General BENIN

GENERAL (See Plan) available and in order of arrival. As well as two tanker berths there is loading
berth for bulk palm-oil, one waiting berth at harbour entrance, and four quays
with warehouses for import/export traffic.
GEO-POLITICAL: New Quay: Length 660 m. Depth alongside 11.0 m. Two conventional
Capital City: Porto Novo. berths (360 m.),
Nationality: (noun) Beninese, (adjective) Beninese. Facilities include two warehouses of 6,000 sq.m. each, one transit
Population: 7,862,944. warehouse of 4,000 sq.m. and an open storage area of 60,000 sq.m.
COMMUNICATIONS: CONTAINER FACILITIES: One container berth, length 200 m. at New
International Direct Dial Code: 229. Quay. Facilities include a container storage area of 65,000 sq.m.
Number of Internal Airports: 1. OTHER FACILITIES: Ro-Ro: One Ro-Ro berth at New Quay.
Major Languages Spoken: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most TANKER FACILITIES: Two tanker quays for ships of 215 m. length and
common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in 31 ft. draft (depth at seaward berth 11.0 m.). Unloading carried out by
north). 100 mm. pipeline. Loading of petroleum products carried out by pumping
ECONOMY: (80 cu.m.p.h.) or by gravity (50 cu.m.p.h.). Products are aviation spirit
Currency: 1 CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) of 100 Centimes. 100/130, Super petrol, low-grade petrol, Kero Avtur, and gas oil.
Exchange: (as of November 2007) Also see ‘‘Seme Terminal’’.
US$ 1.00 ␦ XOF 441.63 STEVEDORES: Ship must advise Agent in advance of number stevedore
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com teams required, and specify number of hours work required. This must be
Main Industries: Textiles, food processing, construction materials and done 24 hours in advance on weekdays, and before midday Saturday for
cement. Sundays, and before midday on day preceding holidays. Loading and
ENVIRONMENT: unloading rate: Working days – 600 tons for bagged cargo, 400 tons for other
Territorial Sea: 200 n.m. cargo. Sundays and holidays, half above rates. Days counted as 24 hours
Coastline Extent: 121 km. starting from first break following berthing. For ships having to handle smaller
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north. quantities, assessment of time calculated in multiples of 300 tons for bagged
Natural Resources: Small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble and cargo and 200 tons for other cargo, per 12 hours. Loading and unloading
timber. operations can be carried out on Sundays and public holidays if ship’s Master
Natural Hazards: Hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from wishes, with exception of Labour Day (1 May), 26 October, 30 November,
December to March. 31 December and Independence Day.
Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains. Hatches: Carried out by stevedores
Average Temperatures: MEDICAL: Well-equipped modern hospital in Cotonou.
Month High Low FRESH WATER: Supplies available at all berths on quay by pipeline of
January 29␥ C 24␥ C 100 mm. with reduction of 70 mm. (rate 25 t.p.h.).
June 27␥ C 23␥ C
September 27␥ C 23␥ C FUEL: Fuel oil of 1,500 seconds viscosity available at Berth No. 1 and at
the Fishing Quay. Rate 50 to 80 cu.m.p.h.
DRY DOCK: No facilities for ship’s greater than 250 tons.
Also see ‘‘Tema’’.
COTONOU: 06␥ 20' N 002␥ 32' E (See Plan)
REPAIRS: Workshops for small repairs. No tank-cleaning facilities.
PORT LIMITS: The area contained within an arc of a circle of 1 n.m. POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE: Harbour Police 31-3942; First Aid 17;
radius centred on the red light at the West Jetty. Hospital 31-2713 and 31-2717; Fire Brigade 18.
