Guanica

1. Guanica Bay Pilot boards17°54.4′N 066°54.0′W

Size limits

Max draught 7.3m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

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

Approach

Directions for entering harbour: Approach: From the vicinity of 17°53'N 066°54'W, outside the 183m depth contour, the line of bearing, 006.5°, of the tower (0.35nm N of Punta Meseta Light (17°57.2'N 066°54.3'W)) which supports the E end of the overhead cable, leads towards the entrance, passing (with positions from Punta Meseta Light): Over a series of ridges which lie up to 2.25nm ESE of Punta Brea (1.5nm SSW), keeping close W of No 2 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (2nm S) in a least depth of 8.5m, then between 2 isolated patches, with depths of 8.2m over them, in the vicinity of a position 1.75nm S, then E of a shoal, with a least depth of 3.4m over it (1.5nm SSW), extending approx 0.2nm SE from Punta Brea, then through the deep channel (0.9nm SSW) (which divides the ridge, with depths of 6.0m over it, extending W from Corona La Laja) marked by No 3 Buoy (port hand) and No 4 Lightbuoy (starboard hand), then close W of an isolated patch, with a least charted depth of 7.5m (0.7nm S), close E of the track.

Entrance channel: A privately dredged channel leads from the entrance in a N'ly direction to a turning basin inside the harbour, then NW to the pier at Punta Pera (1.5nm NW).

Directions for the outer section: Initial position: 0.6nm SSW of Punta Meseta Light.

Playa de Guanica Leading Lights:

Front light (red column with a white stripe on a framework tower, elevation 8m) (0.9nm NNW of Punta Meseta Light).

Rear light (as for the front light, elevation 15m) (0.27nm N of the front light).

The alignment (354.5°) of these lights leads through the outer section of the entrance channel, passing (with positions from Punta Meseta Light): E of the coastal bank, extending approx 0.45nm SSE from Punta Pescadores (0.3nm W), marked on its S side by No 5 Buoy (port hand), then E of Punta Pescadores, a bluff which rises to an elevation of 110m, approx 0.7nm NW, then W of Punta Meseta, which rises to an elevation of 141m, on which stands Punta Meseta Light tower, then under the power cable (0.5nm NNW), then W of No 6 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.5nm NNW) marking the SE point of the turn towards the berths at Guanica, then E of No 7 Buoy (port hand) (0.5nm NNW) marking the SW point of the turn towards Punta Pera.

Directions for the inner section: From a position 0.5nm S of the front leading light the track alters WNW towards Punta Pera, passing (with positions from Punta Meseta Light tower): NNE of No 9 Buoy (port hand) (0.6nm NNW) marking the S side of the channel, then SSW of No 10 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.7nm NNW) marking the edge of the coastal bank which, with depths of less than 5.5m over it, extends 0.22nm S from the coast, then between No 11 Buoy (port hand) (1.25nm NW) and No 12 Buoy (starboard hand) marking the N and S sides of the coastal bank respectively.

Anchorages

Anchorage is available in the harbour, as convenient according to draught, outside the dredged channel. The bottom is soft with good holding except in the entrance.

Recommended anchorages are as follows (with positions from Punta Meseta Light tower):

Clear of the channel to the E or WNW of No 10 Buoy (starboard hand) (1.25nm NW), if proceeding direct to the wharves.

In Bahia de Noroeste (1.5nm NW), for small craft and coasters with a draught of less than 4.6m.

Tugs

Tugs are available at Guayanilla.

Charts and publications

BA 3408, 478. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Several hours notice is necessary if a pilot is required.

Communications

San Juan Radio transmits on 2530kHz, receives on 2134kHz and keeps watch on 2182kHz.

VHF: Ch 16 and 14.

Customs and immigration

For Customs service, Guanica Harbour is under the jurisdiction of the Ponce Customs house.

Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.

Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Port Authority of Puerto Rico

Address: PO Box 362829, San Juan, 00936-2829, Puerto Rico.

Tel: +1 787 729 8725

Fax: +1 787 723 8217

Mob: +1 939 630 8832

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

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Medical

Pavia Yauco Hospital, 11.1km

Transport

Nearest airport: Boqueron Airport located at Cabo Rojo, 30 and 8kmMercedita Airport located at Ponce, 47km.

Working hours

By arrangement.

Where it is

Guanica is located 8nm W of Guayanila Bay, 16 miles E of Cabo Rojo Light.

The port

The port, although small, is one of the best hurricane harbours in Puerto Rico. The port has handling facilities for bulk fertiliser, wheat, corn and chemicals. Port operations are under the control of the Captain of the Port.

Where does the pilot board at Guanica?

The pilot boards at Guanica Bay, 17°54.4′N 066°54.0′W.

What time zone is Guanica in?

Local time at Guanica is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the water density at Guanica?

1025.

Which load line zone is Guanica 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 Guanica?

Port State Control at Guanica: US Coast Guard.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Guanica?

The UN/LOCODE of Guanica is PRGUX.

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