Masbate (PHMBT)

Masbate is a port of entry with a harbour which is deep and well sheltered from all winds. The port handles general cargo, Ro-Ro and passengers.

China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical 21 Jan to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.

Masbate is located SW of the Bicol Peninsula, on the NW of Masbate Island.

LOA 129m, beam 20m, 4,621DWT.

Outer anchorage: Anchorage can be obtained NE of the harbour entrance in a depth of 69m, sand, with the lighthouse bearing 225° distant 1nm. Inner anchorage: Anchorage located 0.8nm SW of Northwest Point. Anchorage is well protected and safe.

From a position on the coastal track NE of Bagabaut Point (12°28'N 123°33'E) the track leads SSE for approximately 6.5nm to a position NE of Northwest Point. From this position the track leads SSW in the mid-channel, passing (with positions from Northwest Point Light): ESE of a buoy (red conical) 0.3nm NE, marking the seaward edge of the reef NE of Northwest Point, then: ESE of Northwest Point, then: WNW of a buoy (black can) marking the W edge of the reef extending 0.25nm W from the E entrance point. From this position track continues SSW for approximately 0.5nm towards the inner anchorage.

BA 4487. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).

Requests for pilotage, which is compulsory, should be communicated to the Harbour Pilot Association, Legazpi City, at least 36 hours prior to arrival. The pilot will board 1.5nm NE of the harbour entrance. Only one vessel can be received at a time inside the harbour. Large vessels should attempt entry only during daylight with favourable conditions.

Northwest Point Light is exhibited from a white framework tower on a concrete tower, 13m in height, standing on Northwest Point.