DOCUMENTS: Once berthed the ship must be able to produce to the FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Port has following safety equipment: 2 tugs
port authorities: equipped with fire hose of 50 cu.m.p.h. 2 motor pumps of 30 cu.m.p.h.,
1 Bill of Lading 1 draining pump of 150 cu.m.p.h. In addition special security watches are
6 Crew List kept on dangerous merchandise in classes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 111c. Normal
6 Customs Declarations (personal effects list) watch up to 5 tons, double watch from 5 tons to 16 tons. Motor pump standing
1 Declaration of Arms and Ammunition by from 16 – 50 tons. Tug standing by for quantities above 40 tons for
3 Lists of Dangerous Cargo (unloading or in transit) inflammable liquids (flashpoint less than 55␥C) and above 50 tons for other
4 List of Ports of Call dangerous cargo.
10 Manifest SECURITY/GANGWAY: See ‘‘Fire Precautions’’. Recommended that
2 Maritime Declarations of Health a watchman be on board. Can be arranged by Agents.
6 Passenger List, and passengers in transit TIME: GMT plus 1 hour.
3 Provisions and Stores, including foodstuffs LOCAL HOLIDAYS: 1 January; 16 January; Easter Sunday 1 April;
6 Stowaway Lists Labour Day (1 May), no cargo work; 26 October; 30 November;
3 Vaccination Lists. 31 December, no cargo work; Assumption; 1 November (All Saints’ Day);
Also international documents of ownership and safety. 25 December (Christmas); Tabaski and Ramadan at the beginning of Lunar
Also see ‘‘Shipmaster’s Report’’. Year (Moslem holidays).
MAX. SIZE: Depth 11.0 m. (CD). CONSULS:
Tankers: LOA 215 m., draft 9.4 m. Telephone Telex
RESTRICTIONS: No restrictions on hours of entry or departure. Belgium 301875
PILOTAGE: Vessels must advise ETA to Port Authority ‘‘Dirport Cotonou’’ China 301691, 301463
24 hours prior arrival weekdays, and before midday Saturday for Sundays France 300824, 300225 5209
and before midday on day preceding holidays. Cable address Pilot Station Germany 312967, 312968 5224
‘‘Commandant du Port, Cotonou’’. Telex: 5004 ‘‘Dirport Ctnou’’. On approach Ghana 300746, 300957
to port vessels may also call Pilot Station on 2182 kHz or VHF Channel 16. Niger 314030
Permanent radio watch kept by port coastguard station. Pilot services Nigeria 301142, 301879 5247
permanent and operate night and day, Sundays and holidays, except for Russia 312834 & 6 5204
nights of 24th and 31st December from 1800 – 0600 hrs. Ships drawing more USA, Netherlands,
than 30 ft. must enter on high tide. On arrival in approaches, ships coming Congo (DR of),
from west or south must steer a northerly course in direction of lighthouse, Sweden and Norway 300650, 301798
and take Pilot about half a mile from fairway. If arriving from east, vessels TELEPHONES: A telephone can be placed on board at request of ship’s
should take westerly course in direction of fairway and take Pilot about half Master.
a mile from fairway. Pilot boat is small cutter with black hull and white
superstructure, by day carries flag ‘‘H’’ and by night carries statutory lights NEAREST AIRPORT: 5 km. from port. Regular flights to European
for pilot boats. Piloting obligatory for ships over 100 net tons. destinations (5 departures a week for Paris).
Fairway Buoy: Position Lat. 06␥ 20.4' N., Long. 02␥ 26.8' E. Light-flash ‘‘A’’ CUSTOMS: 200 cigarettes and 3 opened bottles of spirits for each crew
(⭈ – ) 10 secs. member.
ANCHORAGES: In cases of bad weather or of waiting for Pilot, ship must SHORE LEAVE: Crew must carry shore pass.
anchor approx. one n.m. to south of lighthouse. Sound anchorage with sand REPORT: March 1988 (Updated 1994).
bottom and depth 14 m. Forbidden to anchor within radius of 700 m. from The port of Cotonou is a well sheltered harbour enclosed by a 1,200 m.
red light of West Jetty. long west breakwater and a 4 cables long east jetty projecting SSW from
Prohibited Anchorage: All the area to the west of the meridian of the west shore (east cross breakwater). It was opened to traffic in August 1965 and
breakwater red light. is managed by Port Autonome de Cotonou.
The harbour is accessible to vessels of up to 210 m. in length and a max.
PRATIQUE: Free pratique generally given by Agent. draft of 10 m. The entrance is from the ocean through a 0.6 mile long channel,
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Advisable give Agent 72 hours 180 m. wide and 12 m. deep. The harbour pool was dredged to 11 m. in
notice of ETA. Thereafter reconfirm 36 hours prior arrival. 1975. Silting is reported along the north side of the west breakwater and the
R/T 2182 kHz. new dock. Dredging work carried out (1993).
