Colonia

Size limits

Draught 5.48m.

Water density

1020.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

MHWS 1.0m; MLWS 0.5m.

Currents: Rada de Colonia is protected from all but SE to SW winds. Storms from this quarter can cause a current to set in the direction of the wind at a rate of up to 4kts.

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

Approach

Approach and entry: The port approaches are encumbered by islands, reefs and banks. From the SW the port is approached through Canal del Farallon and entered through Canal San Gabriel (34°29.0'S 057°54.0'W). From the N the port is approached through Canal del Medio (34°28.0'S 057°54.5'W) with entrance also through Canal San Gabriel. From the E approach and entry is through Canal del Norte. Canal San Gabriel provides access to Puerto de Colonia. It has a depth of 3.7m. Canal del Medio has a minimum depth of 2.8m.

SW approaches: From a position in Canal del Farallon approx 0.3nm N of KM 54 Lightbuoy (34°30.6'S 057°56.2'W), the line bearing 068° of Colonia Light (34°28.5'S 057°51.0'W) leads between the reef extending 0.3nm SE from Isla Farallon and the dangerous wreck (0.7nm SSE), marked by a lightbuoy (isolated danger), in a least depth of 4.0m. When clear of the bank and of the dangerous wreck lying 0.8nm E of Isla Farallon Light, steer towards Isla Gabriel (1.5nm ENE), which is low and covered in brushwood, until approx 0.5nm distant, from where the track leads E, through Canal San Gabriel, passing (with position from Isla Faralon Light):

Between No 1 Lightbuoy (port hand) 1.5nm ENE and Bajo Garnet marked by No 2 Lightbuoy (W cardinal) 1.25nm E, then:

S of Bajo Ruby extending 0.15nm SE of Isla San Gabriel. No 4 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) is moored 0.3nm SE of the island and marks Barra de Colonia, then:

S of Banco La Laja (2.5nm ENE), the E end of which dries. When this portion is just visible there are depths of 4.9m over Barra de Colonia, then:

SE of Roca Anita (2.75nm ENE), a buoy (red conical) is moored close NE of the rock. From this position Puerto Franco 0.7nm E, or the anchorage can be approached.

E approaches: From a position S of Punta Negra (34°28.8'S 057°51.0'W) the track continues W, approx 0.5nm offshore, passing (with positions from Colonia Light):

S of the breakwater at Puerto Franco, 0.5nm SE, marked by lights at its E and W extremities. Within the port a light (green tower, concrete base 5m in height) is shown from the W jetty head. Then the track leads NW:

SW of Punta San Pedro, from which Puerto de Colonia Light (white round masonry tower, square base, 12m) is exhibited. Mariners should maintain a distance of a least 0.25nm off the point as the outgoing tidal stream sets towards the point at rates of up to 2.5kts, after which the anchorage (0.6nm NW) can be approached.

Useful marks:

Puerto Franco, Breakwater E Head, Light (34°28.8'S 057°50.2'W)

Puerto Franco, Breakwater W Head, Light (34°28.9'S 057°50.8'W)

Santa Rita, Breakwater Head, Light, (red beacon) (34°28.2'S 057°51.1'W)

Caution: It is reported that depths in Canal del Medio between Isla Farallon and Isla San Gabriel may be less than those charted.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Uruguayan Maritime Movement Control and Information System: This system applies to all vessels entering or leaving Uruguayan waters. It covers the area W of Longitude 50°50'W and SW of a line bearing 128° from Arroio Chui Light (33°45.0'S 053°22.0'W). Vessels are required to report on entering specified zones and maintain RT listening watch.

Anchorages

Outer Anchorage: The anchorage is 0.6nm WNW from Colonia Light (34°28.5'S 057°51.0'W) in a depth of 7.0m mud with good holding ground. Vessels of shallower draught can anchor closer to the town. In bad weather coastal vessels can find shelter NW of Isla San Gabriel (34°28.5'S 057°53.2'W).

Charts and publications

BA 2004, 3561. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Refer to country information.

Communications

Cerrito Radio, Montevideo can be used for long range communications. The station works throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Ch 16, 11 and 09.

Standard messages

Approaching from the S: According to regulations it is essential to contact and maintain a listening watch on Ch 16 with Prefectura Punta del Este on passing meridian 055°30'W. After this position contact Control port of Montevideo. If communications cannot be established cable the vessel's agent and Montevideo Control Centre urgently, informing them of the date/hour of passing their area to avoid fines. Pilot will board with berthing instructions at 35°00'S 056°14'W. Advise ETA and arrival draught.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms.

This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside.

If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.

Documents

Refer to country information.

Health

Free pratique can be requested by radio. A message should be sent to the authorities, via the ship's agent, 48 hours prior to arrival. The message must include the number of crew and the full names of the Master.

Customs and immigration

Customs: There are no restrictions regarding personal effects provided they are previously declared on the Crew Personal Effects List. Goods not declared are confiscated.

Immigration: All passengers' passports must be shown.

Flags

See "Standard messages" above.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Nacional Naval.

Address: Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 s/n, Edif del Comando General de la Armada, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay.

Tel: +598 2 915 5500

Fax: +598 2 910 5500

Mob: +598 9 4433184

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water and stores. Both available.

Medical

Hospital Colonia in Col Del Sacramento, 400m.

Transport

Nearest airport: Laguna de los Patos International AIrport in Colonia del Sacramento, 9km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, (in 3 shifts).

Where it is

Colonia is situated on the N shore of the River Plate.

The port

Mainly used for ferry services to Buenos Aires and general cargo.

The port consists of an angled breakwater and a basin with three quays.

Traffic

Approx 9,000t of cargo, 140,000 vessels and 2,000,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Colonia?

Compulsory for all foreign vessels in the estuary.

What time zone is Colonia in?

Local time at Colonia is UTC−3. No summer time.

What is the water density at Colonia?

1020.

Which load line zone is Colonia in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Colonia?

The UN/LOCODE of Colonia is UYCYR.

What crews who called at Colonia 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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