Isabela (PHBCT)

Basilan Wharf is in the port of Isabela.

Tropical.

Isabela is located on the NW shore of Basilan Island, close S of Malamaui Island, in the Basilan Strait.

Outer anchorages: Malamaui Road, W of the W entrance to Isabela Channel provides safe anchorage for vessels of all sizes. The holding ground is good and protected from strong winds. Inner anchorages: The best anchorage in Isabela Channel is in mid-channel close N of the PPA Wharf in a depth of 14.6m, coral and sand. There is a good anchorage N of Kalut Island, but the swinging room is limited so that larger vessels may be required to secure hawsers to mangroves on shore.

Approach and entry: The port is approached through Malamaui Road and entered S of Moro Island at the W entrance to Isabela Channel. If not taking a pilot the port may also be approached through the NE entrance to Isabela Channel, which may be approached from either end, but it is preferable to enter against the tidal stream to avoid turning in the channel. Directions: West approach passing North of Moro Island: From a position 2nm NNW of Pameluken Bank the track leads SSE for approx 3.5nm to a position 1.25nm WSW of Moro Island and approx 1nm from the Basilan Coast avoiding a shoal with a depth of 2.7m over it, lying 0.05nm N of the E extremity of San Rafael Bay. Then: The track leads ENE passing N of Moro Island. The NE point of the Island should be given a wide berth as the tidal streams appear to set towards the reef which extends a short distance from that point. The alignment 067° of the leading beacons on Malamaui Island leads through the channel N of Moro Island. Front beacon (white triangle) 06°42.7'N 121°57.2'E. Rear beacon (white triangle) 06°42.8'N 121°57.3'E. From a position 0.01nm N of the N extremity of Moro Island the track leads ESE towards the prominent chimney then into the port area. West approach passing South of Moro Island: The track leads E with the prominent chimney right ahead keeping to the mid-channel to clear the shoals. Note: Both W channels are well marked by buoys and beacons. The N channel is wider and has greater depth, but it has a sharp turn. North-east approach: Usually used by local craft, it is entered by passing approximately 0.125nm E of Malamaui Island Lighthouse from when the track leads in mid-channel to a position 0.1nm SE of the NE extremity 1.5nm into the port area. Note: Attention is drawn to the ruins lying on a shoal 0.075nm E of the PPA wharf.

BA 4470. Admiralty Pilot NP33., NP286(4).

1025.

Available. Pilotage is not compulsory but is recommended for foreign vessels to request a pilot, with prior notice. The pilot will board 1nm W of Moro Island.

Two radio towers, exhibiting red obstruction lights, stand 0.6nm and 1nm ENE of the chimney. Malamaui Island Lighthouse 06°45'N 121°59'E (concrete tower, 10m in height), stands on the NW side of the N entrance to Isabela Channel.

Daylight berthing only.

Mean spring range 0.7m; mean neap range 0.1m. Tidal streams: The NE-going stream in Isabela Channel sets at a rate of 4 to 5kts and for a much longer period than the SW stream and a rate 1kts less. Heavy tide-rips may be encountered at the channel entrances when the wind is against the stream. Close W of Malamaui Island, a N or S set is experienced with the rate diminishing as the distance from the island increases. Tidal streams set across the channel S of Moro Island so care must be taken not to be set on to the reefs SE of the island.

Vessels should report the following information on entering/departing or passing the Zamboanga Coast Watch Station in the Basilan Strait: ..... 1. Vessel's name 2. Call sign 3. Course and speed 4. Port of Registry/nationality 5. Type of vessel 6. Type of cargo onboard 7. Port of destination and ETA 8. Last Port of Call 9. Number of crew onboard 10. Master's name.

Two tugs available.

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

VHF: Ch 16.