospital facilities available.FRESH WATER: Available from quays, suitable for drinking.FUEL: See Banana before first port.REPAIRS: No facilities.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: See Matadi.WEATHER/TIDES: Current at Quays: The currents of the river varyfrom berth to berth and depend upon the low and high level of the water withsometimes adverse currents and still waters.

Maximum speed at high level: 3 knots.Minimum depth at the lowest level: 7.32 m.

NEAREST AIRPORT: Muanda Domestic Airport, 80 km.AUTHORITY: Office National des Transport (ONATRA), 177 Boulevarddu 30 Juin, Commune de la Gombe, PO Box 98, Kinshasa 1, DemocraticRepublic of Congo. Tel: +243 (20) 713. FAX: +243 (139) 8632.Email: onatradf@ic.cd Contact: Director Port Operations.

Also see Matadi.AGENT: See Matadi.

MATADI: 05 49' S 13 27' E (See Plan)LOCATION: The port is located on the south shore of the river Congo,approximately 75 miles up the river from the coast, in Bas Congo district.Charts: BA Charts No. 604, 634, 637 and 638.DOCUMENTS: Seven days prior to arrival of vessel, the following musthave arrived at the office of the ships Agent:

7 Bills of Lading3 Freighted Manifests3 Hazardous Cargo Manifests

17 Manifests (detailing explosives, general cargo, heavy lifts)5 Stowage Plans.

On Arrival:5 Arms/Ammunition Lists6 Bills of Lading5 Bonded Stores Lists

Clearance last Port (given to the Harbour Master)5 Crew Effects Declarations5 Crew Lists6 Manifests (Freighted)6 Manifests (Unfreighted)5 Passenger Lists6 Passengers in Transit5 Ports of Call Lists

Ships Particulars5 Stores Lists5 Stowaway Lists.

Quarantine Officer:5 Live Animals Lists2 Maritime Declarations of Health2 Maritime Police Declarations5 Narcotics Lists2 Vaccination Lists.

Harbour Master checks the following Certificates:Cargo Ship Safety ConstructionCargo Ship Safety RadioCertificate of Registry (Nationality)

Derat5 Load Line

Safety EquipmentShips RegisterTonnage.

Customs: Customs officers will board the vessel on arrival and seal thebonded stores as per ships Masters declaration. If during the vessels stayin the port, entry to the store is required, the ships Agent will arrange for aCustoms Officer to open and reseal the store.

The stores will be checked prior to the vessels departure. If any goodsare found to be missing and unaccounted for, the vessel and ships Mastermay face a heavy fine and possible detention.MAX. SIZE: LOA 190 m., draft 6.50 6.55 m.

Controlled by draft in river. Max. draft Berth No. 1 is 7.01 7.31 m.The port was advised in July 2003 that the max. inward draft is 6.40 m.

and outward draft 6.55 m.Tankers: Ango-Ango: LOA 183 m., depth 10.7 m.DENSITY: Fresh water. Density varies in the approach to the port.RESTRICTIONS: Depth at bar 9.14 m. Draft for navigating the CongoRiver varies between 6.10 8.23 m. according to local conditions and shouldbe checked with the Port Authority 3 days in advance.Latest berthing at Boma, Ango-Ango and Matadi is 1900 hrs. Vessels mayif special permission is obtained from the Chief Pilot berth later than this.Vessels calling at the port must be able to achieve speeds of 11 knots ormore due to tidal flow of up to 12 knots possibly occurring in the DevilsCauldron (Chaudron dEnfer) located between Matadi and Ango-Ango.APPROACHES: Vessels enter the river Congo at Banana. BetweenBoma and Matadi distance 32 nautical miles, the river is narrow and deepwith strong currents and violent whirl pools. River transit from Banana toMatadi takes approximately 7 hours depending on current flow and vesselsspeed. The fairway is marked by navigational buoys and leading lights.PILOTAGE: Compulsory for all vessels. Pilot station call sign 9PA. RadioMaritime Banana 24 hours prior to arrival giving ETA at Banana andrequesting Pilot. Pilot boards at Banana Pilot station between StellaNo. 2 Light Buoy and Pointe Billabemba or at Light Buoy No. 16. Distancefrom Banana to Matadi approximately 75 nautical miles and to Boma fromBanana 48 nautical miles. Sailing for Banana from 0600 1300 hrs./1400 hrs.,depending on vessels speed. Deadline for passing Boma 1600 hrs. Sailingfor Boma from 0600 1600 hrs.ANCHORAGES: The official anchorages for the port are located atAngo-Ango, Bumbu, Ikungulu and Vinda. There are also good anchoragesbetween Boma and Noki that have good holding ground.PRATIQUE: Quarantine officer boards on arrival. All crew members requirevalid cholera and yellow fever inoculation certificates.VHF: Banana Pilots listen on Channel 16 and work on Channels 12, 14, 20,73 and 74.

