Forcados Oil Terminal (5°10'N., 5°10'E.), situated 15 miles SW of South Point, consists of a platform, which is equipped with a racon, and two SBMs. A submarine pipeline, which may best be seen on the chart, extends in a NE direction from the terminal to the shore. No. 1 SBM and No. 2 SBM are located in a depth of 22.8m about 1 mile WSW and 1 mile W, respectively, of the platform. Vessels of 45,000 to 350,000 dwt, with drafts up to 21m, can be accommodated. There are no restrictions for length or beam. Vessels must have their engines ready for immediate use while at the terminal. Unfavorable weather is expected at the terminal from June to September, when a heavy swell may be experienced. Fog may occur in the mornings in December and January. A designated anchorage area, for vessels waiting to berth, lies about 3 miles NW of the platform. A restricted area, with a radius of 3 miles, surrounds the terminal and may best be seen on the chart. All vessels are prohibited from entering this area without prior permission. Pilotage is compulsory and is available 24 hours. Pilots, acting as mooring masters, can be contacted on VHF channel 8 and board in the vicinity of the anchorage area. They remain on board throughout the loading procedure. Vessels should send their ETA to Shell, Lagos, 7 days, 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance. Vessels should then contact the terminal on VHF channel 8 when within range, on arrival off the terminal, and when anchored. Vessels at anchor must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 8.

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