Pangai (TOPAN)

The port handles general cargo, Ro-Ro and passengers. The tourism industry attracts larger cruise liners to visit the anchorage area approx 2.0nm from the terminal.

South Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Mar 31.

Pangai is located on the Ha'apai group of islands in the centre of the Tonga group.

The outer anchorage, used by large vessels, lies outside the inner reefs, approx 2.0nm NW of Pangai. A recommended anchorage is afforded in a depth of approx 25.0m, sand and coral, 0.5nm S of Lua Vika (19°47.1'S 174°22.7'W). There is another anchorage, which lies 0.3nm WSW of Kua Vika. The best anchorage off the town of Pangai is with Tongan flagstaff (19°48.3'S 174°21.3'W), which is distinctive, bearing 124°, distance 0.5nm, in a depth of 8.0m. However this anchorage is much exposed to bad weather and winds from W as the offshore reefs afford little shelter from the violent gales from that quarter, which occur between Nov-Apr, particularly in Feb-Mar. Numerous reefs and shoals lie on the W side of the island, some of which are marked by beacons. The maintenance of these beacons cannot be relied upon, and, in the event of them being washed away, the marks for fixing are not good. Due to these difficulties, it is recommended that the approach to the anchorage be made in daylight, when the reefs are clearly visible. Only small craft anchorage inside harbour. A dangerous wreck with 0.6m of water over it, lies in position 19°47.7'S 174° 21.4'W.

The approaches to Pangai are well identified on charts.

NZ 8247, 8248. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4)

Tonga Navy may undertake any coastguard functions.

1025.

Dangerous cargoes: Dangerous cargoes must be declared to Port Control for permission to berth or discharge. Flammable (liquid or gas) vessels are not allowed to berth.

Available by arrangement.

Port limits are bounded by the following co-ordinates: ..... 1. 19°49.5'S 174°24.0'W 2. 19°46.0'S 174°24.0'W 3. 19°46.0'S 174°21.0'W

Range 1.5m.

There are no tugs available but arrangement can be made if requested prior to arrival.

Normally winds are SE'ly 15-20kts.

PANGAI 19°50'S 174°23'W ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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VHF: Ch 16.

Officers will clear all vessels that arrive from an overseas origin.

..... Document 1. Crew List 2. Cargo List 3. Crew Declaration 4. Vessel Information 5. Crew Health Certificate 6. Stores List 7. Arms & Ammunition List Cargo documentation must be declared during vessel clearance by Port Authorities and Customs/Quarantine.

Vessels that are represented by an agent must notify the Port Authorities of their ETA 24 hours prior to arrival. Other vessels must contact Customs Office on arrival at Ha'apai.

The Tongan flag must be displayed when entering Tongan waters. Quarantine flag must be displayed until the vessel has been cleared by Port Control.

Regulations and general notices will be supplied upon arrival by a port official or the vessel's agent.

International Health Certificate required, with a copy sent to vessel's agent, especially for cruise vessels. Vessel's, which carry any infectious diseases, will not be permitted to enter the port, except in an emergency.