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APRA HARBOR, GUAM

ENTRANCE CHANNEL

See Figure II-28, Figure II-29, Figure II-30, and Figure II-6 for sections of charts for the approach to Apra Outer and Inner Harbors.

Many dangerous shoals have been reported in the area lying within 40 nmi southwest of Guam but the channel between this area and the south end of Guam is apparently clear. Banks and shoals that lie in these waters are as follow (positions relative to south end of Guam):

1. Galvez Bank (16 nmi southwest)
2. Santa Rosa Reed (30 nmi south-southwest)
3. Banks and shoals with depths from 60 ft to 108 ft (18-33 m) over them. The positions can best be seen on the chart.
4. Caution. Other shoals than charted may exist and the area should be avoided.

The approach to Apra Harbor leads towards the Unmarked Approach Point (designated Alpha Hotel), 2 nmi west of the Harbor Entrance as indicated on the chart. The approaches to the Harbor are free and deep, as is the channel between the breakwaters.

Orote Point (Udal Point) (13°27'N 144°37'E) is a sharp bluff, 213 ft (65 m) high that lies at the west end of the Orote Peninsula, a narrow tongue of land projecting northwest from the shore of Guam. Orote Point Light, 226 ft (69 m) above the water is shown from a concrete tower on Orote Point. Due to heavy undergrowth, the light on Orote Point is difficult to distinguish from the south even when close at hand. A 200 ft (61 m) radio tower is southwest of Orote point Light at about 13°26.8'N 144°37.2'E. Orote Island lies close off the north side of the point.

Vessels from the north should keep 5 nmi offshore until Orote Point bears 180°, then steer for a position 2 nmi west of the Harbor Entrance. Approaching from the west, Mount Alutom, bearing 097° and in line with Orote Point, leads to a position 2 nmi west of the Harbor Entrance, but is not easily identified. Vessels should enter Apra Outer Harbor with the entrance range ahead bearing 083°, passing midway between Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 1 and Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 2. Vessels are cautioned to give the breakwater a wide berth because of the currents and of possible submerged broken-off segments. The front leading light (white rectangle, red stripe; elevation 36 ft (11 m)) is on Drydock Island (13°27.3'N 144°39.8'E). The rear leading light (white rectangle, red stripe) has an elevation of 20 m.

A crosscurrent is often experienced in the entrance. Care should be taken to keep on the entrance range. A speed of not less than 12 kt is recommended through the entrance to avoid the excessive set by the currents off the entrance.

Range lights, in line bearing 141°, lead through the channel from Western Shoal towards the entrance of Inner Harbor. These lights (red rectangle, white stripe on framework tower) are on Polaris Point. Lights (red rectangle, white stripe), in line bearing 176°, lead through the entrance to Apra Inner Harbor.

Because of haze and refraction, the beacons in Apra Harbor are difficult to identify in the morning when the sun is high.

Apra Outer Harbor shows depths of 44 to 174 ft (13.4 to 53 m) in its west portion, but several shoals line the passages through the east portion, and can best be seen on the chart. The channel leading from Outer Harbor to Inner Harbor shows a least charted depth of 32.8 ft (10 m) on the range line. Inner Harbor shows depths of 29.9 to 44 ft (9.1 to 13.4 m).

It has been reported that a wreck partially obstructs the GIRROCO Pier. Vessels have reported fouling lines in this wreck during berthing operations.

All operations in the Outer Harbor are under U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port control. Permission to enter or clear the Harbor must be obtained from U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Marine Safety Office, Guam. Vessels entering Outer Harbor, shifting berths, or departing the Harbor are required to give a minimum of 24 hours advance notice to the Captain of the Port. The Marine Safety Office is located at the Commercial Port.

A Firing Danger Area, with an acoustic range facility close south of it extends up to 1.75 nmi southwest of Orote Point, and may best be seen on the chart. A Restricted Area, encompassing Inner Harbor, extends across the south end of the Outer Harbor, and can also be seen on the chart. Submerged submarine operating areas are situated around Guam and a Small Arms Safety Drop Zone is situated off the island's northwest coast. Both can best be seen on the chart. Fish aggregating devices are situated in deep water off the west and north shores of Guam. A special purpose lighted buoy marks each device.