VHF: Channels 16, 14 and 12. Vessels drawing more than 30 ft. transit the channel on high water.
VTS/RADAR: No port radar service. Petroleum Berths: The inner side (westerly side) of the east breakwater
provides berthing facilities for tankers of up to 200 m. in length and a max.
TUGS: Tug assistance performed by Port Authority of Cotonou and draft of 32 ft. There is no deadweight or displacement limitation. However,
compulsory for every vessel over 500 g.r.t., mooring, unmooring, at berth or tankers of up to 40,000 d.w.t. can safely enter the harbour and moor starboard
shifting. Extra charge for using tug’s lines. Vessels with length over 100 m. side to berth called ‘‘P II’’. Berth ‘‘P II’’ does not have fuel oil receiving facilities.
require two tugs. Clean products are handled through 1 ␺ 8 in. flexible hose, rate
BERTHS: Berthing quay 620 m. long, 10.0 m. depth, which will accept 1,000 bbls./p.h. No facilities for dirty ballast. The fendering system consists
alongside a minimum of four ships working together. Harbour dredged up to of large cylindrical rubber fenders in excellent condition.
11 m. below chart datum and will permit almost all sizes of ships to work Fuel oil is discharged at Berth ‘‘Q I’’ located at the very end of the main
safely. Railway line runs 4 m. side of quay, under ship tackles, and used quay (east side). Vessels of up to 150 m. in length with a max. draft of 8.0 m.
only for heavy lifts. Berthing priority only given cargo ships and tankers which can be accommodated. Vessels berth port side alongside. The quay is
have specially reserved berths. Other ships berth dependent on berths fenderless. There is no deadweight limitation. However, it would be unsafe

See guidelines for compiling and submitting information (page xi) 295
BENIN Cotonou
to berth vessels larger than 15,000 d.w.t. Fuel oil is handled through 6 in. Berthing: All vessels dock starboard side to except those going to the oil
flexible hoses, rate 700 bbls.p.h. Max. back pressure 100 p.s.i. terminal, where they dock port side to. There are multiple berths as shown
Fire coverage is marginal – 2 ␺ 60 lb. wheeled dry chemical fire on the relevant charts.
extinguishers. Heavy surging and rolling was experienced whilst berthed alongside,
Charts: British: 595 and 1861. US: 57006, 57041 and 57100. resulting in the parting of 2 head lines during our stay.
Equipment: Multiple conventional and container forklifts available.
Tides and Currents: The spring tide values are 1.50 m. and 0.20 m. Stevedores: Ordered through Agent.
Currents set across the entrance and may attain a rate of 4 knots. The Fresh Water: Available.
predominant direction of the swell is from the third quadrant, reaching 12 ft. Fuel: Available.
in length between June and September. Repairs: No facilities.
The rainy season is mid-April to mid-July (tornado season). Density: 1020.
Anchorage: Vessels can anchor 1 mile SE of the lighthouse. Good holding Dry Docks: None available.
ground in a depth of 48 ft. Gangway/Deck Watchmen: Recommended.
Pilotage/Towage: The Pilot boards 0.5 miles from the head of the west Opening/Closing Hatches: Opened by ship’s crew.
breakwater. Pilotage is around the clock, but between 2200 hrs. and 0600 hrs. Cargo Gear: Ship’s own gear used for discharge.
Two hours’ notice is required. Repatriation: Possible.
Towage is performed by the Port Autonome de Cotonou. 2 ␺ 1,400 h.p. Airport: There is an airport.
tugs and 1 ␺ 2,000 h.p. tug are available. Time: GMT plus 1 hour.
Telephones: No ship to shore line available.
Telecommunication: The service to other Francophone West African Storing: Available. Ship chandlers will present themselves to ship on arrival.
countries is good. There is usually no problem with calls to the USA placed Shore Leave: Allowed.
through the operator. There is no coastal radio station. The Port Authority Identification Cards: Immigration Officials issue shore passes.
monitors VHF Channel 16 and SSB 2182 kHz. Garbage Disposal: Available, arranged by the ship chandlers, ordered
Repairs: There are no repair facilities. through the Agent.
