PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Boca Chica
Pilot
updated Dec 2016Compulsory. The pilot boards approx 1nm outside the first sea buoy.
The port is under the jurisdiction of the Commander of the Port, Santo Domingo. Vessels should radio on VHF Ch 16 their ETA 24hrs and 12 hrs prior to arrival. Vessels can enter and leave only during day light hours.
Key data
updated Dec 2016Size limits
LOA 121m, beam 21.3m, draught 8.54m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 0.67m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Boca Chica | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
The entrance channel is dredged to 10.6m and the dock to 7.3m.
The directions for entering the harbour are as follows:
Leading lights: From the vicinity of the pilot boarding place, 1.25nm ESE of the SW point of La Piedra, (18°26.2'N 069°37.9'W), the alignment (300°) of the leading lights, (yellow metal towers, 7m and 11m in height), 0.175nm SW of La Piedra, lead through the outer part of the entrance channel, some of which is marked on both sides by buoys.
Anchorages
Deep water anchorage is available outside the port. The pilot will indicate the best position.
Restrictions
No entry or departure at night is permitted.
Tugs
No tugs are available, there is a small boat for running lines only.
Charts and publications
BA 467, 471. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent by fax or telex to agent, 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
Radio: Pilots and Harbour Master: 2738kHz.
VHF: Pilots and Harbour Master: Ch 16.
Documents
PD = Port Doctor, HM = Harbour Master, CS = Customs, IM = Immigration, DA = Department of Agriculture, PA = Port Authority, AG = Agency.
Cargo documentation:
According to Dominican Republic law, all cargo is discharged from a vessel into the custody of customs. Original Bills of Lading, (or in lieu thereof an adequate bank guarantee) are required by customs from the consignee before the cargo can be removed from the customs controlled port areas. Hence, neither the Master nor the agent may demand presentation of the original Bills of Lading prior to discharging, as the ultimate destination of the original Bills of Lading is the Dominican Customs Office.
As this is frequently a source of confusion it is very important to clarify this matter prior to the vessel's arrival, to avoid costly delays and/or disputes.
Notices and regulations
Shiftings: By Port Authority orders, vessels are sometimes forced to shift to another berth within the port or anchorage, giving preference to another vessel. With a few exceptions (vessels not loading/discharging) the costs for these shiftings are charged to the vessel given preference.
Inspections
ISPS
Contact person: Mr Luis F Martinez Ruiz.
Mob: +1 809 446 4257 or +1 809 415 3701.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Aug 2010Repairs
There are shore facilities for minor repairs and further repair shops are available at Santo Domingo.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Pipeline alongside has very low pressure. Potable water can also be supplied by road tanker which is expensive, but more dependable.
Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil available in small quantities by road tanker from Santo Domingo; arrangements to be made in advance. They carry either 5,000 or 10,000 American gallons.
Medical
Emergency and minor medical care is available locally, serious cases can be treated in Santo Domingo where hospitals and clinics are available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Santo Domingo International Airport, 8km.
Working hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. Overtime is available on request, overtime on holidays is 100% over straight time rates, whereas after regular working hours, the rate is 50% over straight time.
About Boca Chica
updated Jul 2014Where it is
The port of Boca Chica is one of three ports serving the capital city of Santo Domingo, situated approx 32km E of the city.
The port
The port of was originally built to serve the Boca Chica Sugar Mill and to export sugar. However, it is now almost exclusively used for import cargoes, mainly trailers, containers and some lumber, newsprint, and homogeneous cargoes.
Traffic
Approx 200 vessels visit the port annually.
Questions about Boca Chica
What are the pilot arrangements at Boca Chica?
Compulsory. The pilot boards approx 1nm outside the first sea buoy.
What time zone is Boca Chica in?
Local time at Boca Chica is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the water density at Boca Chica?
1025.
Which load line zone is Boca Chica in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Boca Chica?
The UN/LOCODE of Boca Chica is DOBCC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Boca Chica 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.