Tuktoyaktuk (CATUK)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Tuktoyaktuk settlement is a Canadian Government administrative centre and is a supply port for other settlements in the immediate area and further N. Provisions and bunkers are available in addition to repairs and towage. The navigation season is from early Jul to late Sep.

North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

The port of Tuktoyaktuk is located in the Arctic Circle, on the NW coast of Canada in Kugmallit Bay, 30km E of the Mackenzie River.

Max draught 4.27m.

Can be found in several places in the harbour, all with good holding ground, mud bottom and well sheltered. The most frequently used area is bounded by Tuktoyaktuk Island, Fort Ross Islands and Ptarmigan Point (69°26.7'N 133° 00.0'W).

Tuktoyaktuk Harbour is entered between Flagpole Point, (69°27.4'N 133°02.1'W) and the mainland 1nm ENE. Tuktoyaktuk Island almost closes the entrance and access to the harbour is gained by the Eastern and Western entrance, narrow channels either side of the island. The latter channel is only suitable for small craft. A number of buoys mark shallow areas within the harbour.

Can 7663, 7685. Admiralty Pilot NP12.

1025.

Not compulsory. The Coast Guard should be contacted for information.

The most useful landmarks for vessels approaching from N and W are Toker Pingo, a conspicuous conical shaped hill, and North Peak. A prominent dome (radar conspicuous) from which an aero light is exhibited, stands amongst some oil storage tanks and towers (red obstruction lights) from 44m to 52m in height at Ptarmigan Point (69°26'.7N 133°00'.0W) 1nm SE of Flagpole Point. In conditions of refraction, this dome has been seen from a distance of 25nm. An aero light is also exhibited from a tower 1nm S of Flagpole Point. Eastern Entrance Leading Lights, on alignment of 134°, the following lights lead SE for about 0.75nm, marked by buoys (lateral) to the end of the leading line: Front light (tripod framework tower, red trapezoidal daymark with white stripe, 3m in height) 69°27'.3N 132°58'.2W. Rear light (similar structure, daymark inverted, 9m in height), close SE. Inner Harbour Leading Lights: Front light: (tripod framework tower, red trapezoidal daymark with white stripe, 3m in height) 69°27'.7N 132°58'.8W. Rear light: (similar structure, daymark inverted) close N.

Ice:The navigation season is normally between early July and late September, after which the harbour can freeze over at any time up to mid October. Outside the harbour, the freeze up occurs about one week later. The break up of ice usually occurs from mid June onwards but there is little water movement in the harbour itself. The ice clears very slowly, or melts. After break-up, the broken ice may freeze again, temporarily, and develop pressure ridges. Visibility: Frequent temperature inversions occur in the area, causing refraction. Combined with humid conditions, visibility is often reduced. The effectiveness of radar may also be affected by these conditions. Reduction in vessel speed: Vessels with a draught of more than 3m should reduce speed about 15nm N of the harbour to limit squat effects caused by shoal water.

Range 0.91m. In prolonged strong winds, water levels may vary by 2.3m above and by 0.8m below chart datum. Strong sets are experienced in the close approaches to Tuktoyaktuk Harbour and in the Eastern Entrance.

Tugs are available.

Prevailing winds: Variable.

Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Inuvik: Ch 16 VHF Parsons Lake or 5803KHz. 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.

Allowances: Officers and crew are allowed 1 bottle of spirits or 24 cans of beer and 200 cigarettes. Any excesses are confiscated or duties must be paid. Passengers onboard are subject to search of their personal effects if they intend to land. Immigration: Any supernumeraries must be reported (with or without visa). Immigration officers only conduct spot checks on vessels. Otherwise agent processes immigration Crew List. Passengers onboard are subject to document checks if they intend to land.

..... 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.