La Guaira

1. Puerto La Guaira boarding position 1 Pilot boards10°37.2′N 066°57.8′W
2. Puerto La Guaira boarding position 2 Pilot boards10°35.3′N 067°04.7′W

Size limits

LOA 278.91m, beam 40.30m, 68,037DWT and draught 10.70m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 0.6m.

Current: The current is W going, near the coast it is weak and seldom attains a rate exceeding 0.25kt. A counter current is frequently observed inshore during calms and variable winds, especially in autumn, and sometimes attains a rate of 2.5kts.

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

Approach

The port is protected by the N breakwater that extends 2,850m westwards. The depth of water at the entrance has been dredged from 12.0 to 19m. Inside the harbour there is a turning area 402m wide.

Anchorages

The main anchorage area off Puerto La Guaira lies from close N of the head of North Mole and extends 1.25nm N and E; it is exposed from W, through N to E, but is generally considered safe except in winter. This anchorage should be used only temporarily; it has a depth of more than 20.0m, good holding ground of sand, with scattered rocky patches.

Explosives anchorage: Vessels carrying explosives are required to anchor in an area, SE of the main anchorage, 0.2nm NW of Punta Mulatos (10°36'N 066°55'W).

Quarantine anchorage: E of the main of the main anchorage, 2m NNW of Punta Mulatos.

Caution: Anchoring and fishing prohibited in an area around 0.5m wide, extending 2.5m NNE of Punta Mulatos due to submarine cables.

Restrictions

Many small fishing vessels operate in the approaches to La Guaira which are not readily visible on radar and at night will only show lights when larger vessels come close.

Anchoring and fishing prohibited in an area around 0.5m wide, extending 2.5m NNE of Punta Mulatos due to submarine cables.

Noted that shoal patches, with depths of 9.1m, exist alongside the majority of the piers.

Tugs

The use of tugs is compulsory for berthing and unberthing. There are 5 tugs available. Vessels of over LOA 140m must use 2 tugs.

Charts and publications

BA 1629. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA to be sent to agent 72 hours prior to vessel's arrival. 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/departure displacement.

Communications

It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is available.

VHF: Port & Pilots: Ch 16, 12.

Pilots: Tel: +58 212 3514911.

Port: Tel: +58 212 3327985, Fax: +58 212 3320051.

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

If there are animals onboard, vaccination and health certificates are required.

For fruit ships, the refrigerated temperature since the previous port is required.

For grain ships, the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate is required.

Customs and Harbour Master's 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.

Health

Pratique and Custom's clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing.

Vessels arriving 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 Certificates and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 2 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, these can be extended if required.

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. Repairs to engines, also welding undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Stores: Available.

Medical

Rafael Medina Jimenez Hospital, 1.9km

Transport

Nearest airport: Simon Bolivar International Airport located at Maiquetia, 8.7km.

Working hours

The port operates throughout 24 hours including weekends and holidays.

Where it is

La Guaira is the principal port of Venezuela and the port for the capital Caracas, which is 21nm away.

The port

The port area extends from Rio Uchire to Rio Maya including a number of islands between. There is 4,200m of berthing space available, with container, bulk and general cargoes handled through the port. There are 2 special berths for Ro-Ro, naval vessels and landing craft.

Port facilities are situated between Punta Maiquetia and Punta Santa Barbara.

The main exports are cocoa, coffee and hides; imports include manufactured products and provisions.

Traffic

Approx 287,000TEU handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at La Guaira?

The pilot boards at Puerto La Guaira boarding position 1, 10°37.2′N 066°57.8′W. La Guaira has 2 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is La Guaira in?

Local time at La Guaira is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at La Guaira?

The deepest berth listed is at West Pier: 10.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at La Guaira?

1025.

Which load line zone is La Guaira in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of La Guaira?

The UN/LOCODE of La Guaira is VELAG.

What crews who called at La Guaira 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 La Guaira →