PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Cumana
Pilot
updated May 2010- Cumana (Puerto Sucre) pilot boarding place Pilot boards10°27.6′N 064°12.0′W
Pilotage is compulsory for berthing/unberthing. Pilots are available throughout 24 hours and will anchor a vessel if required.
Pilotage area A: Situated between the parallel of 10°27'N and 10°28'N, and between the meridian of 064°12'W and the coast. Vessels awaiting a pilot anchor or heave to near the W limit of the area.
Pilotage area B: Lies inshore of a line joining Punta Chia (10°38'N 064°18'W) and Cabo de Barrigon.
Key data
updated Oct 2010Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Mean maximum range 0.3m, mean medium range 0.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto De Sucre Terminal | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2010Anchorages
Outer berth: Anchorage can be obtained by approaching Morro Colorado (10°26'N 064°12'W) on a bearing of 147° and anchoring immediately a depth of 27m is reached, but continuous and reliable soundings are essential as the bottom shoals very steeply.
Inner berth: Anchorage can be obtained off Puerto Sucre in a depth of 46m with the disused Light Tower (10°27'N 064°11'W) (white steel framework, red base and top) at the root of main pier bearing 069° and 075°, distant 0.5nm; care is necessary to avoid the 2.7m patch lying 0.2nm WSW of the pier head.
Farther inshore there is insufficient swinging room and a vessel is liable to obstruct traffic using the pier.
Tugs
None available.
Charts and publications
BA 1629. Admiralty Pilot NP7A.
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessel's arrival to agent. Additional ETA's to be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival or if a difference in ETA of more than 6 hours occurs after the last ETA message.
ETA message should include the following information: ETA at pilot station, Master's name, last port, ballast condition, last 3 cargoes, arrival/departure draught and arrival/sailing displacement.
Communications
It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 16 and 12.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered in accordance with the Charter Party. The normal place for tendering NOR is on arrival at the anchorage or all fast at the berth.
Documents
Custom and Harbour Master's clearance are prepared and delivered onboard by the agent prior to vessel's departure.
Cargo documents such as Bills of Lading, Quality and Quantity Certificates, Certificates of Origin, etc are prepared/released by terminal operators. These documents are presented to the Master prior to departure for his signature.
Health
Pratique and Custom's clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing.
Vessels coming from ports which have cholera will not be allowed to deballast overboard. A sanitary inspection is performed at the pilot station prior to entering port.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 5 days of cigarettes and alcohol out of bond. The bond is sealed after the vessel's clearance. Additional allowances may be made on request to the Customs authorities. Bonded items are not allowed to be taken ashore. Penalty is confiscation and a possible fine.
Immigration: Issue shore passes that are valid for 72 hours.
Flags
The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed in port. Vessels not complying will receive orders from the National Guard to stop cargo operations. A written report will be requested prior to cargo operations recommencing.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Nacional de los Espacios Acuaticos.
Position: Gerente de Puertos.
Address: Av Rio Orinoco, Urb Las Mercedes, EDF Inea Piso 3, Caracas, Venezuela.
Tel: +58 212 909 1540
Fax: +58 212 909 1540
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.inea.gob.ve
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that a vessel arriving at US ports in one of its five subsequent calls from ports in Venezuela will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures. To ensure compliance with USCG regulations masters must increase vessel security to equivalent of Marsec Level 2 standards while in Venezuelan ports.
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Medical
Cumana.
Transport
Nearest airport: Cumana.
Working hours
By arrangement.
About Cumana
updated Jul 2020Where it is
The port is situated near the mouth of River Manzanares.
The port
The port has one pier which is been used to handle wheat, container and other general cargo.
Questions about Cumana
Where does the pilot board at Cumana?
The pilot boards at Cumana (Puerto Sucre) pilot boarding place, 10°27.6′N 064°12.0′W.
What time zone is Cumana in?
Local time at Cumana is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the water density at Cumana?
1025.
Which load line zone is Cumana in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cumana?
The UN/LOCODE of Cumana is VECUM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Cumana 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.