Mayaguez

1. Mayaguez Bay Pilot boards18°13.3′N 067°13.0′W

Size limits

Max draught 8.5m.

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.

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

Approach

The principal channel is approx 0.4nm wide with depths at the entrance of approx 14.0-36m. Depth in the inner channel is approx 9.1m and close to the pier it reduces down to 8.5-8.8m.

Directions for entering harbour: Approach from N: From the vicinity of 18°22'N 067°18'W, (approx 2nm W of Punt Higuero) the approach from N leads SSE towards the entrance channel, passing (with positions from Punta Algarrobo (18°14'N 067°10'W)):

WSW of Rincon Sewer Outfall Head Light (pile, elevation 4m) (8nm NW), then approx 1nm WSW of Arrecife Peregrina (6nm NW) which extends from the coast to a position 0.65nm SW of Punta Cadena. This reef is in the form of a ridge and its outer edge is steep-to; thus depths give no warning of approach and a wide berth is recommended. Then approx 1nm WSW of Manchas Exteriiores (2.5nm WNW) which is steep-to on its W side, where it is marked by No 1 buoy (port-hand). Broken ground, with depths of less than 9.0m over it, extends ESE to within 1nm of the coast.

Bahia de Mayaguez entrance channel: Bahia de Mayaguez entrance channel (1.5nm WSW of Punta Algarrobo), between Manchas Grandes and Manchas Interiores, has a width of 0.35nm in which there is deep water.

Entering harbour:

Initial position: 18°13.4'N 067°13.0'W.

Leading lights: Front light (red column with white stripe, elevation 16m) positioned on the roof of a warehouse (0.8nm SE of Punta Algarrobo (18°14'N 067°10'W).

Rear light (red column with white stripe, elevation 27m) positioned on a tower on a building (0.15nm E of the front light).

The alignment (092°) of these lights leads through the entrance channel, passing (with positions from Punta Algarrobo):

S of Manchas Interiores (1.5nm W), the S end of the broken ground extending SE from Manchas Exteriiores. The W and S sides are steep-to and Bahia de Mayaguez entrance Lightbuoy No 3 (port hand) marks the S extremity of the shoal. Then N of the N extremity of Manchas Grandes (1.5nm WSW) which is marked by Bahia de Mayaguez entrance Lightbuoy No 4 (starboard hand). Manchas Grandes extends generally S for 1.5nm to Escollo Rodriguez, on which the sea always breaks and from which shoal water extends to the coast. Then S of Arrecife Algarrobo (0.3nm SW), which dries in places and on which the sea frequently breaks, which is marked off its S side by Bahia de Mayaguez Lightbuoy No 5 (port hand).

Terminal Channel: (18°13.07'N 067°09.70'W). 350m in length, 153m wide, is a dredged channel maintained at or near its project depth of 9.1m, fronting the main quay and marked on its S side by No 8 and No 10 Buoys (starboard hand).

Alternative leading line: Alternative leading line for the entrance channel is the alignment (103°) of the summit of Cerro Anterior (3nm ESE) with Pico Montuoso (10nm ESE). These marks are difficult to identify unless the visibility is good.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in Bahia de Mayaguez, in depths of over 6.0m, anywhere off the leading line, with the rear leading light bearing between 064° and 122°. This area is larger than in any other harbour in Puerto Rico and the holding ground is good. There is extensive swinging room and the anchorage provides excellent shelter for deep draught vessels, except during hurricanes.

A sewer outfall extends from the coast approx 1nm N of Punta Algarrobo.

The usual anchorage is SW of the shipping terminal, in depths of 9.0-15.0m, clear of the following (with positions from Punta Algarrobo (18°14'N 067°10'W)):

Bajo Mondongo (1nm SE), parts of which dry.

A sunken wharf off Punta Algarrobito (1.25nm SE).

Two sewer outfalls (1.75nm SE) each marked at its outer end by a light (pile) that is privately maintained.

Escollo Rodriguez (2.25nm SSW).

Roca Blanca (1.5nm SSW).

Approach to this anchorage can be made from the entrance channel on a line of bearing (as required) on a green and white day beacon (1.5nm SE), off the mouth of Rio Yaguez.

Restrictions

Accessible in all conditions except hurricane.

Charts and publications

BA 3408 and 478. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7). US Coastal Pilot No 5. NOAA 25673.

ETA and pre-arrival notices

ETA to be advised 24 hours in advance in order to obtain a pilot.

Communications

San Juan Radio transmits on 2530kHz, receives on 2134kHz and keeps watch on 2182kHz.

Customs and immigration

For Customs service, Mayaguez is under the jurisdiction of the Mayaguez Customs house.

Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.

Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Port Authority of Puerto Rico

Address: PO Box 362829, San Juan, 00936-2829, Puerto Rico.

Tel: +1 787 729 8725

Fax: +1 787 723 8217

Mob: +1 939 630 8832

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

Where it is

Mayaguez is situated near the middle of the W coast of Puerto Rico, approx 190km SW of San Juan.

The port

It is the third largest commercial port on the island and is an open roadstead located midpoint on the W Coast. The bay is easily entered day and night with a good harbour of width 3.8nm and offshore it is protected by reefs which extend across the harbour entrance in a general N by W direction. The Puerto Rico Port Authority operates the terminal facilities along with some privately operated wharves. The main export is Tuna fish.

Traffic

Approx 70,000t of cargo handled by the port annually.

Where does the pilot board at Mayaguez?

The pilot boards at Mayaguez Bay, 18°13.3′N 067°13.0′W.

What time zone is Mayaguez in?

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

What is the water density at Mayaguez?

1025.

Which load line zone is Mayaguez in?

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

Who carries out Port State Control at Mayaguez?

Port State Control at Mayaguez: US Coast Guard.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mayaguez?

The UN/LOCODE of Mayaguez is PRMAZ.

What crews who called at Mayaguez 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 Mayaguez →