PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
La Salina
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory and provided by San Carlos. It is the gereal practice for the pilot to conduct a vessel direct from Golfo de Venezuela to La Salina Terminal without relief at Puerto de Maracaibo. The Docking Master embarks by tug or launch at the waiting anchorage or in outer part of the approach channel to the piers.
Key data
updated Aug 2019Size limits
LOA 274m, draught 11.32m, 110,000DWT, no beam restriction.
Water density
1002, variable depending upon the amount of rainfall.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Salina | 11.32 m | 274 m | 5 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Aug 2019Approach
From a position 0.15nm SE of 'B98' Light Buoy (10°22'.8N 71°32'.0W), moored 3.5nm WSW of Punta Icotea, the track leads SSE for 1nm, to a position close S of 'AS3' Light Buoy (10°22'.1N 71°31'.3W), then ESE, for a further 1.5nm, to a position close S of 'AS7' Light Buoy (10°21'.5N 71°30'.0W). The track then leads E and NE, for another 2nm through a buoyed (lateral) channel, to a turning area off Pier Nos 6 and 7.
An alternative channel leads from a position close E of 'AS7' Light Buoy, NE for 1.5nm to the S end of Pier No.3. However, it has been reported that this particular channel is no longer used.
Caution: Extensive changes to dredged channels, depths, submarine pipelines and aids to navigation have taken place in the port.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the whole Maracaibo area where local knowledge is required.
Anchorages
Anchorage while awaiting a berth can be obtained within an area NE of 'B97', 'AS1' and 'AS3' Light Buoys, and S of 'L175' Platform (10°23'.0N 71°30'.8W); the bottom is soft mud, with fair to poor holding ground. Anchorages available for deep draught vessels awaiting tidal conditions after leaving the port, have been established about 3nm WSW of the terminal, S of the channel between 'AS2' Light Buoy (10°21'.7N 71°31'.4W) and 'AS6' Light Buoy 1.5nm E.
Caution: Local knowledge of the positions of submarine cables is required before anchoring.
Restrictions
Maracaibo Gen Urdaneta Bridge: Max airdraught 42m.
Channel depths: Depths in Canal de Maracaibo are reported to be significantly less than the projected depth of 12.8m. For the latest information on maximum permitted draughts consult the appropriate authority.
Submarine cables and pipelines cross the approach channels leading to the berths at La Salina Terminal.
Tugs
Two tugs available and compulsory for berthing/unberthing, extra tugs can be obtained from Maracaibo.
Charts and publications
BA 1251, 2194. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessel's 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. Vessels should make direct contact when in VHF range for berthing insrtructions.
Communications
Radio: It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible. Messages may also be passed through Caripito and Amuay.
VHF: Updated ETA should be sent on VHF through Amuay.
Pilot: See Maracaibo Pilots, San Carlos.
Port: Ch. 16; 06, 10, 13, 14. Call "Vensport La Salina". Tel: +58 261 201111.
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
Custom 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 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.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Limited emergency repairs are undertaken; minor repairs to radio and radar can be arranged with adequate prior notice.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Limited supply available.
Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oils available in unlimited quantities. The rate for loading fuel oils is 3,000bbls/hr and for diesels 2,000bbls/hr. Lub oils can be supplied in drums at the pier.
Stores: Fresh and dry provisions available at La Salina.
Medical
Maracaibo.
Transport
Nearest airport: La Chinita International Airport, outside of Maracaibo.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About La Salina
updated Aug 2019Where it is
La Salina Terminal (also known as Cabimas) is situated on the NE shore of Lake Maracaibo, close inside its E entrance point.
The port
La Salina is an oil terminal, operated by PDVSA, handle oil and LPG.
Questions about La Salina
What are the pilot arrangements at La Salina?
Compulsory and provided by San Carlos.
What time zone is La Salina in?
Local time at La Salina is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at La Salina?
The deepest berth listed is at La Salina: 11.32 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at La Salina?
1002, variable depending upon the amount of rainfall.
Which load line zone is La Salina in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of La Salina?
The UN/LOCODE of La Salina is VELSV.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at La Salina 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.