Kankesanturai (LKKNK)

The port consists of a small open roadstead and harbour, sheltered by an extensive breakwater extending NW and W. Kankesanturai port facilities are mainly for military purposes, catering for the transport of arms and equipment. However, a grant by the Indian Government will also enable the port to be commercially. The preliminary hydrographic survey and wreck removal activities have been completed. The port is to be dredged. Upon completion of the project, the port will play a major role in reducing the transit time of goods from and to India, Bangladesh, and the local area.

Tropical.

Kankesanturai is situated on the most N'ly tip of Sri Lanka.

Draught 4.3m (Harbour), draught 8.2m (Off shore).

Anchorage can be found off the port in a depth of 10.0m over sand and mud bottom. Vessels should not anchor to the W of the Lighthouse as the bottom is foul ground. Vessels should first anchor in the inner harbour to conduct lighterage operations. After lightering operation and reducing the vessel's draught to 4.3m, the vessel can be berthed alongside the pier.

Sri Lankan Naval clearance is required at a minimum distance of 50 nautical miles from the NE coast prior to approach to the port. The port is approached via the Pedro Channel. The area seaward of Pedro Channel is very shallow and abounding in reefs. Approaches to Pedro Channel: The landmarks are Mullaitive Light and an obelisk in position 9°35'N 80°27.5'E. The best approach is on a course of 280°(T) heading straight for the obelisk. The obelisk is visible about 5 miles offshore, and once the vessel enters Point Pedro Channel, it should proceed on a course parallel to the coast in a NW'ly direction, the obelisk is the only mark in the area. The depth in Pedro Channel varies from 11.8m to 16.4m. After passing Point Pedro Light, course to alter to West keeping about 3 miles off the land and dangers. The "KKS" lighthouse could also be visually observed at a distance of about 13km. Depths of 9m - 11m have been found about 0.1nm from the land.

BA1584 and 2197. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).

1025.

Compulsory. A naval escort is provided. Call via VHF Ch 16.

A conspicuous chimney works, approx 61m in height, stands 1nm WSW of Kankesanturai and there are 2 radio masts at Jaffna Airport approx 2.5nm ESE of the port. Western Bastion Light is exhibited from a round masonry tower, 22m in height, near the W bastion at Kankesanturai.

A vessel will need Sri Lankan Naval clearance at 50nm distance from the NE coast. Vessels berthed alongside must be ready to vacate the berth at short notice.

Range 1.8m.

2 x 10t (bollard pull) tugs available.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly and NE'ly monsoon.

Contact Sri Lankan Navy on VHF Ch 16, 11.

Each person is allowed 1 carton of cigarettes and 2 bottles of spirits. Other items should be placed in the bonded store. Penalties vary according to the magnitude of non compliance. Immigration officers will board vessel on arrival and random inspections of passports may be carried out. No passport will be stamped, unless in the case of disembarkation/repatriation of crew/passengers. There are no restrictions on crew and/or passengers. However photography within the port premises is not permitted.

Documents required on arrival: ..... Copies Documents PH PS PO IM CU 1. Maritime Health Declaration 1 - - - - 2. Cargo/Passenger List 2 2 2 2 2 3. Vaccination List 2 - - - - 4. Arms/Ammunition List - 2 2 - 2 5. Crew/Passenger List 2 2 2 2 2 6. Store's List - - - - 2 7. Personal Declaration - - - - 2 8. Discharge Manifest - - - - 2 9. Animals List - - - - 2 10. Parcels List or Nil Declaration - - - - 2 PH = Port Health, PS = Port Security, PO = Police, IM = Immigration, CU = Customs. Special forms will be delivered by authorities concerned, or can be arranged by agents, on arrival.

Notify the agent of ETA 5 days, 3 days and 24 hours prior to arrival. Message to include ETA, draught, last port of call and nationality, details of any dangerous/hazardous cargo, arms/ammunition onboard and that crew (passengers if any) are healthy.

Sri Lanka national flag is required to be displayed whilst in the port. There are no penalties for not complying.

Pratique can be applied for a minimum of 48 hours prior to arrival via radio. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates have to be authenticated at Colombo. The port does not have any special health regulations.

NOR should be tendered on arrival at Galle roads. Master should tender NOR during normal working hours.