Golfito

Size limits

LOA 250m, draught 9m

Water density

1019.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 3.1m.

Tidal streams: There are fairly strong tidal streams in the anchorage; the ingoing stream is reported to set SE and the outgoing stream NW, in this vicinity.

The ingoing stream in the vicinity of the pier may not set parallel to the berths and caution is necessary.

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

Approach

The entrance channel has a min width of approx 0.27nm between the 5.5m depth contours. The approach channel has a min depth of 9.2m.

Note: There may be less water than charted on the entrance leading line where depths of 7.3m have been reported.

A leading line on a bearing of 047° leads into the harbour. Leading lights are exhibited from 2 beacons on the shore exhibiting white diamond daymarks with a black stripe. "G" Lightbuoy, (starboard hand pillar), lies on the leading line 0.45nm SW of the front leading beacon.

A vessel approaching Golfito from the S should give the bank of the mouth of Rio Coto a wide berth. On account of the great depths W of this bank and the steep-to bank S of the entrance to the port, it is advisable to rely on soundings if the landmarks are obscured.

Entry: From a position about 1.0nm SW of Punta Voladera (08°38'N 083°11'W) with the entrance well open, the alignment (047°) of leading light beacons (white diamonds, black stripes, 6m apart) (at the head of the bay 1.5nm NE of Punta Voladera) leads into the entrance channel, passing (with positions given from Punta Voladera):

NW of "H" Light (metal tower) (0.5nm S) marking the limit of the coastal bank on the S side of the entrance. A spit, with a depth of 10.0m at its extremity, extends 0.3nm WSW from the light beacon. It is recommended that when passing "H" Light Beacon speed should be as low as possible consistent with safe handling.

Then SE of "A" Light (metal tower) (close S). A spit, with a depth of 6.7m at its extremity, extends 0.2nm SW from the light beacon. The alignment (037°) of the following leading lights lead to the berth:

Front Light (orange triangle, point up, on pier) (08°38.4'N 083°10.4'W); Rear light (similar structure, on hillside behind port) 08°38.6'N 083°10.3'W, then:

SE of "B" Buoy (E cardinal, can) (0.65nm NE), marking the limit of a shoal on the N side of the fairway, then:

Close N of "G" Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.9nm NE), then:

NW of "F" Buoy (special) (1nm ENE), marking the N limit of shallow spit on the S side of the channel.

Caution: It has been reported that the sensitivity of the range of the outer leading lights is such that it is difficult to determine position in relation to the centreline, and that the rear structure of the inner leading lights is obscured by vegetation and buildings and difficult to discern.

It has also been reported that buoys in the inner harbour are unreliable and may not accurately mark the limits of shoal water.

Anchorages

There is room for 3 or 4 vessels to anchor in the NW part of the harbour. The holding ground is good and the area is well sheltered.

Anchorage is not permitted off the pier, however there is anchorage in depths of approx 13m, midway between light structures "E" and "F".

Buoyed Anchorage: It was reported that a midstream anchorage clear of the harbour entrance has been selected for ocean going vessels to load woodchip from barges. Vessels will anchor with their sterns secured to two mooring buoys which will maintain the vessels bow in a SSW direction. In future two additional mooring buoys will be laid which will allow for the prevailing wind direction veering from W to SSE.

Tugs

There are no tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 2493, 1020. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should be sent at 72, 48 and 24 hours. Initial notification to also advise number passengers disembarking, if any, amount of cargo to discharge in metric tons, number of gangs required to work on board.

Communications

Radio: Station "TIM" 500kHz and 8478kHz. Available from 0400-1300hrs.

VHF: Port: Ch 16.

Agents: Ch 16, 14.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes.

Address: Apdo 101176, 1000 San Jose, Costa Rica.

Tel: +506 336510.

Fax: +506 330605.

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel and fuel oil available.

Medical

Golfito Hospital in Golfito, 1km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Coto 47 Airport in Corredores, 44km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours, 7 days per week.

Where it is

Golfito is situated on the E side of the Golfo Dulce, in the southern area of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast.

The port

It is a small port with a single pier divided into two berths. It is a port of entry. The port handles general cargo, fishing, passenger and liquid cargo.

Traffic

Approx 240,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Golfito?

The pilot board the ship at 2 miles from port Entrance.

What time zone is Golfito in?

Local time at Golfito is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Golfito?

The deepest berth listed is at Muelle de Golfito: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Golfito?

1019.

Which load line zone is Golfito in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Golfito?

The UN/LOCODE of Golfito is CRGLF.

What crews who called at Golfito 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.

Read and add tips for Golfito →