ONEGA: 63.54 N. 38.06 E.
GENERAL: The port of Onega is situated on the right bank of the Onega River (3-4 miles up from the mouth), flowing into Onezhsky Bay off the White Sea.
Port open for navigation for about 6-7 months per year, starting from May. The port is closed for foreign flag vessels from 1st of September to 31st of December annually. In Autumn, when the river is covered with ice, assistance of ice-breaker is required but may not be rendered regularly.
Opening and closing of the port for navigation as well as turn and order of entering the port is usually regulated by the Port Authorities.
Changes of water level in the river depend on tide, spring floods and effects of the wind.
The tide is semi-diurnal with two high and two low waters a day. At the Onega river mouth the range of the tide at mean springs may reach 2.7 m.
The rises of the water level are due to North-Westerly, Northern and North-Easterly winds. The falls of the water level are usually caused by South-Easterly, Southerly and South-Westerly winds.
The Onega River becomes frozen over at the beginning of November. Ice begins to form in October and usually breaks up at the end of April or early May.
A vast area of shoal waters is situated at the mouth of the Onega River.
Access into the Onega River is by the Karelsky Fairway. Vessels drawing up to 6.1 m. may pass through it at high water.
Since depths in the river vary, Masters are recommended to get in touch with the Harbour Master to make enquiries about the existing least depth in the fairway before entering the river.
The port specialises in timber exports.
DOCUMENTS: Refer to beginning of the Russian section.
PILOTAGE: Compulsory. A Pilot should be ordered by the Master 24 hours prior to arrival at the Letny Orlov Pilot Station. A Pilot meets a vessel at a distance of 0.7 mile Westward of the Letny Orlov Point. ANCHORAGES: Vessels drawing up to 2.4 m. can obtain anchorage in the Town Roadstead below the Severoles Wharf. The roadstead situated opposite Timber Mill No. 32 - 33 can be used as anchorage by vessels drawing up to 3.55 m.
During winds blowing from the N.W., vessels are recommended to anchor in the Petchak area of the Solovetskie Islands, with depths of 10 m. at 1 mile distance offshore.
During Southerly winds of Force 5-6, a safe anchorage with depths of 10 m. can be obtained in the Konyukhov Inlet, 1 mile offshore.
In case of North-Westerly storms, vessels lying on the Karelsky Roads should anchor in the Purnema area with depths from 6 m. to 10 m. where an anchorage light buoy is installed (Lat. 64° 20' N., Long. 37° 27' E.).
The recommended anchorages for vessels proceeding to the port of Onega along the fairway are situated in the following places:
- On the line of the Town of Onega leading marks and on the beam line of the front mark of Pikhnemsky No. 2 leading line. Depths are from 3.7 m. - 4 m., the bottom - mud and small stone.
- In the area of the Onega River, a short distance Northward of the town of Onega leading marks, opposite the Export quay. The least depth in the area is 4 m., its length - 700 m., the bottom is mud and small stone.
- Southward of the Pristansky (Quays) leading line but not passing over the line of the Pristansky
RESTRICTIONS: Vessels having draft not more than 3 m. may enter port at any time, but with draft more than 3 m. only 1 hour before high water.
The speed of vessels having the maximum draft should not exceed 8 knots. The movement of vessels within the port area is not allowed during restricted visibility.
MAX. SIZE: The maximum permitted draft is usually announced at the beginning of the navigation season after sounding of the fairway has been accomplished. It varies from 4.0 m. - 5.8 m. Approach Channel -Depth 6.0 m. at H.W. Maximum permitted length is 124 m.
HEALTH: Alongside or on the Roads all vessels coming from abroad inspected by Sanitary Office representative.
RADIO/VHF: Besides Murmansk and Archangel, Onega Radio (UZS), 500 kHz; VHF of pilot office at port of Onega (Channel 16).
Vessels can establish radio contact through the port radio station Onega Radio operating 24 hours a day on the following frequencies:
| Call sign | Frequencies (kHz) | Type of transmission | Time | Remarks | |
| Working | Calling | ||||
| UZS | 500/441 | 500/425 | A1A | H24 | |
| "Onega-2" (Port controller) | 156.8 * (16) | 156.8 * (16) | F3E | H24 | |
| "Onega-5" | 156.45 * (9) | 156.45 * (9) | F3E | H24 | Operates during navigation |
| (Harbour Master) | 156.8 * (16) | 156.8 * (16) | F3E | H24 | Operates during navigation |
"Frequencies are given in MHz.
The Onega Storm Signals Station is located on the roof of the Harbour Master's office. Day signals warning about forthcoming storms and strong winds in the Onega Bay area are exhibited at mast of the signal station.
TUGS: The number of tugs required for mooring/unmooring and shifting berths is determined by the Master after having consulted the Pilot. Tugs should be ordered 6 hours prior to leaving the port for sea. BERTHING: Depths at the port berths are up to 6.5 m. There are enclosed warehouses and open concrete floor sheds. Loading of timber usually by ship's gear.
STEVEDORES: No particular ETA advices to stevedores/shippers. Loading of timber usually carried out by ship's winches at average rate of 24 stds. per hatch per working day.
MEDICAL: Doctor and hospital facilities available.
FRESH WATER: Available. Usually delivered by tug.
FUEL: Availability not guaranteed.
REPAIRS: Small repairs only.
GANGWAY/DECK WATCHMEN: Usually by ship's crew.
OPENING/CLOSING HATCHES: In accordance with "Soviet Wood" Charter-Party conditions.
CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES: No restriction on quantity, but nothing to be taken ashore.
REPATRIATION: Subject to visa formalities.
AIRPORT: Nearest at Archangel.
TIME: GMT plus 3 hours. GMT plus 4 hours in Summer.
HOLIDAYS: See "Archangel".
SHORE LEAVE: Allowed up to midnight.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Only Seamen's Books required.
AUTHORITY: The Port of Onega Authority, 198 Oktyabrsky Prospekt, 164880 - The Port of Onega, Archangel Region, Russia, m (Harbour Master); 24-91 (Port Controller); 21-51 (Chief of the Port).
Cables: Morport Onega.
AGENT: A branch of the Port of Archangel, Main Maritime Agency "Inflot" at the port of Onega. Postal address: 164880 -The Port of Onega-Archangel Region, Russia. Cables: "lnflot Onega".Tel: Timber Mill Switchboard 33-33, "Inflot".