EntranceChannel
ENTRANCE CHANNEL
On making the south coast of Vitu Levu from the south and southeast, the most conspicuous landmarks are Rama, 442 m high, located 5.8 nmi west of the Rear Range Light; Nakorombamba, 492 m high, located 1.3 nmi west-northwest of the same light; and Nakombalevu, 464 m high, located 2 nmi north-northwest of the light.
The normal approach to Suva is from the south. Figure II-2, Figure II-9, Figure II-10, Figure II-11, and Figure II-12) include a portion of NIMA chart # 83572 and four other charts that show details of the Levu Passage Channel leading to the Port of Suva. All navigational aids are clearly visible and very reliable. Radar navigation is limited due to low-lying land features. NAVAIDS on the approach to Suva may not be visible until approximately 6 nmi from land. The USS Paul F Foster (DD 964) Ship Visit Report from July 1999 recommended ensuring that the chart correction noted on NIMA Chart # 82572 is applied when plotting GPS fixes. Prominent NAVAIDS on the approach include the Old Light (18°08.6'S 178°23.5'E) and a conspicuous wreck (18°09.9'S 178°24.1'E). The NIMA chart # 83572 indicates that the wreck is liable to move, but previous ship visit reports indicate that it is at the charted location. Fixes can also be obtained on the east side of Nukumarorika Island, the east side of Ndraunimbota Island, and two inner channel markers at about 18°08.1'S 178°23.7'E (Shoal Light West) and 18°08.2'S 178°24.2'E (Shoal Light East). Within Suva Harbor, navigational aids include the Clock Tower (18°08.7'S 178°25.5'E), the Hospital Light (18°08.1'S 178°25.9'E), Lami Beacon (18°07.6'S 178°24.6'E), Tamavua Beacon (18°07.5'S 178°25.5'E), Front Range (18°06.6'S 178°24.2'E), and Rear Range (18°05.9'S 178°24.4'E). Thurston's Patch Cardinal Buoys are well maintained and cardinal markings are easily identifiable. It has been reported that recent construction obscures the Clock Tower.
Beacons around the coasts of Fiji are frequently destroyed or damaged by heavy weather. When this occurs, it may be some time before the aids are repaired or replaced. Also, it may not be possible to re-erect the aid in the exact charted position. Mariners are advised to use caution.
Vessels may enter the Port of Suva at any time day or night after approval is granted. Normally, there is only one-way traffic. However, the channel is wide enough to accommodate passage of other ships. There is no length or draft limitation for conventional vessels entering the Port. The largest vessel that regularly enters is 294 m in length. Note that the Queen Mary tied up at King's Wharf in 1995 and 1996. Sailing Directions (Pub 126) recommend that vessels wishing to dock at King's Wharf should do so before 0900, before the east winds become established. The easterly and southeasterly winds are the most dangerous in the channel. The Pilots indicated during the site visit in November 2002 that ships would probably not be permitted to enter or leave the Port with sustained winds greater than 19 kt. Vessels are permitted to be moored port side to or starboard side to the wharf, depending on the wind direction.
Range lights, in line bearing 010.25°, lead from seaward through Levu Passage to the main harbor area. Lights and buoys mark most of the reefs and the shoal areas, and may best be seen on the area charts. However, please note that the entrance reach does not have buoys or beacons to mark the shoal water. Range lights, in line bearing 102.5°, lead into Walua Bay just to the north of Kings Wharf. Caution must be taken when using the entrance range. Several previous ship visit reports indicated that an approach along the charted range (010.25°) creates a close CPA to shoal water (within 100 yds to starboard entering the harbor). The pilots concur with these reports and most ships enter along 013° or 014° to open the shoal water to 200 yds on both the right and left of the track.
During previous port visits by Navy ships, pilots recommended an initial speed of 12 kt to enter Suva Harbor through Levu Passage. When departing through Levu Passage a speed of 7 kt was recommended.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/fiji/suva/text/sect3.htm
