Charleston (USCHS)

Charleston is the deepest harbour on the South East Coast of the USA with a maintained depth of 13.7m (45ft). Upon completion of its project to take depths to 15.8m (52ft), the port will be the deepest harbour on the East Coast. Facilities are readily accessible by day or night in clear weather, naturally protected by barrier islands on either side of a wide entrance channel; an excellent harbour of refuge. The port has five terminals and deals extensively with container traffic, breakbulk cargo and cruise passengers. Preparation work has already started on a sixth major container terminal. There are also plans for a three mile extension of the Entrance channel, dredged to 16.5m. Following the opening of the New Locks at the Panama Canal, the port has experienced an increase in the number of larger vessels using its facilities.

Summer.

The port of Charleston is located in the centre of the US Eastern Seaboard in the State of South Carolina.

Draught 14.3m, LOA 368.04m, Beam 51.2m, 150,000DWT.

Approx 1,000,000t of cargo, 2,300,000TEU, 1,800 vessels and 225,500 passengers handled annually.

Four USCG designated anchorage areas: ..... Anchorage area 'A': Adjacent to the western edge of Folly Island Channel SW of Rebellion Reach will accommodate approx 4 vessels. Anchorage area 'B': Adjacent to the S edge of S channel will accommodate approx 4 vessels. Anchorage area 'C': Has a radius of 228m. It is located on the SE waterfront of Charleston. Anchorage area 'D': Has a radius of 213m. It is located on the E waterfront of Charleston. A small boat anchorage is located on the Ashley River to the western side of Charleston's peninsula. Contact the SCSPA Harbour Master for additional information on anchorages.

Charleston is approached on the alignment of leading lights through Fort Sumpter Range and entered between Fort Moultrie on the SW end of Sullivans Island and Cummings Point (32°44.5'N 079°52.0'W), the N end of Morris Island 1nm SW. The Inner harbour has been dredged to a depth of 13.7m MLW and the entrance channel to 14.3m. The channel has a minimum width of 152m, maximum 304m, with a turning basin of 426m. The North Charleston, Wando and Columbus Street turning basins are also 426m wide.

BA 2809, 8255, 2803, 2806, 2864, 2865. Admiralty Pilot NP69, NP286(5). NOAA 11524, 11526. US Coast Pilot 6.

Contact Marine Safety Officer, Tel: +1 803 724 7683, Fax: +1 803 720 7705 or the station in Georgetown, SC, Tel: +1 803 546 2742.

1015-1025.

Pilotage is compulsory and available from Charleston Branch Pilots Association throughout 24 hours, subject to tides. Vessels should call the Pilot Office on VHF Ch 16, three hours before arrival at Lt buoy 'C'. Pilot boards in the following positions: ..... 1. Pilot Station Alpha: vessels over 10.6m draught; in the vicinity of Lightbuoy 'C' (32°37.08'N 079°35.50'W). 2. Pilot Station Bravo: vessels of 10.6m draught and under: in the vicinity of Lightbuoy No 6 (32°39.30'N 079°40.09'W).

The limits inside which navigation Rules for United States Inland Waters apply are as follows: A line formed by the submerged North Jetty from the shore to the W end of the North Jetty. A line drawn from across the seaward extremity of the Charleston Harbour jetties. A line drawn from the W end of the South Jetty across the S entrance to Charleston Harbour to shore on a line formed by the submerged South Jetty.

PORTS: The port uses the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System, which integrates real-time environmental observations, forecasts and other geospatial information. It measures and disseminates observations and predictions of water levels, currents, salinity, and meteorological parameters (e.g., winds, atmospheric pressure, air and water temperatures) that mariners need to navigate safely. There are lighted buoys. Fairway buoy: Lightbuoy 'C' (safe water) (racon) (32°37.1'N 079°5.5'W). Charleston Lighthouse, white triangular tower, black top, height 43m (32°5.5'N 079°0.6'W).

BRIDGES: Lower Cooper River Bridge airdraught 56.6m MHW. Upper Cooper River Bridge (North Charleston Terminal only), airdraught 45.7m MHW. WHALES: To help reduce incidents of ships striking North Atlantic Right Back Whales, which are an endangered species, speed restrictions are in place from approximately mid November to mid April each year, in specified Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) along the coast of Florida up to Nova Scotia. One of these areas covers 20nm from the shore around the port of Charleston. Intentionally approaching within 457m (500 yards) of Right Whales is prohibited and is a violation of Federal Law. Any incident involving a whale accidentally struck by a vessel, sighting of a dead whale carcass or of an injured or entangled whale, should be reported immediately to the Coast Guard or NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service noting the precise location, date and time of the accident or sighting. Telephone + 1 866 7556622 for reports to NOAA for the area from Virginia to Maine, or +1 877 9425343 (877-WHALE-HELP) for the area from North Carolina to Florida. In the event of a strike or sighting of a dead, injured or entangled whale, the following information should be provided: ..... 1. Location 2. Date and time of impact (or sighting of carcass or an entangled whale). 3. Speed and course of vessel at time of incident. 4. Name of vessel and specifications (Size and propulsion). 5. Water depth at location of incident. 6. Environmental conditions at site of incident, such as visibility, windspeed and direction. 7. Description of impact and damage caused to whale. 8. Fate of whale (deceased or just injured). 9. Species and size of whale (if known). This information is important not only for research and conservation purposes but for the safety of other vessels in the areas where such incidents occur.

