Acapulco

1. Acapulco pilot boarding station Pilot16°48.2′N 099°53.8′W

Size limits

Draught 8.8m, LOA 295m, beam 32.26m, 50,537DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

Tides

Springs: 0.6m, Neaps: 0.3m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Acapulco Bay is entered through Boca Grande, the channel between Isla Roqueta and the mainland. Boca Chica is used by small craft only and is prohibited to navigation by large vessels.

Anchorages

Large vessels usually anchor in depths from 26.0-33m, ESE of Fuerte de San Diego. A prominent tank on the hillside 0.7nm SW of Las Dos Piedras Light provides a useful leading mark.

The best anchorage for small vessels is in Bahia de Santa Lucia, off Playa de Manzanillo, with Fuerte de San Diego (16°51'N 099°55'W) bearing approx 014°, distance 0.5nm, in depths of approx 20.0m.

Quarantine anchorage: Vessels having infection onboard must anchor at the entrance of the bay, off Punta Grifo.

Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited in the vicinity of the Naval base at Icacos (16°50'N 099°51'W).

Tugs

Tugboat "PEMEX XLVII" is available exclusively to PEMEX.

Charts and publications

BA 656, 1024. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

Communications

The following coastal radio stations are recommended:

West Coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).

East Coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 14. Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1400hrs, Sat 1000-1300hrs.

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

Health

Pratique will be granted by the Port Authorities once they arrive onboard the vessel. Free pratique is not granted by radio.

Vessels arriving from South America have to be fumigated.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.

Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.

Notices and regulations

Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.

Position: Director General for Merchant Navy

Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.

Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.

Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Minor repairs can be carried out. There are several slipways, the largest with a length of 67m, and a lifting capacity of 254t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Not available.

Stores: Provisions available.

Medical

Hospital available locally.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Acapulco Internal Airport.

Working hours

Normally 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime available on request.

Where it is

Acapulco is situated on the Pacific coast in Guerrero Province.

The port

The well sheltered harbour is a popular cruise destination and has facilities alongside for passenger and oil vessels. The deep anchorage can accommodate the largest cruise vessels. The export of motor vehicles is a major function.

Traffic

Approx. 31,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Acapulco?

The pilot boards at Acapulco pilot boarding station, 16°48.2′N 099°53.8′W.

What time zone is Acapulco in?

Local time at Acapulco is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Acapulco?

The deepest berth listed is at Acapulco Cruise Terminal: 8.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Acapulco?

1025.

Which load line zone is Acapulco in?

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

Who carries out Port State Control at Acapulco?

Port State Control at Acapulco: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Acapulco?

The UN/LOCODE of Acapulco is MXACA.

What crews who called at Acapulco say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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