Callao

Size limits

Harbour: Draught 15.1m, LOA 396m, beam 53.6m, 204,748DWT.

Offshore: Draught 11.9m, LOA 230.1m, 58,811DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean spring range about 0.7m; mean neap range about 0.3m.

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

Approach

The port is approached through a traffic separation scheme, NW of Isla San Lorenzo (12°05.0'S 077°14.0'W) and entered between breakwaters. From the pilot boarding area, the entrance channel, marked by lightbuoys, leads towards the breakwater heads. The entrance is 150m wide, depth 16.0m. The ends of the N and S breakwaters are 150m apart but the passage between them is only 70m wide. (APM Terminal Pier 11 and Pier Area 5D have alongside depths of 15.5m).

Inside the harbour entrance there is ample room for manoeuvring in the harbour with depth of 14m in the turning basin. A restricted area, lies SW of the entrance.

Leading lights: Front light (red vertical rectangle on building) (12°03.0'S 077°08.6'W).

Rear light (similar structure) (245nm from front light).

The alignment (099°) of the above lights leads from a position to seaward, about 1.25nm WNW of the breakwater entrance, through the entrance channel marked by lightbuoys (lateral), and between the breakwaters, from which lights (framework tower) are exhibited, to the harbour.

The coastal bank, with depths less than 10.0m, lies N and S of the channel and extends from the breakwater entrance to Lightbuoys No 1 and 2, 0.6nm W. Many dangerous wrecks exist in Bahia del Callao N and S of the track.

Caution: When approaching Callao from NW, or leaving on the W track, care is necessary to pass at least 2nm from Islotes Hormigas de Afuera (11°57'S 077°43'W), a group of rocks and reefs; otherwise, a mariner may be taken unaware by the onset of dense fog which is common off the coast of Peru; soundings give no warning. The current, though rather variable in direction, is mainly NW going and can reach a rate up to 1.5kts.

Traffic schemes and VTS

TRAMAR Reporting System: All vessels over 300GT should report to TRAMAR on Ch 16 (working Ch 13) when 20nm, 10nm and 4nm from Isla San Lorenzo Light (12°03.63'S 077°14.67'W). Vessels are also requested to report to TRAMAR when passing the Outer Fairway Lightbuoy (12°02.00'S 077°13.50'W).

On no account should any vessel enter, leave or transit the area within 2nm W of entrance lightbuoys without authorisation from the 'Control de Bahia', heavy fines may be imposed if this regulation is not followed.

The scheme features a circular precautionary area to the N of San Lorenzo Island. Three routes, each consisting of an inbound and outbound lane, radiate from the precautionary area to the NW, W and SW, with a fourth route, marked at its outer end by a lightbuoy, leading eastwards to Callao.

The traffic separation scheme can be entered from WSW or NW of Isla San Lorenzo (12°05.0'S 077°14.0'W).

From the WSW the track leads through the NE bound traffic lane, passing NW of Islote Mal Nombre, (12°04.0'S 077°15.0'W); from the NW the track leads through the SE bound traffic lane. Then both tracks lead anti clockwise around the precautionary area circulatory system.

Then the track continues either into the E bound traffic lane passing S of the Traffic Separation Scheme Lightbuoy to Callao harbour and the pilot boarding position in Anchorage No 9, or direct to the appropriate anchorage.

Anchorages

Within port limits, anchorage can be used for the discharge of livestock, scrap and occasionally for general cargo after permission has been obtained from the Port Authority.

Restrictions

Explosives IMO 1, 1.2 and 1.3 cannot be discharged or loaded. Vessels of up to 9.8m draught may enter at any time. Vessels of more than 9.7m draught must enter at high water.

There are various wrecks in the area, which are noted on the navigation charts.

There is a period discolouration of sea water in the area, known as "Callao Painter". A thick, dark slime may be found on the hulls of vessels which is caused by gases rising from the bottom of the bay, which emit a nasty smell.

Large jelly fish may be a problem in the outer harbour from April to July. These have been known to block vessel intakes.

Tugs

Four tugs are available, 2 at 175hp, 1 at 500hp and 1 at 800hp. The use of 2 tugs is compulsory for entering, sailing and moving in the port, additional tugs may be requested by pilot and/or Port Operations Office depending on nature of vessel and/or cargo and berth assigned.

Port Authority tugs join vessels once inside the mole, number as required, using vessel's lines, later passed to pier for moorings.

Vessels should contact ENAPU SA, http://www.enapu.com.pe for any further details.

Charts and publications

BA 1853. Admiralty Pilot NP7, NP286(7).

US22172, 22173, 22160, 22170 and US Sailing Directions No. 125.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The initial ETA should be sent 7 days prior to arrival to the shippers and consignees. The message must include last port of call and any dangerous cargo destined for the port and/or in transit.

Additional ETA should be sent 3 days prior to arrival to the Harbour Master and Port Authorities. This message should also advise of dangerous goods onboard.

All ETA messages to include date and hour of arrival, draught, number of crew and if there are passengers onboard.

Communications

Communications: Paita, Callao and Mollendo coast radio stations are recommended for use at long range. All 3 work throughout 24 hours.

