Port Vila (VUVLI)

Port Vila is the principal port of the Republic of Vanuatu, which consists of 13 large and approx 70 smaller islands in the Pacific Ocean. Port Vila is made up of 3 bays; Outer Bay, Pontoon Bay and Paray Bay. Paray Bay is deep, has a government marine workshop quay and a fuel depot. While the harbour affords good shelter for all vessels, except in W'ly wind and cyclones, swinging room may be restricted if many other vessel are in the harbour. Facilities for all types of cargo are available, with the major export being copra.

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

Port Vila is situated on Efate Island.

Max draught 10.5m

Approx 133 vessels handled annually.

When a large vessel has to await berth or tide the Master should anchor in the Outer bay, N of the leads and approx 1,200m from the lower lead or as directed by the Harbour Master. The position should be well clear of the passage taken by vessels leaving Pontoon Bay. Smaller vessels anchor further inshore and N of the leads. Anchoring is prohibited in the vicinity of a submarine pipeline, which crosses the entrance to Paray Bay between Burns Philp' Wharf on the main island, and Government Jetty on Reriki, 0.175nm SW.

Vessels approach and enter the harbour between Malapoa Point (17°44'S 168° 18'E) and the N end of Efila Island 0.5nm S with the sector lights, in line, bearing approx 078°. This line leads between the two flashing entrance buoys marking the channel into the harbour. Depth in the channel is approx 11.0m.

BA 1493, 1494. Admiralty Pilot NP61, NP286(4).

1025.

Compulsory for vessels over 60m in length within the port limits. Pilot boards 2nm W of the fairway buoy on the line of the leading lights. Pilot launch displays, by day, the "H" flag and by night, a red flashing light. Requests for a pilot should be addressed to "Harbour Master Vila", or advise through agent.

The port limits are a line drawn between Pango Point and Devils Point.

No services will be provided between 2300hrs and 0500hrs unless in emergency or by prior arrangement. Vessels are berthed during daylight hours only, except at the Main wharf, where berthing, day or night, may be performed on request. Vertical clearances: An overhead power cable with a vertical clearance of 27m, spans the entrance to Paray Bay. There is also an overhead power cable with a vertical clearance of 12m. It spans Talimoru Passage which lies between Tatavai Point, SE extremity of Ifira, and Worowloa Point, 0.1nm SSW, on the W side of Pontoon Bay. Speed in the harbour, within the entrance buoys, is limited to 5kts.

Range 0.6m to max 1.5m. The ingoing stream sets through the harbour entrance, round the E side of Iririki Island and out S of Efila Island. The outgoing ebb stream sets in the opposite direction.

Available.

The harbour affords excellent shelter except in W winds and hurricanes. Prevailing winds: E'ly to SE'ly. Hurricane season: Nov-Apr.

PORT VILA, EFATЙ ISLAND 17°44.51'S 168°18.83'E UNCTAD LOCODE: VU VLI ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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All radio messages go via Perth Radio, the local telephone company close down their cable service from Sat 1100hrs to Mon 0800hrs, plus holidays. If possible, communicate with local agent via Inmarsat. VHF: "Port Vila Port Control": Ch 16. A watch is kept from 0600-1830hrs. Pilots: Ch 16, Watch hours 0730-1130hrs and 1315-1630hrs. Contact is normally made 2 hours prior to arrival. Ifira Wharf & Stevedoring: Email: gm@ifira.com.vu / opsuper@ifra.com.vu

No restriction on allowances for officers and crew. No drugs. No Immigration procedures, except for signing on/off crew or passengers. No restrictions for crew or passengers.

..... Copies 1. Crew List 2 2. Passenger List 2 3. Stores List 2 4. Firearms List 2 5. Drug List 2 6. Animal List 2 7. Arrival Declaration * 1 8. Quarantine Declaration * 1 * Special form, delivered by agent. If vessel calls at more than one Vanuatu port, an additional copy of each of above documents to be supplied. The documents are checked by Customs (who also act for Immigration) and Plant Quarantine.

Required, if possible, 7 days, 2 days and 1 day prior to arrival. ..... 1. Last port of call 2. Number and health status of crew 3. Request for fresh water 4. Number of gangs 5. Other relevant information. Request for services should be sent to local agent who will inform all other parties concerned. Pilots should be advised of ETA at boarding point 24 hours in advance. The pilots will monitor the VHF channel 2 hour prior to ETA for an update and confirmation of unhindered arrival at the boarding point.

Only normal Interco flags required. If not complying a warning will be given.

Pre booked passenger/cruise vessels get priority for berthing, followed by regular scheduled cargo vessel, copra vessels and finally Navy vessels.

Pratique is applied for automatically by local agent, upon receipt of first ETA. There is no need for vessels to apply. There are no special health regulations. Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Exemption Certificates can be renewed, but at least 2 working days notice, prior to arrival, is required.

NOR usually tendered at vessel's clearance, but back dated to the time of the pilot boarding.