15.1 Winds – Weather. – The Marrobbio, a phenomenon experienced most frequently along the SW coast of Sicilia, is common throughout this whole area. It usually occurs during undisturbed weather and produces waves or surges, sometimes isolated or sometimes in a series. These waves or surges cause sudden fluctuations of the water level, up to 1m, and set up dangerous currents in confined bays or harbors.

During the winter, between October and March, SW winds predominate off the N coast of Sicilia. These winds often blow with moderate gale force or they may be of a squally nature. During September and April, the winds usually blow from the NE or SE with approximately the same frequency. Winds from the NE prevail more frequently during the summer months. These winds are less constant than the S winter winds.

Land and sea breezes are well developed in summer. The sea breeze, known as Imbattu, springs up in the morning after 1000. It freshens during the day, reaches a maximum at 1400, and calms at sunset. The sea breeze freshens somewhat when it swings to the NW. If the sea breeze continues until about 2200, calms or light winds will generally prevail on the following day.

Squalls can be expected off the mouth of Fiumara d’Agro, on the E coast of Sicilia, during W or SW winds. Violent N or NW winds sometimes blow down from the valley located off the N side of Monte Etna. Storms from the NE, of a long duration, occur in the vicinity of Capo Schiso, especially during spring. Winds from the E and SE, often violent, predominate in the vicinity of Capo Molini. Winds from SE or NW, lasting for 2 or 3 days, usually occur in the vicinity of Golfo di Catania during winter. Winds from the NE and NW are more frequent during spring and summer. In September, violent SW winds, of a short duration, occur quite frequently. Strong SE winds, accompanied by heavy swells, frequently occur in October and November. Winds from the ENE and ESE prevail in winter in the vicinity of Siracusa and W or SW winds sometimes blow with violence.

Tides – Currents. – The currents in the vicinity of Sicilia are irregular and are generally influenced by the prevailing wind. Along the N coast, the current almost always sets W at a rate of 0.5 knot. Further offshore, the current flows E and then NW along the W coast of Italy. The inshore current appears to be stronger than the offshore one.

Strong currents are sometimes found among the islands of Isole Eolie. These currents are greatly influenced by the winds. During summer, with variable breezes, a general S set has been observed. This set is particularly noticeable in the vicinity of the W islands of the group. Currents of variable rates, up to a maximum of 3 knots, have been observed setting E or W in the channel lying between the S island of the group and the N coast of Sicilia.

The currents off the E side of Sicilia usually follow the coast and set SW in the vicinity of Capo Schiso. Along the coast to the S of Monte Etna, a current sets S in summer and autumn at a rate of about 0.3 knot. This current is quite noticeable near the coast and extends from 1 to 1.8 miles offshore. Weak currents, mostly influenced by the winds, are found in Golfo di Catania and similar currents are found off Augusta and Siracusa.

Regulations. – Tanker vessels of 1,600 grt and over entering or leaving Italian ports and carrying, or with uncleaned tanks which last carried, petroleum, gas, or chemical products should report to a shore station before entering Italian territorial waters off Italian ports. For further details, see Pub. 140, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Caution. – Tunny nets are laid out annually between March and November close off many places along the N coast of Sicilia.

Sicilia – North Coast

15.2 Sicilia (Sicily) (37°50'N, 13°30'E) is the largest and one of the most important islands in the Mediterranean. It is separated from the W side of the toe of the boot of Italy by the deep Stretto di Messina.

Capo San Vito (38°11'N, 12°44'E), marked by a light, is the NW extremity of the island. It is fully described in paragraph 14.18.

A small bay, with a sandy beach, indents the N side of the peninsula which stands between Capo San Vito and Punta di Solanto, 1.7 miles ESE. San Vito Lo Capo, a village, is situated at the head of this bay and is a fishing boat harbor, protected by breakwaters, lies close NW of it. The square structure of a fortress-like shrine, with a bell tower, is situated in front of the village and is prominent. An ancient and massive red-colored tower, partly in ruins, stands on the beach, close N of the village. However, it can only be seen from the W side of the peninsula.