Supplies: Fuel and gas oil are available from SONACOP. Fresh water is Waste Oil Disposal: No facilities available.
available at all berths by pipeline. Rate 25 cu.m.p.h. There are no barges Currency: Benin Franc (XOF). US$1.00 ␦ 620 XOF (May 2000).
available. Repatriation is possible. There are frequent air connections to Seaman’s Clubs: None.
Europe. Delays: The port is often congested. Stevedore’s representative presented
documents in French, and would not start cargo operations until a
Oil Surveyor: There is no representation of independent surveyor companies.
representative of the vessel had signed them, which presented a problem
Caleb Brett Ltd. is present in the surrounding countries (Togo and Nigeria.) as we could not read the French language.
SONACOP: Societe Nationale de Commercialisation des Produits Petroliers Developments: There is a new oil terminal that has been in use for 9 months.
is a state owned company and is the sole distributor of petroleum products AUTHORITY: Port Autonome de Cotonou, BP 927, Cotonou, Benin.
in the country. Tel: +229 (21) 312890, 315280. Fax: +229 (21) 312891.
SONACOP operates a tankfarm which has a storage capacity of Telex: 5004 Dirport. Email: pac@leland.bj Contact: I Badaron-Soule, Port
70,000 cu.m. (19 tanks). Director. Badaron Madjidi, Harbour Master. Tel: +229 (21) 312782.
The national annual consumption of products is as follows:
Clean (Mogas, Gas Oil, Kerosene, Avgas) 150,000 tons
Fuel oil 12,000 tons SEME TERMINAL: 06␥ 18' N 002␥ 39' E (See Plan)
SHIPMASTER’S REPORT: November 1997. LOCATION: The loading terminal is located at Lat. 06␥ 18' 23" N. and
The following documents are required: Long. 2␥ 39' 32" E., about 4 nautical miles off the coast of Benin.
6 copies Crew List Depth of water at the berth is 18 m. The bottom is sand, mud and shell.
2 copies Bonded and Provision Stores List DOCUMENTS: See ‘‘Cotonou’’.
2 copies Ship’s Stores Inventory
2 copies Personal Effects Declaration
MAX. SIZE: Maximum permissible draft is 14 m. (46 ft.). However, the
Operator may reduce this draft should meteorological and tidal conditions
4 copies Dangerous Cargo List prove unfavourable.
4 copies Narcotics List
6 copies Ports of Call List
RESTRICTIONS: See ‘‘Arrival’’.
1 copy Vaccination List ARRIVAL: Temporary Anchoring: No berthing will be attempted between
1 copy Maritime Declaration of Health 1500 hrs. and 0700 hrs., unless approved by the Mooring Master, the same
4 copies Stowaway List for leaving at night.
Notice of Readiness can only be received between 0600 hrs. and 1400 hrs.
4 copies Passenger List
In the event of arrival after 1500 hrs. and during the hours of darkness, a
4 copies Animals List holding area is located at Lat. 6␥ 16' 00" N. and Long. 2␥ 34' 00" E., in water
4 copies Kroo Boy List depth of approximately 20 m. (66 ft.) The bottom is sand, mud and shell.
4 copies Parcel List
4 copies Arms and Ammunition List
APPROACHES: Beaconing: Four area marker buoy units in the IALA
System A, i.e. each unit consisting of 4 beacons, are placed in position to
4 copies Mail List. mark the following installations:
Dangerous Cargo List and Crew List must be sent 48 hours prior to arrival. Platform No. 1: Lat. 6␥ 14' 23" N. Long. 2␥ 41' 16" E.
Platform No. 2: Lat. 6␥ 12' 19" N. Long. 2␥ 41' 35" E.
SHIPMASTER’S REPORT: May 2000. Platform No. 3: Lat. 6␥ 15' 29" N. Long. 2␥ 42' 05" E.
Vessel: Breakbulk carrier, LOA 170 m., breadth 25.0 m., draft 7.8 m. Seme Offshore Terminal: Lat. 6␥ 18' 23" N. Long. 2␥ 39' 32" E.
