Bluefields

Size limits

LOA 90.6m, beam 13.75m and 2,800DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.31m.

The direction of the currents during Jan-Jul is from N-S and Aug-Sep from S-N.

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

Approach

The entrance channel has a depth of approx 3.6m at HW over the bar.

Anchorages

The Port Authority's designated anchorage is available at the following position: 11°58'N 083°41'W.

There is also a confined, sheltered internal anchorage area, 0.5nm long and 180m wide off El Bluff dock.

Anchorage is prohibited in the middle channel of the bay.

Restrictions

Berthing is carried out from Mon-Sun, between 0700-1700hrs.

Tugs

There are 2 x 300hp tugs available which are provided by the Port Authority.

Charts and publications

BA 605, 1139. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notice of ETA should be given 24 hours prior to arrival, including general details of the vessel, type of cargo and services required.

Communications

VHF: The port can be contacted via Ch 16 from Mon-Fri, between 0700-1730hrs.

Standard messages

All vessels receive a message to remain at the pilot boarding station until the arrival of the pilot.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered by the Master of the vessel when authorities have completed their visit to the vessel.

Documents

These documents will be distributed to the Immigration Office, Harbour Master, Customs Office, Port Authority and agent.

Health

All vessels arriving at the pilot boarding area will be visited by the Health Officer to determine if there are any contagious illnesses onboard the vessel.

Customs and immigration

Customs Officers will board the vessel upon arrival. It is obligatory that a Customs Officer stays onboard during the vessel's stay in the port. It is forbidden to let women onboard without prior written permission.

Flags

All vessels arriving at the pilot station have to show the Nicaraguan flag throughout 24 hours.

Notices and regulations

It is forbidden to land garbage or engine oil during the vessel's stay in port.

ISPS

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

Repairs

Available, with 3 small slipways handling vessels up to 30m in length.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital Ernesto Sequeira, 1.8km.

Crew change

Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Bluefields Airport (BEF), 3.5km.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1200hrs, 1300-1730hrs, 1800-2359hrs and 0001-0600hrs.

Where it is

Bluefields is located on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, approx 98km N of the border with Costa Rica.

The port

The well sheltered port of El Bluff is the main terminal for Bluefields and has one berth with Ro-Ro facilities. El Bluff is approx 11km E of Bluefields at the entrance to the bay.

The port of El Rama, 90km upstream is capable of handling small Ro-Ro and cargo vessels only.

What are the pilot arrangements at Bluefields?

Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels crossing El Bluff bar and navigating up the Escondido River.

What time zone is Bluefields in?

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

What is the water density at Bluefields?

1025.

Which load line zone is Bluefields in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bluefields?

The UN/LOCODE of Bluefields is NIBEF.

What crews who called at Bluefields 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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