Monte Monaco (38°10'N, 12°35'E), 532m high with steep and rocky sides, stands 1.7 miles SE of Capo San Vito. It is located at the N end of a ridge that descends from Monte Sparagio, 1,110m high, which stands 7 miles further S.

15.3 Isola d’Ustica (38°42'N, 13°10'E), lying 30 miles N of Punta Raisi, is of volcanic formation, fertile, and cultivated. A hilly ridge crosses the N central part of the island and rises to Monte Guardia dei Turchi, summit, which is 248m high. A radar station, consisting of a brown building topped by a large white sphere, stands on the summit and is visible from all directions.

The N slope of Monte Guardia dei Turchi descends steeply towards a wide level plain, 20m high, which trends towards the N coast. The S slope is less steep and several hills stand between the mountain and the S coast of the island. From a distance E or W, Isola d’Ustica appears as two islets lying close together.

Punta Cavazzi (38°41'N, 13°10'E), a rocky point, is the SW extremity of Isola d’Ustica. A light is shown from a tower, 28m high, standing on the point.


Punta Cavazzi Light

The W coast of the island between Punta Cavazzi and Punta Gorgo Salato, 2 miles NE, is fringed by shoals. Punta dello Spalmatore, a long and sharp rocky tongue, extends about 0.3 mile N of Punta Cavazzi and its outer part is bordered by above-water rocks. A large and prominent tower stands at the inner end of this rocky tongue. During E or NE winds, small vessels, with local knowledge, can anchor, in a depth of 38m, rocky bottom, between Punta dello Spalmatore and Punta Cavazzi, and about 300m offshore.

Punta di Megna, a rounded projection, is located 0.7 mile NNE of Punta dello Spalmatore and is fringed by above-water rocks. A rocky patch, with a depth of 4.6m, lies about 0.2 mile W of this point. Scoglio del Medico, a large above-water rock, lies about 0.3 mile NNW of the Punta di Megna. The channel leading between this rock and the rocks fringing the point is deep and about 250m wide. During SE winds, small vessels, with local knowledge, can anchor, in a depth of 20m, off the NW side of the island in 20m, E of Scoglio del Medico, but the bottom is rocky.

15.4 Punta Gorgo Salato (38°43'N, 13°11'E) is the N extremity of the island. Secca Colombara, a rock, lies about 0.4 mile N of this point and has a depth of 1.5m. Scoglio Colombara, a high rock resembling a tower, lies close inshore, 1 mile SE of Punta Gorgo Salato.

The NE coast of the island between Punta Gorgo Salato and Capo Falconara, 1.2 miles SE, is rugged and steep-to.

Punta Omo Morto is located 1 mile SE of Punta Gorgo Salato. A light and an auxiliary light are shown from a structure, 10m high, standing on this point. The coast in the vicinity of this point rises in a vertical, rocky wall to a height of 101m.

Capo Falconara (38°43'N, 13°12'E), the E extremity of the island, is located 0.2 mile SE of Punta Omo Morto. Above this cape, at an elevation of 156m, stand the ruins of an old fort.

The SE coast of the island between Capo Falconara and Punta Licciardolo, 1.7 miles SW, is indented by several very small coves and is rather steep-to. Cala Santa Maria, a small cove, lies close SW of Capo Falconara. Ustica, a village with a number of prominent white houses, stands on a slope, at the head of this cove. A harbor for small craft, protected by a mole, fronts the village. A prominent tower is situated on a hill, 81m high, which stands close above the S entrance point of the cove. The tall and circular tower of a disused windmill is situated on a hill, 0.2 mile SSW of the tower. Anchorage can be obtained by small vessels, in a depth of 7m, sand and weed, within Cala Santa Maria, about 90m offshore. Larger vessels can obtain anchorage, in a depth of 37m, at the entrance to the cove. Local knowledge is required.

