Hamilton (BMBDA)

Hamilton is the principal port of Bermuda. The port handles mainly general cargo, containers, Ro-Ro and cruise vessels.

Summer.

Hamilton is the principal port of Bermuda, situated S of Spanish Point on the main island.

Max draught 7.9m.

Hamilton Harbour is not considered to be a good hurricane anchorage. The holding ground is good, but space is limited. In such circumstances, Great Sound is considered preferable. Anchorage may be obtained in the W Harbor as required, in general depths of 5.1 to 16.7m, mud and shells. Vessels with drafts in exceed of 7.9m must anchor in Grassy Bar or Great Sound.

The Sea Buoy is located off the E end of Bermuda, (32°22.9'N 064°37.1'W). Description: Safe water mark. Pillar shaped, with red and white vertical stripes and the letters "SB" in white on the side. Light characteristics: Fl W A 6s. Following pilot boarding, approach is made from Grassy Bay to Great Sound through Dundonald Channel and then through Two Rocks Passage. Channel widths and draughts: ..... Channels Min Depth LW/HW (m) Limiting Draught LW/HW (m) Narrowest Width (m) Dundonald Channel 11.3-12.2 10.1-11.0 152 Two Rock Passage 8.5-9.5 7.9 91

BA 360, 334, 867 and 1073. DMA Charts, from seaward, 26340, 26341, 26342, 26344, 26345. West Indies Pilot, List of Lights Volume "J", Admiralty Tide Tables Volume II. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(5).

RCC Bermuda is the Search and Rescue Point of contact for Bermuda in the SARSAT/COSPAS system. The station's operation provides SAR co-ordination on a 24 hour basis, in co-operation with world SAR agencies.

1025.

Docks and tugs are agreed upon between the agent and harbour master, sometimes in consultation with the pilot warden.

Pilotage is compulsory. The pilot boarding area is 2.0nm ENE of St. David's Head Light (in the vicinity of the fairway lightbuoy). The pilot is ordered by the agent on receipt of vessel's ETA. Boats have black hulls with orange or white superstructures with "Pilots" or "Pilot Rescue" on the side. If vessel's ETA alters, Bermuda Harbour Radio which is in direct contact with the Pilot Station can be contacted via VHF Ch 16 and 27. Pilotage is confined to daylight hours only with the exception of vessels calling for medical aid, some of which are handled offshore.

The harbour includes all waters E of Point Shares located at 32°17.5'N 064° 48.1'W, and is divided into 2 parts: W Harbour and E Harbour by Whites Island, 1nm ESE.

IALA Maritime Buoyage System Region "B" (red to starboard). Mariners are warned to navigate with extreme care in the approaches to the Bermuda Islands due to the extensive and dangerous fringing reefs. In order to reduce the risk of stranding, an IMO adopted Area to be avoided (see below) has been established covering the northern coasts of the islands and the offshore reefs. For details of mandatory radio reporting procedures see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Vol 6, part 2. The only safe approach to the islands is from the SE, preferably in daylight. The outer navigational aids may be unreliable.

Entry is allowed only in daylight hours.

Range 1.5m. Currents around Bermuda are quite variable, although they tend to set towards N and E from Dec to Jul and NW for the rest of the year. Mean rates are usually slightly more than 0.5kt. Because of the generally low constancy of currents, the resultant flow tends to be influenced by the wind.

