TOMIL

• Latitude: 9.51516
• Longitude: 138.1253
• North Pacific
• Port in Micronesia

Location: Micronesia

Tomil Harbour is a minor port located in the island state of Yap, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It is known for its quiet, relatively protected harbor, and it plays a significant role in the region's local maritime activities. Below is a detailed description and specification, summarizing the key features of Tomil Harbor:

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 9° 30' N latitude and 138° 7' E longitude.
• Island: Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.

Port Characteristics:

• Type of Port: Minor port primarily used for local and regional maritime traffic.
• Water Depth: Varies with the tide, but generally shallow, limiting the size of vessels that can safely dock.
• Tidal Range: The area experiences modest tidal variations that can impact docking operations, particularly for smaller vessels.

Facilities:

• Docking: Limited docking facilities; typically designed for small to medium-sized vessels such as fishing boats, small cargo ships, and coastal ships.
• Anchorage: Safe anchorage available for vessels outside the main docking area. The seabed provides good holding ground in most parts of the harbor.
• Cargo Handling Facilities: Basic infrastructure; cargo is typically managed with simpler, manual handling techniques rather than sophisticated container cranes.
• Fueling and Supplies: Limited availability, primarily catering to the needs of local maritime traffic.

Operations:

• Main Activities: Mainly serves the local economy including fishing, regional trade, and supply deliveries.
• Customs and Immigration Services: Available but on a limited and less comprehensive scale compared with larger international ports.
• Pilotage: Pilot services may not be necessary for experienced local seafarers but could be required for larger or international ships unfamiliar with the area.

Navigation:

• Approach: Careful navigation is required due to reefs and shallows surrounding the harbor. Local knowledge is extremely valuable for safe passage.
• Navigational Aids: Basic aids to navigation such as buoys and markers, though they may not be as advanced as those found in larger, more developed ports.

Connectivity:

• Transport: Limited road infrastructure connecting the port with other parts of Yap Island. The primary means of transport within the region is by sea.
• Communication: Basic communication facilities are available; however, modern electronic communication systems might not be as advanced compared to larger ports.

Environmental and Cultural Considerations:

• Surrounding Environment: The harbor is in a highly environmentally sensitive area, with diverse marine life and coral reefs.
• Cultural Significance: Yap State is known for its unique cultural heritage, and maritime activities are deeply intertwined with local traditions and community practices.

Utilization:

• Commercial Use: Primarily used for local commerce, fishing activities, and regional trade.
• Community and Subsistence Use: Significant portion of port activities are related to community needs and subsistence fishing.

Limitations:

• Size and Capacity: Limited in terms of capacity and size of vessels it can accommodate.
• Infrastructure: Basic infrastructure limits handling of large-scale commercial shipping operations.

Given these characteristics, Tomil Harbour serves as an essential hub for the local maritime activities of Yap State but operates on a significantly smaller scale compared to major international ports.