Matadi Harbour Master listens on Channel 16.TUGS: Viva 1,700 h.p., Inga 850 h.p., Boma 250 h.p., Banana600 h.p. and Soyo 220 h.p.BERTHING: Matadi: Total length 1,728 m.

Pier 1 149 m. Pier 6 176 m.Pier 2 161 m. Pier 7 188 m.Pier 3 155 m. Pier 8 149 m.Pier 4 158 m. Pier 9 167 m.Pier 5 156 m. Pier 10 143 m.Piers No. 5, 6 and 7 for full container vessels.Minimum depth at Piers No. 8 and 10 is 10 m.In addition there is a berth length 400 m. for barges.Vessels berth starboard side alongside.

Ango-Ango: The port is 3 nautical miles SW of Matadi and used for thedischarge of flammable goods and other dangerous goods. The port has onequay length 150 m. and one ocean-going vessel operational. Mooring linesare run to bollards on the river bank.There is a tanker berth north of the portconsisting of a pontoon 60 m. 20 m. with depth alongside 10.7 m. Vesselsup to LOA 183 m. may berth alongside. Currents ranging from 3 7 knots willbe experienced at the berth.BULK CARGO FACILITIES: Cereals discharged by suction at BerthNo. 9, rate 1,000 t.p.h.

Minoterie du Congo have bulk wheat suction extractor facilities atBerth No. 10.CONTAINER FACILITIES: The container terminal has two berths oflength 350 m., depth 7.6 8.9 m.

Discharging and loading is conducted using ships gear.The terminal has the following equipment:Two RTGs (135 tons and 140 tons), six reach stackers (420 tons and240 tons), 17 tractors, 34 trailers, container freight station, total storagecapacity 3,500 TEU, stacked 3 high and railway sidings.Contact: Email: congo.containers-mat@mat-ic.cdTANKER FACILITIES: Operator: SEP Congo, PO Box 21,Ango-Ango, Democratic Republic of Congo. Tel: +243 (819) 022612.Contact: Alphonse Nzinga, Manager (Email: nzingalu@yahoo.fr).Facilities: Discharge at Sep Pier at Ango-Ango or Matadi. If lighteningnecessary before berthing, this can be effected at Ramler Buoy, 17 milesabove Banana. No tank-cleaning facilities. No fresh water.Note: Following not operational in April 1998. Palm oil is stocked by fourcompanies in Matadi, three of which have pipelines to a main quay. Thepalm oil installations of CCP are at Ango-Ango where ships must berth atSep Pier. Vessels handling Sep cargoes are given priority at this pier and incase of unavailability of berth, palm oil would be loaded by barge of 260 tonscapacity at Matadi.

Palm kernel oil is also loaded at Berths No. 2 9 and palm oil at BerthsNo. 2 8 in Matadi.

PLZ (Plantations Lever au Zaire) capacity 13,450 tonsAMATO-Freres 3,700 tonsMADAIL 2,340 tonsCCP 3,627 tonsAlso see Berthing and Shipmasters Report dated September 1990.There are currently no regulations regarding the changing of clean ballast

water prior to arrival at the port.