Location: The port is located in position Lat. 6␥ 20' N., Long. 2␥ 32''E. PILOTAGE: The Operator will provide a Mooring Master, who will agree
Documents: Upon berthing alongside, numerous port officials boarded the the boarding position on arrival..
vessel. After the usual gifts and niceties, the officials disembarked, and later It is the responsibility of the ship’s Master to provide, rig and maintain a
that evening, Port State Control boarded to look at the vessel’s certificates. safe accommodation ladder for access to and exit from the vessel or hoist.
Immigration Authority representatives take crew members’ passports ashore PRATIQUE: Sanitary Boarding: The Mooring Master shall be entitled to
and issue shore passes. Passports are returned on day of vessel’s sailing. conduct sanitary inspection.
The following documents are required: The Master shall supply:
Entry Declaration 1. The Maritime Declaration of Health.
6 copies Crew List 2. The Vaccination Certificates for the crew.
1 copy Crew Declaration In case of infectious disease on board, the following institutions may be
5 copies Passenger List contacted:
1 copy Maritime Declaration of Health Polyclinique Tel: 301431/301420.
Clinique les Graces Tel: 321171.
2 copies Animal List Doctor Lam Tel: 300766.
3 copies Bonded Stores List
1 copy Vaccination List PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION: Vessels should send their ETAs by
2 copies Narcotics List telex to Tender ‘‘Drill Fish’’ (Benin Cotonou 5134, 5173, 5174).
5 copies Stowaway List Notice of Arrival: Vessels bound for the Seme Offshore Terminal must notify
6 copies Ports of Call List their ETA to Seme Oilfield Project (Attn. Loading Master) at the following
3 copies Arms/Ammunition List times:
Clearance from Last Port of Call. (1) 7 days before arrival.
(2) 72 hours before arrival.
Pilotage: Compulsory. When we had heaved up the anchor, Port Control (3) 48 hours before arrival.
instructed us to proceed to the Sea Buoy. Two Pilots boarded abeam of the (4) 24 hours before arrival.
Sea Buoy. We proceeded inwards leaving the buoy on the port side. The and then every 2 hours if any change in ETA.
breakwater entrance is very narrow and a 90␥ turn is necessary just after When within 12 hours before arrival, a continuous watch must be kept on
passing through the entrance. Pilots did a competent job of docking the vessel the VHF Channel 16.
and the tugs were of great assistance. The ‘‘7 days notification’’ need only be given if the sea passage in progress
When unberthing, the Pilots boarded, then turned the vessel outbound just is in excess of 2 weeks’ duration.
off the quay. Pilots disembarked just outside the breakwater and vessel The ‘‘72 hours notification’’ must include the following information:
proceeded to sea leaving the Sea Buoy on the port side. 1. Name of vessel (if available).
The Pilots informed us that as soon as one vessel undocks, another vessel 2. Firm ETA (local time and date).
is assigned the berth. Vessels can expect to pass inbound vessels port to 3. Quantity of cargo required in barrels and metric tons.
port at the Sea Buoy. 4. Estimated salt water arrival draft.
Anchorage: On arrival, we proceeded to anchor in the anchorage south of 5. Manifold fittings flange sizes and ASA, DIN or BSS rating.
the breakwater. There was a delay of 2 days due to lack of an available berth. 6. Any special requirements.
The ‘‘48 hours, 24 hours and 12 hours notifications’’ need only the
Health: Port Health official visits the ship upon arrival at the berth. notification of the name of the vessel and ETA plus any amendments to the
Tugs: 2 tugs (‘‘Bosro’’ 3,000 h.p. and ‘‘Kondo’’ 2,000 h.p.) available. details already provided in the ‘‘72 hours notification’’.

296 Readers are encouraged to send updates and additions (page xi)
Seme Terminal
After the initial notification has been made, any change in ETA of more
than 12 hours requires immediate notification to the Seme Terminal.
VHF: During vessel’s stay at the terminal, a permanent watch must be kept
on the Channel 9 or 6.
Normally, Channel 6 is used as the communicating channel between Seme
Tank Farm, Seme Oilfield Project personnel and Seme Oilfield Project tugs.
VHF sets for this purpose are supplied by the Operator.
TUGS: An adequate number of tugs will be available for all mooring
operations at all times, these will be directed and co-ordinated by the Mooring
Master.
The tugs available at the Seme Offshore Terminal are of the AHTS type,
each with 2 ␺ 2,640 b.h.p., generating a bollard pull of 50 tons.
