PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Cozumel
Pilot
updated Mar 2019Compulsory. Available during daylight hours only. Pilot boarding position is 2.6nm NW of the pier.
Key data
updated Mar 2019Size limits
Draught 9.3m, LOA unrestricted, beam 47.02m, 20,236DWT.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Cruise Terminal | 9.30 m | 362 m | 2 |
| Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal | 9.30 m | 330 m | 3 |
| Punta Langosta Terminal | 9.20 m | 333 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2019Approach
From a position 3nm NNE of the pier the track leads SSW towards the anchorages or alongside berths. The approach is steep to and clear of dangers apart from a charted wreck within 1nm of the pier.
Anchorages
There is a good anchorage on Banco de Cozumel (20°38'N 086°52'W), in a depth of 11.0m, sand bottom. It is protected from the E swell and out of the current, but open to N'ly winds.
There is also an anchorage S of San Miguel Light, not closer than 0.2nm offshore, depths from 11.0-15.0m.
Charts and publications
BA 662, 1220. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Communications
The following coastal radio stations are recommended:
West coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).
East coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.
The stations work throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 16 is used to contact the port on arrival.
Notice of readiness
Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.
Documents
Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration authorities, Customs authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.
Health
Pratique will be granted by the Port Authorities once they arrive on board the vessel. Free pratique is not granted by radio.
Vessels arriving from South America have to be fumigated.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.
Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.
Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.
Notices and regulations
Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.
Inspections
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: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.
Position: Director General for Merchant Navy
Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.
Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.
Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Mar 2019Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Situated close NE of San Miguel.
About Cozumel
updated Mar 2019Where it is
The port of Cozumel is situated in the Caribbean on the NW side of Cozumel Island.
The port
The port consists of three cruise terminals.
Traffic
Approx. 1,300 vessels and 4,300,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Cozumel
What are the pilot arrangements at Cozumel?
Compulsory. Available during daylight hours only.
What time zone is Cozumel in?
Local time at Cozumel is UTC−5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Cozumel?
The deepest berth listed is at International Cruise Terminal: 9.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Cozumel in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Cozumel?
Port State Control at Cozumel: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cozumel?
The UN/LOCODE of Cozumel is MXCZM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Cozumel 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.