Kotzebue (USOTZ)

Kotzebue is a medium sized port.

North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

Kotzebue is located 880km NW of Anchorage on E side of Kotzebue Sound on E side of Bering Strait.

LOA 45.72m, beam 15.24m, 450DWT.

Sea going vessels anchor as close as possible to Kotzebue to lighter cargo ashore. The usual anchorage is from 3-6nm SW of Cape Blossom, in depths from 9.0-11.0m, where there is protection from N and E winds. The anchorage should be approached from W. The distance by boat from the anchorage to Kotzebue is approx 15nm over many sand bars which are constantly shifting. Early in the navigation season anchorage has been obtained 13nm WSW of Kotzebue, in a depth of 11.0m, with Kotzebue Aero Light bearing 078°, some horn-shaped aerials 4nm SSW of the light bearing 121°. Vessels using this anchorage may however, run the risk of damage by ice during W winds.

BA 4814. Admiralty Pilot NP23, NP286(5).

US Coast Guard opened its seasonal forward operating location in Kotzebue (07/12) in preparation for the anticipated increase of maritime activities in Western Alaska and the Bering Strait. FOL Kotzebue, part of Coast Guard Arctic Shield 2013, will consist of one Kodiak-based MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter with supporting air and ground crews, and will be based out of the Alaska Army National Guard Hangar in Kotzebue.

Compulsory, it is advisable for exempted vessels, small craft and boats proceeding into Kotzebue to take a pilot.

For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.

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.

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