Normally, the attending tug is ‘‘Drill Fish’’.
Mooring Boat: An adequately powered line handling boat is provided for
running moorings, under the direction of the Mooring Master. Release of
mooring lines will be performed by the mooring boat, except in an emergency.
BERTHS: Loading Berth: This is a modified conventional buoy mooring
(CBM) to which a Mediterranean style moor has been adopted for berthing
operations. The centre-line is oriented in a direction of 253␥ True, which
relates directly to the bow heading. Under certain conditions, the vessel may
be required to adopt a heading of ␾ 10␥ from the established norm.
Subject to draft, the berth can accommodate tankers up to about
120,000 d.w.t. to load part cargo with Benin as first port of call.
Mooring Equipment: There are 4 mooring buoys:
Buoys No. 1 and 2 are connected to 260 m. ␺ 76 mm. stud link chain
terminating with a 7,500 kg. Stevin MK 3 anchor, having a design holding
capacity of approximately 110 tons.
Buoys No. 3 and 4 are connected to 310 m. ␺ 76 mm. stud link chain
terminating with a 10,000 kg. Stevin MK 3 anchor, having a design holding
capacity of approximately 145 tons.
Each buoy is equipped with 2 quick-release hooks.
Special Moorings: These are carried aboard the attending tug and if their
use is deemed necessary, the tug and the mooring boat will work in
conjunction to put the lines aboard the tanker. First passing the eye over the
mooring buoy hook and then passing the bitter end to the tanker to be made
fast.
Weather Criteria: The following criteria are for the weather conditions under
which the tanker may remain berthed.
Max. wind speed at 10 m. above sea level:
1 hour mean – 20 knots (10.3 MS – 1)
1 minute mean – 25 knots (13.0 MS – 1)
Max. wave: – 2.5 HSTG
Wind and/or waves to these values are not restricted to any particular
direction.
CARGO OPERATIONS: Notice of Readiness: Notice of Readiness
shall be tendered to the Loading Master (See ‘‘Arrival’’).
Connection of Flexible Hoses: Loading of vessels shall be carried out
through a 12 in. flexible submerged hose. Connection to the manifold is by
a 12 in. Camlock flange. The Operator may supply 10 in., 12 in. and 16 in.
adapters.
The loading hose is equipped with a manually operated shut-off valve at
ship’s side of the hose end.
The tanker derrick is to be rigged on the starboard side before mooring.
The S.W.L. of the derrick hook shall be at least 4 tons.
During connection and disconnection of the flexible hoses, assistance of
the crew will be essential, in particular for the handling of the winches and
derricks. During the entire stay of the vessel at the loading site, the Mooring
Master shall ensure that a safety watch is maintained onboard. The Loading
Master or his representative, performs the duties of head of loading and
remains in touch with the terminal.
The assisting vessels are to remain at the disposal of the Loading Master.
A ladder must be kept permanently ready alongside the vessel so as to
permit access by the team in charge of the flexible hoses. A boat rope must
be rigged near the ladder.
Loading: Loading may be carried out at a maximum rate of 1,650 cu.m.p.h.
or 11,000 bbls.p.h.
Inspection of tanks after deballasting and ullages after loading is to be
carried out in the presence of the Loading Master.
The terminal shall place on board the vessel sealed samples representing
the cargo.
Since it is a ‘‘Shore stop’’ operation, the Loading Master shall notify the
vessel, 30 minutes before end of the loading.
The Master shall be fully responsible for operating the valves and for the
safety of the cargo on board.
BALLAST: Ballast on Arrival: Ships must arrive with sufficient ballast and
correct trim to be able to manoeuvre with complete safety.
Deballasting will not be allowed without the consent of the Loading Master.
Deballasting – Water Pollution: The vessel must approach the terminal with
clean ballast.
Any vessel approaching with polluted ballast may be forced to leave the
terminal and shall be fully liable for ensuing delays. Acceptance of Notice of
Readiness would also be amended accordingly.
It is forbidden to dispose of cinders, burning materials, objects and waste
of any kind in the sea.
The Master shall be responsible for any leakage or overflow on board and
any other difficulty which may involve an occasional jettisoning of
hydrocarbon. Such leakage shall be stopped.
