La Romana

Size limits

LOA 350m, beam 45m, draught 9.5m.

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. Tidal streams are not felt within the mouth of the river. Strong cross currents may be met outside the harbour.

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

Approach

The Entrance Channel and dock are dredged to a depth of 8.5m. The river mouth has a least navigable width of 64m and is 0.35nm in length from the entrance to Romana bascule bridge.

The final approach is on the line of bearing 335° of La Romana Light until approx 0.5nm from the river entrance, when a mid channel track leads up harbour. The entrance is partly marked by buoys.

Caution: When approaching the entrance, great care is necessary because of the cross currents, the narrowness of the channel and the poor marking of the spit extending SE from the W entrance point.

Anchorages

The best anchorage is situated W of Catalina Island in depths of 27m to 32m. When anchoring inside the harbour, it may be necessary to lay out hawsers to the shore because of the narrowness of the channel. There are bollards on both sides of the harbour and mooring rings on the E side opposite Central Romana Wharf.

There is no protected anchorage immediately outside the port. Authorisation to anchor must be applied for to the Harbour Master.

Turning a vessel by engines, at anchor, is possible approx 0.25nm within the entrance. Limiting dimensions being LOA 99m, draught 5.5m aft and 4.9m forward, or length 107m and somewhat less draught.

The largest vessels that use the port depart stern first.

Restrictions

No entry or sailing at night.

Tugs

Compulsory. There is 1 tug of 620hp available.

Charts and publications

BA 467. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA should sent by fax or telex to agent, 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Radio: Pilots and Harbour Master: Radio telephone 2738kHz and 2638kHz.

VHF: Pilots and Harbour Master: Ch 16.

Documents

PD = Port Doctor, HM = Harbour Master, CS = Customs, IM = Immigration, DA = Department of Agriculture, PA = Port Authority, AG = Agency.

Cargo documentation:

According to Dominican Republic law, all cargo is discharged from a vessel into the custody of customs. Original Bills of Lading, (or in lieu thereof an adequate bank guarantee) are required by Customs from the consignee before the cargo can be removed from the customs controlled port areas. Hence, neither the Master nor the agent may demand presentation of the original Bills of Lading prior to discharging, as the ultimate destination of the original Bills of Lading is the Dominican Customs Office.

As this is frequently a source of confusion it is very important to clarify this matter prior to the vessel's arrival, to avoid costly delays and/or disputes.

Notices and regulations

Shiftings: By Port Authority orders, vessels are sometimes forced to shift to another berth within the port or anchorage, giving preference to another vessel. With a few exceptions (vessels not loading/discharging) the costs for these shiftings are charged to the vessel given preference.

ISPS

Contact person: Mr Luis F Martinez Ruiz.

Mob: +1 809 446 4257 or +1 809 415 3701.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Minor repairs only can be handled locally, anything else must be referred to Santo Domingo.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from a 2in pipeline alongside at approx 8-10tph.

Bunkering: Fuel and diesel are available by road tanker only, and in limited quantities due to the logistics of delivering from the refinery in Rio Haina of 5,000 or 10,000 American gallons. Delivery is also subject to permission from the Central Romana.

Medical

Available in La Romana.

Transport

Nearest airport: Las Americas International, 72km.

Working hours

General cargo is worked as follows: Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. Overtime is available on request, overtime on holidays is 100% over straight time rates, whereas after regular working hours, the rate is 50% over straight time.

Sugar and liquid bulk operations continue throughout 24 hours, the shippers usually paying overtime.

Where it is

La Romana is situated at the mouth of the Romana River, on the S coast of the island.

The port

The port is mainly export sugar and import of general cargo, transport of fuels, occasionally loads in containers. The port also handle cruise.

What are the pilot arrangements at La Romana?

Compulsory. The pilot will board the vessel from a white launch marked "LP-24" on its sides.

What time zone is La Romana in?

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

What is the water density at La Romana?

1025.

Which load line zone is La Romana in?

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

What is the UN/LOCODE of La Romana?

The UN/LOCODE of La Romana is DOLRM.

What crews who called at La Romana 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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