ENTRANCE AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES/HYDROGRAPHIC INFORMATION/HARBOR FACILITIES AND INSTALLATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00926A006500400001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 22, 2007
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 17, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

Entrance and Departure Procedures/ rographie
information/Harbor Facilities and Installations
U.S. Officials Only
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY-INFORMATION
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY USSR
SUBJECT
00/C NO.
ORR NO.
THIS DOCUMENT N AINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
OF THE UNITED STATES. WITHIN THEMEANINO OF TITLE 11, SECTIONS 713
AND 714, OF THE U.S. CODE, AS AMENDED, ITS TRANSMISSION OR REVE-
LATION OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT ST AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS
at "be- j 2-
DATE DISTR. /) Aug 1953
NO. OF PAGES 4 25X1
NO. OF ENCLS. 1
ZT,ho Office of Naval Intelligence furnished the following information to CIA for
240 dissemination accordance with paragraph 3(c), NSCID 7. (DI0 11ND Conf
Report Na 292-53.,
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1. ,4s This report is concerned with information of a general nature on the Odessa
port area of the USSR. Data is included on entrance and departure procedure,
hydhrographe information, Odessa harbor facilities, cargo handling operations,
naval activity, military installations and fortifications, merchant vessels and
export cargoes, and shore leave in Odessa.
2. s Between the months of January and September 1952
ship, called at Odessa fifteen times. Each 25X1
time tije vessel arrived at Odessa harbor she was boarded, after docking, by both
Customs and Sanitation officials. The customs inspections generally lasted about
two hours'. As a part of the inspection, all cameras, binoculars, rifles, etc,
were looked up in the ship's wireless room. Upon each departure from Odessa harbor,
the vessel received a similar customs inspection at which time the wireless room
wan unhooked. Source reported that his ship, as well as every other foreign vessel
calling at Odessa, was boarded soon after arrival by a person proficient in the
native tongue of that vessel. The purpose of this boarding is purely for the
dissemination of propaganda. 25X1
Kvc~L~+ea~ra h~o &e ,.+iQm_jA_thl Qdssag o Source advised, that corrections should
be made on hyydrogrephic chart, "Odessa Harbors",
as follows:
a. Inasmuch u large passenger ships of 22 thousand to 25 thousand tons dock
alongside the head of the "Military Mole", the water depth here is estimated
to be at least 30 feet, rather than 17 to 18 feet, as shown.
A docking area on the inner side of the breakwater opposite the "New Mole"
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THIS is UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
NAVY review
U.S. Officials Only
CONFIDE11 IAL
--k I AIR F8'
STATE --k I ARMY 7
This report is for the use within the USA the Intelligence components of the Departments or
Agencies indicated above. It is not to be transmitted overseas without the concurrence.,, of the
originating office through the Assistant Director of the Office of Collection and Dissemination, CIA.
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 Approved For Release 2007/06/22 : CIA-RDP80-00926AO06500400001-7
CONFIDENTIAL/Li5 OFFICIALS ONLY/SECURITY INFE3I rION
(located approximately 46?291h2" N. v 30?4511111 E. is shown or. Charts "Odessa
bore,!' as Bain 19 feet deep. Source stated that during July or August
19529 an ex Italian warship of approximately four thousand tons was moored
alongside the breakwater in approximately this position as marked on
the chart, , Because of the size of this ship,, source estimated the
water depth at Lhis location to be at least 25 feet.
Source stated that on numerous occasions he had noticed cranes and lighters
working in an area bounded roughly east and west by 30?47' E and 300501 E
and north and south by 46?329 N and 46?301 N. Apparently wrecks and other
obstructions were being cleared from this area. In an area to the east of the
'cuarantine Mole",, in the vicinity of 46?291 No,, 30?461 E. source noted numerous
fishing nets and poles.
