Nuevitas

1. Nuevitas pilot boarding place Pilot boards21°37.3′N 077°06.1′W

Size limits

Max LOA 195m, draught 10m & beam 30m.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 0.6. Tidal streams in the entrance channel are strong attaining a rate of 3kts to 4kts at approximately 2 or 3 hours after HW and LW.

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 is entered between Punta de Practicos (21°36.5'N 077°05.9'W) and Punta Sotavento, 0.5nm W.

Directions for entering the harbour are as follows:

Leading Lights: From a position N of Punta de Practicos, 21°36.5'N 077°05.9'W, the alignment 185.5° of 2 Leading Lights, (white diamonds with black borders on triangular shaped walls, 2m and 5m in height) leads into the entrance channel passing:

W of Punta de Practicos Light, (white square pyramidal concrete tower, 9m in height). No 1 Lightbuoy, 0.15nm W marks the edge of the bank off this point and wreck with a least depth of 0.3m.

The route then leads generally SSW for 5nm between lightbuoys marking the edge of the entrance channel. A recommended track leads WSW then the route follows the alignment of 4 pairs of light beacons, (white daymarks with black borders).

The directions for the final approaches to Puerto Nuevitas are as follows:

Leading Lights: From a position between Punta Jucaro, 21°33'N 077°08'W and Punta Sabinal 1.1nm WSW, situated at the S end of the entrance channel, the alignment astern 057.75° of 2 leading lights (white diamonds with black borders, 4 and 9m in height), 21°33'N 077°08'W, leads into Bahia de Nuevitas passing (with reference to Punta Jucaro):

SE of Nos 14 and 16 Lightbuoys 0.3nm W and 1nm WSW, marking the limits of Bajo Jucaro and Bajo Sabinal respectively, then;

Between Nos 17 and 18 Lightbuoys 1.75 and 2.5nm WSW, marking Bajo Botijuela and Bajo La Estrella respectively.

From a position 2nm SW of Punta Sabinal the final approach route to the sub ports of Puerto Pastelillo and Puerto Tarafa leads generally WNW through a channel marked by lightbuoys.

Caution: There are many dangers in the entrance channel and in Bahia de Nuevitas therefore navigation can only take place in the marked channels.

Anchorages

Outer anchorage: La Poza Anchorage (21°36.8'N 077°05.8'W), with depths of between 21-61m, sand and stone, can be used by vessels with a length of 200m. It does not have good holding ground and is used only in emergency or by vessels waiting to enter harbour.

Other anchorages:

Botijuela Anchorage: (21°31.6'N 077°10.7'W), with depths of 11-14m, hard mud. Provides anchorage for vessels load and discharge by lighter with max draught 10.6m and LOA of 170m.

Tarafa Anchorage: (21°34.5'N 077°14.7'W), provides anchorage for 1 vessel with draught 6.7m and length 180m.

Restrictions

Vessels may enter the port 24 hours a day, except for vessels with a length of more than 160m and a draught of 9.0m, which must enter during daylight hours.

Vessels exceeding 4,000GT or having a draught of more than 7.0m must enter the port at slack water. At night vessels exceeding 1,000GT, must enter at slack water.

Tugs

Available and compulsory for vessels of LOA more than 100m.

Charts and publications

BA 3197, Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent on departure from last port. If time permits, further ETA's should be sent 10, 7, 5, 3 and 1 day prior to arrival. The messages must include date and time of arrival and expected draughts on arrival.

Communications

Radio: Customs Coast Radio Station "CLA CU" can be used for passing messages. The station operates throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat is the preferred method of communication and should be used to contact agents, whenever possible.

VHF: Ch 16; 13.

Notice of readiness

Normally tendered when a vessel is alongside and ready to work cargo or on arrival at the outer roads of the port if no berth is available.

Health

Free pratique should be requested by radio. Health Certificates can be renewed by phytosanitary organisations.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio del Interior, Direccion de Proteccion.

Contact person: Manager.

Address: Santa Catalina 501, 10 de Octubre, Ciudad de la Habana, 10500, Cuba.

Tel: +53 7 577376 or +53 7 577377.

E-mail: [email protected]

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

US Coast Guard announced that it is imposing conditions of entry on vessels arriving in the United States after having called at any port in Cuba, during their last five port calls. In summary, each affected vessel must: (1) implement the Security Level 2 measures from its ship security plan while in any port of the country; (2) ensure that each access point is guarded and that guards have total visibility of the exterior of the vessel while in the port; (3) attempt to execute a Declaration of Security while in the port; (4) log all security actions; and (5) report actions taken to the pertinent USCG Captain of the Port [COTP] prior to arrival in the US. See 76 Fed Reg 30954.

Repairs

Available at Puerto Pastelillo.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Puerto Pastelillo and Puerto Tarafa.

Bunkers: Available at Puerto Pastelillo.

Transport

Nearest airport: Camaguey, 79km.

Working hours

Mon-Fri 0700-1100hrs and 1300-1700hrs, Sat 0700-1100hrs. Work is possible in certain cases on holidays and Sun.

Where it is

The entrance to the N coast Bay of Nuevitas lies between Punta Sotavento and Practicos.

The port

The port of Nuevitas consists of the town of Nuevitas and the areas of Pastelillo, Puerto Tarafa and Bufadero. It is one of the largest sugar exporting ports in Cuba. The channel is narrow with sharp turns. Tankers up to 14,000DWT can use the channel without difficulty, but care must be taken because of sharp turns and the speed of currents.

There are good berthage and storage facilities; lighters are also available for loading and unloading at anchorage.

Imports consist mainly of general cargo; fertilisers; grain and machinery.

Exports are principally sugar; citrus fruit and honey.

Where does the pilot board at Nuevitas?

The pilot boards at Nuevitas pilot boarding place, 21°37.3′N 077°06.1′W.

What time zone is Nuevitas in?

Local time at Nuevitas is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Nuevitas?

1025.

Which load line zone is Nuevitas in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Nuevitas?

The UN/LOCODE of Nuevitas is CUNVT.

What crews who called at Nuevitas 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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