Anchorage regulations, including those pertaining to the explosives anchorage may be obtained from:

Commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District
300 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96850-4982

Speed is limited to not more than 12 kt in the Outer Harbor and not more than 5 kt in the Inner Harbor, except in emergency situations.

All vessels and small craft will reduce speed as safety requires in the vicinity of dry-docks, floating cranes, small craft, moored vessels, diving operations, and the channel to the Inner Harbor.

Many shoals are present immediately adjacent to the normally traveled channels, and extreme caution should be exercised, particularly when turning into the entrance of the Inner Harbor.

The entrance to the Inner Harbor passes close to the Guam Shipyard industrial area, and the Entrance Channel is of limited width with vessels frequently moored at the sides. Caution should be observed when transiting the area to avoid straining mooring lines and otherwise causing damage to moored vessels or to personnel who may be working in or near the water in the vicinity of such vessels.

Vessels over 49 ft (15 m) in length shall advise the Marine Traffic Controller on VHF Channel 13 of all intended movements into, within, or out of the Harbor, stating the destination and departure time.

The following are extracts from Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations concerning Security Zones and Regulated Navigation Areas in Apra Harbor :

Section 165.1401 Apra Harbor Security Zones:

1. The following is designated as Security Zone A – The waters of the Pacific Ocean and Apra Harbor within an elliptical area of 0.32 nmi radius centered at the southwest and north corners of Navy Wharf H. (Southwest corner is at 13°27.73'N 144°38.92'E; the north corner is at 13°27.74'N 144°39'E).
2. The following is designated as Security Zone B – The 0.34 nmi-wide area in Apra Outer Harbor contiguous to and bordering Security Zone A.
3. Special regulations:
   1. Section 165.33 does not apply to Security Zones A and B, except when Navy Wharf H, or a vessel berthed at Navy Wharf H, is displaying a red (BRAVO) flag by day or a red light by night.
   2. Vessels may enter Security Zone B when transiting the Harbor without the permission of the Captain of the Port (COTP).
   3. Unless the COTP orders the vessel to leave, any vessel berthed at a waterfront facility may remain in Security Zone B without permission of the COTP.
   4. Vessels under 65 ft (20 m) in length may anchor in the Special Anchorage Area described in Part 110.129 (a) of this chapter without the permission of the COTP.
4. The following is designated as Security Zone C – The waters of Apra Outer Harbor, Guam around Naval mooring buoy # 702 situated at 13°27.45'N 144°38.14'E and Maritime Preposition Ships moored thereto. The security zone will extend 295 ft (90 m) in all directions around the vessel and its mooring. Additionally a 164 ft (50 m) security zone will remain in effect in all directions around Buoy # 702 when no vessels are moored thereto.
5. Regulations – In accordance with general regulations in 165.33 of this part, entry into Security Zone C is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP.

Section 165.1402 Apra Outer Harbor Regulated Navigation Area:

1. The following is a Regulated Navigation Area – The waters of the Pacific Ocean and Apra Outer Harbor enclosed by a line beginning at 13°26.78'N 144°35.12'E; then to Spanish Rocks at 13°27.16'N 144°37.34'E; then along the shoreline of Apra Outer Harbor to 13°26.47'N 144°39.88'E (the northwest corner of Polaris Point); then to 13°26.67'N 144°39.88'E; then to 13°26.54'N 144°39.05'E; then along the shoreline of Apra Outer Harbor to Orote Point at 13°26.7'N 144°36.98'E ; then to the beginning.
2. Regulations:

• i. Except for public vessels of the United States, vessels may not enter Apra Outer Harbor without permission of the COTP if they have on board more than 25 tons of high explosives.
• ii. Except for vessels not more than 65 ft (20 m) in length, towboats or tugs without tows, no vessel may pass another vessel in the vicinity of the Outer Harbor Entrance.
• iii. Vessels over 100 grt shall:

• Steady on the entrance range at least 2 nmi west of the entrance when approaching Apra Outer Harbor.