The harbour has a maintained depth of 13.7m (45ft) at MLT throughout the main shipping channel and 14.3m (47ft) in the entrance channel. However, 1.5m (5ft) to 1.82m (6ft) tidal lift provides even deeper access for several hours during the day before and after High Tide. A dredging project is nearing its end to make these channels deeper. Average range 1.5m-1.8m; average current 1.5kts. At Lightbuoy 'C' (23°37.1'N 079°35.5'W), the tidal stream is rotary, turning clockwise. The maximum rate of the ingoing streams occurs about 3.75 hours before HW at Charleston, when it sets about 270°at an average rate of 0.25kts. The maximum rate of the outgoing stream occurs about 3 hours after HW at Charleston. Between the jetties the tidal streams generally follow the direction of the channel near its axis. Outside the entrance it branches from the main outgoing stream setting through the openings between the outer part of the jetties and the coast at a rate of 2kts. The maximum rate of the outgoing stream is about 3kts between the outer part of the jetties, and between Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter (32°45.0'N 079°52.05'W). At the entrance to Charleston Harbour, between the jetties, slack water before ingoing stream occurs about 5.5 hours before HW at Charleston, slack water before the outgoing stream, about 0.5 hours after HW there. The outgoing stream in South Channel attains a maximum rate of 2kts. The rate of the ingoing stream is less than the outgoing, depending on the flow in the river caused by precipitation.

Security Broadcast System: Vessels should make a general call, prefixed by safety signal, on VHF Ch 13 as follows: ..... 1. Vessels inbound (if intending to transit the Cooper River upstream of the twin fixed bridges spanning Hog I Reach): on entering Mount Pleasant Channel. 2. Vessels westbound entering Charleston Harbor from the Intracoastal Waterway: 15 minutes before entering the harbour or on clearing Ben Sawyer Bridge (32° 46.30'N 079°50.50'W). 3. Vessels approaching Drum Island Turn: 15 minutes in advance. 4. Deep draught vessels intending to transit North Charleston and Filbin Creek Reaches: 15 minutes in advance. 5. Vessels outbound from a berth above the twin fixed bridges spanning Hog I Reach: on leaving the berth. 6. Anchored vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 13 and 16.

Compulsory and available throughout 24 hours. Vessels bound for Charleston are met N of Shutes Folly Island, situated 3.0nm WNW of the entrance to the harbour, or if bound for N Charleston off the S end of the town. Requirements should be made well in advance through the agents.

Prevailing winds: W'ly. The temperate climate is modified by its exposure to the ocean. This is not noticeable in winter, when the minimum temperatures are often 5.6°C to 8.4°C warmer on the peninsula than at the airport. Summers are warm and humid although sea breezes keep 37.8°C readings a rarity. This is the rainiest season but most of the precipitation falls as brief, heavy showers or thunderstorms. Prevailing winds are generally S'ly in summer and spring, compared to the more frequent N'ly of autumn and winter. Gales are infrequent and are most likely associated with local spring storms or hurricanes, which may also produce severe thunderstorms or hurricanes. From late Sept to early Nov weather is often sunny and pleasant except for the threat hurricanes, which also exists in summer. Charleston Harbour offers few of the characteristics of a haven during hurricanes force winds. Large vessels should proceed to sea or seek shelter elsewhere when a hurricane threatens. During a severe tropical storm (50 to 63kts) anchorage for deep draught vessels is available in the triangle W of the confluence of Rebellion Reach (of the main channel) with South Channel. Use of this anchorage is not recommended because of the restricted scope while riding at anchor, the hazards of collision, and the difficulty of leaving if necessary. The topography of the entire harbour area is nearly flat and at sea level provides little shelter from wind and tide. Smaller vessels and small craft should stay fast or seek shelter along the W side of Cooper River, N of Battery (32°46'N 079°56'W).

