Savanna la Mar (JMSLM)

The port was previously used for the export of sugar, now mainly used by local fishing boats. It is reported that the port is no longer commercially active.

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

Savanna La Mar is located on the southern coastline of Jamaica.

Anchorage: Draught 5.9m.

Anchorage is formed by the line of reefs 1.5nm offshore, depth inside the reef is 6.8m at HW, with good holding ground. Depth at outer anchorage where vessels moor for loading is 7.3m. Vessels drawing too much water for the entrance channels can anchor on the bank outside the reefs. Caution is necessary as the edge is steep to. With a strong trade wind, the berth is dangerous. Anchorage is available inside Lee Passage, depth 7.3m, with the fort bearing 037°, 1.6nm. Max dimensions of vessels at the anchorage: Length 153m, draught 5.9m. Inner anchorage is available in depths of 5.2-5.5m, 0.6nm SSE of the fort, and can be reached by passing: Max dimensions of vessels at the anchorage: Length 92m, draught 4.6m. SE of the beacon marking Fifty Six Shoal, and NW of Boat Stag Reef Light (red metal column on concrete base, 5m in height). Max dimensions of vessels at the anchorage: Length 91m, draught 4.6m. Caution: There is very little swinging room. The approach is difficult, and should not be attempted without a pilot. Prohibited anchorage: Exists within 110m of the mooring buoy (1.1nm SSW of the fort).

There are three passages through the barrier reef to the port, the East passage, South passage and Lee passage, each with 14m of water. Approach and entry: The anchorage lies between the shallow water fronting the town, and the line of reefs which extends from Bluff or Paradise Point (2.5nm E) to Great Breaker (2.5nm SW). Two entrance channels are in use with reference to the fort at (18°12.4'N 078° 01.1'W): ..... 1. Lee Passage, the principal channel (2nm SSW), least depth 6.4m. 2. An unnamed passage (1.5nm S), least depth 5.2m. The water is very clear, and the bottom can be seen in depths of 15.0m. Directions: From the vicinity of 18°09'N 078°10'W, near the pilot boarding place, the alignments for Lee Passage: Leading lights in the town (032°) (structures invisible by day, lights exhibited on request). A nick in the distant hills and the E beacon in the town (035.5°). High round hill, E of Dolphin Head and House Beacon (014°). All lead between a pair of lightbuoys marking Broad Stag Shoal on the W and Mark Post Shoal on the E, into the anchorage. For the unnamed passage, the alignment (350.25°) of another nick in the hills behind, and House Beacon, leads into the anchorage, passing (with reference to the fort): E of a beacon marking Long Stag Shoal (1.5nm SSW) and W of Tamarind Reef (1.25nm S). Attention is drawn to the depth of 5.2m, close ENE of Long Stag Shoal and close WSW off the leading line. Caution is necessary when using the passage.

BA 256, 258. Admiralty Pilot NP70.

1025.

Compulsory. Deep draught vessels begin loading at inner anchorage and pay pilot to shift to deeper water. Pilot boarding place is approx 3.5nm SSW of the fort.

It is reported that navigational aids are no longer maintained and not in place.

Port entry and departure is accomplished during daylight hours only.

Mean spring range 0.3m; mean neap range 0.1m.

Prevailing winds: SE'ly.

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

NOR to be tendered on arrival.