Punta Licciardolo (38°41'N, 13°10'E), the S extremity of the island, is formed by a gently sloping point. The S coast of the island between this point and Punta Gavazzi, 1 mile WNW, is steep and clear of known off-lying dangers.

Caution. – The waters around Isola d’Ustica have been declared a marine nature reserve and special regulations apply. The local authorities should be contacted for further information.

An anchoring and fishing prohibited area, best seen on the chart, is located in the Cala Santa Maria.

A historic wreck lies close SE of the breakwater light in Ustica.

15.5 Golfo di Castellammare (35°05'N, 12°55'E) lies between Punta di Solanto and Punta di Raisi, 16 miles E. Several villages are situated on the slopes of the mountains overlooking this gulf. In summer, the gulf is usually crowded with fishing boats and there are no offshore dangers. A prominent railroad runs along the S and E shores of the gulf.

Punta di Solanto (38°11'N, 12°46'E) is low and flat. A light is shown from a structure, 5m high, standing 0.2 mile SSE of the point. A prominent tower, partly in ruins, stands close SE of the point. A tunny factory, consisting of a group of prominent white buildings dominated by a tall chimney, is situated 0.5 mile S of the tower. Tunny nets are laid annually from March to November in the vicinity of this factory.

The coast to the S of these buildings is very rocky, steep, and high. A square tower, partly in ruins, stands about halfway up the slope of a small promontory, 2.5 miles SSE of Punta Solanto. A tourist resort village is situated close N of the tower. The craggy coastline is interrupted, 1 mile S of the tower, by the short tip of a rocky spur which forms a sandy beach.

Torre Scopello (38°04'N, 12°49'E), a white structure, stands on top of a rocky knoll. Two high rocks lie close off this knoll. A white tower is situated 0.5 mile inland and stands on a hill which shows prominently against the mountains in the background. A group of white buildings at a tunny factory stand close S of Torre Scopello. Tunny nets are laid out annually in the vicinity of Torre Scopello and off a small cove lying 3 miles N.

Puntazzo, a yellow and salient point, is located 1 mile SE of Torre Scopello. It is covered with olive trees and vineyards. A gray square tower, with a small gallery, stands among some houses on the shores of an inlet, close SE of Puntazzo. A prominent white bridge stands at the head of this inlet.

Punta La Porta, a rocky point with a hole in it, is located 1.5 miles ESE of Puntazzo. An above-water rock lies close off this point. Tunney nets are laid out annually close SE of Punta La Porta.

Castellammare del Golfo (38°02'N, 12°52'E) stands at the foot of Monte Inice. An ancient castle, shaped like a massive tower, stands on a rocky point in front of the town. A large cathedral is situated close inland and close S of the castle. Farther inland and at a higher elevation, a prominent church, which is flanked by two bell towers, faces the sea. A small craft harbor, protected by a breakwater, fronts the town.

Secca Cernia, with a depth of 6.9m, lies about 0.3 mile N of the head of the breakwater. Anchorage can be taken, in a depth of 11m, good holding ground, W of Secca Cernia or, in a depth of 16m, E of Secca Cernia. Local knowledge is required.

Caution. – A marine farm, marked by a lighted buoy, is located 2 miles NE of the town.

15.6 Between Castellammare del Golfo and Balestrate, a town 6 miles E, the coast is low, sandy, and backed by low hills. Alcamo Marina, a prominent beach resort, is situated 3 miles E of Castellammare del Golfo. Tunny nets are laid out annually between March and November off Alcamo Marina.

Balestrate (38°03'N, 13°00'E) stands on a short rocky projection of the coast. A prominent bell tower, with a pyramid-shaped roof, is situated in the center of the town.

A chain of above and below-water rocks fronts the town. However, anchorage can be taken, in a depth of 11m, sand, about 1 mile seaward of these rocks.

