17.1 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 E coast of Italy.

Landslides may occur along the section of coast described in this sector.

Numerous offshore oil and gas installations and associated pipelines and service craft may be encountered off the coast described in this sector.

Capo Santa Maria di Leuca to Porto di Brindisi

17.2 Capo Santa Maria di Leuca (39°48'N, 18°22'E) forms the heel of the Italian boot. This cape is 140m high and appears rocky and precipitous from the S, but from other directions, it presents a more gradually sloping appearance. A light, with an auxiliary light, are shown from a prominent structure, 48m high, standing 0.2 mile NNE of Punta Meliso, the SW extremity of the cape.

A conspicuous signal station, consisting of a tower with arched windows, stands 1.5 miles NW of the light. The old signal station, which stands 1.5 miles NE of the light, is visible only from a short distance. A high -rise building and the bell tower of the cathedral at the town of Leuca, standing W of the cape, are very conspicuous.

Between Capo Santa Maria di Leuca and Capo d’ Otranto, the coast consists of a cultivated and rocky plateau. From Capo d’ Otranto to Capo Gallo, the coast is low and is indented by numerous coves.

Porto di Tricase (39°56'N, 18°24'E) is a small inlet protected by a breakwater which forms a small craft harbor. Several buildings and villas and an arched stone viaduct stand in the vicinity of the harbor. The port monitors VHF channels 14 and 16. Gagliano del Capo, a village, is 3 miles N of Capo Santa Maria di Leuca and can be seen conspicuously above the headland of the cape from a few miles offshore. The campanile in this village is prominent.

17.3 Porto di Castro (40 °00'N, 18°26'E), a small bay, lies 4 miles NNE of Porto di Tricase and is dominated by the village of Castro which stands on a hill, 99m high. A conspicuous castle is situated in this village. A small harbor lies at the NE head of the bay and is suitable for small boats only. Anchorage is available, in a depth of 13m, mud, about 700m SW of Punta Mocarone, the NE entrance point of the bay.

From Porto di Castro to Porto Miggiano, 2 miles NNE, the coast is high and indented by fissures and coves. Porto Miggiano is a small boat harbor. Terme di Santa Cesarea, a spa, contains several prominent ornamental buildings. It stands on a high and rocky part of the coast, 1 mile NE of Porto Miggiano. The coast to the S of this spa is marked by several stone quarries.

Caution. – Entry is prohibited into an area with a radius of 1,000m centered 9.5 miles ESE of Terme di Santa Cesarea, where works are in progress (2008) to construct a floating wind turbine.

Porto Badisco, located 3 miles N of Porto Miggiano, is a narrow and deep inlet with high and rocky sides. A gray building and a red house stand close W of the entrance and are prominent. This inlet is only frequented by local small craft.

Capo d’ Otranto (40 °06'N, 18°31'E) is the E extremity of a high, precipitous, and steep-to tableland. A light is shown from a structure, 8m high, standing on the cape. A disused light tower stands near the base of the cape and a disused signal station surmounts the cape.

Punta Posta delle Fasci is located 1.7 miles N of Capo d’ Otranto. It is low, rocky, and flat but is easily recognized. Punta dell’Orto is located 0.3 mile NNW of the point and is overlooked by a conspicuous tower which is surrounded by houses. Torre del Serpe, standing 0.3 mile NW of Punta dell’Orto, is situated on a hill, 34m high. It is formed by a slender pile of masonry ruins, but is still prominent from seaward.

17.4 Porto di Otranto (40 °09'N, 18°30'E) (World Port Index No. 40490), a small port, lies in a bay which is entered between Punta San Nicola, located 2.5 miles NW of Capo d’ Otranto, and Punta Craul (La Punta), 0.5 mile NW. A breakwater extends NW from Punta San Nicola and encloses the SE part of the bay. The town of Otranto stands on the SW side of the bay.

Porto di Otranto Home Page http://www.guardiacostiera.it/otranto

Winds – Weather. – The harbor is protected from all winds except those from the N. The bora, a strong and dry NE to N wind, can be violent here, especially in winter, and usually lasts for a few days.

