Chart no 2691 Approaches to Mkoani harbour General Information: Position and function: Mkoani(05°21.55S,39°38.52E) is the smallest of the three main towns on the island of Pemba. It is the islands principal port and the disembarkation port for all passengers from Zanzibar Island and the mainland. Port limits: Comprise an area bounded by a line drawn between the following North Ras Domoni 05°19.50 S,39°39.00 E Fairway light buoy 05°20.07S,39°36.61E Kwata 05°22.06S,39°34.94E Makongwe Island 05°22.60S,39°37.00E Approach and entry; Approach is from W, between the reefs surrounding Kwata (05°22.06S,39°34.94E) and Mesali Island, 7 ½ Miles NNE; entry is via Mkoani Channel. Port authority; Zanzibar ports Corporation,Mizinigani Road PO Box 263, Zanzibar. Phone +255 242232857 Fax +255 242232859 Email-zpc@moic-rgpz.com Limiting Conditions; Controlling depth: A minimum depth of 5.7 m exists on the approach of the jetty. Caution: Vesels operating in the Channel during low water should exercise caution for a shallow patch at south of the channel around 7 cables North West of the Jetty in 05°21.14 S,39°37.82 E Tidal Levels: Mean spring range about 3.3 m; mean neap range about 1.1 m. However the maximum range of tide observed in the area is 4m. Maximum size of vessel handled; The port has been designed to handle vessels up to 6000dwt. Maximum draught permitted is 5 m. Arrival Information: Port operations: Lighterage is not available. Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory and pilot boards at ¾ mile (05°19.8 S,39°36.1 E) NW of outer port hand buoy. Request for pilot is to be conveyed in advance to the harbour master’s office at Zanzibar on VHF Channel13/16 and on phone +255777418173. Pilot is available only in the day. Tugs: There is one tug of 250 HP available only during the day time at Mkoani harbour. Communication is on radio VHF channel 13. Harbour: General layout: A single jetty has a berth on each side. A pier of similar length extends from the shore on the N side of the jetty. Current: In the anchorage the current is N-going during the SE monsoon and S-going during the NE monsoon; the rate is less than 1 kn all the time. Tidal streams: Attain maximum rate of less than 1kn; at outer anchorage, E-going on the rising tide and W-going on the falling tide. Nearer to Mkoani Harbour, S-going on the rising tide and NW-going on the falling tide. Landmarks: Mobile tower (05°21.70 S, 39°38.93 E) Water tank (05°21.76 S, 39°39.26 E) Mobile tower (05°21.69 S, 39°39.02 E) Entrance Channels: The entrance of the channel is well demarcated with three channel buoys and four cylindrical buoys. Shallow patches and coral reefs exist on either side of the channel. Vessels operating in the Mkoani Channel during low water should exercise caution for a shallow patch at south of the channel around 7 cables North West of the Jetty. The Leading lights (transit bout 128°) are not to be used. Berths: Anchorage: About 2 ½ cables NW of the jetty head in depths of 12m, sand. There is only space for one vessel in that location and when occupied, in obstructs the approach to the jetty; it is also slightly exposed to winds from N and NW. Outer anchorage;Vessels can anchor S of Mesali Island. West of outer port hand buoy at a range 1 mile upto 40 m depth. Vessels may also obtain good anchorage in 20 m depth North of North Easterly from MatumbiMakubwa light at a range of 4 mile. Alongside: Mkoani has a single concrete jetty, with a berth on each side: main berths length,S side, 115 m: N side100 m. The jetty is reported to be able to handle vessels of up to 4000dwt and 10 m draught. The jetty is about 5.9 m above chart datum and is connected to the shore by a double lane causeway 340m in length. A pier,340 m in length, to N of the jetty, can be used by boats at certain states of the tide; it covers completely at HW springs and dries out at LW springs. Deepest and longest berth. Southern side of the jetty (length 120 m and depth 9 m). However only 100 m length of the berth is available for vessels. Port services: Other facilities: Hospital