Lucea (JMLUC)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Facilities consist of one wharf which only handles molasses tankers.

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

Lucea is situated on the NW coast of Jamaica, in the county of Cornwall, 15nm W of Montego Bay.

Max LOA at anchorage 137m, draught 7.3m. Anchorage is available approx 0.3nm SSE of Fort Charlotte, in 9.0m of water approx 0.2nm offshore, with a clay bottom. However, it is advisable to anchor E of that position owing to N winds which sometimes raise a heavy sea in the bay. Anchorage is also available approx 0.3nm S of Fort Charlotte, off Pit Bank, depth 8.0m, clay.

Directions for entering harbour: From the vicinity of 18°30.0'N 078°10.0'W a vessel approaching from E should keep well offshore so as to avoid (with reference to Fort Charlotte) Buckner Reef (2.75nm E) and Honeycombe Reef (0.9nm NE). Leading marks: Beacon (1nm SSE of Fort Charlotte). Dolphin Head (18°22.0'N 078°09.0°W). A mountain peak. The alignment (175.25°) of these marks, leads to the pilot boarding place, then into harbour, passing (with reference to Fort Charlotte): W of Honeycombe Reef (0.9nm E), then W of shoal ground off Lucea Point (0.7nm NE), low and rocky headland, then: W of lightbuoy (0.5nm E) marking foul ground and E of Flagstaff Reef Light (metal framework tower) (0.1nm E). The sea breaks over Flagstaff Reef.

BA 256, 459. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

1025.

Pilotage is compulsory and available 24 hours, from Kingston, subject to 24 hours notice. Pilot boarding place is approx 0.6nm NNE of Fort Charlotte, the W entrance point.

With reference to Fort Charlotte (18°27.0'N 078°10.0'W). Radio mast (31m high), close by, in the fort. Grey water tank on hillside (0.85nm SW). Two prominent green tanks (0.6nm ESE) near the root of the pier.

Range 0.3m.

Not available.

Prevailing winds: NE'ly.

VHF: Via Kingston Radio (callsign "6YI").

To be tendered on arrival.