Tides – Currents. – The current generally follows the coast and sets S, even with SE winds. In summer, this current sometimes attains a rate of 1.5 knots.

Depths – Limitations. – The main commercial facility is Molo San Nicola, which is 260 long and has depths of 6 to 7m alongside. Vessels up to 5,300 dwt, 102m in length, and 5.3m draft have been accommodated alongside.

Aspect. – The town of Otranto is built on relatively high and yellowish rock stratum. A conspicuous castle stands in its SE part and the bell tower of the cathedral is prominent. A conspicuous war memorial, 24m high, stands 0.3 mile W of the town.

Range beacons indicate the entrance channel and may best be seen on the chart. A lighted buoy, moored about 140m SW of the breakwater head, marks the N extremity of the shallow water in the SE part of the harbor.

Secca delle Casse fronts the breakwater and extends ESE to Punta San Nicola. A lighted buoy is moored at the SW edge of this shoal.

Secca La Scala, with a least depth of 9.4m, lies about 0.5 mile NE of Punta Craul; the sea breaks on this shoal during strong winds.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of more than 500 gross tons. The pilot boards 0.6 mile from the port entrance.

Regulations. – Vessels should send an ETA 48 hours prior to arrival and confirm the ETA by 1200 on the day prior to arrival. The port can be contacted on VHF channel 11 or 16.

A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) has been established in the approaches to Otranto.

Anchorage. – Anchorages N1 to N6 are located in an area centered 2.5 miles N of Molo San Nicolo Head. Anchorage S1 is centered 1.75 miles SE of Molo San Nicola Head.

Caution. – Due to the existence of submarine cables, an anchoring and fishing prohibited area, which may best be seen on the chart, extends NE from Punta Craul.

Vessels intending to enter the inner harbor should close the NW shore as closely as possible to allow sufficient room to line up on the range.

17.5 Baia di Alimini (40 °12'N, 18°28'E) lies 3 miles N of Otranto and has an inlet at its head which leads to a large lagoon. A conspicuous masonry bridge, with seven arches, crosses this inlet and is prominent from seaward. Small vessels can anchor, in depths of 14 to 18m within the bay.

The coast to the N of this inlet consists of a sandy beach backed by groups of irregular sand dunes which are sparsely covered with bushes.

Secca Missipezza, a rocky and steep-to reef, extends about 0.5 mile offshore, close N of Baia di Alimini. It is advisable to always pass to the E of this reef.

Torre San Andrea (40 °15'N, 18°27'E) stands on a coastal elevation and is surmounted by a disused signal station. A light is shown from this checkered tower. A large white building and a prominent farm house are situated near the tower.

Punta San Cataldo (40 °23'N, 18°18'E) is low and sandy; a conspicuous white bathing pavilion stands on the beach, close W of it. A light is shown from a structure, 23m high, standing on the point.

A pumping station, with a tall chimney, stands on the coast, 3.2 miles NW of the light.

A rocky ledge, with depths of 0.9 to 4m, extends up to 0.3 mile E of the point. Anchorage may be taken, in a depth of 10m, sand, about 1 mile ESE of the point.

Caution. – A prohibited area, which can best be seen on the chart, extends up to 5 miles offshore from a section of the coast lying close N of Punta San Cataldo. This area is a firing area.

17.6 Torre Specchiolla (40 °30'N, 18°07'E) stands 11.5 mile NW of Punta San Cataldo and a prominent coast guard station is reported to be situated near it.

The coast to the N of this tower is low and generally rocky. It contains few dwellings, but there are numerous towers.

Caution. – All vessels not entering or leaving Brindisi are prohibited from navigating within the coastal zone extending 6 miles from the coast between Torre San Gennaro (40 °32.4'N, 18°04.0'E) and Torre Guaceto, standing 6.5 miles WNW of Punta Penne.