Scuppers shall be securely blocked during the entire loading time.
The Operator declines any liability related to non-compliance with
International and Port Regulations the Mooring Master may discover.
Non-compliance with the above regulations involves express notification
to the Master or filing of a report.
MEDICAL: In cases of emergency, contact the three institutions mentioned
in the ‘‘Health’’ section.
FRESH WATER: Not available.
FUEL: Not available.
REPAIRS: No facilities available.
TIME: GMT plus 1 hour.
See guidelines for compiling and submitting information (page xi)
BENIN
WEATHER/TIDES: Meteorology: The rainy seasons (monsoon) extend
from May to June and from September to October.
The dry season extends over a period of 3 to 4 months, that is to say from
November to February.
Air Temperature: The air temperature varies on average from 24␥ C to 36␥ C.
Sea Temperature: The sea temperature varies from 21␥ C to 31␥ C.
Visibility: During the rainy season, visibility can be reduced to less than one
mile due to precipitation.
Tides: The tides are of a semi-diurnal type. Max. amplitude is 2 m.
Wind: The prevailing wind blows from the South and West, and is strongest
from May through September.
Currents: Maximum current that may be present is assumed to be 3 knots,
from direction around 260␥ (Guinea Current). Normally the current is well
below the maximum from this direction. From other directions lower rate
currents are to be expected (i.e. tidal current).
Swell: Southwesterly swell is most frequent from April thorugh October. The
higher waves are expected as a combination of locally generated
Southwesterly wind, waves and swell. Wave heights above 3 m. are relatively
rare.
CONSULS: See ‘‘Cotonou’’.
SHORE LEAVE: Not possible.
GENERAL: Visitors: Except for personnel with specific tasks on board the
vessel, the boarding of personnel takes place under the full responsibility of
the Master.
Chart: No. 595 (French).
Sailing Directions: Africa Pilot, Volumes No. 1 and 2, published by the British
Admiralty.
REPORT: March 1988 (Updated 1994).
Seme Terminal is located about 4 miles offshore. The Oil field is now run
by local technicians assisted by contractors.
Seme’s output is around 6,000 barrels per day.
Location: 06␥ 18' 23" N., 02␥ 39' 32" E.
Anchorage: 06␥ 16' N., 02␥ 34' E. Depth 66 ft. Range of tide 6.0 ft. Current
2 – 3 knots. Bottom is sand, mud and shells.
Radio: ETA Instructions: Advise Seme Offshore Terminal and Agent 7 days,
72 hours, 48 hours, 24 hours and 12 hours prior to arrival of the following:
ETA, quantity of cargo required, arrival draft and size of manifold fittings.
VHF: Channels 16 and 6.
Restrictions: Mooring and unmooring during daylight hours only
(0700 hrs. – 1500 hrs.)
Pilot: The Pilot boarding position is agreed prior to arrival.
Readiness: Notice of Readiness only received between 0600 hrs. and
1400 hrs.
Tugs: 2 ␺ 2,650 h.p.
Documents/Clearance: See ‘‘Cotonou’’.
Production Platforms:
No. 1: 06␥ 14' 23" N., 02␥ 41' 16" E.
No. 2: 06␥ 12' 19" N., 02␥ 41' 35" E.
No. 3: 06␥ 15' 29" N., 02␥ 42' 05" E.
Berth: Depth in approaches and at berth 60 ft.
The berth is a conventional mooring buoy (CMB). Max. draft 46 ft. Max.
d.w.t. 60,000 – 80,000 tons. Larger tankers up to 120,000 d.w.t. can be
berthed to load part cargo if Seme is first port of call (Max. displacement
75,000 tons).
The vessel berths on a heading of 253␥ to 4 mooring buoys. The use of
wire ropes is not allowed. Synthetic hawsers are provided by the terminal.
Vessel’s hose boom to be rigged for 4 tons SWL minimum.
Loading: Seme Crude (API 23.0) is loaded through a single 12 in. hose which
is connected to an undersea pipeline of 16 in. diameter and 5 miles long.
Loading rate 11,500 barrels per hour.
Ballast: No facilities for dirty ballast.
Services: None available.
AUTHORITY: Seme Oil Terminal. Telex: 5173, 5174 Semoil Ctnou.
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