General
GENERAL (See Plan)
GEO-POLITICAL:
Capital City: The Settlement.
Nationality: (noun) Christmas Islander, (adjective) Christmas Island.
Population: 1,402.
COMMUNICATIONS:
International Direct Dial Code: 61-8.
Number of Internal Airports: 1.
Major Languages Spoken: English (official), Chinese, Malay.
ECONOMY:
Currency: 1 Australian Dollar (AUD) of 100 Cents.
Exchange: (as of March 2010)
US$ 1.00 ␦ AUD 1.09
AUD 1.00 ␦ US$ 0.92
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Tourism and phosphate extraction ().
ENVIRONMENT:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Contiguous Zone: 12 n.m.
Exclusive Fishing Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 139 km.
Climate: Tropical with a wet season (December to April) and dry season;
heat and humidity moderated by trade winds.
Natural Resources: Phosphate and beaches.
Natural Hazards: The narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be
a maritime hazard.
Terrain: Steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau.
FLYING FISH COVE: 10␥ 25' S 105␥ 40' E (See Plan)
OVERVIEW: Open roadstead port handles bulk phosphates, containers,
general cargo and tankers.
LOCATION: On the northern coast of Christmas Island.
CHARTS: AUS Charts No. 608 and 941A.
PORT LIMITS: The area of sea in and adjacent to Flying Fish Cove in
the Territory of Christmas Island enclosed by a line commencing at a point
where a line bearing 270␥(T) from the flagstaff at Government House
intersects the coastline of Christmas Island at MHW thence 270␥(T) for a
distance of 1.07 n.m. thence 360␥(T) for a distance of 1.07 n.m. thence SE
by a straight line to Rocky Point thence generally SW along the coastline of
Christmas Island at MHW to the point of commencement.
DOCUMENTS:
Certificate of Registry
2 Crew Lists
Load Line Certificate
2 Manifests
Maritime Declaration of Health
2 Passenger Lists
Port Clearance.
On arrival at the Island, all usual customs formalities must be observed.
Immigration Officers will board to clear vessel inward. Until the vessel has
been cleared, crew members and passengers must not go ashore.
Certificates: Register of Cargo Gear and Test Certificates.
Also see ‘‘Documents’’ before first Australia port.
ISPS COMPLIANCE: Port is not compliant.
MAX. SIZE: 35,000 S.d.w.t., LOA 192 m., beam 28.0 m.
DENSITY: 1023.
RESTRICTIONS: Pilotage is daylight hours only. Night-time pilotage is
only in cases of emergency.
APPROACHES: On receipt of radioed advice, arrangements should be
made to arrive at the boarding position, i.e. one mile west of Smith Point, at
the appointed time. On arrival, the way should be taken off the ship and the
engines stopped, as, when the weather permits, the mooring gear is also
loaded at this position.
PILOTAGE: Compulsory for all vessels over 150 g.t. All vessels requiring
a Pilot should contact the Port Authority or local Agent, at least 48 hours prior
to arrival. This however does not guarantee berthing on arrival. Pilot boarding
ground is 1 mile west of Smith Point. Pilot ladder to be rigged on starboard
side about 1.5 m. above waterline. To assist the Pilot boarding vessel to
provide a suitable lee and maintain a minimum dead slow ahead speed.
Pilotage of vessels carrying in excess of 20,000 tonnes of cargo and or
ballast must seek Port Authority advice before acceptance of pilotage. This
is due to the manoeuvrability of vessels of this deadweight.
Vessels must not close the moorings nearer than one mile until such time
as the Harbour Master, or his Assistant, boards to supervise securing to the
mooring system. All Harbour Masters are qualified Master Mariners and will
render pilotage assistance.
ANCHORAGES: No anchorage is available at Christmas Island, the depth
of water being too great. Vessels unable to moor due to adverse weather,
berth occupancy or late arrival, usually heave to off the port and return by
daylight next morning, or when advised to do so by the Harbour Master.
PRATIQUE: Quarantine: All vessels must display yellow quarantine flag
prior to entering territorial waters and no person is allowed to board or
disembark the vessel without permission from a Quarantine Officer until the
vessel has undergone formal quarantine clearance. These requirements
apply to vessels arriving from mainland Australia as well as to vessels arriving
from overseas ports.
