Ponce

1. Ponce Bay Pilot boards17°54.9′N 066°38.3′W

Size limits

LOA 311.12m, beam 38.6m, 63,650DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 0.2m (springs).

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

Approach

Approach from south: From a position S of Bahia de Ponce, the recommended approach is made on the line of bearing, 005°, of Isla de Cardona Light (17°57.5'N 066°38.1'W) until the leading lights for the entrance channel are in line.

The principal entrance channel, which is marked by leading lights, has a project depth of 15.2m over a wide area of the approach and all the harbour basin, due to recent dredging.

Caution: As a result of the dredging the approach buoyage may have changed.

Entering harbour: Initial position 2.5nm S of Isla de Cardona Light (17°57.5'N 066°38.1'W).

Leading lights: Front light (red column with white stripe, on a framework tower, elevation 15m) (1.5nm NNE of Isla de Cardona Light); Rear light (red column with a white stripe, on the roof of a building, elevation 23m) (300m from the front light).

The alignment (015°) of these lights leads through the entrance channel, passing (with positions from Isla de Cardona Light):

ESE of a bank, with a least depth of 7.3m over it (1.25nm S), the S edge of which is marked by No 1 Lightbuoy (port hand). This bank extends 2nm ESE from Arrecife Ratones (2nm W), the greater part of which dries and has a few scattered mangroves on it.

Then WNW of No 2 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) (1.5nm SSE) marking the W edge of a bank, with a depth of 6.7m over it then close WNW of the W edge of Bajo Tasmanian (1nm SSE) an extensive shoal which is marked on its NW side by No 4 buoy (starboard hand). A wreck, with 6.4m of water over it, lies 0.75nm NNE of the buoy, then ESE of a bank, with depths of less than 9.0m over it (0.5nm SSW), which extends 0.9nm SE from Cayo Viejo and has on it 2 patches with a depth of 5.2m over them, then WNW of an isolated rock, with a least depth 5.2nm over it (0.9nm ESE).

Then close ESE of Bajo Cardona (0.4nm SE), the SE extremity of which is marked by No 5 Lightbuoy (porthand), which extends SE from Isla de Cardona, a low islet in the centre of which stands a light (white round tower and dwelling, 11m in height), then ESE of a shallow bank extending 200m E from a reef (0.3nm NE) which dries in places and on which the sea always breaks, extending approx 0.3nm NE from Isla de Cardona, then WNW of a steep-to reef (0.9nm NE), which dries and on which the sea always breaks, which is marked by No 6 Lightbuoy (starboard hand). This reef extends approx 350m W from Isla de Gata which is connected by a dyke to Punta Carenero situated 0.3nm E. With an E wind of 25kts or more, the mud from this reef discolours the water across the main channel, as far as Isla de Cardona and beyond, making the channel off the piers at Penoncillo appear shallow. Then ESE of Las Hojitas (0.6nm N), which is awash at its SW end, then WNW of Municipal Pier (1nm NNE), on which stands a light, extending SW from Punta Penoncillo, a low projection on which stands a group of prominent tanks, then WNW of a shallow bank, with a depth of 4.3m over it, extending 150m SW from the SW end of the quay fronting the N side of Punta Penoncillo. A light (white square structure) (privately maintained) stands on the corner.

Alternative track: The line of bearing, 355° of Isla de Cardona Light, leads through the entrance channel, passing between the outer shoals.

When the light is distant 1.5nm, the line of bearing 022° of the Municipal Pier (near Punta Penoncillo), leads between the inner shoals.

When Isla de Cardona Light is abeam the track leads 357° for the anchorage.

Anchorages

The usual anchorage is to the W of the leading line as follows (with positions from Isla de Cardona Light):

NE of Isla de Cardona, in depths of 9.0-15.0m.

NW of Las Hojitas (0.6nm NE), in depths of 10.0-12.0m, clear of the following dangers:

An isolated rock, with a depth of 3.4m over it (1.25nm NNW), which lies on the edge of the coastal bank.

A sewer (1nm NNW).

Two obstructions (1nm NW) with 8.8m and 9.1m of water over them.

A spit, with a depth of less than 5.5m over it (1.5nm WNW), which extends 0.45nm S from the entrance to Laguna de las Salinas, a lagoon close NE of Punta Cucharas.

Tugs

Entrance and departure is normally made without assistance. Tugs are available for use in emergency and may be contacted by calling the Coastguard station at Ponce.

Charts and publications

BA 3408. Admiralty Pilot NP71, NP286(7).

Communications

Radio: San Juan Radio transmits on 2530kHz, receives on 2134kHz and keeps watch on 2182kHz.

VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16 & 14.

Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.

Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Port Authority of Puerto Rico

Address: PO Box 362829, San Juan, 00936-2829, Puerto Rico.

Tel: +1 787 729 8725

Fax: +1 787 723 8217

Mob: +1 939 630 8832

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

Repairs

Available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Fuel and marine diesel available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital Panamericano Ponce (4km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Mercedita International Airport (7.5km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Port Ponce is located on the S coast, 51km E of Cabo Rojo on the SW corner of the Island.

The port

Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest commercial dry cargo port. The port handles various cargoes and is protected from the prevailing E'ly winds by enclosing reefs. The port is undergoing major construction and dredging work to expand the container capacity in order to become a major Caribbean transhipment hub.

Traffic

Approx 1,000,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Ponce?

The pilot boards at Ponce Bay, 17°54.9′N 066°38.3′W.

What time zone is Ponce in?

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

What is the water density at Ponce?

1025.

Which load line zone is Ponce in?

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Ponce?

Port State Control at Ponce: US Coast Guard.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Ponce?

The UN/LOCODE of Ponce is PRPSE.

What crews who called at Ponce 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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