Castro

Size limits

LOA 125m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.

Tides

Range 3.04m. Tidal streams attain a rate of not more than 1.5kts at srings, neap tides are almost negligible.

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

Approach

The least depth in mid channel is 13.0m. The directions are as follows:

From the entrance between Isla Linlinao Light (white GRP tower, red band, 5m in height), 42°35'S 073°45'W and Punta Tutil, low and rocky (42°34'S 73°44'W), the recommended route leads to the berth or anchorage, passing (with positions from Isla Linlinao Light):

In mid-channel, E and N of Punta Tauca (2nm NNW), then:

S of Punta Animo (3nm NW), from which a light (white GRP tower, red band, 10m in height) is exhibited, then:

0.1nm W of Punta Peuque (3.5nm NW), from which a light (red GRP tower, 3m in height) is exhibited.

Thereafter the route leads near the E shore, which is generally clear and deep to avoid depths of less than 11.0m, within 0.5nm of the W shore passing:

E of a 3m shoal of sand and stones, 0.5nm N of Punta Peuque, then:

E of a lightbuoy (port hand), marking the E side of Banco Gamboa (drying, rocky), 42°29.5'S 073°46.0'W and with an 11m shoal close E of the lightbuoy, then to the berth or anchorage.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be taken, in 14.6m, about 1.13km NE of Punta Castro. Punta Tenten is shoal for about 0.3km S and should be avoided. Vessels carrying explosives should anchor E of Punta Tenten. The harbour bottom is reported to be composed of mud and sand, good holding ground.

Upon approaching the anchorage off Puerto Castro, vessels should stay close to the E shore of Estero Castro until S of Ponta Pello, which lies E of Punta Tenten, then steer directly for the anchorage, thus avoiding the bank which extends SE from Punta Castro.

Charts and publications

BA 4250. Admiralty Pilot NP7, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent to the vessel's agent 5 days prior to arrival. Additional ETA's should then be sent on a daily basis at 0800hrs.

The ETA message must confirm that all cargo gear is in proper working order, if any cargo shifting is expected, if there is dangerous cargo onboard for discharge and/or transit and arrival draught.

Communications

Radio: Messages can be sent via Playa Ancha Radio (callsign "CBV") Valparaiso which listens throughout 24 hours on 500kHz and works on 8522kHz and 16663kHz.

VHF: Port Ch 16

The port can also be contacted via radiotelephone.

The port radio station can be contacted, as follows:

1. Call sign: Castro Radio (CBP2)

2. VHF: VHF channels 9, 14 and 16

3. RT Frequency: 2182 kHz and 2738 kHz

4. Telephone: 56-65-631200, 56-65 631286

5. Facsimile: 56-65-631296

The harbour master can be contacted, as follow:

1. Telephone: 56-65-631205

2. Facsimile: 56-65-635055

3. Email: [email protected]

The port authority can be contacted, as follows:

1. Telephone: 56-65-631200

2. Facsimile: 56-65-631296

Standard messages

Masters must report their position, course, speed and ETA next port as soon as they enter Chilean waters (200nm) to "Directemar Valparaiso" by cable. Thereafter, the same information is to be sent daily, whilst in Chilean waters, at 0800hrs and 2000hrs. Reports to be sent via Playa Ancha Radio.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered upon arrival at the anchorage.

Documents

Note: SY = Sanitary (Health) authorities, AG = Agriculture department, IM = Immigration, PC = Port Captain, CU = Customs.

The Port Captain will also wish to see the vessel's certificates and Immigration Officer will want to see all passports.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Crew's own personal possessions must tally with those listed on the Crew Personal Effects List. If there is a discrepancy, penalties range from confiscation of the goods not declared to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the misdemeanour.

Immigration: Crew List is checked against passports. There are no restrictions on crew and passengers in transit proceeding ashore provided they are in possession of a landing card. Some foreign nationalities require an entry visa if embarking or disembarking.

Flags

Vessels entering Chilean waters must at all times fly the Chilean flag at the foremast and also whilst in port. Fines for not complying may be imposed by the authorities.

Notices and regulations

It is expressly forbidden to throw overboard any ballast, rubbish or waste or to spill petroleum whilst in Chilean waters and harbours.

Garbage is not allowed to be disposed of ashore.

Vessels must comply with the use of rat guards, safety nets and gangway railings.

Any repairs to the main engine must be authorised.

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: Chilean Maritime Authority.

Contact: Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations.

Address: Subida Cementerio No 300, Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile.

Tel: +56 32 208637.

Fax: +56 32 208662.

Mob: +56 9 939 3937.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 330607 ANGEL CK

Website: http://www.directemar.cl

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Muelle Fiscal.

Medical

Hospital de Castro, 2km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Gamboa Airport, 3km.

Nearest railway: Puerto Montt.

Working hours

Normally 0800-2300hrs.

Where it is

Castro is located on the E coast of the island of Chiloe, in Southern Chile.

The port

The port handles general cargo, passengers, Ro-Ro and fishing vessels.

What are the pilot arrangements at Castro?

Pilotage is compulsory; channel pilots will assist with anchoring and berthing assignments.

What time zone is Castro in?

Local time at Castro is UTC−3. Back to UTC−4 on 4 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 5 Sep 2027.

What is the water density at Castro?

1025.

Which load line zone is Castro in?

Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.

Who carries out Port State Control at Castro?

Port State Control at Castro: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Castro?

The UN/LOCODE of Castro is CLWCA.

What crews who called at Castro 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.

Read and add tips for Castro →