Guantanamo

Size limits

Draught 5.79m, 15,000DWT.

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 0.3m.

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

Approach

The main channel has a least dredged depth of 12.8m, W of Fisherman's Point, 19°54.7'N 075°55.9'W.

The directions for approach and entry are as follows:

From a position approx 2nm SSW of Windward Point light, the route leads NNW towards the harbour entrance and then follows the alignment of the leading light beacons.

Leading Light Beacons:

Front Light, (red rectangle, white stripe, on framework tower), 19°56.0'N 075°09.6'W.

Rear Light, (structure as for front light, 11m in height), 0.2nm from the Front Light.

The alignment (021.5°) of Hicacal Beach Light Beacons leads through the harbour entrance passing, (with reference to Fisherman's Point), 19°54.7'N 075°09.5'W:

Between Windward Point, (1.7nm S), a round, green but barren bluff that rises gradually to an elevation of 109m, and Leeward Point (2.75nm SW), a low headland, then;

WNW of Fisherman's Point, low dry sandy spit, on which stands a light, (black and white diamond on a red framework tower, pyramidal base), then; into the outer harbour.

Anchorages

Anchorage, for two vessels with length of 70 to 150m, can be obtained in Bahia Joa about 0.65nm E of the railway pier at Caimanera. Assigned anchorage is available in the inner part of the bay for military vessels. Vessels at anchor should maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 12.

Restrictions

Passage through the Naval Defence Sea Area permitted in daylight hours only.

Anchorage is prohibited within 0.17nm of any cable areas. Anchorage is prohibited between Leeward Point and Windward Point. For vessels intending to remain at anchor for any length of time it has been suggested to anchor with at least 2.5 shots of chain as violent squalls may arise at any time.

Tugs

Available and compulsory for vessels greater than 120m LOA.

Charts and publications

BA 1266, 3935. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent on departure from last port. If time permits, further ETA's should be sent 10, 7, 5, 3 and 1 day prior to arrival. The messages must include date and time of arrival and expected draughts on arrival.

Communications

Radio: Customs Coast Radio Station "CLA CU" can be used for passing messages. The station operates throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat is the preferred method of communication and should be used to contact agents, whenever possible.

VHF: Pilots: Ch 12 and 74.

Telephone: 532-21-9345

Email: [email protected]

Port operations: Ch 12.

Tugs and ferries: Ch 73.

Agent (Mambisa): Ch 16.

Vessels at anchor, underway or within the harbour, should maintain a listening watch on Ch 12.

Notice of readiness

Normally tendered when a vessel is alongside and ready to work cargo or on arrival at the outer roads of the port if no berth is available.

Health

Free pratique should be requested by radio. Health Certificates can be renewed by phytosanitary organisations.

Notices and regulations

The Guantanamo Bay Naval Defence Sea Area is a prohibited area and therefore may not be entered without the permission of the US naval authorities.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio del Interior, Direccion de Proteccion.

Contact person: Manager.

Address: Santa Catalina 501, 10 de Octubre, Ciudad de la Habana, 10500, Cuba.

Tel: +53 7 577376 or +53 7 577377.

E-mail: [email protected]

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

US Coast Guard announced that it is imposing conditions of entry on vessels arriving in the United States after having called at any port in Cuba, during their last five port calls. In summary, each affected vessel must: (1) implement the Security Level 2 measures from its ship security plan while in any port of the country; (2) ensure that each access point is guarded and that guards have total visibility of the exterior of the vessel while in the port; (3) attempt to execute a Declaration of Security while in the port; (4) log all security actions; and (5) report actions taken to the pertinent USCG Captain of the Port [COTP] prior to arrival in the US. See 76 Fed Reg 30954.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Not available.

Medical

US Naval Hospital in Guantanamo, 5.3km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Mariana Grajales Airport in Guantanamo, 13km.

Nearest railway: Passenger rail link in Guantanamo (2km).

Working hours

Mon-Fri 0700-1100hrs and 1300-1700hrs, Sat 0700-1100hrs. Work is possible in certain cases on holidays and Sun.

Where it is

Guantanamo is located on the SE coast of Cuba in Guantanamo Bay.

The port

The port is divided into inner and outer harbours. The outer harbour contains the United States Naval Base situated on territory leased by the United States. The inner harbour has a number of commercial berthing facilities at the towns of Boqueron and Caimanera.

What are the pilot arrangements at Guantanamo?

Pilotage is compulsory for ships engaged in commercial trade, but is not required for ships of the U.S.

What time zone is Guantanamo in?

Local time at Guantanamo is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Guantanamo?

The deepest berth listed is at Boqueron Terminal: 5.79 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Guantanamo?

1025.

Which load line zone is Guantanamo in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of Guantanamo?

The UN/LOCODE of Guantanamo is CUGUB.

What crews who called at Guantanamo 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 Guantanamo →