Chittagong is one of the world’s most difficult ports for navigation due to a demanding operational environment. This is characterised by strong tidal currents (4–6 knots), a soft mud bottom, and dense, non-compliant coastal traffic.
CPA Circular Requirements
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Circular No. 46/2019 sets the regulatory framework for pilotage and anchorage stay limits:
- Compulsory Pilotage: Mandatory for vessels with drafts exceeding 10.0 metres when transiting between Kutubdia and Chittagong Outer Anchorage (“A”, “B”, “C”).
- Recommended Pilotage: Highly recommended for vessels with drafts between 9.5 and 10.0 metres.
- Anchorage Stay Limits:
- 5 days during March–September.
- 7 days during October–February.
- Exemption: Master’s with prior local experience may be granted an exemption, although the advisory notes that this regulatory threshold is often inadequate given current high-risk conditions.
Practical Pilotage Recommendations for Tankers
The document strongly advocates for enhanced, risk-based pilotage support for tankers, irrespective of CPA’s statutory exemptions.
- Bay Pilot – Kutubdia to Chittagong:
- Recommendation: Engage a Bay Pilot for all laden tanker transits, even for drafts under $10\text{ m}$.
- Justification: The route involves shoaling zones, strong crosscurrents, and dense traffic, making real-time navigational guidance and port coordination essential.
- Stand-by Pilot – Chittagong Outer Anchorage (Lightning):
- Recommendation: Maintain a Stand-by Pilot on board during all lightning operations at the Outer Anchorage, regardless of vessel draft.
- Justification: This is considered best practice for tankers due to the high risk of anchor dragging (caused by soft seabed and strong currents), the need for safe lighter coordination, and the increased dragging tendency when lighters are alongside. The Stand-by Pilot acts as the Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC), aligning with OCIMF Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide guidelines.
- Harbour Pilot – Post-Lightening / Departure:
- Recommendation: Use a Harbour Pilot to assist in shifting from the anchorage to the CPA Pilot Boarding Ground post-lightening or discharge.
- Justification: This is necessary to mitigate the collision risk posed by heavy cross-traffic from local craft that frequently disregard COLREGs (Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).
Key Takeaways
The overarching safety rationale, supported by OCIMF and P&I Club guidelines, emphasises a risk-based approach that goes beyond the statutory minimums.
- Actionable Summary: Engage Bay Pilots and Stand-by Pilots for all tanker arrivals and subsequent lightening operations.
- Exemption Caution: CPA pilotage exemption should only be considered for highly experienced Master’s due to the severity of local navigational hazards.
- Safety Principle: Continuous pilot presence ensures navigational safety, preserves STS (Ship-to-Ship) transfer integrity, and maintains port efficiency under the prevailing difficult conditions.
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Source: Interport Maritime Ltd
