Ship handling Guidelines for Port Everglades and Port Dania

Revised: May 27, 2010

The items below are guidelines for average conditions and are subject to the existing circumstances and conditions at the time of any vessel movement.  These guidelines also assume all ship's gear and equipment is fully functional.  If there is any doubt for any reason, the pilots should be consulted as far in advance of the intended vessel movement as possible.  The intent of any restriction imposed is to maintain the highest degree of safety while looking to make the most efficient use of all the port's facilities.

Port Everglades 

1.  Although under certain circumstances Florida law provides the option of the Master performing the docking and un-docking maneuvers, it is strongly recommended the Pilot perform these maneuvers.

2.  Vessels with drafts of 40 feet to a maximum of 42 feet should move only with adequate positive tide.

3.  Draft restrictions at all berths are determined by the Harbormaster based upon the most recently reported soundings.

4.  All by-pass jobs anywhere in the port will be considered on a case by case basis with the following restrictions specifically addressed:

5.  Guidelines applicable to all wide deck aircraft carriers.  This section does not apply to LHA's, LPD's or similar vessels.

6.  Propane barges will not enter port if conditions are such that an assist tug cannot make up to the barge before entering the channel.

7.  It is recommended that vessels leave 35 feet of clearance from the corner of all berths.

8.  When there is less than 140 feet of berthing space over and above the LOA of a vessel to be berthed between two other vessels or a vessel and a bulkhead, additional tugs, slack water and/or other constraints may be required on a case by case basis.

9.  When the combined beam of vessels occupying and berthing in any of slips 1, 2, or 3 are in excess of 190 feet, additional tugs, specific tugs, slack water and/or other constraints may be required on a case by case basis.

10.  When the combined beams of vessels occupying and berthing in Berths 33A and 33B are in excess of 145 feet, additional tugs, specific tugs, slack water and/or other constraints may be required on a case by case basis.

11.  Vessels berthing in Slips 1, 2, or 3 with beams exceeding 106 feet may restrict the use of the slips by other vessels on a case by case basis.

12.  If a tanker is backing out of a slip with another ship inbound in the main ship channel, it will not rotate past a north-south axis until the channel is clear. The outbound tanker should hold in a north-south orientation in a position not east of the middle of the turning basin. 

13.  Petroleum vessels requiring a pilot should not meet any other vessel requiring a pilot anywhere in the port

1.  All vessels must have adequate wheelhouse visibility.

NOTE:  On the inbound transit of the Gulfstream Express or Ocean Express (proceeding stern first), containers are not to be loaded three high on the port and starboard extremities without prior pilot approval.

2.  The channel in the area south of the Port Laudania east-west dock and the fuel dock must be sufficiently clear.

3.  All assist tugs are to be approved by the pilots. 

NOTE:  The Gulfstream Express is approved to sail without tug assistance.  It should have one assist tug inbound.  The Ocean Express requires two assist tugs inbound and outbound.

1.  Items 1-3 (except Notes) from the East Basin also apply.

2.  Vessels with a draft of 10'-00" to a maximum of 11'-00" should transit within one hour of high water.

3.  Vessels with an LOA of 180' or more should transit during daylight and within one hour of slack water.