La Paz

1. Puerto de La Paz pilot boarding place Pilot boards24°13.0′N 110°18.5′W

Size limits

Max draught of 11m in area of Punta Piedra (Sub-Port) for tankers.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

Tides

Mean maximum range 0.8m.

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

Approach

Puerto de la Paz is approached through Canal de la Paz, which is a narrow channel entered 0.3nm SE off Punta Prieta. The least depth in the fairway is approx 2.9m. For 2.25nm from its entrance the channel is marked on its E side by No 1, 3 and 5 green lightbuoys, all exhibiting a green flashing light and on its W side by No 2, 4, 6 and 8 red lightbuoys, each exhibiting a red flashing light. These buoys should not be relied upon.

Farther along the channel, the route is marked by 3 pairs of leading lights, leading into the port. The white sides of the structures are visible when in line.

The first pair of Lights No 1 and 2 (elevation 15m and 19m respectively) are in line when bearing 148° ahead.

The second pair (No 3 and 4) are in line when bearing 181° ahead, and the third pair (No 5 and 6), are in line bearing 033° astern.

Anchorages

The outer anchorage may be obtained S of Punta Prieta (24° 13.028'N 110° 18.636'W), in depths of about 17m, sand bottom with good holding. Anchorage farther SW is exposed and is subject to swells. Vessels unable to enter La Paz due to their draught should anchor in Bahia Pichilingue. Anchorage in La Paz may obtained 0.5nm SW of Mulle Fiscal (24°9.596'N 110°19.697'W) with depths of 5.0 - 6.0m, mud.

Restrictions

Vessels of 100m and over are not permitted to enter the channel. It is advisable not to enter the channel area during the hours of darkness.

Tugs

A small tug is available.

Charts and publications

BA 3061. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

Communications

The following coastal radio stations are recommended:

West Coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA).

East Coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio.

The stations work throughout 24 hours.

Inmarsat communication is possible.

VHF: Port: Ch 16 used to contact the port on arrival.

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Documents

Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

Health

The Health Officer boards vessels off Punta Prieta.

Customs and immigration

Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines.

Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure.

Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.

Notices and regulations

Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.

Position: Director General for Merchant Navy

Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.

Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.

Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar

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

Repairs

Limited repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Small quantities of fuel available.

Fresh water: Available.

Medical

There is a hospital available locally.

Transport

Nearest airport: La Paz airport, 266km.

Airport facilities: Daily flights to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Los Angeles and the national network.

Working hours

Port working hours: Throughout 24 hours, including public holidays. Office working hours: Mon-Fri, 0900-1400hrs and 1800-2000hrs, Sat, 0900-1400hrs.

Where it is

La Paz is situated close to the southern tip of the lower Californian peninsula.

The port

The port provides alongside berthing for vessels of moderate draught. Vessels which cannot berth alongside work cargo into lighters at the anchorage. Punta Piedra (24°13.049'N 110°18.607'W), located roughly 4nm N of La Paz, handles most of the commercial activity in the Baja California Sur area.

Where does the pilot board at La Paz?

The pilot boards at Puerto de La Paz pilot boarding place, 24°13.0′N 110°18.5′W.

What time zone is La Paz in?

Local time at La Paz is UTC−7. No summer time.

What is the water density at La Paz?

1025.

Which load line zone is La Paz in?

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

Who carries out Port State Control at La Paz?

Port State Control at La Paz: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of La Paz?

The UN/LOCODE of La Paz is MXLAP.

What crews who called at La Paz 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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