Diamante

Size limits

LOA 230m.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Current speeds range from 3-3.5kts.

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

Approach

The Parana River between Diamante (Santa Fe) and San Martin has been dredged to give a minimum channel depth of 8.2m. The port has access from the river beginning at Km 532.5, where there is a marker buoy. The access channel to the port is 1,200m in length, width of 120m, depth 7.25m CD. The first wharf is located at 1,000m.

Anchorages

The port has several anchorages, however only two are used. These are between the Public Wharf and the Elevator Berth.

Restrictions

The depth of water is constant from Diamante to Rosario. There are no restrictions in the river. However, pilots discourage night time sailing from port to roads, which is approx 45 minutes down river.

Vessels must sail with enough time to pass through "Los Pajaros" in daylight.

Tugs

Tugs are not required for berthing, but are required for sailing from the grain elevator. Vessels less than 110m are normally exempt from using tugs on presentation of request for exemption to the Coast Guard.

No tugs stationed at Diamante however are available from Santa Fe, tugs must therefore be requested 6 hours prior to the required time, or subject to standing regulations.

Normal service times are between 0700 to 1100hrs and 1300 to 1700hrs, outside these times overtime surcharges apply.

Mooring

Mooring/unmooring: A launch is required as the current is strong. The same launch serves the pilot.

Charts and publications

BA 1982B, Argentina Plan CR1, Sheet 22. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Agents should send the vessel's ETA at least 5 days and 48 hours prior to arrival to Grain Elevator Operators Puerto Diamante S.A and the Port Authority.

Communications

Rosario "LSQ 38" transmits on 477kHz "A1" which broadcasts a daily report at 1305hrs in Spanish, giving river depths from Rosario to Santa Fe.

VHF: Maritime Movil Service: Ch 12 and 16.

Prefectura Naval (Coastguard): Ch 12. Traffic and security messages.

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.

At times of up-river congestion, with berths and roads fully occupied, Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) will require vessels to wait at Zona Comun (Buenos Aires/La Plata roads pilotage embarkation, disembarkation point at Km 37, off Buenos Aires) or eventually, in cases of severe congestion, at Recalada at the mouth of the River Plate. In these latter cases, appointed agents will inform Master of situation and Prefectura (CONTRASE), via VHF to pilot, will advise if a vessel is not permitted to proceed. In these cases, when the vessel is being prevented from getting any closer to its berth, NOR should be presented on arrival/anchoring at Zona Comun or Recalada.

Again, in the case of vessels obliged to wait at Zona Comun or Recalada, the steaming time from these anchorages to the port roads and/or berth, is usually discounted. A provision to this effect should, preferably, be added to the Charter Party.

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

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.

Health

There is no local Port Health Office. Request for free pratique should be made by cable, telex or fax, via the agent and to the nearest office at Santa Fe, approx 74km away. Travelling costs for a Doctor or Sanitary Health Officer is on vessel's account.

Customs and immigration

The Customs Office is available in Diamante City, cargo documentation must be presented at the Customs Office from 0700 to 1500hrs. There is no Immigration Office available.

Flags

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

It is important to fly the "Q" flag on entering port until free pratique is granted by the Port Health officer attending onboard. Fine 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.

Berths are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

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

Minor repairs are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from quay.

Bunkering: Not Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

There is a hospital and a private clinic in the town .

Transport

Nearest airport: Santa Fe, 80km; Rosario, 250km; Parana, 50km.

Nearest railway: Orespo.

Nearest Highway: Highways 11, 32 and 45.

Working hours

Normally 0600 to 1300hrs, 1300 to 1900hrs. Sat 0700 to 1300hrs. Overtime 1900 to 0100hrs.

Where it is

Diamante is situated on the left bank of the River Parana, 286nm from Buenos Aires by river.

The port

The port is principally used for loading grain, the elevator being owned by Cargill, general cargo also handled.

Traffic

Approx 300,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Diamante?

Compulsory. One River Plate pilot embarks at Recalada pilot station or at the Montevideo joint point (35°03'S 056°09'W).

What time zone is Diamante in?

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

What is the water density at Diamante?

1000.

Which load line zone is Diamante in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Diamante?

The UN/LOCODE of Diamante is ARDME.

What crews who called at Diamante 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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