Poro (NCPOR)

The port is used to service the nearby nickel mining operations. Bulk carriers moor offshore in Poro Bay and commence in STS operations. Barges transport the nickel ore from the shore to the STS location.

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Poro is located on the E coast of New Caledonia, approx 135km NW of the capital Noumea.

Offshore: Max LOA 197m, beam 32.26m, draught 12.4m and 58,772DWT.

Anchorage available at the end of the recommended route leading into the Baie de Poro. ..... Anchorage Location Depths (m) P1 NW Cap des Trois Sapins 24.0-27.0 P2 NW Cap des Trois Sapins 30.0

There are 3 approaches into Poro as follows: Main approach: From the vicinity of Passe Ouest de Houailou (21°09'S., 165° 44'E), the normal channel of approach for deep draught vessels leads along the track 187°, following the centreline of a channel at least 600m in width. It passes W of a lightbuoy (port hand) marking the W extent of dangers off the W end of a drying reef (21°15.3'S 165°44.1'E). From a position approx 2nm NNW of Cap des Trois Sapins (21°18'S., 165°43.8'E) the passage leads S passing (with positions relative to Cap des Trois Sapins): E of No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand, 2nm NW), then W of a spar buoy (port hand, 0.75nm WN), then W of a 7.7m patch (0.75nm WNW), then E of No 3 Lightbuoy (starboard hand). Then the track leads either to the anchorage or the berth. East approach: From a position close N of Cap des Trois Sapins, the approach from E passes on either side of a 2.5m patch (0.5nm W) marked on its SW side by a buoy (port hand). West approach: A channel, used by small vessels, lies between the coast on the W side of Baie de Poro and a chain of reefs lying close offshore. It is approx 0.05nm in width at its narrowest and has depths from 4.4-16.0m. Two navigable channels through the chain of reefs lie SE of Ilot Toverou (21°16'S., 165°40'E).

BA 339, 936. Admiralty Pilot NP61.

Entry and departure are not permitted at night.

Compulsory. Houailou Western Passage: Official entrance for E coast ports: Moneo (Baie Ugue) - Poro - Kuaua - Canala (Boakaine) - Nakety - Thio. Pilots available throughout 24 hours and is centralised through Noumea. Entrance width 1.5nm clear. Pilot boarding ground: 21°09.1'S., 165°44.4'E, 0.8nm E of green buoy marking W side of entrance. Pilot launch "Sir Frederick Samson" is based at Poro, 9.5nm from Houailou Passage. Pilots listen on VHF Ch 16 and 12 one hour before vessel's ETA.

A chain of reefs extends nearly 4nm along the coast from a position about 1 mile W of the above cape. It is understood that the middle and largest of the aforementioned reefs is separated from the coast by a channel about 135m wide, with depths of 4.4 to 14.6m, which is practicable for small vessels with local knowledge. A sand cay, which lies on a reef, is located 2.5nm N of Cap des Trois Sapins and is marked by a beacon to the W. It is known that a 5m patch, marked by a lighted buoy, is located 2nm NNW of the above cape. A buoy marks a shoal to the W and is located approx 0.75nm NNW of Cap des Trois Sapins.

..... Noumea contact info Radio RT (HF) 2182kHz, 4125kHz, 6215kHz. WT 500kHz Distress and calling contact info VHF Ch 16 Pilot contact info VHF Ch 12

Customs allowances: The allowances for officers and crew are 200 cigarettes or 500gm of rolling tobacco and 1 bottle of alcohol. Penalties for non compliance are fines of the value of the local resale price of the goods. Immigration: There are no specific Immigration procedures and formalities at the port. Agent liaises with the relevant authorities.

The following forms are supplied by the vessel's agent for completion: ..... Document Copies 1. General Information 5 2. Health Declaration 2 The forms are either delivered onboard on arrival or mailed to the vessel's previous port. The following can be completed on the ship's own forms or should be in the Master's possession: 1. Clearance from previous port of call 1 2. Port of Call List 2 3. Crew List 3 4. List of Crew's Personal Effects 2 5. Passenger List (even if nil) 3 6. Vaccination List (crew & passengers) 2 7. Provisions List 2 8. Bonded Stores List 2 9. Narcotics List 2 10. Arms & Ammunitions List (even if nil) 2 11. Plants & Animals List 2 The above forms are for Customs, Immigration and agency.

Initial ETA should be sent 72 hours prior to arrival with further ETA's sent 48 and 24 hours before arrival. Further messages should be sent if requested. The ETA message, in addition to date and time of arrival, should also include the passage to be used for entering (if applicable), LOA, draughts forward and aft, number of crew and passengers, Master's name, flag, port of arrival and port of destination.

The French flag is to be displayed whilst the vessel is in port. Vessels not complying may be subject to a fine at the Custom's discretion.

There are no specific regulations but the Master should be advised by the agent.

Pratique can be applied for by radio 72 hours prior to arrival. Application can be made through the vessel's agent or through the Harbour Master. The port has no special health regulations but the crew should be healthy and there should be no notifiable disease onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be renewed.

NOR should be handed to the agent on berthing or at the anchorage.