Mazatlan

1. Mazatlan pilot boarding place Pilot boards23°09.5′N 106°25.8′W

Size limits

LOA 210m, draught 10.6m, 45,000DWT.

Water density

1022.

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 spring range 1.0m; mean neap range 0.4m.

Tidal streams: Predominate in the channel, the direction being N on the in-going stream and S on the out going stream. It was reported that the tidal stream can reach at a rate of 2kts. It is recommended that vessels intending to swing in the turning basin enter at slack water as the S going stream is strong.

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

Approach

The access channel to the port is 1,500m in length, width 150m, depth 11.0m. There is a further length of navigation channel within the port 1,500m in length, width 150m, with a depth of 11.0m, which leads up to the turning basin and berths. The turning basin is 400m in diameter and has a depth of 10.2m.

A secondary channel leads to the fishing port and shipyards, length 1,060m, width 50m with a depth of 7.0m.

Approach and entry: The port is approached on the alignment of leading lights and the channel, further marked by leading lights and lightbuoys, is entered between breakwaters.

Approach: The approach from S and W is clear of dangers but mariners approaching from NW should give a good clearance to Roca Tortuga (23°11'N 106°27'W), a steep to rock, and the outermost of a group of islets which lie 0.7nm NW of Isla Creston.

Entry: From a position SSW of the harbour the alignment 023°of Entry Leading Lights leads into the harbour entrance passing WNW of Piedra Negra Rock and WNW of Roca Anegada Rock, then between the breakwaters and lightbuoys (lateral) to the vicinity of the inner W breakwater on the head of which stands a light.

Main channel: From the vicinity of the inner W breakwater the alignment 018.5° of Canal del Astillero Leading Lights leads through a channel, marked by lightbuoys, to the N part of the turning basin, passing WNW of Piedra Blanca marked by a lightbuoy. N of the turning basin, the channel, further marked by leading lights, lightbuoys and a light beacon, continues NE into the head of the harbour; the deeper channel passes SE of an island (23°12.5'N 106°24.3'W) in the central part of the fairway, on which stands a light.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained on arrival, in an area surrounding Piedra Negra, in depths of 19.0-29.0m. The holding ground is not good; the NE part of the anchorage is the best location for vessels remaining for some time.

The approach to the harbour entrance must be kept clear at all times.

Caution: Between Jun-Dec, but particularly from Jul-Sep, heavy squalls coming off the land may be experienced; vessels are recommended to anchor with good clearance from any danger and to be ready to leave the anchorage at short notice.

Anchorages are designated by the Bar Pilots which, in most cases, are in the open sea.

Restrictions

No large ship movements are permitted at night or during the occurrence of strong tidal streams.

Tugs

Compulsory for vessels over 2,500GT. There are 2 tugs available to assist with berthing. The tugs are rated at 2,500hp and 4,200hp and are available throughout 24 hours. They normally join the vessels in the access channel.

Charts and publications

BA 1106. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Pilot's union must be advised at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Mazatlan has a coast radio station which operates throughout 24 hours. It can be contacted on 500kHz, 512kHz, 451kHz, 455kHz, 461kHz or 479kHz MF and 4250kHz, 6484.5kHz, 8470kHz, 12703kHz or 17151.5kHz HF.

Lighthouse Radio monitors 30009kHz and emergency frequency 2182kHz.

VHF: Ch 16. Tel: +52 669 9824701, Fax: +52 669 9823396, e-mail: [email protected]

Port Authority: Tel: +52 669 9821822, Fax: +52 669 9821960, email: [email protected]

Harbourmaster: +52 669 9814265, Fax: +52 669 9812204

Port Control: Call sign: Mazatlan Port Control, VHF: Ch 12, 16 and 20.

Notice of readiness

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.

Health

Port Health officials board on arrival. They will be accompanied by Agricultural Department officials who check ship's provisions. These officials may also request documents.

Depending on the specific problem, the whole crew must have inoculations and vaccinations. After that, actions will be taken to determine the possible application of pratique.

Customs and immigration

Immigration officials board on arrival and may also request copies of documents in addition to those requested by Customs. Mexican customs regulations apply to allowances.

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

Mechanical, electrical and electronic repairs can be undertaken.

Dry docks

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from wharf hydrants.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker or barge, prior notice is required.

Stores: Fresh provisions available locally. Laundry service also available. Vessels can be stored by truck at the berth with riggers available locally to assist. Mexican Customs regulations must be fulfilled regarding storing.

Medical

Government and private hospitals are available without prior notice. Dentists available during normal working hours.

Crew change

Repatriation of crew can be arranged through Mazatlan or Mexico City.

Transport

Nearest airport: Mazatlan Airport, 20km.

Airport facilities: International arrivals and departures. There are several flights daily from the local airport direct to southern and western USA airports.

Nearest railway: Nacionales de Mexico in the port.

Where it is

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico on the NW of Point Quevedo's peninsula.

The port

The port mainly handling bulk cargo, general cargo, Ro-Ro and ferries, there are also facilities for tankers and cruise vessels.

Traffic

Approx 997,000t of cargo, 48,000TEU and 260,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Mazatlan?

The pilot boards at Mazatlan pilot boarding place, 23°09.5′N 106°25.8′W.

What time zone is Mazatlan in?

Local time at Mazatlan is UTC−7. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Mazatlan?

The deepest berth listed is at Pemex: 10.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Mazatlan?

1022.

Which load line zone is Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan?

Port State Control at Mazatlan: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Mazatlan?

The UN/LOCODE of Mazatlan is MXMZT.

What crews who called at Mazatlan 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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