CONGO, D.R. OF Matadi

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

CRANES:No. Type Capacity Remarks

(tons)22 Electric and hydraulic 2 3 On rails1 Derrick Fixed *45 (Pier 4)1 Bridge 5 Not operational (April 1998)6 Electric 3 62 Electric 103 Electric 61 Floating 14

* Actual SWL 35 tons. June 2003: Only 15 cranes currently operational.CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES:Barges: 1400 tons, 3300 tons, 8300 tons and 19250 tons. 920 ft.platforms, 140 ft. platform (Unilock), 1 pushwagon tractor, grain elevators(Midema).Equipment: 20 forklifts with a maximum capacity of 4 tons, 2 forklifts witha maximum of 7 tons, 1 forklift with a maximum of 12 tons, 4 tractors and1 trailer and carts.

Also see Container Facilities.STEVEDORES: See General before first port.WASTE DISPOSAL: Not compulsory to land vessels garbage in theport. Garbage is to be retained on board.MEDICAL: Doctors and hospital facilities available.FRESH WATER: Available at all piers. Maximum daily capacity 200 tons.Delivery takes place according to the quantity asked for and usually duringnight.

Delivery cannot be done at the loading berth of Sep at Ango Ango.Suppliers need 48 hours notice. It is therefore highly recommended that

Masters cable their needs well in advance to Agent and/or through Owners.FUEL: See General before first port.REPAIRS: Small repairs possible at railway workshop.GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Recommended.PIRACY: Acts of piracy have taken place in the port.STOWAWAYS: There is a high risk that stowaways will try to boardvessels berthed in the port. Therefore, a good search should be carried outon board prior to sailing form the port.LOCAL HOLIDAYS: Legal Holidays: 1 January (New Years Day);1 May (Labour Day); 1 August (Parents Day) and 25 December (Christmas).WEATHER/TIDES: Currents at the Quays: The currents of the rivervary from berth to berth and depend upon the high and low levels of thewater with sometimes adverse currents and still waters. Difference betweenhigh and low level of the river is approximately 5.50 m.Maximum speed at high level: 6 knots.Minimum depth at lowest level: Minimum 8.0 m. at low water and minimum10.0 m. at low water at the new Kala Kala quays.TELEPHONES: International telephone communications currentlypossible in the port.NEAREST AIRPORT: Muanda Domestic Airport, 123 km.GENERAL: Exports: Logs and timber (plywood, veneer wood), coffee,cocoa, rubber, copal, bananas, manioc, groundnuts, palm kernels, oils,cakes, fibres, cotton and copper.Port Equipment and Accommodation: Matadi is the only DemocraticRepublic of Congo port handling the despatch of export products originatingfrom the interior and the import of products destined to the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (excluding Boma which is of minor importance and onlyserves the Mayumbe area).

About 90% of the tonnage inward and outward goes through Matadi at thehead of the SNCC railroad from Matadi to Kinshasa. The latter locality beinga handling and concentration centre of the goods directed to or coming fromMatadi.SHIPMASTERS REPORT: January 1981 (Updated 1998).Documents and Papers required on Arrival Matadi:

4 Animal Lists (even if nil)4 Arms and Ammunitions Lists (even if nil)4 Crew Customs Declarations7 Crew Lists2 Maritime Declarations of Health4 Narcotic Lists7 Passenger Lists (even if nil)5 Ports of Call Lists4 Stores Lists1 Vaccination List (Cholera/Yellow Fever).

Following documents have to be shown to the Port Authorities:Cargo Ship Safety Construction CertificateCargo Ship Safety Equipment CertificateCargo Ship Safety Radio-telegraphy CertificateCertificate of Tonnage MeasurementClassification CertificateDerat CertificateInternational Load Line CertificateShips RegisterThe official Log Book of the vessel and the Articles.

The number of crew written in the Crew Lists will be checked with theentries in the Articles.Shore Leave: Each crew member receives a shore pass without particulars,which has to be returned before departure of the vessel. Fines will be imposedif shore leave pass is lost.SHIPMASTERS REPORT: August 1982 (Updated 1998).

As far as I could ascertain the only point in the Congo River where onecan expect currents of 12 knots is in the Devils Cauldron between Matadiand Ango-Ango. The rainy season is mid-October until mid-May and the dryseason mid-May until mid-October. The average current in the rainy seasonis 4 knots and in the dry 3 knots.