All vessels of LOA greater than 25 m. are required to submit a Quarantine
Pre-Arrival Report (QPAR) detailing particulars of the vessel, voyage, health
status and ballast water management. The ballast water details must also
be documented using two other forms (the uptake/discharge Log and
Treatment/Exchange Log). The two ballast forms must be filled out along
with the QPAR but only the QPAR needs to be sent to quarantine prior to
arrival. The ballast forms must be made available to the inspecting Quarantine
Officer for verification along with the ship’s log books and charts.
See guidelines for compiling and submitting information (page x)
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
All forms may be downloaded either in word or PDF format from the
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service’s website at
Web: www.affa.gov.au/content/forms
Vessels under LOA 25 m. do not need to comply with above. Port users
should also note that Island law restricts the importation of cats and dogs to
the island. Any vessel with such animals will be required to keep them bonded
on board. Further information on quarantine requirements can be obtained.
Tel: +61 (8) 9164 7456. Fax: +61 (8)
9164 7468 Email: christmas.island@aqis.gov.au
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: ETA Advice: All vessels should
contact Customs prior to arrival on VHF Channel 16 to arrange a suitable
time for inspection. Vessels arriving at night are requested to advise
Police/Customs of their arrival at 0800 hrs. the following morning.
The following details are to be provided:
a) name of vessel
b) number of people on board
c) last port of call
d) any illness
e) any animals on board
f) nationality.
Vessels calling Christmas Island are subject to full Australian Immigration
requirements and all appropriate documentation should be made available
to Customs officer.
This includes:
a) passports/visa
b) incoming/outgoing Immigration cards
c) port clearance
d) firearm/drug clearance
e) Cash Transaction Report Agency (CTRA) declaration (carrying more
than A$ 10,000 cash).
The telegraphic address is ‘‘CIPHOS, Christmas Island’’. On sailing from
the previous port, ETA should be radioed to the Harbour Master. 48 hours
before arrival, a confirmation of ETA should be sent.
Ships in Port: In conformity with international regulations, no radio
transmissions are allowed by vessels whilst berthed at Christmas Island. Any
telegrams requiring dispatch must be lodged at the Post Office for
transmission. Post Office hours are 0800 – 1200 and 1300 – 1500, Monday to
Friday only.
VHF: The Marine Office is equipped with VHF and may be called on
Channel 16 from 0000 – 0900 hrs. (GMT) (0700 – 1600 local time), Monday to
Friday, weekends by arrangement only.
Call sign is ‘‘Christmas Island Marine’’.
TUGS: None.
BERTHS: Norris Point (Nui Nui) Berth: Located on the eastern side
of the Island, for use in monsoon season. No mooring facilities at this berth.
A tower crane is used to handle cargo from barges used in lighterage
operation from vessels. Yacht access is limited, particularly between
November and May where there is a heavy swell. There are five heavy-duty
yacht facilities in depth 30.0 m.
Also see ‘‘Bulk Facilities’’, ‘‘Tanker Facilities’’ and ‘‘Cargo Handling
Facilities’’.
MOORING: All mooring lines to be at least 200 m. length and 52 mm.
diameter. If there is doubt about the condition, size or length of ship’s ropes,
the Harbour Master should be requested, by telegram, 24 hours before arrival,
to supply extra shore ropes.
Bulk Rock Phosphate Berth: Normally berth starboard side to. Minimum
lines required 3 forward and 3 aft. To be made ready prior to berthing.
General Cargo Berth: Normally berth port side to. Minimum lines required
3 lines forward and 5 lines aft. To be made ready prior to berthing.
Tanker Berth (Smith Point): Normally berth starboard side to. Minimum
lines required 3 forward and 3 aft. To be made ready prior to berthing. Two
mooring barges (6 tonnes BP) available to run mooring lines and to assist
with manoeuvring the vessel. At least two mooring supervisors from the port
will be placed fore and aft to assist crew with mooring operation.
BULK FACILITIES:
Vessels Loading Bulk Phosphate: Loading Plant: Bulk phosphate is
loaded by two cantilever arms. When the ship is moored in the loading
position, the arms are swung over the appropriate hatches and the cargo
poured directly into the holds. The capacity of each arm is 1,500 tonnes/hr.;
i.e. 3,000 tonnes/hr. overall loading rate.