The regulation of seaborne traffic through the IMO "Area to be avoided" around Bermuda (as approved by IMO) and of those vessels calling at Bermuda is by VTMS which provides continuous radar surveillance of coastal waters. Area to be avoided, line joining the following positions: ..... 1. Gibbs Hill Light (32°15.1'N 064°50.0'W) 2. 32°08.0'N 064°53.0'W 3. 32°12.0'N 065°10.0'W 4. 32°24.0'N 065°10.0'W 5. 32°39.0'N 064°53.0'W 6. 32°39.0'N 064°38.0'W 7. 32°32.0'N 064°29.0'W 8. S David's Light (32°21.8'N 064°39.0'W) Procedures: 1. The following procedures are mandatory: ..... a. ETA to be sent 24-18hrs, with any amendment at least 3 hours before arrival at Five Fathom Hole. b. Vessels intending to transit the Area to be Avoided should report before entering the area stating the vessels nationality, position, course, speed, destination, type of cargo and draught. They should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 16. c. Vessels inbound and outbound should obtain clearance from Bermuda Pilots before transiting the Narrows and Town Cut Channels. d. All vessels should maintain continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 12 while transiting the buoyed channels. e. All vessels should advise Bermuda Pilots prior to departure from Hamilton. f. Vessels making unscheduled calls should inform Bermuda Harbour Radio 24 hours in advance stating. i. Purpose of call and local agent. ii. ETA Five Fathoms Hole. iii. Nature and quantity of any dangerous or toxic cargoes. iv. GT, LOA and draught v. Any restriction on ability to manoeuvre. vi. Any defects to navigational equipment, and whether large-scale charts of Bermuda are available. 2. Vessels should remain at least 20nm off shore until instructed to approach the Pilot Boarding Area. 3. The following procedures are voluntary: Vessels passing within 30nm of Bermuda should contact Bermuda Harbour Radio, on VHF Ch16, stating: ..... a. Type of vessel. b. Nationality. c. Laden or in ballast (tankers only). d. Position, course and speed. e. Any course changes within 30nm of Bermuda.

There are 3 tugs available, 1 x 1,200hp and 2 x 3,200hp. Tugs normally join the vessel in the harbour if requested. Tugs are ordered depending on the size of the vessel and weather conditions. Tug's lines are used during normal tug operations. Tugs are compulsory for cruise vessel berthing and unberthing.

Prevailing winds: NW'ly (winter); SW'ly (summer).

All communications regarding shipping movements in and out of Bermuda are handled by Bermuda Harbour Radio callsign "ZBM" which has been designated as Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) station for the area. A 24 hour listening watch is maintained on the international distress and calling channels. Additionally, Bermuda Harbour Radio maintains a 24 hour listening watch on DSC frequencies 2187.5 (MF) and VHF Ch 70. Maritime Mobile Service Indicator (MMSI) 003100001.Tel: +1 441-297-1010, Fax: +1 441-297-1530, Telex: BA 3208. VHF: Initial calls are made on Ch 16 to Bermuda Harbour Radio. Pilot's working channel is Ch 12 and tugs monitor Ch 10. Short messages (ETA changes etc,) for agents can be passed via Bermuda Harbour Radio. Cable and Wireless operates a 24 hour VHF radiotelephone service on Ch 16. The station's callsign is "Bermuda Radio/VRT".

Customs allowances: Crew and officers are allowed 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits. If found to be in excess of the above, all will be removed by HM Customs. Immigration: All persons must be signed and named on the Crew List. Seamen should carry some form of identification when going ashore.

..... Document Customs Agent 1. Crew List 4 1 2. Crew Declaration 1 (Form 81) 3. Passenger List 4 1 4. Ship's Stores List 1 5. Declaration of Health 1 (Schedule A) 6. Clearance from last port of call 1 7. Bermuda Vessel Report 1 (Form No 49) 8. Cargo Manifests 1 3

Vessels should send ETA 24 and 18 hours before arrival, with any amendments at least 3 hours prior to arrival at Five Fathom Hole, to Bermuda Harbour Radio callsign "ZBM".

Vessels entering Bermuda waters should fly the defaced red ensign carrying Bermuda's coat of arms. When there is none onboard then the un-defaced red ensign or the Union Flag are acceptable.

No overboard discharge of: Oil, bilge water, sewage (even if treated), paint scrapings, soap, etc.

Pratique is granted on a 24 hour basis and can be obtained by sending a message via the agent to "Health Bermuda" requesting free pratique be granted. If any suspected disease or fever onboard advise "health" as well as agent. "Q" Flag should be shown after entering Bermuda waters until such time as the vessel has been cleared, or granted pratique, by the boarding officer. Vaccination Certificates required for all seamen.

Tendered when alongside.

Quote. "Urgent Bermuda surrounded by reefs. Remain 20nm offshore and immediately contact Bermuda Harbour Radio/ZBM on VHF Ch 16, 2182kHz, 500kHz or DSC 2187.5/ Ch 70 for navigation warnings and approach orders. Pilot boards daylight only, St David's Light Fl(2) 20s bearing 240° distance 2nm. SE approach only. Confirm soonest latest charts aboard acknowledge". Unquote.