Comodoro Rivadavia

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 111.7m, beam 24.6m, draught 10m, 9,830DWT.

Offshore: LOA 277m, beam 148.5m, draught 42.34m, 160,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Mean spring range approx 5.0m, mean neap range approx 3.4m. Tidal streams run approx parallel with the coast; they are scarcely felt close inshore, but attain rates of up to 1.25kts farther offshore.

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 directly from Golfo San Jorge. From a position SE of Cabo San Jorge (45°47'S 067°22'W) the track leads S passing clear of Restinga Ali, a reef which extends from the coast 3nm SW of Punta San Jorge. Then the track leads WSW towards the anchorage. From the vicinity of the anchorage the track then leads SW to the harbour.

Caution: Winds from between E and S create a heavy swell in the vicinity of the breakwater.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained anywhere off the port in depths of 7.3-11m, sand and clay.

Prohibited anchorage: Extending 1.5nm SE from the head of Muelle YPF, which is reserved for the use of tankers loading from that pier.

There are foul berths due to lost cables and anchors, 0.35nm NNE, 0.35nm NE, 0.6nm and 1nm ENE and 0.6nm SE of the head of Muelle YPF (45°51'S 067°27'W).

Restrictions

Caution should be taken when close to the berths and the approaches for obstructions such as lost cables and anchors on the seabed.

Tugs

Not available.

Mooring

At YPF Mole: vessels anchor off the head of the pier using the leading lights, then turn and secure the stern to the pier and the 4 mooring buoys. A tide gauge on the head of Muelle YPF indicates the depth in metres.

Charts and publications

BA 3332, 557, 3331. Admiralty Pilot NP5 NP286(7).

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.

Documents

An additional copy of all the above, except Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards, should be made for the Master to keep on file in case they are required.

Note: CU = Customs, IM = Immigration, CG = Prefectura (Coastguard), PH = Sanidad (Port Health), AG = Agent, FP = Federal Police.

Prefectura (Coastguard) Declaration, Immigration Declaration and Customs Declarations are all presented to the Master, on special forms, for his signature by the attending agent and officials.

Cargo Manifests or In Ballast Declaration: Cargo Manifests or a Ballast Manifest have to be presented on arrival but these are normally dealt with, on behalf of the Master, by the agent. In the case of Buenos Aires, a computerised Manifest for all ports of call is transmitted directly from the agent's office to the Customs House, the "Maria" system being used.

In all other cases, an indexed manifest, in the prescribed form, is presented to the Customs officer attending the vessel on arrival. Notwithstanding the above, at outside ports the Master is also required to present up to 4 manifests on arrival. This usually refers to vessels carrying bulk cargoes such as fertilisers.

Health

Pratique should be applied for at least 3 working days prior to arrival. The pratique message can be passed to the ship's agent by telex or fax for onward transmission to the Port Health Authorities.

Free pratique is only granted after Sanidad (Port Health) officer attends on arrival. This visit does not normally prevent the commencement of cargo operations.

Cholera: The salient points of Ministry of Health and Social Security regulation No 1333 of 1.12.92, affecting vessels arriving, are in Country section.

Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates: To obtain a new Ship Sanitation Control Certificate with fumigation, a min of 30 hours is required.

If Ship Sanitation Control Certificate expires on route or is due to expire within a few days, exemptions for 6 months can be obtained if applied for between 0700 to 1300hrs, Mon-Fri. Outside these times, Port Health will grant an extension for 30 days.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: The daily allowance is 40 cigarettes and 0.25 bottle of spirits. For non compliance a fine of from 1-5 times the value of the goods plus duties on any extra cigarettes/spirits above the given limit may be incurred.

Immigration: An Immigration Officer attends onboard to stamp Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards. The crew require an Argentine Shore Pass ("Ficha") on which appear a thumb print and photograph as well as personal details. If they are not already onboard they are prepared on the vessel's entry. A photographer can attend onboard. The Master, in the ETA message, should state how many crew members require shore passes. Passengers require passports and landing cards.

There are no restrictions for either crew or passengers to proceed ashore with the above mentioned documents.

Flags

The national flag of Argentina is to be flown from the highest point on the vessel from sunrise to sunset. Fines for non compliance is an unspecified amount.

It is important to fly the Interco "Q" flag on entering port until free pratique is granted by the Port Health officer attending onboard. Fines for non compliance.

Notices and regulations

Transmission of all SECOSENA messages is via MF or HF radio.

Certificates of Competency: The Coastguard (PNA) have recently been asking to see all deck, engine and radio officers Certificates of Competency. They must be valid and acceptable to the country under whose flag the vessel is registered. This refers in particular to vessels sailing under flags of convenience.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Naval Argentina.

Contact person: General Prefect, Prefecto Nacional Naval.

Address: Av Eduardo Madero 235, piso 2, 1106 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tel: +54 11 4318 7521/7522/7523

Fax: +54 11 4314 0317.

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www. prefecturanaval.gov.ar

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital Militar Regional Comodoro Rivadavia (7km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Comodoro Airport (8.5km).

Working hours

Normally 0700-1300hrs, 1300-1900hrs.

Where it is

Comodoro Rivadavia is located on the southeastern coast of Argentina, in the province of Chubut. It sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, within the Patagonian region, approximately 1,800 km south of Buenos Aires. The city is nestled between the ocean and the Patagonian steppe, making it an important coastal and industrial area in southern Argentina.

The port

The port is a commercial hub known for its oil production and energy sector. It is a strategic port that serves as a vital link for exporting petroleum, fishing products and other regional goods. The Port of Comodoro Rivadavia facilitates maritime trade and supports the local economy, handling cargo and providing services for the oil industry. Its location on the Atlantic coast also makes it a gateway for connecting southern Argentina with international markets.

Traffic

Approx 3,700,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Comodoro Rivadavia?

Pilotage is compulsory, 48 hours notice is required as the pilot has to come from Puerto Madryn.

What time zone is Comodoro Rivadavia in?

Local time at Comodoro Rivadavia is UTC−3. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Comodoro Rivadavia?

The deepest berth listed is at Caleta Cordova: 18.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Comodoro Rivadavia?

1025.

Which load line zone is Comodoro Rivadavia in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Comodoro Rivadavia?

The UN/LOCODE of Comodoro Rivadavia is ARCRD.

What crews who called at Comodoro Rivadavia 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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