Crofton (CACRO)

The harbour has three wharves used mainly for the processing and export of forest products for the Catalyst Pulp and Paper Mill - Crofton. It was announced in Jan 2024, that Paper Excellence were closing the paper operations at the mill indefinitely. The mill's pulp facilities remain operational.

Summer.

The port of Crofton is located in Osborn Bay, on the W side of Stuart Channel, on the SE coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Max LOA 212.5m, beam 32.26m, draught 11.9m and 62,841DWT.

Approx. 2,200,000t of cargo handled annually.

Anchorages are available near Ladysmith or Cowichan Bay. Anchorage can be obtained in Osborn Bay sheltered from the prevailing SW and W winds. The best position in a depth of about 22.0m, mud, approximately 0.25nm off the SW shore.

Approach: The approach to Crofton is made from the Strait of Georgia by way of Porlier Pass and Houston Passage. The approach to the wharves is free of dangers but occasionally strong E winds can make berthing difficult and necessitate the use of tugs. Lights (privately maintained) stand on the outer ends of the wharfs.

BA 4952, 4955, 4922; Canadian 3453. Admiralty Pilot NP25.

Canadian Coast Guard available.

1025.

Compulsory and provided Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada (PPA).

Port limits embrace all the waters of Osborn Bay.

Crofton Light (white round tower, 48°52.8'N., 123°37.7'W) stands on an islet. Reefs extend 0.15nm SE and 0.2nm N of the islet, which is connected to the drying flats and reclaimed land on the N side of Osborn Bay by a rocky ledge. Crofton Wharf Head (Public wharf) Light 48°51.9'N., 123°38.2'W.

Caution: Submarine cables extend over 0.1nm offshore from a position close N of the public wharf.

Range 4.1m.

The port lies within Sector 1 of the Victoria Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) System. The system is administered by Victoria Traffic. Assigned frequency 156.55MHz, Ch 11.

Available from Jones Marine Service.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly and NW'ly.

CROFTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA 48°52.21'N 123°38.39'W UNCTAD LOCODE: CA CRO For details see: VICTORIA TRAFFIC ZONE PILOT REQUIREMENTS GENERAL NOTES (Pacific Coast) ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 39/15 Canadian Notice 05/15, (RSDRA2015000117656), 39/15

Radio: San Francisco ("KPH" and "KFS") and Vancouver Coast Guard ("VAI") coast radio stations can be used for passing messages throughout 24 hours. The stations can transmit/receive traffic on all HF frequencies and 500kHz, depending on distance from station.Inmarsat can also be used. Sansum Narrows contact info Telephone: +1 604 666 5399 Facsimile: +1 604 666 2961

Arranged through Nanaimo.

..... Document Copies 1. General Declaration 4 2. Ship's Stores Declaration 3 3. Crew Personal Effects Declaration 3 4. Crew List 3 5. Health Declaration 1 The documents are handed to the agent on arrival. He will leave onboard 2 copies each of items (2) and (3) above. Thereafter, Customs may perform spot checks on the vessel and will demand these documents. The vessel's agent usually arranges for forms to be delivered onboard, by the pilot, for the Master to complete for arrival alongside.

Initial ETA to be sent on departure from last port to the consigned agent. Further ETA's, dependent on Charter Party, are normally sent 14, 10, 7 and 5 days prior to arrival. The ETA message should include the date and time of arrival, name of Master, last 3 ports of call, number of crew and breakdown of nationalities.

Interco flag 'Q' must be flown if there is sickness onboard.

Canadian Coast Guard may attend a vessel for port state control inspection. Furthermore, if a vessel is more than 10 years old and loading coal or bulk concentrates then they could attend for the bulk carrier inspection programme for structural deficiencies of cargo bulkheads and inspection of wing tanks. Discharge of dirty ballast is strictly forbidden. Owners must apply for an oil spill response agreement prior to vessels arrival, through the agent.

It is not necessary to apply for pratique unless there is an infection or dead person onboard. Pratique can be applied for by radio. If there is any sickness onboard the vessel will be quarantined. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

The Custom of the port is to tender NOR on arrival at a safe anchorage or first line at berth. If an outer anchorage is used Master may tender NOR by cable or telex.