PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Puerto Cabezas
Pilot
updated Jul 2018Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots will berth vessels during daylight hours only. An ETA should be sent 24hrs in advance. Pilot boards 0.7nm off the port.
Key data
updated Apr 2019Size limits
LOA 120m, max draught 6.5m
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Maximum tidal range 0.5m.
A counter current flows S to SSW at up to 1.2kts near the head of the jetty.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Cabezas | 6.50 m | 120 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 Jul 2018Approach
Approaches: The approach is from the SE with depths reducing from 20.0-10.0m.
From the vicinity of 13°59'N 083°21'W the route leads NW for a distance of approx 2nm to the Pilot Boarding area, clear of dangers. The jetty shows up well on radar to a range of 14nm.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be taken off the end of the pier, in depths of 6.0 - 9.0m, mud, good holding ground. Good anchorage can also be taken, in a depth of 8.0m, with the pier head, bearing 319°, distant 0.34nm.
Tugs
None available at the port.
Charts and publications
BA 2943. Admiralty Pilot NP69A.
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notice of ETA is required 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
VHF: Port: Ch 16.
Documents
These documents will be distributed to the Immigration Office, Harbour Master, Customs Office, Port Authority and agent.
Inspections
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Small quantities of diesel oil available.
Medical
Hospital at Puerto Cabezas.
Transport
Nearest airport: Small domestic airport 2km from port.
Airport facilities: Daily flight connections from local airport to international airport at Managua.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Puerto Cabezas
updated May 2010Where it is
Puerto Cabezas is located on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua near the border with Honduras.
The port
During a period under previous management, the port was allowed to fall into disrepair. However, there has been a concerted effort to rebuild and repair wherever possible.
Cargoes are principally made up of timber and resin exports and mining machinery imports.
Questions about Puerto Cabezas
What are the pilot arrangements at Puerto Cabezas?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Puerto Cabezas in?
Local time at Puerto Cabezas is UTC−6. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Puerto Cabezas?
The deepest berth listed is at Puerto Cabezas: 6.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Puerto Cabezas?
1025.
Which load line zone is Puerto Cabezas in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Cabezas?
The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Cabezas is NIPUZ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Puerto Cabezas 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.
Plan a route to Puerto Cabezas →
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.