Ballast: Vessels should arrive with sufficient ballast to allow them to be
handled without tugs in a strong breeze. However, on ships loading bulk
phosphate, the amount of ballast should be restricted to the amount that can
be discharged comfortably whilst loading. The bottom of the loading chute,
when fully raised, is 16 m. above MHWS.
The Loading Berth: The bulk loading plant is served by a system of outer
and inner buoys. Initially, a vessel is secured to the outer buoys, which are
anchored in very deep water and then breasted to an inner buoy system
(Inner Berth).
Preparation before Arrival:
i. The forecastle head should be left as clear as possible of chain,
lashings, etc., so that all pipes, fairleads and bitts are available for
use.
ii. The derricks or cranes at No. 1 and at the aftermost hatch should be
ready for loading cantilever mooring gear. At the other hatches, all
derricks should be hoisted and swung over to the port side so that
derricks, guys, preventers and runners are well clear of the hatchway.
Hatches should be open before the Pilot boards ready for immediate
loading once the ship is secured in the berth. It is essential that all
lower holds are clean and free of dunnage on arrival. Hatch beams
need not be removed.
iii. If general cargo is to be discharged, a good boat rope should be
rigged on both sides for the full length of the vessel going well forward
and well aft with ‘‘stirrups’’ abreast of the ends of each hatchway.
iv. Any jumper stay, mast stay, or wireless aerial that obstructs a hatch
should be free and ready for releasing.
v. The pilot ladder should be rigged on the starboard side sufficiently far
forward to be on the flat side of the vessel clear of the overhang of
the hull aft. The bottom rung should be one metre above the water.
vi. All discharges or scuppers in the vicinity of cargo boats, pilot ladders
or gangways, must be effectively screened or blocked off.
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CHRISTMAS ISLAND
vii. As the loading rate is high (approximately 3,000 tonnes/hr.) vessels
should endeavour to arrange the discharge of water ballast so that
loading can be completed without interruption. However, the vessel
should not arrive trimmed excessively by the stern as this could make
it extremely difficult to handle in the prevailing fresh SE breeze.
viii. All derricks, hatch boards, and beams will be handled by ship’s crew
only.
ix. Mooring winches aft and windlass forward should have power on
ready for shore labour to handle mooring ropes.
Questionnaire: To facilitate loading the vessel, the questionnaire should be
completed and forwarded to the Corporation’s General Manager on arrival.
M.V.
S.S.
Off.
The General Manager,
Phosphate Mining Corporation of Christmas Island,
CHRISTMAS ISLAND,
INDIAN OCEAN.
Dear Sir,
I acknowledge receipt of your brochure giving information in connection with
mooring and loading at Christmas Island, which I have carefully noted.
The following are the particulars of this ship:
Call Sign
Tonnage – Gross Net
Tonnage Summer Displacement
Length Breadth Depth
Size of Panama Lead – if fitted
Size of Chain Cable
Weight of Anchors
Last Port of Departure
Date of Sailing
Quantity of Phosphate required for full Cargo this Voyage
tonnes
Number of Hatches into which Phosphate will be Loaded
Quantity to be Loaded into each Hatch
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5
No. 6
Spare Cabins Available
Additional Cabins which can be made Available if required
Number of Berths in additional Cabins
Total number of Passengers who can be taken
Quantity of Fuel on board on Arrival
Service Speed
Daily Fuel Consumption Steaming
Drifting
MASTER
Stowage Factor: The free pour stowage factor of Christmas Island phosphate
is 0.75 – 0.84 cu.m./tonne in bulk carriers. The angle of repose is about 35␥.
Weighing Machine: A weighing machine is installed at the loading plant but
it must only be used as a guide to the quantity loaded and scale figures
should be checked against the vessel’s draft.
Draft gauges are supplied from shore and fitted to ship’s side to assist with
draft readings.
Loading will be stopped at any quantity desired short of the final figure to
allow the draft to be determined and alterations made to end hatch figures
for adjusting the vessel’s trim.
Loading Distribution Plan: A loading distribution plan should be made up, to
be presented to the Loading Master on arrival.
Fastest overall loading time will be achieved if amounts can be more or
less evenly distributed between the two loading arms.
It is recommended that planned loading allows a balance of
500/1,000 tonnes for trimming after draft survey. No draft surveys are carried
out by shore personnel. The ship must carry out its own draft survey and
call for additional cargo required to make up Bill of Lading or Manifest quantity
as per charter party.
