Iqaluit (CAIQL)

Frobisher is an alternative name for Iqaluit.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Iqaluit is located at the head of Frobisher Bay in the southern region of Baffin Island, and is the capital of the Canadian Territory of Nunavut.

LOA 160m, draught 9.1m, 12,000DWT.

Anchorage for large vessels may be obtained 0.5nm E of the N extremity of Monument Island in a depth of 37m, rock and mud bottom. This berth has been known to allow ships to drag in a moderate gale. A 9.7m patch lies 0.25nm SW of the anchorage. In Koojesse Inlet the bottom is granite bedrock covered with thin patches of clay or mud. The anchorages here are considered safe except in winds from SE. Some shelter is afforded by the hills on both side of the inlet and Long Island. The harbour is not normally affected by swell. Anchorage with swinging room of 0.1nm can be found 0.3nm NE of the S extremity of Innuit Head in a depth of 33m, mud bottom, reported as poor holding ground. Small vessels can anchor in the area between a line joining Polaris Reef and Black Ledge and the edge of a bank extending E from the W shore of the inlet in depths of 13.0 to 22.0m. An anchorage for vessels under 107m in length is available 0.3nm NNE of Black Ledge, off drying flats at the head of the inlet, in a depth of about 13.0m, sand, mud and boulders bottom; a mooring buoy (orange and white) is positioned near this anchorage berth.During a SE gale satisfactory anchorage was found by a small vessel, 0.5nm E of Long Island, in a depth of 11.0m.

Iqaluit can be approached through any of the navigable channels in the entrance to Upper Frobisher Bay, but the recommended approach is through Pike-Resor Channel. Pike-Resor Channel: Pike-Resor Channel leads between Pike Island and Resor Island, and is free from ice before any of the other passages into Upper Frobisher Bay; local knowledge is required to navigate this channel. There is a least depth of 44m along the recommended track and no sharp alterations of course are required. This is a considerable advantage as very strong tidal streams run through this channel, as with all the others, and makes Pike-Resor Channel the most suitable for a large vessel. Directions: From a position 0.3nm E of the S extremity of Innuit Head a track of 335° leads at least 0.05nm clear of the reefs marked by lightbuoys, and E of the lightbuoy moored 0.15nm E of Innuit Head, on through to the inner anchorage 0.3nm NNE of Black Ledge. Privately maintained radio beacons are located near the airfield.

BA 235, 4406. Admiralty Pilot NP12, NP286(5).

1025.

Not compulsory. No recognisable service available although mooring advice is obtainable from the port management.

It is advisable to be ready to leave the berth if strong winds are expected from the N or S. Two mooring buoys (orange and white) are situated to the E of Innuit Head.

Range 12.2m.

Tugs are not available, but landing craft assist vessels to berth and secure.

Prevailing winds: N'ly.