17.7 Squinzano, a town, is situated 5 miles inland, 5.5 miles SW of Torre Specchiolla. The houses are situated on the summit of a flat-topped hill and are mostly inconspicuous. The pointed bell tower of the town rises above these houses and is very conspicuous from seaward.

Torre Mattarella stands 5.5 miles NW of Torre Specchiolla and is red and rectangular. A white masonry building is situated close E of this tower.

Capo Cavallo (Capo di Torre Cavallo) (40 °38'N, 18°01'E), a low promontory, is located in the E approach to Brindisi. This cape can easily be identified by a conspicuous tower with a burn-off flare, which can be seen from a considerable distance on a clear night.

It is reported (1990) that a power station is situated 4.5 miles S of the cape and a chimney, 200m high, stands in its vicinity. An industrial complex of tanks, towers, and chimneys is situated W of the cape.

Anchorage can be obtained 4.5 miles E of the cape, in depths of 30 to 60m Secche di Capo Cavallo, a rocky foul area, extends 0.8 mile E and about 1 mile N of the cape. It has numerous rocks with depths of 1.8 to 9.8m and is marked by a lighted buoy which is moored about 1.5 miles NE of the cape. This lighted buoy marks the edge of the deep water NE of the cape and is used as an approach buoy by vessels inbound from the E or S.

Caution. – A danger area, the limits of which are shown, lies within 3 miles of the coast and extends up to about 2 miles E and 4.5 miles SE of Capo Cavallo. Vessels are prohibited from entering this area.

Porto di Brindisi (40 °39'N, 17°59'E)

World Port Index No. 40500

17.8 The large port of Brindisi lies between Capo Bianco, located 1.2 miles WNW of Capo Cavallo, and Punta Riso, 1.5 miles NW.

It is divided into three parts. Porto Esterno is the outer harbor; Porto Medio is the middle harbor; and Porto Interno is the inner harbor, which is entered from Porto Medio through Canale Pigonati and consists of two basins. The port has com-mercial facilities, serves as a ferry terminal, and has ex-tensive naval installations.

Porto di Brindisi Home Page http://www.porto.br.it

Winds – Weather. – Winds from the SE and NE predominate, but NW winds are not infrequent. The harbor is sheltered from all winds except those from the NE and E, which sometimes cause disturbances. The bora, a strong and dry NE to N wind, can also be violent here, especially in winter.

Depths – Limitations. – Canale Pigonati has a depth of 10.9m and vessels up to 9.4m draft can enter Porto Interno, the inner harbor. Costa Morena, at the S side of Porto Medio, has 500m of berthing space with depths up to 13.7m alongside. Vessels with a draft of up to 12.5m can be accommodated.

Tankers with a draft of 11.5m can be accommodated at the sea berth. For the discharging or loading of other refined products of Montedison Installations, the depth of the berths vary from 4 to 9m.

Vessels berthing at the N section of Porto Medio are restricted to maximum allowable heights, as follows:

Costa Morena Wharf – 53m.
Riva Wharf – 40m.
New Spur Wharves – 36m.

These restrictions have been established due to the proximity of the port area to Brindisi Airport.

An offshore oil terminal is situated 500m SW of Isolotto Traversa and the berth consists of several mooring buoys. A submarine pipeline extends SE from the berth to the SE shore of Porto Esterno. Tankers up to 11.5m draft can be handled.

Aspect. – Isole Pedagne Grandi (Le Pedagne), a chain of low islets, lies on a shoal bank at the E side of the port, N of Capo Bianco. Isola Pedagne Grande, the largest and E islet, lies 0.3 mile NNE of the cape and is connected to it by a breakwater. Isolotto Traversa, the W islet, lies 0.6 mile NW of Capo Bianco and forms the S entrance point of the outer harbor. Le Pedagne Light is shown from a structure, 18m high, standing on this islet.

Isola Sant Andrea, an island, lies on a shoal bank at the NW side of the port. It is located 1 mile W of Isolotto Traversa and 0.3 mile E of the mainland coast. A breakwater extends between the NW end of the island and the mainland. A radio tower stands on the SE part of this island.

