Maracaibo

Size limits

LOA 194.9m, beam 32.26, draught 10.4m, 54,123DWT.

Water density

0999 to 1005.

Load line zone

Tropical.

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 Outer Channel entrance is marked by the "EM" Buoy (where a pilot may be obtained) and leads South from the Gulf of Venezuela into Bahia El Tablazo and down to Lake Maracaibo. Starting at Red Buoy B2 (11°11.28'N 071°34.13'W) [Light sequence Fl(1)R.4s] and Green Buoy B1 and passing between Isla San Carlos and Isla Zapara.

A light is displayed off the head of a breakwater/training wall extending from the NW corner of Isla Zapara [Fl(1).W.5s, 14m high and visible from a distance of up to 10nm]. This breakwater/training wall helps to stop the silting up of the channel between the two islands.

The channel is 14.5nm in length, 304m wide and dredged to a depth of 12.75m. The Inner channel is 112nm long and is also dredged to a depth of 12.75m. The Lake Channel commences at Buoys No 39 and 40, this channel leads to Maracaibo Roads. Max sailing draught in channel 11.1m HW, daylight transit only.

Caution: Extensive changes to the dredged channels, depths and aids to navigation have taken place in the vicinity of Bahia de Maracaibo (10°38.0'N 071°35.5'W). Mariners are advised to use extreme caution and to obtain local knowledge when navigating in this vicinity.

Port limits

The harbour zone is bounded by E/W lines as follows:

N limit: from Punta del Bajio (10°38'N 071°36'W), 090° to the 2.0m contour on the E side of the channel.

S limit: from Punta Santa Lucia (10°36'N 071°36'W), 090° to the same contour.

Anchorages

There are numerous uncharted oil rigs and drilling platforms located outside channel fairways in Lake Marcaibo. Their lights and positions may be subject to frequent change. Vessels must anchor in fairways to avoid collision with these structures. Care must be taken not to anchor near the many submerged pipelines or cables.

Anchorages are on the E side of the primary channel and in the SW part of the harbour zone W of the channel;

At the head of Bahia de Maracibo, an anchorage area for small vessels is centred, 0.75nm SW of Punta del Bajio;

An explosives anchorage is centred 1.5nm E of Punta Santa Lucia (10°36.94'N 71°36.27'W).

Restrictions

General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge: 3.7nm to the South, spans Lake Maracaibo at its narrowest part, 45m above water, joining the city of Maracaibo with the rest of the country.

Tugs

Tugs are available to assist in vessel anchoring. Their use is compulsory (2 x 2.800hp). For vessels exceeding LOA 145m two tugs are required.

Charts and publications

BA 1521, 2194. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

US24484, 24482.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Note: Should the Master fail to give the above notice, he may be kept waiting for the same period as that of the longest notice not given.

Communications

Messages are accepted in English or Spanish.

Radio Marina transmits navigation information Mon-Fri 1000 to 1015hrs, 1600 to 1615hrs local time on 4420.7kHz.

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.

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

Small machinery, electrical, radio and radar repairs carried out. Patent slips for vessels up to 155t and two small dry docks are also available.

Dry docks

Two small drydocks available to handle vessels of up to 1,500t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available (can easily be obtained by barge/trucks alongside).

Bunkering: Bunkers, marine diesel, and marine gas oil available. Suppliers: Lagoven (by barge), Corpoven (by road tankers) and Maraven (both, depending on product).

Stores: Available.

Medical

Coromoto Hospital.

Transport

Nearest airport: La Chinita International, 20km.

Airport facilities: One International airport with one terminal.

Working hours

Normally Mon-Fri 0700-1100hrs and 1300-1500hrs, overtime 1700-2300hrs.

Where it is

Maracaibo is situated in Bahia de Maracaibo on the W side of the primary channel 20 miles S of San Carlos pilot station.

The port

Maracaibo is a Port of Entry for all terminals located on the W and E shores. The port handles mainly general cargo, bulk cargo (grain) and construction material.

Traffic

Approx 13,000TEU and 200 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Maracaibo?

The Government Pilot Station is located at the SE end of Isla San Carlos.

What time zone is Maracaibo in?

Local time at Maracaibo is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Maracaibo?

The deepest berth listed is at Port of Maracaibo: 9.85 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Maracaibo?

0999 to 1005.

Which load line zone is Maracaibo in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Maracaibo?

The UN/LOCODE of Maracaibo is VEMAR.

What crews who called at Maracaibo 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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