Paita: Callsign "OBY2", transmits on 8527kHz and 2182-2738kHz. Receives on 8362.2-8366.4kHz and 2182kHz.

Callao: Callsign "OBC3", transmits on 460-50kHz, 8546kHz, 13015.5kHz, 2182-2738kHz. Receives on 500kHz, 8363.2kHz, 8366.4kHz, 12544.8kHz.

Mollendo: Callsign "OBF4", transmits on 8490kHz, 2182kHz. Receives on 8363.2kHz, 8366.4kHz, 2182kHz.

Communication is possible through Inmarsat.

VHF: Ch 16.

Standard messages

When entering Peruvian waters a message must be sent under prefix "SHIPREP/EPW". The message must contain: Name of vessel, callsign, nationality, date/hour of entry into Peruvian waters, last port of call, true course and speed on entry, port of destination and ETA.

Every day at 0800hrs and 2000hrs a vessel, in Peruvian waters, must advise: Name, callsign, nationality, date/hour, position, course, speed, port of destination, ETA.

One hour before arrival at a Peruvian port a vessel must advise, under prefix "SHIPREP/FR: Name, callsign, nationality, date/hour of arrival, port of destination, ETA.

When departing Peruvian waters vessels must advise, under prefix "SHIPREP/DPW": Name, callsign, nationality, date/hour, position and port of destination.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered on arrival at the port in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

The above documents are for the Sanitary (Health) department, Immigration department, Harbour Master and agency. Any special forms for completion will be delivered onboard by the agent.

Health

Pratique should be applied for 48 hours prior to vessel's arrival. It can only be granted by radio with the Harbour Master's consent in the event of heavy weather or in an emergency.

Vessels must be in possession of a valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and all crew must be healthy.

Customs and immigration

Customs: If the possessions of a crew member and the Personal Effects List do not tally, the undeclared goods can be confiscated by the Customs Officer.

Immigration: If a passport or Seaman's Book is out of date the Master should arrange for the ship's agent to revalidate it.

Flags

Standard Interco flags to be displayed. Penalty for not displaying "B" flag, when required to do so, is a fine.

Notices and regulations

For non compliance with any of the above the Port Authorities and Harbour Master may impose heavy fines on the vessel.

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.

Inspection of ships in Peru

General Direction of Captaincies and Coast Guard - Peruvian Navy

Jiron Constitucion No 150, Callao 01, Peru.

Tel: +51 1 465 9866.

Fax: +51 1 465 1068.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Autoridad Portuaria Nacional (APN).

Position: Security, Safety and Environmental Protection Manager.

Address: Av Contralmirante Raygada 111, Callao, Peru.

Tel: +51 1 453 8112

Fax: +51 1 429 9210

Mob: +51 1 98338332

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

Repairs

Normal deck and engine repair facilities available through private companies in Lima and Callao. Divers available.

Dry docks

Sima Callao operations centre serves sea-going vessels and units of the Navy of Peru. The centre has an area of 300,000m² in which there are docks and large berths where shipbuilding projects up to 50,000DWT are carried out and repair of all types of vessels up to 25,000DWT.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from hydrants at all berths, the delivery rate is 30tph. For vessels at anchor, there are 2 water barges, which should be ordered well in advance.

Bunkering: Supplied by Petroleos del Peru, Depto Negocios Marinos, Planto Callo. At Pier 4 delivery is done by pipeline. All other berths and at anchor delivery is done by barge. There is a lighter of 530t for fuel oil and 2 x 100t lighters for diesel oil.

Stores: Fresh and dry provisions are usually available. Dock and engine stores are available.

Medical

Clinica Anglo.

Transport

Airport facilities: There are facilities for crew changes and airfreight.

Nearest airport: Jorge Chavez International Airport, approx 8km from port.

Nearest railway: Ferrocarril Central Andino, Callao.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1500hrs, 1400-2300hrs and 2300-0700hrs.

Where it is

Callao is approx 15km from the capital Lima.

The port

Callao, the major port of Peru, is enclosed and protected by two breakwaters, with berths handling approx 70% of Peruvian foreign trade cargo. Impala Terminals have built a new Minerals Pier within the port, with a covered, overhead conveyor 3.75m in length, for the export of zinc and lead.

Imports: Maize, rice, wheat, fuel, sugar, grain, solid fuel, motor vehicles and spare parts, vegetable oils, cereals, iron and steel, dried chemicals, liquid chemicals, gas and liquefied products, wheat flour.

Exports: Zinc, lead, barium sulphate, petroleum products, wood, minerals and metals, fish oil, copper, coffee, fishmeal, textiles and textures.

Traffic

Approx. 52,500,000t of cargo, 2,500,000TEU and 3,500 vessels are handled annually.

What time zone is Callao in?

Local time at Callao is UTC−5. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Callao?

The deepest berth listed is at APM Terminals Callao: 15.10 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Callao?

1025.

Which load line zone is Callao in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Callao?

Port State Control at Callao: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Callao?

The UN/LOCODE of Callao is PECLL.

What crews who called at Callao 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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