PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Pamatacual
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. Pilot boards at Puerto La Cruz but will not berth vessel after 1600hrs.
Key data
updated Dec 2025Size limits
LOA 185.14m, Beam 30m, Draught 9m, 36,209DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 0.03m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pamatacual Terminal | 9.00 m | 185 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2025Restrictions
Berthing is in daylight hours only; night time sailings are permitted.
Tugs
Compulsory for vessels over 145m length, there are 2 tugs available.
Charts and publications
BA 230, 2191. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessel's arrival to agent. Additional ETA's to be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival or if a difference in ETA of more than 6 hours occurs after the last ETA message.
ETA message should include the following information: ETA at pilot station, Master's name, last port, ballast condition, last 3 cargoes, arrival/departure draught and arrival/sailing displacement.
Communications
It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 16 and 12.
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.
Inspections
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.
Port services
updated Dec 2025Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available
Medical
Hospital Central de Guanta, 2.3km.
Transport
General Jose Antonio Anzoategui International Airport, 21km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Pamatacual
updated Sep 2020Where it is
Situated 7nm E of Pozuelos Bay.
The port
Port comprise a loading pier used to handle bulk carrier.
Questions about Pamatacual
What are the pilot arrangements at Pamatacual?
Compulsory. Pilot boards at Puerto La Cruz but will not berth vessel after 1600hrs.
What time zone is Pamatacual in?
Local time at Pamatacual is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Pamatacual?
The deepest berth listed is at Pamatacual Terminal: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Pamatacual?
1025.
Which load line zone is Pamatacual in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Pamatacual?
The UN/LOCODE of Pamatacual is VEPAM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Pamatacual 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.