Palua

Size limits

Max LOA 255m, beam 38m, draught 24m, 93,266DWT.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

None.

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

Approach

The port is approached by a buoyed and dredged channel branching SW from the main channel. The centre line of this approach channel is indicated by the alignment of 2 lighted daymarks, situated near the loading wharf. A tug and a Docking Pilot will meet vessels after passing San Felix and before reaching the approach channel where the vessel is berthed port side to.

Restrictions

Simultaneous navigation in opposite directions between Miles 0-27 is not permitted, outbound vessels have priority. The Port Captain will notify the vessel via "YVM" of the time permitted to transit the channel.

Maximum draught permitted varies due to seasonal changes. Dry season Dec-May 10.0m; rainy season Jun-Nov 13.1m. Vessels must have clean ballast water prior to transiting the river.

Tugs

Compulsory; four tugs available.

Mooring

The vessel is berthed portside to for loading ore. When unberthing, a vessel proceeds upstream to a turning area 0.75nm W of the wharf, assisted by a tug.

Charts and publications

BA 3320. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels must notify the Port Captain at Puerto Ordaz via "YVM" of their ETA at Mile 0, 24 hours prior to arrival

Communications

Radio reception 8386kHz, transmission 8453kHz, 0600-1800hrs. Reception 4192kHz, transmission 4322kHz, 1800-0600hrs.

VHF: Ch 16.

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

Customs 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 Customs 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

Minor repairs available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available in limited amount.

Bunkering: All fuels available from Lagoven by barge.

Stores: Available locally but in small quantity.

Medical

Central Hospital Guayana, 3km.

Transport

Nearest airport: Manuel Carlos Piar International Airport, 12km.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Palua is situated on the S bank of the River Orinoco at Mile 181.4, approx 1.5nm WSW of San Felix.

The port

The port consists of two jetties and a marginal pier made of a steel structure supported by steel piles. The port is used to export iron ore and mineral ore, also loading and unloading of heavy project and general cargo.

What are the pilot arrangements at Palua?

Compulsory. River Pilots board vessel at Mile 0, if vessel has LOA over 200m; otherwise pilot will board at Mile 27.

What time zone is Palua in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Palua?

The deepest berth listed is at Palua CVG Terminal: 24.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Palua?

1000.

Which load line zone is Palua in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Palua?

The UN/LOCODE of Palua is VEPLA.

What crews who called at Palua 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 Palua →