Tankers and other vessels who clear at Banana generally must go throughthe same procedure again at Ango-Ango or Matadi. A complete set of papersis expected as though it is the first entry into the country.

SHIPMASTERS REPORT: September 1990 (Updated 1998).Ango-Ango: Vessel discharged refined oil products.

There was no attempted theft whilst in this port. The people are as friendlyas one could wish to meet, and having been ashore over the weekend, therun ashore could be described as excellent without any risk of violence, toany crew member. The Port Authorities and Officials, though numerous, wereefficient and helpful, as were the Agent and the plant personnel. The plantitself was well run and efficient.

On arrival off the Democratic Republic of Congo, the vessel had to wait5 days whilst cargo payment was finalised. This problem is, I believe, notuncommon.

Due to entries in the Pilot Book supplement, the vessel stayed offshore,in case of piracy. This is in fact wholly unnecessary, and on confirmation ofentry we went into anchor.

I anchored about 2.5 miles west of Moita Seca. It is the end of the dryseason at present. I estimated current was running at 3 4 knots in the river,but at this anchoring position, there was little or no current. Good holdingground was found here in about 50 ft. of water.

Pilot boarded off Banana Creek at exactly 0600 hrs. There were noformalities conducted here. Vessel berthed at 1500 hrs. Our charts werecorrected up-to-date, but the rapid changes of the river meant that thechannel, as shown on BA Chart No. 634, has altered completely, and is doingso all the time. The channel was well buoyed, Pilots are Belgium trained andof good standard. Pilots change at Boma both inbound or outbound, but, Ibelieve, will do the entire pilotage when a shortage of pilots exists.

The Ango-Ango Terminal is managed by a former Belgian ships master,who is friendly and very helpful. Having read the entry in the Guide, heinformed me that he can supply all grades of bunkers. The pontoon systemat the berth is the same, there is little strength to the current at the berth,though a counter current exists, causing sets off the berth. Berthing wasmuch easier than I anticipated, though the ropes had to be tied together toreach the shore. The boatmen have a winch system to pull the vessels ropesashore, two at a time. Vessel made fast with two head ropes, springs, andtwo stern lines and springs. There was no problem with the vessel whilstalongside, due to the strong current in the river.

Fresh water was available by meter from the shore, but we were advisedthat it had to be boiled prior to drinking.

Pilotage is only by daylight. On departure, vessel must leave the berth by1300 hrs., or wait till daylight the following day.

Fresh stores were abundant, other stores were available, including meatof a good standard. However, a lot of items are expensive. A chandler isavailable, but if there is time, I would suggest purchase of stores direct fromMatadi market.

Discharge of oil products was about 300 tonnes per hour, but lube oil wasslow with a high back pressure, and a discharge rate at times of only80 cu.m./hr. was obtained.

Communications are poor. We had to keep owners informed by the shipstelex. At no time were we, prior to arrival, able to communicate with theDemocratic Republic of Congo by telephone or telex.

ETA, arrival details, etc. were passed by telegram to Banana Radio on500 kHz., this station seeming only to be in range 3 days prior to arrival.However, this route seemed to be successful. Banana Radio will only passmessages.Agents Notice:1. Documents required from Master on Arrival:

(A) Clearance of the last Port of Call(B) 7 Crew Lists(C) 5 Arms and Ammunition Lists(D) 7 Passengers Lists(E) 5 Crew Declarations (Personal Effects)(F) 5 Ports of Call Lists(G) 5 Stores Lists(H) 4 Narcotics Lists(I) Ships Certificates:

Load Line CertificateInternational Tonnage CertificateCargo Safety Equipment CertificateRegister CertificateSafety Construction CertificateRadio CertificateDerat Exemption Certificate

(J) Loading/Discharging Documents.2. Documents required from Port Authorities on Arrival/Departure:

Free pratiqueClearance.

