Safaga (EGSGA)

A main deep water port in the N part of the Red Sea, sheltered by an island and reefs and is an important phosphate export terminal. Vessels usually enter the port in the early morning, when the reefs are easily visible. The principal export is phosphate ore and the imports are wheat, alumina and cement.

Tropical.

Safaga is situated on the western shore of the Red Sea, midway between Hamrawein and Hurghada.

LOA 335.20m, beam 43.0m, draught 14.0m, 82,318DWT.

Approx 6,000,000t of cargo and 800,000 passengers handled annually.

There is good anchorage anywhere in the port in depths of between 26-37m. Anchor berths are allocated by the Harbour Master. Sheltered anchorage outside the inner harbour may also be obtained in depths of 18.0-29.0m off the SW side of Geziret Safaga, with the S extremity of that island bearing 115°, distant 0.275nm. Outer anchorage: Anchorage, within the limits of the port may be obtained in depths of over 10.0m, sand and coral, W of Ras Abu Soma. The anchorage may be approached from the SE, passing between Geziret Tubya (26°50'N 033°59'E) and Ras Abu Soma; dangerous rocks, marked by a buoy (orange conical), lie on the NW side of this entrance. Caution: It should be noted that this anchorage can only be approached through the Prohibited Area and permission from the Port Authority if necessary. A waiting anchorage, approx. 1.3nm in radius, is available in the approach to Bur Safaga. The anchorage is centred on a position 26° 46.000'N 34° 2.700'E and generally contains depths of over 200m.

The depth over the spit through the buoyed channel is reported to be 16.0m. The directions are as follows: Vessels should follow the approach sector, then steer to turn onto the harbour approaching the leading line (310°) passing not less than 0.5nm E of Morewood Beacon. The SE limit of the approach sector passes 0.3nm NW of Panorama Reef. This approach should be made by sunrise so as to have the sun astern when approaching the harbour in order to have the reefs clearly visible. This also ensures that the vessel is secured before the wind, which is light at dawn and gains strength as the sun rises, makes berthing difficult. The NE end of Safaga Island makes a good radar target and should be borne in mind. The approach to the harbour is indicated by 2 leading light beacons, which in line bear 310° as follows: Front beacon, (26°44.0'N 033°56.0'E), white framework tower, topmark, black diamond), standing near the foreshore 0.5nm SSW of the grain berth. Rear beacon (white framework tower, topmark, black diamond), 600m NW of the front structure. The above alignment (310°) leads into the harbour from SE of Geziret Safaga, passing 0.3nm SW of Morewood Beacon, then through a buoyed section, dredged to a depth of 16.0m into Mina Safaga. In very good visibility an approach from S may be made with Gebel Nuqara, 4.5nm SSW of the port, bearing 305°, this mountain has a height of 834m and forms the S end of the range of which Gebel Shayib el-Banat is the summit. When 1nm from the coast vessels should steer approx 333° so as to head for Morewood Beacon, passing approx midway between Cannon Reef and Hyndman Reefs. When Morewood Beacon has been identified course may be shaped to enter the port as previously described.Prohibited area: Navigation is prohibited by the Egyptian authorities for all ships outside the approach channel. This is thought to include the approach from the S.

BA 2375, 3043. Admiralty Pilot NP64, NP286(8).

1025.

Phosphate Berth Moorings: To secure, drop the starboard anchor by the small marker buoy (red or white flag), lay out mooring lines to 2 mooring buoys laid off the pier and to 2 mooring posts situated N and S of the pier. It is important, owing to the nature of the coral bottom, not to over run the anchor when letting go and to veer cable carefully when hauling alongside.

Pilotage is compulsory. Vessels are not allowed to approach inside the port without a pilot. Pilot boards vessel abeam of El Morewood Lt. Beacon on 311° transit course.

The port is open to movements by all vessels during daylight, and to passenger and tourist vessels by night, It is advisable not to enter the port at night.

Spring - 2.1m, Neap - 1.2m.

Tugs are available.

Winds generally blow form the N and are light in the morning, but pick up throughout the day sometimes making mooring difficult. From Nov. - March, strong S'ly winds blow occasionally, lasting approx. 10 days. These cause rough seas and hinder port operations.

