Sherbro Island (SLSBO)

The port consists of an anchorage where lighters/barges load rutile and bauxite from the Gbangbama mine (15.6nm downstream at the port of Nitti (see separate entry)) to vessels at anchor.

Tropical.

Sherbro Island is situated approx 130km S of Freetown.

Draught 7.5m.

Vessels should anchor at the Yangisei Anchorage, located at 07° 43.440'N 12° 47.374'W, max draught 7.5m.

The entrance channel is marked by eight buoys, numbered 1-8, as follows: ..... Buoy Description Position Distance (nm) No 1 Red pillar WSW of Shenge Point 9.5 No 2 Red pillar S of Shenge Point 9.5 No 3 Red can WNW of Buoy Point 9.5 No 4 Green conical WNW of Buoy Point 5.2 No 5 Red can SW of Buoy Point 1.5 No 6 Green conical SE of Buoy Point 1.5 No 7 Green conical SE of Buoy Point 3.0 No 8 Red can SSW of Falcon Point 1.7 A vessel approaching from N should pass 2nm W of Mes Meheux Island and then proceed SE towards No 1 Buoy. From abeam No 1 Buoy, vessels should follow the buoyed channel.

BA 617, 685. Admiralty Pilot NP1. NP286(8).

The Republic of Sierra Leone Navy patrols the area. Bonthe Naval base monitors VHF Ch 16, throughout 24 hours.

1012.

Berthing information is supplied by the agent.

Compulsory. Freetown pilots are used which are picked up and landed at Freetown.

All of the buoys have radar reflectors.

Entry during daylight only, max draught 7.3m. Restriction between Buoy Point and Yangisei Tree which must be navigated 2 hours to HW and on a rising tide. It is possible to steam with ebb when max draught is approx 7.3m.

Range 3.0m.

There is no defined traffic scheme.

Not available.

Prevailing winds: NW'ly Nov-Jan though predominately SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 16, 88 and 12.

Valid passports or Seaman's Books are to be presented to Immigration on arrival so shore passes can be issued to the crew. If there are any passengers, they should produce valid travel documents. Boarding and working permits are to be lodged 4 hours prior to arrival, by the agent responsible for the vessels stay in port.

..... 1. Ports of Call List 2. Passenger List 3. Crew List 4. Arms & Ammunition List 5. Dangerous Drugs List 6. Bonded Stores List 7. Crew Declaration 8. Inward Report 9. Stowaway List. Cargo documentation: The following is required: Document Copies 1. Cargo Manifest 4 2. Stowage Plan 3 3. Loading/Discharging Plan. 3

Notice should be given at least 24 hours prior to arrival to the Pilot's Office or the Harbour Master.

Vessels carrying dangerous goods are to display flag "B" of the International Code of Signals.

Small craft: Within the limits of the port, small craft shall at all times give way to ocean going ships under way. Rat guards: To be placed when alongside the quay. Dangerous goods: Notice is to be given to the General Manager before arrival that a vessel is carrying dangerous goods. No explosives or other dangerous goods are to be landed, shipped or transhipped except with the authority of the General Manager.

International Health Certificate is required.