Essaouira (MAESS)

Essaouira is an open roadstead anchorage at which cargo is worked using lighters. The principal exports are agricultural products and fish. Imports include bentonite, barley and wheat.

Summer.

The port of Essaouira is situated approx 120km S of Safi.

Max offshore draught 8.0m.

Anchorage can be obtained by large vessels outside Rade d'Essaouira approx 1.0nm W of the town in depths of 22.0-27.0m. Usually the bottom is sand N off the entrance to the roadstead, and rock S of it. A vessel should always be ready to weigh anchor. Anchorage can be obtained in Rade d'Essaouira approx 0.5nm E off Ile Firaoun in depths of approx 7.5m over fairly good holding ground, sand and mud. There is a rocky patch, with a depth of 4.5m over it, lying approx 0.125nm E of this berth. Small vessels with a draught of less than 4.0m, will find good shelter within 0.1nm of the E side of Ile de Mogador. In winter vessels remaining in the roadstead at night should be ready to weigh anchor.

It is recommended, when making the port of Essaouira, to approach the coast on the parallel of Jebel Hadid (657m in height, 7.5nm ENE of Cap Hadid) and to keep it in sight as the sandhills in the vicinity of Essaouira do not show up well when there is a wind. Sounding should be continuous. In fine weather, the first objects seen are the craggy summits of the Atlas mountains, capped in snow, to the N, Jebel Hadid appears as a dark island. On nearer approach, a narrow range of sandhills should be visible. At 9nm or 10nm distance the minarets and white buildings in Essaouira and the low island of Ile de Essaouira should start to show up clearly. The leading line of Sidi Mogdoul Light (31°29.7'N 009°46'W), exhibited from a white square tower, 17m in height, standing 0.1nm SW of Sidi Mogdoul) and a white obelisk (12m in height, standing 1.5nm SE of the lighthouse) in line bearing 128.5° lead through Passe Nord into the roadstead. Passe Nord lies in the white sector of Sidi Mogdoul Light between the bearings of 124° and 136° and should be approached with the NE extremity of Ile Firaoun in line with the Bordj bearing approx 147°. When on the above leading line course should be altered onto it. The roadstead Rade d'Essaouira, which extends S from the town is suitable for vessels drawing up to 8.0m and is sheltered on the SW side.

BA 863, 3133. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP283(1)

1025.

There is no pilot, but local assistance can be given if required.

A light is exhibited, and a fog signal is sounded, from a column on a pedestal, 9m in height, standing at the head of the W breakwater of the boat harbour.

Range 2.7m.

Available for handling lighters.

Prevailing winds: N'ly and SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 16.

Vessels having cases of contagious disease onboard are prohibited from entering and should proceed to Casablanca as the town of Essaouira has no facilities for completing formalities.