3. To be filled/signed by Master:1 set of the Harbour Masters Declaration1 set of Arrival Conditions.

SHIPMASTERS REPORT: April 1995 (Updated 1998).Vessel: Container Vessel: LOA 151 m., draft 4.7 m. forward, 6.7 m. aft,13,480 g.r.t.Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels. Send ETA five days inadvance, then confirm 24 hours in advance through Banana Radio (9PA).Pilot is available in daylight only. For vessels bound for Matadi or Boma andAngo-Ango, the ordinary pilot boarding place is at Stella Light Buoy No. 2 orbetween Light Buoys No. 10 16. This must be confirmed with Banana PilotStation when vessel arrives.

In order to avoid long periods at anchor, all ships bound for the Congo(DR) must report to Maritime Banana, Pilot Banana, Harbour MasterMatadi (or Boma), Health Officer Matadi and Ship Agent, 72 hours inadvance the following information: Nationality, last port, next port, destination,g.r.t., n.r.t., speed, LOA, beam and confirm ETA 24 hours before arrival.

Pilot station duty time is 0300 2100 hrs. Vessel to call Banana PilotStation by VHF Channel 16, working 12 or 14. Pilot boat is greyish whitecolour, about 30.0 m. in length, but does not have Pilot painted on it.

Banana Pilot Station has 12 Pilots. Pilots usually change at Boma.Anchorage: Boma Anchorage is a good place and has good holding ground.Pilot advised that depth of water is about 7.0 10.0 m. and anchorage is safe.

Matadi CONGO, D.R. OF

See guidelines on how to compile and submit information to us (page xi). 687

Stevedores: Stevedores work day and night. Shifts are as follows:First shift: 0630 1430 hrs.Second shift: 1430 2230 hrs. (overtime)Third shift: 2230 0630 hrs. (overtime).Labour can also be ordered 24 hours per day, including Sundays and

holidays on special request to Port Authorities.Stevedores stealing is very serious, seals are broken and containers

opened.VHF: Call Pilot, Port Operations and Agent on Channel 16, working onChannels 16, 12, 14, 20, 73 and 74.Watchmen: Strongly recommend three watchmen throughout 24 hours,order through ships Agent, victualling by ship.

No piracy, but there are many petty thieves about.If vessel proceeding from Congo to Europe, pay special attention to prevent

stowaways.Restrictions: Actual Congo River permissible draft for navigation is 20 ft.up-river and 21 ft. down-river (fresh water). Vessels proceed inward andoutward during daylight only.Buoyed Channel: Congo River buoyed channel from Lat. 05 58.10' S,Long. 12 47.60' E to Lat. 05 54.85' S, Long. 12 55.10' E (from BuoysNo. 45 70). All buoys in channel are subject to change in position, andArchipel des Tortues Island South channel (old channel) is closed. A newbuoyed channel at north of Archipel des Tortues Island has beenestablished and is already open to traffic. This new channel is very narrow(about 60 m. wide) and complicated. Vessels passage through this area mustbe on stand-by with both anchors ready and Chief Officer or crew assignedto keep sharp lookout on forecastle. In addition, in vicinity of Boma Channel,the buoy lights from No. 78 86 are extinguished.Time: Local time is GMT plus 1 hour.Tugs: No tugs at Matadi. When vessel is close to berthing, let go port anchorto assist going alongside, then ease way into berth by using current.Container Facilities: Piers No. 5, 6 and 7 for full container vessels, butships crane must be used for loading or discharging. Matadi has no containercranes.Customs Allowances: Crew are permitted an individual allowance of onebottle of spirits or wine and one carton of cigarettes per week.Shore Leave: Crew members allowed ashore. They require landing permitsissued by Immigration.Bridges: Matadi Bridge: Main body length about 500 m. Height in myestimation about 50 55 m. above water. Agent advises that at this bridgethe distance between large ships and base of the bridge is great.AUTHORITY: Office National des Transports (ONATRA), Port ofMatadi, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Tel: +243 (22) 421424,(24) 761769. Telex: 21017 ONATRA ZR. Contact: Port Director.AGENT: Afritramp-Agetraf, 3 Rue de Vini, BP 36, Matadi, DemocraticRepublic of Congo. Tel: +871 (762) 126890. Fax: +871 (762) 126892.Telex: (SATCOM) 5844 9206 0188.

Table of ContentsIndexGeneralBananaBomaMatadi