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 32°47.40'N 79°55.41'W UNCTAD LOCODE: US CHS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

{ "widget_1_pilotage": { "area_groups": [ { "area_name": "Charleston", "pilots_area_description": null, "pilots_contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Charleston Branch Pilots Association", "vhf_primary_watch": "13", "vhf_secondary_working": "16;18A;11;14", "telephones": [ "+1 843 5776695" ], "faxes": [ "+1 843 5770632" ], "emails": [ "dispatcher@charlestonpilots.com" ], "websites": [ "www.charlestonpilots.com" ], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and for US vessels under register in foreign trade.", "when_to_report": "Vessels should send ETA 48h, 24h and 12h in advance. Changes in ETA should be notified as soon as possible.", "how_to_report": "Vessels should call the Pilot Office on VHF Ch 16, 3h before arrival at Lt buoy C.", "what_to_report": [], "pilot_boarding_positions": [ { "designator": "Pilot Area Alpha", "coordinates_or_verbose": "Lt buoy C (32°35′65N 79°32′27W)", "vessel_particular_constraints": "For vessels restricted by draught, as directed" }, { "designator": "Pilot Area Bravo", "coordinates_or_verbose": "Lt buoy 2 (32°36′62N 79°34′30W)", "vessel_particular_constraints": "For vessels of deeper draught, as directed" }, { "designator": "Pilot Area Charlie", "coordinates_or_verbose": "Lt buoy 6 (32°39′36N 79°40′04W)", "vessel_particular_constraints": "For vessels of lesser draught, as directed" } ], "leftover_text_notes": [ "Pilotage is available H24 subject to tides.", "Pilotage is optional for coastal vessels that have on board a Pilot licensed by the Federal Government.", "Vessel's agents should fax orders directly to the Pilot Office." ] } } ] }, "widget_2_vts": { "cross_reference_redirect": null, "area_groups": [ { "area_name": "Charleston Harbor", "vts_boundaries": { "description": null, "coordinates": [] }, "contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Berthing Office", "vhf_primary_watch": "16", "vhf_secondary_working": "14", "telephones": [ "+1 843 5778659 (H24)" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Port", "vhf_primary_watch": "16;13;14;18A", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+1 843 5778659" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [ "www.scspa.com" ], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Weather Station", "vhf_primary_watch": "39", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "Marine Operator", "vhf_primary_watch": "26", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "Port Authority", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+1 843 7238651" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "Mandatory for all vessels over 300 gt", "general_rules": [ "Anchored vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Chs 13 and 16." ] }, "reporting_lines_and_points": [], "reporting_requirements": [] } ] }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [ { "provider_name": "MCALLISTER TOWING", "vhf_channels": [ "Ch 07A" ], "telephones": [ "+1 843 5776449" ], "emails": [ "charleston@mcallistertowing.com" ] }, { "provider_name": "MORAN TOWING", "vhf_channels": [ "Ch 19A" ], "telephones": [ "+1 843 5293000" ], "emails": [ "charleston@mcallistertowing.com" ] } ], "availability_hours": null, "notes": [] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": "Berthing Office", "vhf_primary_watch": "16;14", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+1 843 5778659" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Port", "vhf_primary_watch": "16;13;14;18A", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+1 843 5778659" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [ "www.scspa.com" ], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Weather Station", "vhf_primary_watch": "39", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "Marine Operator", "vhf_primary_watch": "26", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "Port Authority", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+1 843 7238651" ], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null } ], "standalone_general_notes": [ "PILOTS CONTACT DETAILS: Charleston Branch Pilots Association VHF Channel: Ch 13 16 18A; 11 14 Telephone: +1 843 5776695 Fax: +1 843 5770632 E-mail: dispatcher@charlestonpilots.com Website: www.charlestonpilots.com HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and for US vessels under register in foreign trade. (2) Pilotage is available H24 subject to tides. (3) Pilotage is optional for coastal vessels that have on board a Pilot licensed by the Federal Government. (4) Vessel's agents should fax orders directly to the Pilot Office. (5) Notice of ETA: Vessels should send ETA 48h, 24h and 12h in advance. Changes in ETA should be notified as soon as possible. (6) Vessels should call the Pilot Office on VHF Ch 16, 3h before arrival at Lt buoy C. (7) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Pilot Area Alpha: For vessels restricted by draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy C (32°35′65N 79°32′27W) (b) Pilot Area Bravo: For vessels of deeper draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy 2 (32°36′62N 79°34′30W) (c) Pilot Area Charlie: For vessels of lesser draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy 6 (32°39′36N 79°40′04W) SECURITY-BROADCAST SYSTEM PROCEDURE: (1) Vessels