PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
El Palito
Pilot
updated May 2010- El Palito pilot boarding Pilot boards10°31.5′N 068°09.5′W
The use of Venezuelan government pilots is compulsory for docking and undocking and is available throughout 24 hours. Pilots from Puerto Cabello meet vessels off the terminal.
The pilot may decline to moor the vessel if it is not equipped with satisfactory mooring equipment, lines, gear, anchors, etc, or if it is not sufficiently ballasted. It is the responsibility of the Master to notify the Marine Terminal and pilot of any special conditions or peculiarities, such as defective navigation equipment, mooring lines, tackle, gear or lack of necessary equipment, which might impose hazards in connection with the handling, mooring, discharging or loading of vessels.
At the berths, vessels must be moored to the entire satisfaction of the pilot and the terminal's Loading Master.
The pilot acts in an advisory capacity. The Master retains responsibility for the vessel at all times. In the event it becomes necessary to disregard the pilot's advice in order to ensure the safety of the vessel, the Master must forward, through the terminal, a full written report of the circumstances, in triplicate, for delivery to the Port Captain.
The Venezuelan pilotage law stipulates that pilots and their apprentices must be provided with the same accommodation as given to vessel's officers.
Key data
updated Mar 2020Size limits
Draught 14.6m, 110,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Palito Marine Terminal | 14.60 m | 250 m | 4 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Nov 2010Approach
Approaches: The terminal pier is marked by the following lights: One occulting red light at the top of Berth No 1 (NW) fire fighting monitor tower, 24.4m above sea level 10°29.8'N 068°07.2'W and one green light flashing every 3 seconds at the top of Berth No 2 (SE) fire fighting monitor tower, 24.4m above sea level, located 83.8m SE of No 1 fire fighting monitor tower. One occulting white light at the end of Berths No 3 (W) and No 4 (E) 6m above sea level and visible 10nm.
A group of 5 crude storage tanks, white, visible 20nm on a clear day, are located 1.25nm 200° from the head of Piers No 1 and 2.
Three large power plant chimneys with broad red and white bands, located approx 3nm W of the terminal, are very conspicuous.
When approaching, refinery installations are clearly visible. On clear nights, tanks, refinery lights and flares provide best landmarks.
While flashing lights are installed at the top of refinery chimneys and towers for air traffic warning purposes, for the local airport in Puerto Cabello.
Masters approaching the coast should keep a sharp lookout for fishing boat nets and small craft.
Anchorages
The suggested anchorage area for El Palito Terminal is located 1nm NW of the seaward end of the pier for Berths No 3 or 4. The area to the NE, 1nm off the pier is recommended as anchorage for Berths No 1 and 2.
Vessels waiting for a pilot should anchor 0.5nm NNW of the head of Pier No 3.
Restrictions
Vessels enter day or night and at any state of tide.
Tugs
Tugs from Puerto Cabello assist vessels at the terminal. Two tugs are used for berthing and unberthing. Tugs are equipped with water monitors and foamite. Venezuelan tug law stipulates that during movement, tugs are under the command of vessel's Master.
Mooring
All ropes must be fibre polypropylene of 2.5in min diameter or wire of 1.25in min diameter each connected by a 2.5in shackle.
The aft buoy line is the first line sent away and is used to check the vessel's swing into the berth. The swell causes the vessel to move out of position, all moorings need to be adjusted simultaneously.
Charts and publications
BA 1628, 2192. Admiralty Pilot NP7A.
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
If a vessel cleared for another port (including another Venezuelan port) is diverted at sea to El Palito, a telex advising the amended orders must be sent at least 48 hours before arrival, to avoid heavy fine and/or delays.
Communications
Puerto Cabello coastal station callsign "YVL" maintains radio contact with all vessels "CQ" on 8722kHz at the following hours: 1130hrs, 1330hrs, 1530hrs, 1830hrs, 2130hrs, 0030hrs, 0200hrs GMT. Also "CQ" on 17141kHz at 1630hrs GMT and "CQ" on 4322kHz at 0430hrs and 0630hrs GMT.