Forte a Mare, an island dominated by a massive stone building with a signal station, lies close S of the S end of Isola Sant Andrea and is connected to it by a bridge.

Diga di Punta Riso, a breakwater, extends 1.3 mile E from Punta Riso, the NE extremity of Isola Sant Andrea. It forms the N side of the outer harbor and a light is shown from the head.

Torre Penna, a large and prominent tower, stands on the extremity of Capo Gallo, a low tongue of land, which is located 2 miles NW of Punta Riso. The coast to the N of this cape is low, flat, and contains several towers and villages. The most conspicuous of these villages are Carovigno and Ostuni, which are situated 4 miles inland, 13 and 16 miles WNW, respectively, of Capo Gallo.

A conspicuous monument to sailors, which represents a rudder, stands close W of Canale Pigonati. Brindisi Light is shown from the top of the this monument.

An aeronautical light is shown from a structure situated 0.5 mile WNW of the monument.

Other prominent landmarks include the cathedral, standing SW of Canale Pigonati; and an ancient castle, flanked by towers, standing WSW of Canale Pigonati.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 500 grt and all tankers. Pilots may be contacted on VHF channel 12 and board 1 mile outside the entrance.

Regulations. – The port is a naval base and special regulations are in effect relating to the movement of vessels, berthing, and anchoring.

A speed limit of 6 knots is in force within the port.

Vessels must send a request for berthing to the harbormaster at least 24 hours prior to ETA. Prior to anchoring, vessels must contact the harbormaster, as follows:

Local time	VHF channel
08:00 - 20:00	12
All other times	16

Vessels carrying polluting or dangerous cargo must report to the harbormaster 36 hours in advance; if the vessel intends to load or unload, the notice must be given 48 hours in advance.

Vessels entering Porto Medio, contrary to normal custom, have priority over vessels leaving, except that Italian naval vessels have priority over all other vessels.

Vessels transiting Canale Pigonati must, if possible, do so with engines stopped. Movements in the passage are regulated by the harbormaster. Vessels leaving, whether commercial or military, have priority.

Vessels must not approach military installations without permission.

A traffic separation scheme (TSS) is located off the port.

Anchorage. –. The recommended anchorage for small and medium-sized vessels is in Anchorage NW, centered 2.5 miles WNW of Punta Penne, in depths of 20 to 50m. Anchorage SE is centered 5 miles ESE of Capo di Torre Cavallo.

Waiting Area BR1 is centered 2.75 miles ESE of Capo di Torre Cavallo. It was established to accommodate vessels complying with UN inspection requirements.

Directions. – Vessels approaching from the E or S should pass E and N of the lighted buoy moored NE of Capo Cavallo.

Caution. – Numerous anchoring prohibited areas lie in the entrance and within the port and may best be seen on the chart.

Moorings for the use of aircraft are situated along the shores of Porto Medio, which is occasionally used for flying operations.

Silting has always occurred within this port and depths may be less than shown on the chart.

Several unlighted mooring buoys are situated within the port.

The land in the vicinity of the port is low and difficult to identify, especially during S winds, when a haze is prevalent. On nearing the port, the character of the bottom can be helpful in determining position. It has weeds off Capo Cavallo to the S of the port; hard mud off Capo Gallo to the N of the port; and rock, sand, or gravel between the two.

Porto di Brindisi to Porto di Bari

17.9 Porto di Monopoli (40 °57'N, 17°18'E) (World Port Index No. 40510), a small harbor, lies 35 miles NW of Brindisi and is protected by two moles.

Tides – Currents. – Generally, the current in this vicinity follows the direction of the coast and sets SE. With N and NE winds, it may attain a rate up to 2 or 3 knots.

Depths – Limitations. – The harbor has 275m of total berthing space with depths of 4.5 to 8.5m alongside. There are facilities for general cargo, tanker, bulk, and fishing vessels. Vessels up to 110m in length and 6.7m draft can be accommodated.