should make a general call, prefixed by the safety signal, on VHF Ch 13 as follows: (a) Vessels inward-bound (if intending to transit the Cooper River upstream of the bridge spanning Hog I Reach): On entering Mount Pleasant Range (b) Vessels westward-bound entering Charleston Harbor from the Intracoastal Waterway: 15 mins before entering the harbour or on clearing Ben Sawyer Bridge (32°46′30N 79°50′50W) (c) Vessels approaching Drum Island Turn: 15 mins in advance (d) Deep draught vessels intending to transit North Charleston and Filbin Creek Reaches: 15 mins in advance (e) Vessels outward-bound from a berth above bridge spanning Hog I Reach: On leaving the berth (2) Anchored vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Chs 13 and 16. PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Berthing Office Call: KPC636 VHF Channel: Ch 16; 14 Telephone: +1 843 5778659 (H24) Port VHF Channel: Ch 16; 13 14 18A Hr Mr Telephone: +1 843 5778659 Weather Station VHF Channel: Ch 39 Marine Operator VHF Channel: Ch 26 Port Authority Telephone: +1 843 7238651 Website: www.scspa.com HOURS: H24 TUGS (MCALLISTER TOWING) CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Channel: Ch 07A Telephone: +1 843 5776449 E-mail: charleston@mcallistertowing.com Website: www.mcallistertowing.com TUGS (MORAN TOWING) CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Channel: Ch 19A Telephone: +1 843 5293000 Website: www.morantug.com" ] ] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS CONTACT DETAILS: Charleston Branch Pilots Association VHF Channel: Ch 13 16 18A; 11 14 Telephone: +1 843 5776695 Fax: +1 843 5770632 E-mail: dispatcher@charlestonpilots.com Website: www.charlestonpilots.com HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and for US vessels under register in foreign trade. (2) Pilotage is available H24 subject to tides. (3) Pilotage is optional for coastal vessels that have on board a Pilot licensed by the Federal Government. (4) Vessel's agents should fax orders directly to the Pilot Office. (5) Notice of ETA: Vessels should send ETA 48h, 24h and 12h in advance. Changes in ETA should be notified as soon as possible. (6) Vessels should call the Pilot Office on VHF Ch 16, 3h before arrival at Lt buoy C. (7) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Pilot Area Alpha: For vessels restricted by draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy C (32°35·65N 79°32·27W) (b) Pilot Area Bravo: For vessels of deeper draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy 2 (32°36·62N 79°34·30W) (c) Pilot Area Charlie: For vessels of lesser draught, as directed: In the vicinity of Lt buoy 6 (32°39·36N 79°40·04W) ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ SECURITY-BROADCAST SYSTEM PROCEDURE: (1) Vessels should make a general call, prefixed by the safety signal, on VHF Ch 13 as follows: (a) Vessels inward-bound (if intending to transit the Cooper River upstream of the bridge spanning Hog I Reach): On entering Mount Pleasant Range (b) Vessels westward-bound entering Charleston Harbor from the Intracoastal Waterway: 15 mins before entering the harbour or on clearing Ben Sawyer Bridge (32°46·30N 79°50·50W) (c) Vessels approaching Drum Island Turn: 15 mins in advance (d) Deep draught vessels intending to transit North Charleston and Filbin Creek Reaches: 15 mins in advance (e) Vessels outward-bound from a berth above bridge spanning Hog I Reach: On leaving the berth (2) Anchored vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Chs 13 and 16. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Berthing Office Call: KPC636 VHF Channel: Ch 16; 14 Telephone: +1 843 5778659 (H24) Port VHF Channel: Ch 16; 13 14 18A Hr Mr Telephone: +1 843 5778659 Weather Station VHF Channel: Ch 39 Marine Operator VHF Channel: Ch 26 Port Authority Telephone: +1 843 7238651 Website: www.scspa.com HOURS: H24 ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ TUGS (MCALLISTER TOWING) CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Channel: Ch 07A Telephone: +1 843 5776449 Fax: +1 843 5774768 E-mail: charleston@mcallistertowing.com Website: www.mcallistertowing.com ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ TUGS (MORAN TOWING) CONTACT DETAILS: VHF Channel: Ch 19A Telephone: +1 843 5293000 Fax: +1 843 5293030 Website: www.morantug.com ________________________________________________________________________________ " }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 52/24 NOAA Publication United States Coast Pilot 4 Atlantic Coast: Cape Henry, Virginia to Key West, Florida 56th Edition 2024, (RSDRA2024000339742), 52/24

..... Berthing Office: VHF Ch: 16, 14. Call: "KPC636" Tel: +1 843 5778659 (24 hours). Port/Berthing Office: VHF Ch: 13, 14, 16, 18A. (24 hours) Harbour Master: Tel: +1 843 577 8659 Port authority: Tel: +1 843 723 8651 Website: http://www.port-of-charleston.com Weather Station: VHF Ch: 39. Marine Operator: VHF Ch: 26 Tugs: VHF Ch: 07A, 17A and 74. Tugs, Moran Towing: VHF Ch: 19A

The port has Customs and Immigration staff, departments and facilities.

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.

Send ETA to the South Carolina State Authority (SCSPA) Harbour Master's office. Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.

Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

No action initiated unless there is illness onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.