Trappeto, a village, stands 2 miles ENE of Balestrate. The coast between is steep, rugged, and fringed by rocks, awash. A rocky area, with a least depth of 5.5m, lies about 0.3 mile offshore, abreast Trappeto.

15.7 Capo di Rama (38°08'N, 13°03'E), 30m high and level, is surmounted by a tower, partly in ruins. A small cove lies between this cape and a small point, 2.3 miles NE, and is used by fishing boats.

Terrasini is situated 1.5 miles NE of Capo di Rama. It stands on a rocky shore which is broken in several places by short, steep beaches. A tall tower stands on a small promontory, close W of this town. A prominent and large church, facing seaward and flanked by two bell towers, stands in the center of the town. The town is fronted by a small craft harbor which is protected by a mole. Anchorage can be obtained outside the harbor where the depths are deep and regular, sand and weed, good holding ground. Small vessels can remain at anchor sheltered from all but NW winds.

Cinisi, a village, is situated close E of Terrasini. It stands on a lower slope of Monte Pizzo di Mezzo, which is 850m high. A large yellow church stands near the center of the village and is conspicuous from seaward.

Punta Molinazzo (38°10'N, 13°05'E), located 1 mile N of Terrasini, is low, rocky, and fringed by rocks. A large, isolated, and rectangular tower stands on the SW end of this point.

Between Punta Molinazzo and Punta di Raisi, 1.7 miles NE, the coast is low and rocky. Several rocky shoal areas, with

Punta Molinazzo

Punta Molinazzo depths of 3 to 5.5m, lie up to 0.5 mile offshore along this stretch of shore.

Punta di Raisi (38°11'N, 13°07'E), the E entrance point of Golfo di Castellammare, is low and rocky. An airport, with a control tower, is situated in the vicinity of the point and is conspicuous. It is reported (1994) that an aeronautical light is shown from the control tower. A tall tower, in ruins, stands close E of the point. Several ancient walls and a few houses are situated near this tower, and a shallow inlet indents the coast close E of it. A tower, similar to the above tower, stands near the head of this inlet. Torre Muzza, partly in ruins and reddish, stands on the end of a small and rocky promontory, 2.5 miles E of Punta di Raisi.

Punta del Passagio (38°12'N, 13°14'E) is located 6.4 miles ENE of Punta Raisi. A tower, dark reddish, stands on a hill, 191m high, near the point.

Between Punta di Raisi and Capo Gallo, 10 miles ENE, the coast is mostly steep-to, slightly indented, and backed by high, rugged mountains.

Isola delle Femmine, 35m high, lies on a shoal spit which extends about 1 mile NNW from Punta del Passagio. This small island is surmounted by a prominent square tower.

15.8 Baia di Carini (38°11'N, 13°11'E) is entered between Torre Muzza and Isola delle Femmine, 4 miles ENE. This bay is clear of dangers and is quite deep in its outer part. The shores are level and covered with citrus groves. Several tall and brick-colored chimneys stand among the groves.

Carini is situated 2 miles inland, 3 miles SSE of Torre Muzza. The town stands at the back of a small hill which is joined to the mountains of the interior by a saddle. Capaci, a small town, is situated 0.7 mile inland, 2 miles S of Punta del Passagio. A tower, surrounded by a high wall, stands 0.2 mile inland, 3 miles E of Torre Muzza.

Anchorage can be taken, according to the direction of the wind, either SE of Torre Muzza or in the E part of Baia di Carini. The holding ground of sand is good in both anchorages. The bottom in the middle of the bay is rocky.

A light-colored smokestack, topped by a pole with a weather vane, identifies the village of Isola delle Femmine, which is situated close S of Punta del Passagio. A small shipyard stands on the W side of Punta del Passagio. A small harbor, used only by fishing boats, lies on the E side of the point and is protected by a jetty which is partly in ruins.

Sferracavallo (38°12'N, 13°16'E), a resort town, is situated 2 miles SE of the village of Isola delle Femmine. It is built along the rocky shores of a small cove and is conspicuous. A sandy beach lies at the head of the cove.