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,ssa Harbor Ja i7it qpg
a. : The chart shows the location of the
following berths 1 through 5,, 7 through llp .6 through 21,, 25,, 35 and 36
as marked by source. Source reported US-made,, 5 to 6 ton,, movable cranes
located as followss one crane at berth 1; two cranes at berths 7,, 8,, 9 and
10; one crane at berths 169 17 and 18; four cranes at berth 20- and one crane
at berth 25. In addition,, source noted two large coal cranes at berth 21 and
a mobile seven-ton crane mounted on a truck which was available for use any-
where in the harbor area. The majority of the cranes in operation at Odessa
were operated by women. Grain elevator pipes are located at berths 2 and 5.
Grain silos are located opposite berth 5.
b. Prati?ua, Herber: The harbor listed as "Pratique Harbor" is utilized by the
Soviet Navy. Source reported that an eight foot stone wall surrounds thi,
entire harbor. When source first called at Odessa in January 1952 this wall
had been completed except for approximately 1509. to 2001 at the northeastern..'
end of the '"military mole". This extension is marked o the chart
on 4 aep 52 25X1
the extension had been competed. The wall surrounding Pr~atique Harbor
oomp,etely restricts vision into the harbor except from the entrance.
New &;A!# The "New Mole" was , apparently damaged during World War 11. The
head of the mole and approximately 500f to 6001 on the northwestern aide
is reportedly still "broken down". and, tbirefa'ea unusable.
The entire_ southeastern -side of the New roio'", is used as a oe:t, .pier. , Goal
piles . were observed 'by source along this pier and opposite berths 19 and 20.
Source stated that a pilot station is located at the head of "Platonovski Mole".
Now C?n .r timns Little ?66nstruction activity was-;observed by eouroe on his
visits to Odessa. However,, source did observe that anew two-story stone
warehouse was being constructed opposite berth 10 in the 'sueaantine Harbor".
Source estimated that this warehouse should have been completed. by approximake-
1?Y Jtune o 1953. A now refrigeration warehouse for beef products was also
under construction during the period of source's visits to Odessa. This
warehouse was reported to be three stories highp, 50 meters long.,, 15 meters
wide and located opposite "Cabotage Harbor,"in the position indicated on
the chart
e? zoPM, ' r1,c ,e,s Railroad tracks in the Odessa Harbor area are as nrt:~vtouely
e on the hydrograp44c chant. 'Source stated that the harbor trackage) was 'in
"good" condition.
'19a. S ~X4 kg s Source reported that two and possibly three floating
drydooks were anchored in the."Repairing Basin". The approximate locations
of the two ,floating drydoaks definitely remembered by source are marked on
the chart. 't'hey are large enough to aocoimnodate vessels of 25 thousand
tons.
g. lrt>JU 2 j ims The fue1ir?r pier in the "Petroleum Harbor" maintains acoommo-
dafi.rms for three vessels. The approximate berth locations are marked on
the chart.
CONFIDENTWS OFFICIALS ONLY/SECURITY INFORMATION
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(located approximately 46029142 N., 30045111 ? E.) is shown on Chart, "Odessa
bore: f1' 1.ag bein&, .19 feet deep. Source stated that during July or August
1952, an ex-Italian warship of approximately four thousand tons was moored
alongside the breakwater in approximately this position as marked on
the cha ';;j Because of the size of this ship., source estimated the
water depth at this location to be at least 25 feet.
Source stated that on numerous occasions he had noticed cranes and lighters
working in an area bounded roughly eas~ and west by 300471 E and 300501 E
and north and south by 460321 N and 46 301 N. Apparently wrecks and other
obstructions were being cleared from this area. In an area to the east of the
"Quarantine i1-e"9 in the vicinity of-N460291 Nov 300461 E, source noted numerous
fishing nets ancl_polea,
Lk3we~si: Iiarhor P i?ities8
Y The chart shows the location of the
f` Bert i 1 through 5, 7 through 11, 16 through 21, 25, 35 and 36
m`ed by source. Source reported US-made, 5 to 6 ton, movable cranes
located as follows one crane at berth 1; two cranes at berths 7, S, 9 and
10; one crane at berths 169 17 and 18; four cranes at berth 20; and one crane
at berth 25. In addition, source noted two large coal cranes at berth 21 and
a mobile seven-ton crane mounted on a truck which was available for use any-
where in the harbor area. The majority of the cranes in operation at Odessa
were operated by women. Grain elevator pipes are located at berths 2 and 5.
