Pointe-a-Pierre

1. Pointe-a-Pierre pilot boarding place Pilot boards10°19.0′N 061°30.0′W

Size limits

Harbour: Draught 11.8m, LOA 236m, beam 32.27m, 63,000DWT.

Offshore: Draught 15.8m, LOA 290m, 120,000DWT.

Water density

1023-1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

The tide rise is approx 0.9-1.2m. Tidal streams occur between Nov-Jun. Flood S'ly at 0.5-1kt and ebb N'ly at 0.5-1kts.

Between Jun-Nov the streams are irregular, and may run northward or southward for several days, with occasional rates considerably in excess of the normal rate. However, at certain times they are non existent.

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

Approach

Approach to Pointe-a-Pierre:

The terminal is not clearly visible from a distance and, as fixing in Gulf of Paria is not easy, vessels approaching from NW are advised to steer with Naparima Hill bearing 135° and, at night, steer for the light on the head of Viaduct Jetty (10°18.9'N 061°28.9'W).

The Pointe-a-Pierre port installations can be reached by.

The approach channel to the berths is entered 1.25nm WNW of the head of the jetty and is marked by lightbuoys numbered from W:

N side by Nos 2, 4 ,6 and 8 Lightbuoys (red can, lights quick flashing or flashing red) and:

S side by No 1, 3 and 5 Lightbuoys (black conical, white stripes, lights flashing or quick flashing green). Least charted depths in the channel is 12.8m.

Caution: It is reported that 3 wrecks lie in the following positions:

10°17.3'N 061°28.8'W

10°17.5'N 061°28.9'W

10°17.7'N 061°28.6'W

Port limits

The port limits for the oil terminal and refinery are the part of the Gulf of Paria bounded by an imaginary line as follows: S to the parallel of 10°18.5'N, from the mainland due W to the meridian of 061°35.2'W, then due N to the parallel of 10°21.5'N, then due E to the meridian of 061°30.7'W, then due S to the parallel of 10°20.5'N, then due E to the mainland.

Anchorages

The vessels are normally boarded on arrival at the anchorage

Submarine pipelines run within these areas. Masters are advised that, until further notice, a smaller temporary buoy replaces the SPM buoy, which is now submerged. Vessels are instructed to steer clear of this position.

Restrictions

No entry restrictions day or night.

When alongside the berths, vessels must maintain engines and propulsion machinery in readiness to leave the berth under full power on short notice. No repairs are permitted which would interfere with this requirement. Contravention of this directive will entail towage from the berth at the vessels' expense whereby Petrotrin will not accept responsibility for the resulting delay to the vessel.

Controlling depth in main channel Southern viaduct 12.8m.

Mooring

For vessels over 7,000DWT the minimum total of 14 lines arranged 3:2:2 fore and aft (except Berth No 2S). Mooring wires, if used, to be fitted with 30ft nylon pendants. While the vessel is alongside, all mooring lines are to be kept taut. Vessel personnel are responsible for ensuring their adjustment to prevent damage to the vessel, berth, gangway, hoses, cargo boom connections. If there is a sudden parting of a mooring line, loading should be stopped and the terminal supervisor advised for tug assistance. While the tug is alongside, tank lids and ullage ports are to be closed.

Charts and publications

BA 493, 483, 484, 482, 475. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA to agent/load port, 72, 48, 24 hours prior to arrival to Port Operations Superintendent, Petrotrin Marine, Pointe-a-Pierre and when there is a change in ETA of more than 2 hours. The message should include NOR time, ETA and if loading or discharging cargo. Arriving vessels must contact 'Pointe-a-Pierre Shipping' on VHF Ch 16 two hours prior to arrival for berthing instructions, traffic information, cargo nominations etc.

Ship Pre-arrival Information Form, obtained from the agent, must be provided to the PFSO at least 24hrs prior to arrival, by fax or email.

Communications

VHF: Pilots & Terminal: Ch 16, 13. Call 'Pointe-a-Pierre Shipping'. The Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd maintains their own radio station throughout 24 hours.

Note: Vessels in the vicinity are requested not to use Ch 06 and 10. These frequencies are used by tankers involved in transhipment operations.

Tel: +1 868 6580327, Fax: +1 868 6584636, Telex: +294 39367 pcttap wg.

