Guidance to Cruise Vessels for 2022/23 Season

Following the formation of the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority (FIMA) in 2019, a full review of the navigational safety in Port William and Stanley Harbour has been undertaken. This review identified several areas where tighter controls were required.

This document aims to highlight the navigational safety requirements that apply to visiting cruise vessels. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Ports & Harbours Information Booklet, which is available on the FIMA website. All vessels are also to ensure that the information contained in Admiralty Sailing Directions and lists of radio signals is also considered.

Bookings and emergency plans

Only vessels with a confirmed booking will be permitted entry into the Port William/ Stanley Harbour. This does not prevent a vessel seeking assistance in case of emergency.

All vessels are required to supply a copy of their SAR emergency plan, and risk assessments for tendering operations (if applicable) at least 28 days prior to arrival. These can be sent direct to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or submitted via the vessel’s agent.

Falkland Islands Voluntary Ship Reporting System

New for the 2022 season, the Falkland have introduced a voluntary ship reporting system covering West Falklands and its approaches. All cruise vessels wishing to enter the Falklands are requested to comply with the requirements of the scheme. The limits of the system are shown an Admiralty Charts, and can be viewed on the FIMA website Falkland Islands Voluntary Ship Reporting System (FIREP) (falklands.gov.fk)

FIPASS

Due to the age and condition of the FIPASS structure, vessels with a displacement over 10,000t will not be permitted to berth at FIPASS. Local Notice to Mariners 05/2021 (falklands.gov.fk)

Weather

Due to the constrained nature of Stanley Harbour and the poor protection provided from prevailing winds, the harbour will be closed to all fishing vessels, cruise vessels and their tenders when wind speeds reach a sustained 30kts.

When visibility reduces below 0.1nm the Maritime Authority will implement a fog routine. During such times all cruise vessel tender operations will be suspended. Exemptions may be granted if only one vessel is operating and risk assessments are provided.

Anchorages

Provisional anchorage allocations will be made on receipt of emergency plans. Anchorage allocation will be confirmed on receipt of the 24hour pre-notification of arrival. Larger vessels will be allocated anchorages towards the Western end of Port William dependant of number of vessels and prevailing conditions.

Vessels of less than 143m length, 25m beam and 6.0m draft may request an anchorage in Stanley Harbour. Such requests will only be considered if the vessel has sufficient manoeuvrability, the Master is familiar with the Harbour and there is a suitable anchorage available.

Tender Operations

In early 2020, a LNTM was issued which limited the use of the small finger pontoon at the public jetty to zodiacs only. This is due to the instability of the pontoon, which makes it unsuitable for larger tenders.

This LNTM has been fully revised to cover all aspects of passenger vessel tender operations. The revised Local Notice to Mariners 02/2022 (falklands.gov.fk)can be found on the FIMA website.