Virac (PHVRC)

Virac is a Port of Entry. The main exports are hemp, logs and copra. Daily passenger ferry services to Tabaco and San Andres.

Tropical.

Virac is located on the W side of the head of Cabugao Bay, on the S coast of Catanduanes Island.

LOA 69m, beam 11m, draught 6.8m.

Seagoing vessels: Anchorage of 14.0m - 16.0m, mud bottom, SE from church with light bearing 344° distant 0.7nm. Small vessels: Anchor approx 300m from sandy beach W from Pandaman Point. Swinging room is limited.

Cabugua Bay is entered between Virac Point and Nagumbuaya Point, 7.75nm ENE. Directions for W approach: From a position on the coastal route S of Virac Point the track leads NE passing (with positions from Virac Light (13°35'N 124° 14'E)): SE of a 16.4m shoal (4.25nm S), then: NW of Virac Bank (6.25nm SSE) then: SE of Johns Reef (3.25nm S), on which seas break heavily. A number of shoals, separated from the reef by a deep water channel 0.5nm wide, lie close off W shore of Cabugao Bay. Then: SE of a 6.7m shoal (3.75nm SSE). Rounding this shoal at not less than 0.5nm the track then leads NNW directly towards the Virac anchorage passing: SW of Two Fathom Patch (1.5nm SE). Two dangerous patches lie 0.5nm NE of this patch. Directions for E approach: From a position on the coastal route SSE of Nagumbuaya Point, the track leads WNW passing: SSW of One Fathom Patch (2.75nm ESE), then: SSW of Two Fathom Patch (1.5nm SE). The track continues WNW towards Virac anchorage.

BA 4486. Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).

Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels and is provided by Bicol Maritime Pilotage District Associates Co Inc.

Virac Light (white concrete tower, 7m in height) standing near the E side of town.

Winds from E and S can raise uncomfortable swells in the bay. Storm warning signals are displayed near the root of the pier.