El Palito Terminal: Radio: SSB 6218.1kHz, Tel: +58 42 603801, Fax: +58 42 603810, Telex: CPV 28013.
VHF: Ch 16, 06.
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
Vessels arriving with cargo to discharge will also require Bills of Lading and Tally Books.
Stores List prepared should indicate separately all deck, engine and cabin stores. The Stores List may be prepared onboard prior to arrival.
In addition to other clearance documents, 2 copies of an itemised list of articles in the ship's slop chest must be presented to the authorities on arrival.
Clearance documents outbound: Outward clearance and cargo documents are delivered onboard by the terminal representative.
In the event the berth is required by another vessel, a vessel having completed loading may be required to vacate the berth promptly and proceed to anchorage to await cargo documents.
Health
No radio pratique. Health Officers board vessel at berth.
Customs and immigration
El Palito is a port of entry. The Customs house is located at Puerto Cabello. Office hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs and 1400-1700hrs. Any dispatch outside normal office hours is charged at double rates. Agent will arrange transportation to Puerto Cabello upon request. Venezuelan laws are strict in regard to contraband and Masters are requested to instruct their crews not to take cigarettes or other articles ashore.
Cigarettes in cartons, cigars, tobacco, etc should be listed and deposited in the slop chest, which will be sealed. While the vessel is in port,
Venezuelan National Guard officials are assigned at the refinery's gate to ensure compliance with Customs regulations. The law requires that meals be supplied to these officials during regular meal hours.
Flags
The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed during daylight hours by vessels anchored and berthed in Venezuelan waters.
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
Only of a minor nature in an emergency; radar and radio repairs effected. No engine repairs may be carried out while the vessel is in dock. Any operations, which may produce sparks, are prohibited in the close proximity of loading operations.
Dry docks
The nearest drydocks are located at Puerto Cabello, 8nm E from El Palito.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Not available.
Bunkering: Bunkers are available only for vessels loading or discharging cargo. Bunkers supply should be arranged between owners and PDVSA's Head Office (Marketing & Supply-Caracas) prior to vessel's arrival. A telex must be received by El Palito Terminal indicating quantity and gravity of the bunkers to be received. Certain types of PDVSA lube oils only are available. Requirements should be sent by radio with ETA to agent.
Medical
Hospital and dental treatment available at Puerto Cabello. Authorisation for any medical and/or dental treatment must be made by the Master through the agent.
Crew change
The documents and personal effects of seamen left ashore for hospitalisation, repatriation or other reason must be delivered to the terminal office before sailing. A letter from the Master is required advising the max amount of advances to the seaman and any other instructions concerning his repatriation. All expenses incurred by the seaman, including the cost of repatriation, are for the vessel's account. Venezuelan law at all times holds the Master, agent or owner responsible for any seaman left behind in Venezuela.
Transport
Nearest airport: Valencia.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About El Palito
updated Nov 2010Where it is
El Palito is situated 7nm W of Puerto Cabello.
The port
The terminal facilities, operated by PDVSA, are for exporting petroleum products and consist of a 825m (Piers No 1/2) and 1,450m (Piers No 3/4) part causeway and part trestle, extending out from Punta Chavez along a shallow reef which angles to depths of 13.7m at Piers No 1/2 and 16m at Piers No 3/4. Four tankers may berth simultaneously.
Questions about El Palito
Where does the pilot board at El Palito?
The pilot boards at El Palito pilot boarding, 10°31.5′N 068°09.5′W.
What time zone is El Palito in?
Local time at El Palito is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at El Palito?
The deepest berth listed is at El Palito Marine Terminal: 14.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at El Palito?
1025.
Which load line zone is El Palito in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of El Palito?
The UN/LOCODE of El Palito is VEELP.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at El Palito 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.