15.9 Capo Gallo (38°13'N, 13°19'E) is the N extremity of a mountainous promontory. From a distance it appears as an island. A light is shown from a tower, 7m high, standing in front of a low building on the cape. A disused signal station stands 0.5 mile SW of the light.

A dangerous wreck lies about 1.8 miles E of Capo Gallo.


Capo Gallo bearing SE


Capo Gallo Light

Between Capo Gallo and Punta di Mondello, 1 mile SSE, the coast is formed by the steep side of a mountain. A small breakwater, partly in ruins, extends 100m ESE from a point located about midway between the cape and Punta di Mondello. An old and cylindrical tower stands on Punta di Mondello.

La Barra (38°17'N, 13°23'E), a sand and coral bank, lies 4.5 miles NNE of Capo Gallo and has a least depth of 65m.

Baia di Mondello is entered between Punta di Mondello and Punta Celesi, 1 mile SSE. A wide beach, backed by a plain, forms the shores of this bay. A tower, partly in ruins, stands in the village of Mondello, which is situated on the NW shore of the bay. A small pier fronts the village. A prominent building, with a roof of many gables, stands at the head of the bay. There is a mole, 100m long, extending N from Punta Celesi and a prominent crane stands on it.

Punta Priola is located 1 mile ESE of Punta Celesi. An old and disused shipyard, with several large symmetrical buildings and four slipways, lies 0.3 mile W of Punta Priola and is now used as a marina. A long jetty, partly in ruins, projects from the coast in the vicinity of this marina.

Caution. – Due to the existence of submarine cables, an anchoring and fishing prohibited area, which may best be seen on the chart, extends seaward from the shore between Punta Priola and Capo Gallo.

15.10 Golfo di Palermo (38°08'N, 13°25'E) lies between Punta Priola and Capo Mongerbino, 8.3 miles SE. The shores of the gulf are backed by rugged mountains with fertile and cultivated valleys.

Monte Pellegrino (38°10'N, 13°21'E), 600m high, rises S of Punta Priola and dominates the coast in this vicinity. The mountain is steep, barren, dark reddish, and surmounted by a disused signal station. A small tower, in ruins, stands on the shore, 1 mile SSE of Punta Priola.

Punta Arenella (38°09'N, 13°23'E) is a rocky point surmounted by a round and orange-colored tower, 18m high. A prominent group of buildings stands behind the tower and a prominent establishment, with a black-colored chimney, is situated close N of it. A pier, with a depth of 5m alongside its head, extends from this establishment and a prominent crane stands on it.

Castello Utveggio, a conspicuous red building, stands 1 mile W of Punta Aranella. A pleasure craft basin, protected by a mole, lies close SSW of Punta Aranella and an extensive yacht harbor lies 0.6 mile S of the point.

Monte Cuccio, 1,050m high, stands 4 miles W of Palermo and is surmounted by a small church. A large fortress is situated, at an elevation of 762m, on a flat mountain ridge, 2 miles S of Monte Cuccio.

Porto di Palermo (38°08'N, 13°22'E)

World Port Index No. 40130

15.11 Porto di Palermo lies in the SW corner of Golfo di Palermo, 1 mile S of Punta Aranella. The main commercial harbor is protected by breakwaters and Porto Industriale, with repair facilities, a shipyard, and drydocks, lies immediately to the N.

Port of Palermo Home Page http://www.autoport.pa.it

Winds – Weather. – During the winter between October and March, winds from the SW and NW are dominant in the gulf. However, storms from the NE sometimes occur in these months. Squalls from the SE occur occasionally during the spring months. Fog is not prevalent but does occur sometimes during the spring.

Tides – Currents. – The tides are negligible, being only 0.3m at springs. The mean sea level in this gulf may fall as much as 0.5m below normal during February, March, and April.