Grain silos are located opposite berth 5.
? s The harbor listed as "Pratique Harbors is utilized by the
Soviet, Source reported that an eight foot stone wall surrounds this
entirs,harbor. When source first called at Odessa in January 1952 this wall
had been oompleted except for approximately 1501 to .200' at the northeastern.
e air on been c e e. e
o` st,4y restricts vision into the harbor e,u ept from the entrances
hood of the mole and approximately 500' to 6001 on the northwestern side
3s ' xspa 'tN'd g stiZ1 "bacoke - ' dtlw : - :and., thirefoie, : a sable
r. hs enti,rej ~. theastern -side of, the , UNew hole 'I. is -used .as a ?eal pier. Uoal.
lles,ware observed~by source along this pier and opposite berths 19 and 20,
Source stated that a pilot station is located at the head of "Platonovski Mole".
Oft . flt The "Now *Is" was apparently damaged during World War II. The
Little '-eonstruation activity wasp ;oboe and by eouroe on his
#oi o e a J However source didiobserve that ?a*a t~ras y~wtone.
as being
&
s
-- -- -par -
O
I
Source estimated that this warehouse should have been completed. by approximate-
].y , :ins 1853 . A new refrigeration warehouse for beef products was also
under oonstruotion during the period of source's visits to Odessa. This
warehouse was reported to be three. stories higho 50 meters long., 15 meters
wide and located opposite "Gabotage Harbor"in the position indicated on
t# '.~sb,art. 3
Railroad tracks in the Odessa Harbor area are as proviously
yy6rographia alert.. Source stated that the harbor trackage war `sin
Bona .
s ..{1 r, 9 I Source reported that two and possibly three floating
drydooks were anchored in the "Repairing Basin". The approximate locations
eof the two floating drydecl s definitely remembered by source are marked on
the chart. .', They are largi enough to accommodate vessels of 25 thousand
tonsr
g. Ful I gg P+ ews The fueliraj pier in the "Petroleum Harbor" maintains accommo-
dations for, three vessels. The approximate berth locations are marked on
thechart. .? ' M
COXTIUENTIA S OFFICIALS ONLY/SECMITY II 'OB,MATION
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CONFIDENTIAL/rJS OFFICIALS Gl I/SECURITY" INFORMATION
?3m
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cugg Sian 1;ng Qg=A io s? At Odessa the harbor is divided into 12 sections...
each capable of handling from four to five oceangoing, vessels. More than 50
per cent of these sections are managed by women, . Source reported that they
were most efficient and capable as to storage, loading and unloading matters.
Longshoremen at Odessa worked day and night with three eight-hour shifts per
24 hour day.
.Ubl- A t itv N?t?d at Odessao Although the eight-foot wall surrounding "Pratique
Harbor" restricted vision into the harbor area, source was able to view the area
from,,s:terrain vantage point opposite the harbor. Source stated that the harbor
"
"
size. Other,
torpedo boat
contai ed only small naval vessels of approximately
than tie presence of these smal1 naval craft, source observed no other activity
of ..apparent importance within the \"Pratique Harbor" area. In July or August
1952 an ex:Italian warship of approximately four thousand tons was moored along
the breakwater opposite the "New Mole" in the approximate position marked on
the chart. . Source described this vessel as being approximately 150 meters
101eng'fh and having twin stacks. During his 15 visits to the Odessa area,
between January and. September 1952, source observed a total of three dr four
described these submarines as being small in size. Although many Soviet naval
personnel were seen in the city of Odessa.. there was generally no evidence that
Odessa had become a naval base of increasing importance in 1952.