Notice of readiness

NOR to be tendered at the anchorage area for vessels under 200,000DWT.

Documents

Government officials including Customs and Immigration Officers will board vessels at anchorage to complete checks and issue clearance. Officials require the accommodation ladder to be rigged, usually on port side, for boarding and clearance.

Health

When a vessel is free from sickness/disease, pratique can be applied for via radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be renewed by the Health Ministry.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances for officers and crew are limited to personal effects and gifts. Penalties for non compliance with regulations are fines and seizure of items.

Immigration procedures, include boarding of vessels, granting pratique, crew change, crew passes and vessel clearance.

Countries without diplomatic ties, will be restricted from entering the port.

Flags

The Trinidad and Tobago flag and along with the vessel's port of registry flag must be flown. International flags; 'B', 'G', 'H', and 'Q' are also required. Fines will be imposed for non compliance with these regulations.

Notices and regulations

Vessels must be able to provide evidence of third party liability.

Note: On oil pollution insurance for international cargoes, owner to have in place cover for oil pollution.

Vessels concerning entry: Vessels are prohibited from crossing a charted submarine pipeline area leading 1.5nm SE from Sea Island Berths 6N and 6S towards the shore SE of the pipeline viaduct.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Marine Ship safety and Port Facility Security Unit.

Position: Designated Authority Commander.

Address: Ansa Building, 2nd Floor, Corner Queen & Henry Streets, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Tel: +1 868 623 0002

Fax: +1 868 623 0860

Mob: +1 868 680 0117

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

There are no designated repair berths at Pointe-a-Pierre. However, shore contracting facilities are available if required. There is a shipyard located at Chaguaramas, about one and a half hours steaming time away, on the NW peninsula of the Island. Repairs are not permitted alongside terminal facilities unless permission has been given in writing. Hot work, involving tools that may produce frictional sparks, is strictly prohibited onboard tankers alongside or on vessels at anchorage handling cargo.

Dry docks

Trinidad Foundry and Fabricating Ltd, located at Chaguaramas.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available in limited quantities at all berths except Nos 5 and 6. Barge delivery is also possible subject to adequate notice given prior to arrival. However, supplies are affected during the dry season, Jan-Jun.

Bunkers and Lubs: All grades of bunkers are available, except Berths No 5 and No 6, either alongside or by barge. However, all IFO products can only be delivered by barge. One bunker barge, the "Petrotrin Marabella", 30,000bbls (4,770m³) is utilised at Pointe-a-Pierre. A full range of lub oils are also available. Bunker barge and tugs are not allowed alongside a tanker while it is handling volatile petroleum or is loading into a tank that previously contained a volatile cargo unless the tank has been properly inerted.

Stores: Available from Port of Spain or San Fernandino. A minimum of 12 hours notice must be given to Petrotrin HSE for the delivery onboard of stores, spares and supplies.

Medical

Hospital, 0.4nm ENE of the shipping office. Petrotrin owns and operates a hospital at Pointe-a-Pierre for Petrotrin personnel and for emergencies. Whenever personnel of vessels require non emergency medical attention, the Master should give advance notice to the agent of medical requirements preferably prior to the vessel's arrival.

Crew change

Prior notice and transportation are required to facilitate crew members proceeding to and from shore leave. No crew member will be allowed to transit the facility on foot. Prior notice would also have to be given with respect to the name and driving permit number of the driver tasked with transporting ships' crews to and from the port facility. All crew members and their baggage are subject to security search.

Transport

Nearest airport: Piarco International, approx 45km, provides daily international flights.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Pointe-a-Pierre is located on the W coast of Trinidad in the Gulf of Paria.

The port

The port is operated by the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Petrotrin). It is principally a refinery and tanker terminal.

Where does the pilot board at Pointe-a-Pierre?

The pilot boards at Pointe-a-Pierre pilot boarding place, 10°19.0′N 061°30.0′W.

What time zone is Pointe-a-Pierre in?

Local time at Pointe-a-Pierre is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Pointe-a-Pierre?

The deepest berth listed is at Petrotrin Terminal: 15.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Pointe-a-Pierre?

1023-1025.

Which load line zone is Pointe-a-Pierre in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Pointe-a-Pierre?

The UN/LOCODE of Pointe-a-Pierre is TTPTP.

What crews who called at Pointe-a-Pierre 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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