Black River (JMBLR)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Black River has an inner and outer anchorage where cargo can be handled via lighters. However, the port is no longer commercially active and is now used mainly by fishing trawlers.

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Black River is situated on the SW coast of Jamaica, approx 70nm W of Kingston.

Pier: LOA 61m, draught 1.8m. Anchorage: Outer: Max LOA 122m, draught 6.7m. Inner: Max LOA 122m, draught 4.6m.

The anchorage area lies between Parottee Point (17°56.0'N 077°50.0'W) and Luana Point (8nm NW). The part of the bay N of Ravient Reef (1.5nm SW of Moco Point (18°01.0'N 077°52.0'W)) is used as an anchorage. The N part is encumbered by reefs. During strong W and SW winds, a heavy swell rolls into the anchorage, making landing difficult and at times impossible.

Directions from SE: Clearing bearings: From a position off Great Pedro Bluff (8nm SE of Parottee Point), keeping the line of bearing, less than 128°, of Great Pedro Bluff open of Black Spring Point (3.75nm nearer), astern, the track passes SW of the reefs off Parottee Point. Then the line of bearing, less than 130°, off Black Spring Point, well open of Parottee Point, astern, passes SW of the dangers near Ravient Reef. Directions from W: Line of bearing: From a position SW of Longacre Point the line of bearing 088.5°, of the conspicuous house (green roof) leads into the anchorage in a least depth of 7.0m. Notes: Navigation aids no longer in place. Sea water off Black River has a milky appearance and is not clear.

BA 256, 258. Admiralty Pilot NP70.

1025.

Compulsory for berthing.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly. During the rainy season large clumps of fresh water weed, up to 10m across, are swept from Black River into Black River Bay. They normally disperse within 10 hours, but have been found up to 8nm offshore.