Freeport (BMFPT)

Bermuda Freeport is a commercial port, consisting of the whole of the former naval dockyard, with the exception of the Admiralty berthing area. There is also a jetty for cruise vessels, located on the SE side of the N breakwater.

Summer.

Freeport is situated in the N part of Ireland Island.

LOA 347.06m, draught 10.4m, beam 39.0m, 23,660DWT.

Available for several vessels in Grassy Bay, depths 11.0-15.0m, marl. During N gales a good scope of cable should be veered.

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, vessels enter the Narrows Channel. On clearing the Narrows Channel vessels may take either the North Channel or the South Channel then through Grassy Bay. The directions for entering the harbour are as follows: From the inner end of the South channel, (1.0nm E of the North Breakwater Head Light) or the North channel, (0.7nm NNE of the North Breakwater Head Light), there is an unimpeded passage through Grassy Bay to the entrance of the South basin. Channel widths and depths: ..... Min Depth LW/HW (m) Limited Draught LW/HW (m) Narrowest Width (m) Narrows 11.6-12.5 10.4-11.0 152 S Channel 8.8-9.8 8.2-8.8 152 N Channel 11.6-12.5 10.1-10.7 152

BA 360, 334, 867 and 332. DMA Charts available, 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 pilot station is situated at Fort George.

The harbour comprises of the North Basin and South Basin, protected by the North and South Breakwaters, respectively. A gap in the South breakwater, near its root gives access to Great Sound for small craft.

IALA Maritime Buoyage System Region "B" (Red to starboard inbound). 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 'Traffic Schemes' 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. North Breakwater Head Light, (black structure on white bollard, 6m in height); South Breakwater Head Light, (similar structure), 0.075nm SSE.

Vessels should arrive in daylight. The Narrows are sparsely lit and night entry is not permitted. Any vessel arriving at night is required to anchor in Five Fathom Hole, until the pilot boards in daylight. Submarine power cables: There is a power cable, laid from Cockburn Cut, 0.35nm WSW of the North Breakwater Head Light, (32°19.3'N 064°50.0'W), through the South basin and along the S side of Grassy Bay to Spanish Point, 1.4nm SE of the North Breakwater Head Light.

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 0.5kn. Because of the currents' generally low constancy, the resultant flow tends to be influenced by the wind.

The regulation of seabourne traffic through the IMO "Area to be avoided" around Bermuda (as approved by the International Maritime Organisation) 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 24-18 hours, 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 Ch16. 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 Ch12 while transiting the buoyed channels. e. All vessels should advise Bermuda Pilots prior to departure from Freeport. 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 Ch 16, 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 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: Inmarsat C (581) 431010110, Email: operations@rccbermuda.bm. 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 radiotelephone service on Ch 16, 27. 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.

North Basin ..... 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". The message should include estimated date and time of arrival (adjusted to local time), LOA, draught, Cargo onboard and state of health onboard.

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.

Regulations are in force to control the movements, berthing and the duties of the master of vessels visiting ports and anchorages in the Bermuda Islands. Traffic control is exercised through Bermuda port radio. Traffic Regulations for the main ship channel through Five Fathom Hole, The Narrows, Murray's anchorage and the South channel to Grassy Bay are as follows: An inbound vessel has the right of way and should fly her national colours, whilst navigating these channels, to claim priority. An outbound vessel should keep off and away from the channel at a safe and sufficient distance, until the inbound vessel has cleared the channel. No vessel should anchor in the channel except in an emergency or due to bad weather, a vessel anchoring from such cause should clear the channel as soon as possible. Exceptions: Notwithstanding the regulations above, an inbound vessel is required to wait for an outbound vessel which is in: South channel, W of No 24 Buoy, (32°19'N 064°47'W), or in Grassy Bay; Dundonald Channel or Two Rocks Passage. 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 seaman. Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed if vessels are in Bermuda for more than 3 days, weekends excluded.

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.