SAFAJA (SAFВGA) UNCTAD LOCODE: EG SGA ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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at least 24h prior to arrival directly to VTC", "how_to_report": "Send detailed vessel information via agent; contact VTC on VHF Ch 16 stating position, gt, dwt, loaded status, cargo type, and defects", "what_to_report": [ "Vessel's name and nationality, including any previous names", "dwt, draught and beam", "Whether vessel intends to enter the port or anchor outside the port; if anchoring, advise duration of stay", "Any dangerous cargo on board with quantity and class per IMO regulations", "Vessel's name, nationality, type of vessel, draught, gt, dwt, loaded status, cargo type, and any defects affecting safety of navigation when contacting VTC 2h prior to arrival", "For first-time entry to Port of Safaja: Date of build, Call sign or IMO number, LOA, Beam, Type of engine", "Position (latitude and longitude) when approaching for instructions" ] }, { "report_name": "Exit Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "On departure, check out with the port and check in with the VTC", "how_to_report": "Check out with port; check in with VTC on VHF Ch 16 or port calling channel", "what_to_report": [ "Vessel's name", "Nationality", "Type of vessel", "Draught", "gt", "dwt", "Loaded or not", "Type of cargo", "Any defects affecting safety of navigation", "If first-time entry: Date of build, Call sign or IMO number, LOA, Beam, Type of engine" ] } ], "pilot_boarding_positions": [], "pilot_disembarkation_positions": [] } ] }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [ { "provider_name": "Tugs", "vhf_channels": [], "telephones": [], "emails": [] } ], "availability_hours": null, "notes": [ "Tugs are available." ] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Safaja", "vhf_primary_watch": "16", "vhf_secondary_working": "12", "telephones": [ "+20(0)65 3256018" ], "faxes": [ "+20(0)65 3253976" ], "emails": [], "websites": [ "www.mts.gov.eg/en/content/45--safaga-port" ], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "standalone_general_notes": [] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Channel: Ch 16; 11 12 HOURS:\tH24 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory. (2) After arrival in the waiting area, vessels must call the Pilot Station on VHF Ch 16 to provide time of arrival and any other details (draught, length, cargo etc.). (3) Vessels are not allowed to approach inside the port without a Pilot on board. (4) Pilot boards in position 26°41·69N 33°59·58E (abeam El Morewood Lt Bn). ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ VESSEL TRAFFIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AREA: The VTIMS area boundaries extend from the port entrance between El Morewood Lt Bn (26°42.07ґN 33°59.75ґE) and a point N of Spit Reef. DESCRIPTION: The VTIMS provides the following navigation assistance services to vessels in the port area: (1) Automatic surveillance and tracking of vessels arriving at the port approaches. (2) Automatic determination of arrival times at the port. (3) Automatic continuous tracking and monitoring of position and speed for all vessels using the port. (4) Instantaneous information concerning vessels using the port. (5) Compilation of a database for vessel information, navigation rules, traffic flow and navigation reports. (6) An efficient means of communication with vessels arriving at the port approaches and vessels entering the port. (7) Safety of vessel movements and cargo using the port. CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Port Safaja VTC VHF Frequency: Ch 16; 11 Telex: +581 462299914 SFAG X (Inmarsat C) HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Participation in the VTIMS is mandatory for all vessels over 300 tons. (2) Vessels should send the following information via agent to Port Safaja VTC 48h prior to arrival: (a) Vessel's name and nationality, including any previous names (b) dwt, draught and beam (c) Whether vessel intends to enter the port or anchor outside the port. In the latter case, duration of stay should be advised. (d) Any dangerous cargo on board, if so state quantity and class according to IMO regulations. (3) Vessels should report to Port Safaja VTC at least 24h prior to arrival. The report should contain the following information: (a) Vessel's name (b) Nationality (c) Type of vessel (d) Draught (e) gt (f) dwt (4) Vessels should contact the VTC on VHF Ch 16, 2h prior to arrival, stating the following information: (a) Position (latitude and longitude) (b) gt and dwt (c) Draught (d) Loaded or not (e) Type of cargo (f) Any defects affecting safety of navigation (g) If entering the Port of Safaja for the first time: (i) Date of build (ii) Call sign or IMO number (iii) LOA (iv) Beam (v) Type of engine (5) Vessels approaching the port should contact the VTC on VHF Ch 16 to receive instructions. The VTC will instruct the vessel to maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 11. (6) Vessels entering the port should check in with the port on VHF Ch 16 or the port calling VHF Channel, and check out with the VTC. On departure, vessels should check out with the port and check in with the VTC. (7) Vessels leaving the VTIMS area should check out with the VTC. (8) In an emergency, vessels should contact the VTC on VHF Ch 16 or the current working VHF Channel. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Port Safaja VHF Channel: Ch 16; 12 Telephone: +20(0)65 3256018 Fax: +20(0)65 3253976 Website: www.mts.gov.eg/en/content/45--safaga-port HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: Notice of ETA: Vessels must inform the Port Authority of ETA 7 days in advance and confirm 24h in advance. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ TUGS PROCEDURE: Tugs are available. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 27/24 SHOM correspondence, (RSDRA2024000168978), 27/24

