Sazaire Oil Terminal (6°06'S., 12°23'E.), consisting of a lighted platform, is situated about 1 mile offshore, 3.7 miles ESE of Ponta Padrao. A submarine pipeline extends SSE from the platform to the shore. This terminal is used by small local tankers and barges which transfer oil to larger vessels anchored in the vicinity of Ponta Padrao.

Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 500 grt. Pilots for the river, Boma, Ango-Ango, and Matadi are provided from the station at Banana. They can be contacted by VHF and board between Stella Lighted Buoy No. 2 and Pointe Bulabemba or about 8 miles above Pointe Bulabemba. Vessels should send an ETA 5 days in advance, if possible, and a confirmation message 24 hours before arrival through Banana (9PA) radio station. Pilotage is available by day only; this may result in vessels having to anchor at Boma or Ango- Ango overnight if there is insufficient time for them to reach Matadi during daylight.

Regulations.—For the safety of navigation, vessels proceeding to Matadi must be capable of speeds of 10.5 to 11 knots, and sometimes of speeds greater than 12 knots, depending on the season and prevailing local conditions. The buoyage in the river is placed in accordance with IALA System A.

Anchorage.—Vessels awaiting daylight to enter the river can find good anchorage, out of the current, in depths of 13 to 17m between 1 and 5 miles W of Ponta da Moita Seca. Another anchorage frequently used is in depths of 8 to 18m, on the edge of the bank, between 2 and 2.8 miles WSW of Pointe Francaise.

Good anchorage may also be obtained in a depth of 14m about 1 mile WSW of Ponta Padrao. The surface current at this anchorage has been reported to set continually W, slackening only on the flood tide.

Caution.—Offshore oil and gas exploration and production operations are being carried out in the vicinity of the approaches to the river. Drilling rigs, platforms, submarine pipelines, FSOs, and well heads may be encountered up to 80 miles seaward of the river mouth. Vessels should exercise care when navigating in the approaches as many of the associated structures and installations are often moved and are not charted.

Location