Vessels Loading Bagged Phosphate Dust: The Loading Plant:
Bagged phosphate dust is loaded by ship’s gear. The bags, stowed on
cloverleaf slings, are brought alongside by powered barges, hoisted inboard
and block stowed in the hold. The net weight on each sling is 2 tonnes.
Ballast: Ships loading bagged dust should, to expedite loading, retain all their
ballast until approximately half the cargo is on board.
The Loading Berth: Bagged phosphate is usually loaded at B2 mooring. Here
the vessel is moored between two buoys, the bow to the main mooring and
the stern to a buoy further inshore.
Preparation before Arrival:
i) The derricks should be raised and ready to work. Weather permitting,
two hatches should be open and ready to commence loading with
two gangs immediately upon arrival.
ii) A good boat rope should be rigged on both sides of the vessel going
well forward and well aft with supporting stirrups abreast of the ends
of each hatchway.
iii) Two heavy mooring ropes should be ready forward to run from either
bow to the buoy. In addition to the head mooring lines, two good
mooring ropes should be available aft. These ropes should be
positioned so that they can be run from either quarter.
iv) All ropes should be at least 200 m. long. If there is doubt about the
condition or length of the ship’s ropes, the Harbour Master should be
requested by telegram 24 hours before arrival to supply extra shore
ropes.
v) The pilot ladder should be rigged on the starboard side sufficiently far
forward to be on the flat side of the vessel clear of the overhang of
the hull aft. The bottom rung should be one metre above the water.
Manropes must be fitted.
vi) All discharges or scuppers in the vicinity of cargo boats, pilot ladders
or gangways must be effectively screened or blocked off.
vii) All derricks, hatch boards and beams will be handled by ship’s crew
only.
Stowage Factor: Bagged dust stows at approximately 45 cu.ft. per ton
(1.25 cu.m./tonne).
744
Flying Fish Cove
Bill of Lading Tonnage: Loading will be stopped at any quantity desired short
of the final figure to allow the draft to be determined and alterations made
to end hatch figures for adjusting the vessel’s trim.
TANKER FACILITIES: Tanker berth is situated at Smit Point 1 n.m.
north of Margaret Beaches. Due to prevailing weather conditions vessels will
berth starboard side to. Cargo is loaded or discharged through either 6 in.
or 8 in. floating hoses, vessels to have suitable crane or derrick to handle
these hoses. Port will not accept responsibility for hose connection failure.
Also see ‘‘Mooring’’.
CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES: General Cargo Berth: Vessels
will normally sit approximately 10 m. seaward of the shore crane’s centre.
The crane boom length is 40 m. and at its radius it can lift 13.1 tonnes. The
Port Authority should be consulted if cargo to be handled in excess of the
above limitations.
STEVEDORES: Supplied by Agents. Working hours 12 hours per day.
Cargo Gear: To comply with requirements of the Australian Navigation Act,
1912-58.
BALLAST: See ‘‘Pratique’’ and ‘‘Bulk Facilities’’.
POLLUTION: Whilst the vessel is in port the disposal of garbage
overboard is prohibited.
MEDICAL: Available through Indian Ocean Territories who offer a wide
range of medical and ancillary health services. Hospital is well equipped and
offers outpatient GP service and 24-hour emergency care. Contact Indian
Ocean Health Services. Tel: +61 (8) 9164 8333, 9164 8338.
FRESH WATER: In an emergency, a limited quantity of fresh water may
be obtained. Requirements should be advised by radio the day prior to arrival
and confirmed with the Harbour Master when he boards.
Sufficient water should be carried to allow for a prolonged period of drifting
off the Island in unfavourable weather conditions.
FUEL: Available at Smith Point. Contact Gaseng Petroleum Pty. Tel: +61 (8)
9164 8313. Fax: +61 (8) 9164 8460. Email: gasengci@pulau.cx
Also see ‘‘Mooring’’ and ‘‘Tanker Facilities’’.
STORING: See ‘‘Storing’’ on page xiv.
1. The Island is stored purely for local needs with limited quantities and
range of supplies. It would therefore only be in cases of extreme
emergency that stores would be supplied to ships.
2. In such cases vessels would be stored by barge, and this would take
place at any convenient time prior to or during loading.