Radio: Alexandria Radio is recommended for passing messages at long range. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Port: Ch 16, 12.

Customs: On berthing, Customs Officers will attend to check the ship's bonded store according to the list prepared by the Master. There is no alcohol allowance for ships crews whilst in port, cigarettes only are allowed. Penalties for non compliance are large. Immigration: The Immigration Officer is the first person to board after the pilot, he checks the Seaman's Books and issues the shore permits for crew members. Nobody is allowed to board the vessel before the Immigration clearance. Crew and/or passengers cannot leave the vessel before the attendance of the Immigration Officer.

..... 1. Ship's certificates such as Registry, Radio Safety, Pollution, Construction, etc, which should be ready and valid on arrival. Originals will be collected by the state agent for the purpose of declaring the ship's arrival with the Mercantile Marine Bureau and issuing the permit of departure on completion of cargo operations. 2. Crew Lists: State agent 2 copies Health Authority 1 copy Immigration Authority 1 copy Customs 1 copy 3. Seaman's Books of crew members which will be reviewed by the Immigration Officer. 4. Copies of Bills of Lading and Manifest, collected by state agent. 5. Bonded Stores List, collected onboard by Customs Officer. 6. Vaccination Certificates, reviewed by Health officials. 7. Body and Machinery Certificate. 8. Vessel Manifest and all the vessel data included in the berthing request. 9. The completion of an arrival report by the maritime inspection department. Departure Documents: 1. A departure request 2. Customs release 3. Departure license from the authority 4. Completion of the passports procedures for vessels destined for foreign port. Cargo Documents (copies of Bills of Lading and Manifest) should be in possession of state agent prior to ship's arrival for the purpose of approaching cargo receivers to enable them to manage the necessary formalities. Special forms, for completion by the Master, will be delivered to him by the pilot, Immigration and state agent.

The initial ETA should be sent to the vessel's nominated, state owned agent 7 days prior to arrival. Arrival confirmation should be sent 72 and 24 hours prior to arrival. The arrival confirmations should be sent through the protecting agent, if any, who will consequently convey messages and/or owner's instructions to the state agent and other involved parties. The ETA message should include: ..... 1. In addition to normal ETA (date and time of arrival) the type and quantity of cargo to be loaded/discharged should be advised. 2. Arrival draught forward and aft. 3. Any requirements.

Hoisting of the Egyptian flag on arrival is essential. If the flag is not available on arrival the Master may request one, through the agent, upon berthing.

Vessels arriving with cargo to be discharged, or for loading cargo, will not be berthed unless receivers or shippers are ready with the necessary documents duly approved by the state agent/customs.

Free pratique is granted immediately on the ship's arrival if not coming from an infected area. Pratique cannot be applied for by radio. Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be renewed if expired.

NOR should be tendered by cable, fax or telex on the ship's arrival off the port, then in writing when the agent boards. Tendering is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relative Charter Party.