TOWING COMPANIES
- McAllister Towing & Transportation (VHF Channel: 7A): (843) 577-6449
- Moran Towing (VHF Channel: 19A): (843) 529-3000
- Stevens Towing: (843) 889-2254
LINE HANDLERS
- Charleston Port Services: (843) 747-2772
- Moran Environmental Services: (843) 797-0402
EMERGENCY
- Fire/Police/Medical Emergency: Please dial 911
- U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Charleston: (843) 740-7050
- Charleston City Police: (843) 577-7074
- Charleston Fire Department: (843) 884-0623
- Mt. Pleasant Police: (843) 884-4176
- Mt. Pleasant Fire Department: (843) 884-0623
- North Charleston Police: (843)554-5700
- Charleston County Sheriff’s Office: (843) 202-1700
Local Government Agencies & Resources
- South Carolina State Ports Authority
- NOAA PORTS: Local Tides & Current Information
- National Weather Service Forecast Office: Charleston, SC
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District
- Don Holt Bridge Air Gap Sensor
Maritime Trade Organizations
American Pilots’ Association is the national trade association of professional maritime pilots. Our Association’s president, Whitemarsh S. Smith, serves as its Secretary/Treasurer. Made up of approximately 60 groups of state-licensed pilots, representing virtually all the state pilots in the country, APA members pilot over 95% of all ocean-going vessels moving in United States waters.
The Maritime Association of South Carolina has been actively promoting the interests of the Port of Charleston since 1926. Our mission is to advance, encourage, promote, increase and protect the interests of South Carolina’s ports – both public and private.
The Propeller Club of the Port of Charleston is the largest membership organization on the Charleston waterfront, representing all of the State’s maritime shipping interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum width of the approach?
The minimum channel width from sea to the berth is 600 feet, which is at the final approach.
What is the minimum UKC for all ships on approach?
The minimum in-port UKC is 7% of draft.
What is the minimum depth of the approach?
According to the most recent soundings, the minimum depth in the approach channels is 33 feet.
Are there turning basins?
Customhouse Reach serves as the turning basin for this terminal. It is 1,600 feet wide.
Any limiting conditions? Tidal restrictions? Air draft restrictions?
There are no bridges or current restrictions to this terminal. Cruise ships are typically not restricted in Charleston.
Please provide draft to confirm there will be no UKC-related restrictions.
Aids to navigation? Daymarks/Leading lights?
The entrance channel is marked by a range. All channels are well marked. Many harbor reaches have ranges.
Are there any obstacles/Navigational Hazards on the approach to the port/berths?
The approach follows channels maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Their latest channel information is available at this link:
https://www.sac.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Hydrographic-Maps/