• Steady on the range when departing Apra Outer Harbor.

3. • Vessels may not anchor in the fairway. The fairway is the area within 374 ft (114 m) on either side of a line beginning at 13°26.78'N 144°35.12'E; then to 13°27.24'N 144°39.24'E; then to 13°26.59'N 144°39.77'E; then to 13°26.51'N 144°39.74'E.
4. •  Vessels over 2,000 grt may not proceed at a speed exceeding 12 kt in the Harbor.
5. •  No vessel may leave Apra Outer Harbor until any inbound vessel over 65 ft (20 m) in length has cleared the Outer Harbor Entrance.

Port Authority Rules and Regulations for Commercial Vessels can be found at http://www.portofguam.com/rules2.htm. The following paragraphs include specific rules for commercial vessels entering or leaving the Harbor:

1. All commercial vessels must first contact a Guam agent who will coordinate activities with the Port Authority. The Port will only deal directly with the agent. The vessel is responsible for obtaining an agent and providing same with all necessary information and documents.
2. All incoming and outgoing vessels must first obtain radio clearance from the Port Authority of Guam's Harbor Master's Office (PAGHMO). The PAGHMO can be contacted on VHF Channels 156.600 MHz, 156.650 MHz, and 156.800 MHz. The normal range is 56-64 km. The radio call sign is WRV 574.
3. Vessels should make for the unmarked approach designated Alpha Hotel, 2 nmi from the entrance of the Harbor at 13°26.13'N 144°34.15'E where the pilot will board. From Alpha Hotel the entrance line is 083 ° with the leading marks in line. Because of the depths, anchoring outside the Harbor is impossible. If a vessel must wait for a pilot, it should cruise back and forth in the area.
4. Under the influence of Northeast Trades the prevalent set of the current off the entrance of the Harbor is to the south or southwest, regardless of the tidal currents. During the summer months, when westerly winds may prevail, a northerly set may be experienced. Entry should be made during periods when crosscurrents are at a minimum. A pilot should be consulted on this matter. Strong crosscurrents may require an approach speed of up to 8 kt.
5. All vessels over 65 ft (20 m) will proceed at a rate commensurate with safe navigation and slow enough so as not to cause damage to other vessels and /or property. Vessels under 65 ft (20 m) may proceed at a rate of speed not to exceed 10 nmi/hour. All vessels more than 65 ft (20 m) or exceeding 300 grt will advise the Control Tower Marine Traffic Controller of all moves into, within, or departing Apra Harbor, giving the destination and the time leaving the berth. All such vessels will operate under the direction of the Control Tower.
6. United States Inland Rules of the Road apply within Apra Harbor and International Navigational Rules (72 COLREGS) apply outside a line extending from Orote Island to the tip of Glass Breakwater.
7. All first-time vessels entering Apra Harbor must have a certified pilot on board. Likewise all vessels arriving or departing between sunset and sunrise must secure the services of a certified pilot. All vessels in excess of 500 grt must secure a pilot prior to entering the Harbor. All vessels exceeding 500 grt must also secure the services of a tug(s) except for U.S. Flag fishing vessels under 1500 grt. A vessel requiring a pilot must wait at Alpha Hotel Point station for a pilot to board.
8. The PAGHMO will assign a berth for vessels entering the Port. Berths for small vessels will be made available only when not required for large, commercial, ocean going vessels. Commercial fishing boats or boats hauling commercial fish cargoes are given top priority of small vessel berthing. It is unlawful to moor, dock, anchor at, or lay alongside any Port Authority controlled pier, wharf, quay, bulkhead, landing, dolphin, mooring or other moored vessel or anchored vessel without specific authorization of the Port Authority.
9. Vessels are urged to contact local authorities for the latest information on harbor regulations.

Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/guam/apra/text/sect3.htm