Guanta

Size limits

Draught 10.6m, LOA 200m

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.2m.

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

Approach

Approach: At Bahia de Pozuelos, the route passes between Isla Chimana del Sur and Punta Bergantin (10°15'N 064°38'W), in mid channel, and then steers E, keeping 0.4nm off the mainland to avoid a 4.6m shoal (10°15.4'N 064°36.8'W) and a 12.2m patch 015nm NW of it.

Approach to port area: A narrow channel leading into Bahia Guanta is entered between Isla Pitahaya (10°15.5'N 064°35'W), height 11m, and Isla Redonda 200m E. When Punta Queque is abeam, a SSE course is steered for the piers (10°14.7'N 064°35.5'W), passing E of a lightbuoy, moored 0.2nm SW of Punta Queque and marking the E side of the drying reefs which lie S of Punta Meta. Once inside Bahia Guanta, tug assistance will be available and is compulsory for vessels over LOA 90m. A line of reefs and islets extends 0.2nm S from Isla Pitahaya; on their W side is NW passage, which is narrowest off Punta Meta. A reef, on which are some islets, lies between Isla Passage and Punta Queque, 0.3nm S. Little passage separates this reef from Isla Redonda (10°15'N 064°35'W).

Anchorages

The anchorage for Guaraguao Terminal is in Pozuelos Bay. Nature of bottom is sand and mud with shells. The entrance to Pozuelos Bay is located at 10°18'N 064°41'W. The min depth is approx 27m.

Tugs

Compulsory. One tug required for vessels up to LOA 139m and two tugs for vessels over LOA 139m. Masters are advised that tug boats are privately owned and waiting times could approach 2-3 hours as the tugs work closely with the oil terminals.

Mooring

Vessels are berthed during daylight hours only. There is no time limit for sailing.

Charts and publications

BA 230,1498. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessels 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.

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

Customs and Harbour Masters 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.

Communictaions: It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Ch 16, 12.

Health

Pratique and Customs 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.

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.

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available by road tankers.

Bunkering: Supplied by road tankers and barge.

Stores: Available.

Medical

At Puerto La Cruz.

Transport

Nearest airport: Barcelona, 16km.

Airport facilities: Mostly national flights.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1100hrs, 1300-1700hrs, 1800-2300hrs; overtime on request.

Where it is

Guanta is located approx 5nm E of Puerto La Cruz.

The port

Vessels bound for Guanta must enter Bhia Pozuelos as they must first call at Puerto La Cruz to embark a pilot. The port is well protected with calm waters. The port handles general cargo and containers.

Traffic

Approx 28,000TEU handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Guanta?

Compulsory for berthing and unberthing.

What time zone is Guanta in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Guanta?

The deepest berth listed is at Guanta Terminal: 10.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Guanta?

1025.

Which load line zone is Guanta in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Guanta?

The UN/LOCODE of Guanta is VEGUT.

What crews who called at Guanta 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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