Zarzis (TNZRZ)

Zarzis is a port primarily handles marine salt and oil product. It also handles agricultural product, dry bulk cargo as well as Ro-Ro cargo including passengers operations.

Summer.

The port is situated at the SW extremity of the Golfe de Gabes, approx 70nm SE of the port of Gabes and 15nm S of Djerba.

LOA 185m; draught 10.5m.

Approx 1,100,000t of cargo and 400 vessels handled annually.

The anchorage area extends 1nm E of the Fairway Buoy with a depth of 20.0m (33° 29'N 011°17'E). Anchorage may also be obtained approx 1.75nm E of Zarzis Lighthouse (33°30'N 011°07'E), in depth of approx 6.0-7.0m.

The access to Zarzis is by a channel 5nm in length and 130m in width, dredged to 13.0m. Directions for entering harbour: From a position in the vicinity of the Fairway Lightbuoy (33°30'N 011°18'E), the track leads generally W for approx 4nm, passing: Between No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) and No 2 Lightbuoy (port hand), at the entrance to the dredged channel, 4nm W of the Fairway Lightbuoy. Then the track leads in mid channel for approx 3.2nm through the entrance channel, marked by a further 6 buoys numbered 3 to 8. A further 4 buoys, numbered 9 to 12, mark the turning area, 450m in diameter, with a depth of 12.0m leading onto the Commercial Quay.

BA 3403. Admiralty Pilot NP 45.

Coastguard can be contacted by Tel: +216 75 694230.

1025.

Pilotage is compulsory and available throughout 24 hours. Pilot boards at anchorage area.

Approaching from the E, by day, the town can be seen surrounded by palm and olive trees, by night the flare of Ezzaouia oil fields is prominent. Approaching from the N the following are prominent: ..... 1. Ras Turgueness Lighthouse, Fl W 5s 24M. 2. Ras Marmor (33°37'N 012°03'E) is the last of the steep hills along the coast, leading S. 3. The pylon of ERTT has red and white lights which are prominent at night. 4. Lighthouse (33°28.7'N 011°07.83'E) Fl(3)W 15s.

The mean tide rise is 1.1m at springs and 0.3m at neaps. The wind can occasionally cause a rise of 0.2m at HW and a fall of 0.1m at LW.

The port has 1 tug available of 1,200hp "IBN Ennomen". A second tug can be ordered with 24 hours notice prior to arrival of the ship. Vessel's lines are used.

Winds: The prevailing winds come from the E in summer and W in winter. Storms are rare and are normally restricted to 3 days in winter, 5 days in spring and 1 day in summer. The Sirocco blows in blows from N to NE direction and can reach a velocity of 40kts. The Sirocco brings sand and dust clouds which reduce visibility. Swell: Swell from the S-SE sector do not have sufficient open sea to develop due to the existence of a bank at El Bilan, 20km SE. The dominating swell comes from the N-E. During the summer waves reach a height of 1.0-1.5m. The most significant height, throughout the year, is 4.0m from a direction between 060-090°.

Zarzis Port Radio station works throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Ch 16 used by Zarzis Port Control.

Customs allowances: One bottle of spirit and one carton of cigarettes are allowed per crew member. Immigration: Immigration Officers will check passports, Seaman's Books and issue shore permits.

..... Number of forms required Form CS IM HA Other 1. Crew List 1 3 1 - 2. Passenger List 1 3 1 1 3. Stores List 2 1 - - 4. Provisions List 2 1 - - 5. Crew Personnel Effect List 2 1 - - 6. Customs Declaration 2 1 - - 7. Cargo List 2 - - 1 8. Maritime Declaration of Health - - - 1 9. Bill of Lading 1 - - 1 10. Stowage Plan - - - 1 11. Last Port Clearance 1 - - 1 12. Port of Call List - - - 1 13. Bonded Stores List 2 1 - - 14. Narcotics List 2 1 - - 15. Arms & Ammunition List 2 1 - - Following certificates are also required: 1. Load Line Certificate 2. Safety Equipment Certificate 3. Certificate of Registry 4. Safety Radio Certificate 5. Safety Construction Certificate 6. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate 7. Ship Sanitation Control or Exemption Certificate 8. International Tonnage Certificate 9. Oil Record Book 10. Seaman's Books, passports and Vaccination List Entry Declaration form to be presented by ship's agent for free pratique to be granted. Marine Pollution Declaration form to be presented by ship's agent when free pratique is granted. Marine Sailing Declaration form to be presented by local agent 24 hours before vessel sails.

Vessel's ETA should be sent to the agent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival. The message should include Master's name, arrival draught, crew number and crew health conditions.

Tunisian flag must be displayed when entering Tunisian waters.

Health Declaration form to be presented when vessel berths by Health Control Officer for free pratique to be granted.

NOR to be tendered according to Charter Party.