Cape Charles (USCCJ)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. It is a small commercial and ferry port situated at the terminus of the Eastern Shore Railroad. Its principle function is the movement by barge of various cargoes, arriving by rail. Cape Charles is a Customs port of entry.

Cape Charles harbour is situated 2nm N of Old Plantation Creek on the E side of Chesapeake Bay.

The North basin at the East end of the harbour is designated a Harbour of Refuge, anchoring is not allowed in the basins or in the outer harbour basin. Quarantine anchorage: Is established 4nm WNW of Cape Charles Harbour (37°16'N 076°01'W). It contains two anchorage berths, Q-1 and Q-2. Quarantine inspection for all ports in Chesapeake Bay and tributaries is conducted at this anchorage.

The port is approached through a dredged channel cut across the N end of Old Plantation Flats, which leads to the harbour between a sand mole on the S side and a stone wharf on the N. Bar Channel has a width of 152m and a depth of 5.5m, in Cape Charles harbour there is a width of 152-305m and depth of 5.5m.

Admiralty Pilot NP69.

Bar Channel is marked by Range "A" Light structures, the front (pile structure, red cylindrical topmark with a white stripe), situated 1.5nm NE of Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse (37°14'N 076°03'W) and the rear (framework tower with similar topmark), 0.2nm NE of the front lighthouse and in a line, bearing 054°, lead through the channel. Cherrystone Inlet Channel is marked by Range "B" Light structures, the front (dolphin, red cylindrical topmark with white stripe), situated 2.25nm NNE of Old Plantation Lighthouse and the rear (framework tower with a similar topmark), 0.25nm NNE of the front light structure, and in line, bearing 020.25°, lead through Cape Charles Harbour. "C" Light Beacon (framework tower, diamond topmark, black and white chequers) and No 7 Light Beacon (pile, green square topmark) stand on the W side of the channel, 1.75nm and 2.25nm NNE of Old Plantation flats Lighthouse. The channel is also marked by lightbuoys. A light beacon (pile, red and white chequered diamond topmark) stands near the outer end of a jetty which projects from the N side of the harbour basin. Cherrystone Inlet Channel is a continuation N of Cape Charles Harbor Channel; it is marked by beacons. No 11 Light Beacon (pile, red triangular topmark) stands 0.2nm E of the light beacon on the head of the jetty on the N side of the basin.

The port is a busy commercial area, and there is not abundant room for manoeuvring, give way to large vessels. Speed: A no wake speed limit is enforced.

Mean spring range 0.8m; mean neap range 0.6m.

The channel is exposed to W winds but is partially protected by flats on the W side. During severe W winds heavy surges may occur within the harbour. Ice: Ice may hinder navigation in the harbour during severe winters.

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.

Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.

Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.