3. Not applicable as moorings are off shore.
4. Forklifts are available to assist in loading stores.
5. There are no Customs regulations or requirements pertaining to the
loading of ship’s stores.
6. Local labour is available to load stores onto ships.
DRY DOCK: See ‘‘Cirebon’’.
REPAIRS: No facilities exist. Engine and machinery repairs are only
permitted with written consent from Port Authority.
SURVEYORS: The Harbour Master or his assistant in his capacity as
Lloyd’s Agent. There are no authorised hull surveyors.
POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE: Police Tel: 444. Ambulance Tel: 333.
Fire Tel: 222.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE: The nearest Co-ordination
Centre is the Coastal Surveillance Centre, Canberra. Tel: Canberra 476666.
Cables: ‘‘Marineops’’ Canberra.
REGULATIONS: The importation of animals and poultry into Christmas
Island is subject to strict control. No animals or poultry may be imported into
Christmas Island without a permit from the Administrator; therefore animals
or poultry must not be accepted on board a ship for carriage to the Island
unless the following documents are produced:
a) a permit from the Administrator
b) a Certificate of Health and Declaration by Owners on Form
B301 signed by a Government Veterinary Surgeon and Quarantine
Officer (Animal)
c) a Certificate of Stock signed by an Inspector of Stock
d) a permit to embark animals on overseas vessels signed by a
Quarantine Officer (Animal).
Main Engines and Deck Machinery: It is imperative for the vessel’s
safety that the main engines are ready for proceeding to sea at all times, as
occasionally sharp squalls set in which make it necessary for the ship to
proceed offshore at very short notice.
When the vessel is moored, the engines must not be used except for
proceeding to sea. This also applies to moving engines for testing, for which
the prior permission of the Harbour Master must be obtained.
Power must be kept on the windlass and all winches the whole time the
vessel is in port. It is particularly important that the windlass and aft mooring
winch are in first class order.
TIME: GMT plus 7 hours throughout the year.
HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day; 26 January (Australia Day); Hari Raya Haji;
Chinese New Year (two days); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Queen’s
Birthday; 1 October (Territory Day); Hari Raya Puasa; 25 December
(Christmas Day); 26 December (Boxing Day).
No work performed on New Year’s Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday,
1st day of Chinese New Year and Christmas Day.
WEATHER/TIDES: The weather and sea conditions are subject to rapid
change, irrespective of season. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from
Port Authority prior to arrival. Vigilant weather watch is to be maintained and
local Met updates are available. Tel: +61 (8) 9164 7463.
Whilst shore labour is on board, a Harbour Master is on duty. He will advise
if the weather conditions necessitate taking the vessel to sea and will
supervise the unmooring operations. However, when the ship is moored, but
idle, sea watches must be kept. Should the wind blow onshore at Force 3 or
more, or the vessel’s movements place undue strain on the moorings, the
ship must be taken to sea at once.
CONSULS: Administrator’s Office performs some consular functions.
TELEPHONES: Placed aboard when required by Port Authorities. No
charge.
NEAREST AIRPORT: Christmas Island Domestic Airport, 5 km. Weekly
flights from Perth and Singapore.
BANKS: West Pac.
Readers are encouraged to send updates and additions (page x)
Flying Fish Cove CHRISTMAS ISLAND
CUSTOMS: The importation of firearms, ammunition and explosives into
Christmas Island is prohibited unless vessel has permit to do so. All declared
firearms, ammunition and explosives will be impounded by police for the
duration of the visit and returned on departure.
Master are requested to prevent crew from selling or supplying liquors or
other goods to any person on the Island. Breaches of the Liquor and Trading
Laws render offenders liable to heavy penalties.
Also see ‘‘Regulations’’.
SHORE LEAVE: Shore leave is, in normal weather, at the discretion of
the Master and shall expire at 1700 hrs. local time. When the weather is
doubtful the Harbour Master may prohibit shore leave altogether.
REPATRIATION: Only for medical emergencies.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Not required.
AUTHORITY: Christmas Island Port, PO Box 445, Christmas Island
6798, Christmas Island. Tel: +61 (8) 9164 8434. FAX: +61 (8) 9164 8435.
Email: westernci@pulau.cx Contact: Andrew Butterworth, Harbour Master.

See guidelines for compiling and submitting information (page x) 745