Aspect. – The town of Monopoli is situated on the SW side of the harbor. The most prominent landmarks in its vicinity include a pointed bell tower; the church of San Francesco with a clock; three chimneys standing at the cement works; and a single chimney standing at the oil refinery which is situated close E of the cement works. A castle stands at the root of the S mole.

When seen from the SE, in clear weather, at a distance of 15 to 20 miles, the town appears as a narrow, low, and white strip. Numerous resort camps are situated along the coast in the vicinity of the town. The town of Conversano, situated 8 miles W of the port, is conspicuous from seaward because of its height.

Torre Canne, 32m high and conspicuous, stands on the coast, 10 miles SE of the harbor. A light, which can be seen from the approaches, is shown from this structure. A prominent high -rise building is reported to stand 0.5 mile S of the light. A small boat harbor, dominated by a prominent castle, lies at Villanova, 5.5 mile SE of the light.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels over 400 grt. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 12 and board 1 mile from the entrance to the port.

Anchorage. – Anchorage depends on the prevailing winds. If the wind is the normal prevailing wind from the N, vessels usually anchor about 2 to 3 miles SE of the harbor entrance. If the wind is from the S, vessels anchor to the N of the entrance.

Vessels must contact the harbormaster on VHF channel 16 prior to anchoring.

Caution. – Vessels should give the mole heads a wide berth. A submarine cable extends across the entry between the breakwaters, as best seen on the chart.

17.10 Polignano a Mare (41°00'N, 17°13'E), a town, is situated 4.5 miles NW of Monopoli and is conspicuous. It stands on a craggy coastal bluff and has numerous chimneys and sprawling whitish -colored houses. Isolotto San Paolo, a rocky islet, lies close offshore near the town and is surmounted by a ruined monastery.

Between Monopoli and Mola di Bari, 11 miles NW, the coast is low, rocky, and indented. A number of towers, coves, and scattered buildings exist along this stretch of coast. From Mola di Bari to Porto di Bari, 11 miles WNW, numerous towers and houses stand along the coast. Motel dell Agip, a seven-story building, stands isolated 3 miles WNW of Mola di Bari and is very conspicuous.

17.11 Mola di Bari (41°03'N, 17°06'E) (World Port Index No. 40520), a small harbor, lies 11 miles ESE of Porto di Bari and is protected by moles. Prominent landmarks in the town, from E to W, include a factory chimney, standing near the beach ; three bell towers; and the dome of the cathedral. The harbor is accessible to small vessels up to 50m in length and 3.5m draft. The port monitors VHF channel 16. Anchorage, in good weather, can be obtained, in a depth of 10m, hard mud, about 1 mile off the harbor.

Caution. – A fish farming plant is located 1.3 miles E of Mola di Bari. It is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys. Anchoring, fishing, and stopping are prohibited within 0.3 mile of the plant.

Porto di Bari (41°08'N, 16°52'E)

World Port Index No. 40530

17.12 The port of Bari lies 11 mile WNW of Molo di Bari and is protected by breakwaters. It is divided into two harbors. Bacino Grande, the large commercial harbor, lies on the NW side of the old city and Porto Vecchio, a small craft and fishing harbor, lies on the SE side. The city of Bari is disposed in a wide arc to the S of the port.

Porto di Bari Home Page http://www.porto.bari.it

Winds – Weather. – The prevailing winds are from the NE through N to SE and are often harbingers of storms. The sirocco carries mist and humidity. The mistral creates strong currents. East winds commomly bring clouds and storms.

Tides – Currents. – The current in the vicinity of the harbor follows the coast and sets SE, changing direction with fresh SE winds. Winds from the N may increase the rate of this current from 1 to 3 knots. A counterclockwise current, which is quite strong, may sometimes be experienced within the harbor during strong N winds.