The currents in the gulf are weak and are influenced mostly by the winds. There is very little current within the harbor.

Depths – Limitations. – The outer harbor has depths of 14 to 30m. The main commercial facilities include Puntone Quay, 400m long, with a depth of 14m alongside; Quattroventi Quay, 235m long, with a depth of 8m alongside; St. Lucia Pier, with 230m of total berthing space and depths of 8 to 10m alongside; Marinai Quay 1, 115m long, with a depth of 11m alongside; Marinai Quay 2, 110m long, with a depth of 12m alongside; Piave Pier, with 737m of total berthing space with a depth of 12m alongside; Veneto Pier, with 717m of total berthing space with depths of 8 to 12m alongside; and Sammuzzo Quay, 350m long, with a depth of 8m alongside.

There are facilities for ro-ro, bulk, and container vessels. Generally, vessels up to 250m in length and 13.4m draft can be accommodated.

In addition, there are extensive repair facilities and several drydocks which can handle vessels up to 400,000 dwt.

The port is being developed (1994) in order to be able to handle vessels up to 16.4m draft. There are reports (2002) of container terminal expansion plans.

Aspect. – Palermo can be identified by the prominent mountains surrounding it. Prominent landmarks include the dark dome of the theater standing in the center of the city; the cathedral, with a black dome, situated close S of the theater; the astronomical observatory, standing near the cathedral which consists of a massive, light-colored building topped by a small white dome; and a red tower which stands close W of the theater and rises above the firehouse.

A long, vertical row of conspicuous lights mark an aqueduct which is situated in the hills, in the SE part of the city. It is reported that the loom of the city lights can be seen from a distance of about 8 miles, but at midnight many of these lights are turned off.

It is reported (1990) that the cranes at the shipyard in the N part of the port are conspicuous from seaward.

A light is shown from a structure standing on the elbow of the outer breakwater. A racon is situated at the light.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 500 grt or over when entering or leaving port and for vessels of more than 1,000 gross tons when operating within 1 mile of the Esso and AGIP terminals. Warships, fishing vessels, tugs, and local traffic are exempt from the pilotage rules.

Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 11, 12, or 16 and generally board about 1 mile from the harbor entrance. In bad weather the pilot boat leads vessels into the harbor.

Regulations. – No vessel is permitted to enter, leave, or move within the port during the 30 minutes preceding the arrival or departure of the mail steamers. The normal times of this prohibition are 0645, 0830, and 2030 daily, but these times are approximate and others may occur.

A vessel traffic service (VTS) is established in Palermo. Participation in the VTS is mandatory for cargo vessels of more than 300 gross tons, fishing vessels of 24m loa and over, all passenger vessels, and leisure craft of 45m loa and over Participation is optional for other vessels.

The Palermo VTS is bounded by a line joining:

The Palermo breakwater racon at position 38° 07.7'N, 13° 22.6'E
38° 24.7'N, 13° 22.6'E
38° 16.3'N, 13° 41.5'E
38° 07.6'N, 13° 41.5'E
Capo Mongerbino (38° 07.5'N, 13° 30.7'E).

A precautionary area extends 5 miles seaward from the VTS area borders.

The VTS (call sign: Palermo VTS) uses VHF channels 11, 14, and 16. Vessels should establish initial contact with the VTS when within the precautionary area.

Vessels transiting the VTS make the following reports:

Entry report.

Designator	Information Required
A	Vessel name, call sign, flag, and IMO number
B	Gross tons
C	Port of registry and Registration No.
D	Length overall
E	Year built
F	Owner
G	Master’s name and surname
H	Number of passengers and crew
I	Date and time of entering VTS
J	Entry position (Latitude/Longitude)
K	True course
L	Speed
M	Last port of call/date and time of departure
N	Destination and ETA
O	Maximum draft
P	Cargo onboard and nature of cargo
Q	Dangerous goods onboard

ITALY – SICILIA (SICILY) AND STRETTO DI MESSINA SECTOR 15