7. Mil i &ZX metal l a i 2D and FgZti f i &jjons % "Fratique Harbor" was the only .
military'installation'noted by source in Odessa. Source advised that he had
seen no coastal defense or anti-aircraft batteries, sonar, radar, radio., or other
warning devices., lookout posts, nets., booms, or any other defense installations.
id the Odessa area. However, source did report that a military airfield is
Source stated that Jet-type military aircraft with swept wings were oontinual.3.
flying overhead, during his visits to Odessa,. Source commented that they were
apparently conducting daily operations.
S. ?_ ^ghan Vgaalla and Liort Ca goe s Many foreign merchant vessels were Seen at
Odessa, however., source could remember the name of only three of these vessels.
Two former German passenger vessels, the GRtSIA and the ROSSIA, each of approxi-
mately 22 thousand to 25 thousand tons, were used by the Soviets as Black Sea
passenger- ships. These vessels docked at berths 35 and 36 of the "Military,
Mole".. The SLAVIA, a mother whaling ship of approximately 15 thousand to 18
thousand tons, was also noted at one time by source in Odessa Harbor. Approxi-
mately 20 smaller whaling craft of about one thousand tons each accompanied this
mother ship, Source stated that out of natural curiosity as a merchant seaman
he had requested permission from the port authorities to board and inspect the
SLAVI.A. This permission was not granted. Three or four merchant repair ships
were moored at the southeastern end of 'Iuarantine Harbor" between berths 5 and
7. Source stated that the following cargo goods were exported from Odessas
iron plate, zinc bars, copper, automobiles and trucks.
Odes i
9. A m in
As '_DMAcsa d ura fr Going gh as The crew of source is ship and of the other
merchant ships in port were allowed ashore at Odessa. Foreign seamen when
leaving their respective vessels for share leave were not searched in any
way, No attempt was .oven made by Soviet authorities to search briefcases
or bags carried ashore. However, upon departure from their ship, a liberty
card type ticket was issued by the military guards to the departing personnel.
This ticket listed the individualts naze, his number (the numbers were listed
according to merchant rank, 'it, the master of each vessel had #1), and his
ship. Upon departure from the ship, half of this ticket was retained by the
guards, and the other half kept, by the shore-going pe aaxnel, who turned it
in upon their return to the vessel. In this way a close track was kept of
all ' ship ss personnel ashars.
cozIDETI O?F1OIAL9 01 LZ,/EOt1RITY INFOP,1'ATION
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4
ware-seen. Source stated that there were only about 15 cars in the whole of
Odessa. Some of these automobiles were iIS-made, others Soviets Source
stated that the Soviet cars tended to leak in rainy weather. While ashore
. franep=ati.ono Transportation in Odessa was provided by busses. Few taxis
source reported that he was at no time followed or accompanied by Soviet
guards.
ounce stated that-he was only
sigztso The roads within the city limits of Odessa were asphalt and considered
by source, to be in wgood* condition. However. once outside of the city limits,.
the roads were dirt and were described as being "very bad"'.
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owed to see public buildings., monuments., housing for workers, and similar
nntartai.nments While on liberty ashore in Odessa, foreign crew members as
veil as Soviet naval personnel entertained themeelves at various bars through-
out the city-,, at the opera theater which source described as being *very
exellent!p and at sports such as football and. 'kra:ck. Source' reported that
there are no houses of prostitution in Odessa open to foreign merchant crews.
Soviet women did not dare speak to or associate with foreigh seamen for fear
of being later questioned by Soviet authorities. This fear of associating
with foreign merchantmen on the part of Soviet women-wes found in Odessa only
and was not the case in the Bulgarian city of Burgas, where although restric-
tions extatedp crew members had no trouble in finding female companionship.
Prices in Odessa were reportedly extremely high. A heavy Soviet shirt of
what source described as "linseed" material cost US$ 45. The food. served in
Odessa restaurants was far from luxurious. Source noted that Odessa meat
stores hung wooden imitations of sausages.. hams, etc. in their windows. Crew
members of source's ship wore ordinary street clothing during their visits
ashore at Odessa. Source commented, however, that their- -clothing was far
superior to that worn by any of the civilian populace of Odeesaa
O0 Nr O ' 'SCtA.tS ONLY' EC ITY IN'MMTION
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ODESSA HARBORS
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