Depths – Limitations. – The main commercial facilities include Molo St. Vito, with 550m of total berthing space and depths of 3 to 6m alongside, which is used by ferries; Banchina Capitan, with 370m of total berthing space and depths of 5 to 5.5m alongside, which is used for general cargo and passengers; Molo Ridosso, with 560m of total berthing space and depths of 7.6 to 10.3m alongside, which is used by naval vessels and ferries; and Banchina Deposito Franco, Mezzog, and Levante, with 945m of total berthing space and depths of 8.5 to 9.8m alongside, which is used by bulk and large passenger vessels.

In addition, there is 2,300m of total quayage situated along the inner sides of the breakwaters. These berths have depths of 7.3 to 14m alongside and are used by tankers. Vessels up to 300m in length and 12.2m draft can be accommodated.

Aspect. – At night, the illumination of the city has been reported to be visible from as far as 30 miles. Three greenish lights, arranged horizontally and shown at a factory, have been reported to be the first harbor lights sighted.

The old city stands between the two harbors near the root of the main outer breakwater. A castle, with a signal tower; a cathedral, with a steepled bell tower; and a basilica are situated in the old city and are prominent. Several conspicuous silos stand N of the old city and near the root of the breakwater.

A light is shown from a prominent tower, 62m high, standing on Punta San Cataldo at the W side of the main harbor. A racon is situated at the light structure on the head of the main outer breakwater.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 500 grt including those anchoring off the port. Requests for pilots must be submitted 24 hours prior to arrival. Pilots may be contacted on VHF channel 12 or 16 and generally board about 1 mile outside the main harbor entrance.

Regulations. – Vessels carrying polluting or dangerous cargo must report to the harbormaster 36 hours in advance; if the vessel intends to load or unload, the notice must be given 48 hours in advance.

A traffic separation scheme, best seen on the chart, has been established in the approaches to the port.

Anchorage. – Three designated anchorage areas are located outside the harbor, as follows:

Anchorage Area A lies, in depths of 22 to 26m, about 0.6 mile NE of the main harbor entrance. The area is bounded by the outbound lane of the TSS and Nuovo Molo Foraneo.
Anchorage Area B is adjacent to and ESE of Anchorage Area A and is best seen on the chart.
Anchorage Area C is located about 0.5 mile NW of the entrance. Generally, the bottom is rocky and covered with a thin layer of mud and sand. Consequently, anchors often become fouled on the bottom.

Caution. – Prohibited anchorage area lie in the entrances to both harbors and may best be seen on the chart.

A rocky and shallow shoal patch, Secca del Monte, over which the sea breaks, lies close N of Porto Vecchio.

A sewage outfall extends about 750m NE from the shore about 1.6 miles W of Nuovo Molo Foraneo head, terminating about 0.5 mile SW of Anchorage Area C.

Porto di Bari to Porto di Barletta

17.13 Santo Spirito (41°10'N, 16°45'E) (World Port Index No. 40540), a small town, is situated 4.8 miles WNW of Bari and stands on the shores of a cove which is open to the N. The town is fronted by a small harbor which is used by fishing vessels and small craft, and is protected by two breakwaters.

The town of Giovinazzo, partially surrounded by a wall on the seaward side, stands prominently on the coast, 4 miles WNW of Santo Spirito. It is fronted by a small craft harbor. A creek, used by small coastal vessels, lies close NW of the town. A shallow shoal lies close off the E entrance point of this creek. It is reported that the bell tower of the cathedral in the town is conspicuous from seaward.

17.14 Molfetta (41°12'N, 16°36'E) (World Port Index No. 40550), a small port, lies 4 miles WNW of Giovinazzo. The harbor is formed by two moles and a detached breakwater, which lies NW of the entrance, shelters it from winds from the N and NW.

Depths – Limitations. – The main commercial facilities include 475m of total berthing space, with depths of 3.4 to 7m alongside. The harbor is used mainly by bulkers and can accommodate vessels up to 10,500 dwt, 160m in length, and 7m draft.

Aspect. – From a distance, the town prese

ITALY – EAST COAST – CAPO SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA TO TESTA DEL GARGANO SECTOR 17