PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Puerto Natales
Pilot
updated May 2018- Puerto Natales pilot boarding place Pilot boards51°45.5′S 072°30.0′W
Pilotage is compulasory. The pilot boards in the pilot waiting area approx 0.4nm ENE of Islotes Cisnes Light (51°46.9'S 072°31.8'W).
On request the pilot provides assistance in estimating slack water at Angostura Kirke to vessels transiting Canal Kirke (52°04'S 073°02'W). Vessels bound for Puerto Natales can request information on the tidal time of the "estoa" in the Canal Kirke, 24 hours in advance, via their commercial agent on VHF Ch 16.
Key data
updated Jul 2026Size limits
LOA 150m, Beam 23.6m, Draught 8.2m, 7,394 DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.
Tides
Range 1.4m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muelle Terminal Maritimo | 8.20 m | 150 m | 1 |
| Muelle Arturo Prat Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Muelle de Puerto Bories Terminal | — | 39 m | 1 |
| Rampa Costanera Natales Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Skorpios Terminal | — | 140 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 May 2018Anchorages
Waiting anchorage: Vessels awaiting a berth can anchor in a depth of 30m, mud, in mid-channel NW of Muelle Arturo Prat.
Puerto Laforest ( 51°45'S 072°33'W), affords sheltered anchorage in a depth of 14, mud and good holding ground, with Punta Baja Beacon bearing 326°, distant 0.5nm.
The berth lies 0.075nm off the coastal bank as defined by the 5.0m depth contour.
Restrictions
See "Magellan Straits Area" entry.
Tugs
Tugs are not available.
Charts and publications
BA 3006. Admiralty Pilot NP6, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA should be sent to the vessel's agent 5 days prior to arrival. Additional ETA's should then be sent on a daily basis at 0800hrs.
The ETA message must confirm that all cargo gear is in proper working order, if any cargo shifting is expected, if there is dangerous cargo onboard for discharge and/or transit and arrival draught.
Communications
Radio: Messages can be sent via Playa Ancha Radio (callsign "CBV") Valparaiso which listens throughout 24 hours on 500kHz and works on 8522kHz and 16663kHz.
VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16, 09, 14.
Standard messages
Masters must report their position, course, speed and ETA next port as soon as they enter Chilean waters (200nm) to Directemar Valparaiso by cable. Thereafter, the same information is to be sent daily, whilst in Chilean waters, at 0800hrs and 2000hrs. Reports to be sent via Playa Ancha Radio.
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered upon arrival at the anchorage.
Documents
Note: SY = Sanitary (Health) authorities, AG = Agriculture department, IM = Immigration, PC = Port Captain, CU = Customs.
The port captain will also wish to see the vessel's certificates and immigration officer will want to see all passports.
Customs and immigration
Customs: Crew's own personal possessions must tally with those listed on the Crew Personal Effects List. If there is a discrepancy, penalties range from confiscation of the goods not declared to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the misdemeanour.
Immigration: Crew List is checked against passports. There are no restrictions on crew and passengers in transit proceeding ashore provided they are in possession of a landing card. Some foreign nationalities require an entry visa if embarking or disembarking.
Flags
Vessels entering Chilean waters must at all times fly the Chilean flag at the foremast and also whilst in port. Fines for not complying may be imposed by the authorities.
Notices and regulations
It is expressly forbidden to throw overboard any ballast, rubbish or waste or to spill petroleum whilst in Chilean waters and harbours.
Garbage is not allowed to be disposed of ashore.
Vessels must comply with the use of rat guards, safety nets and gangway railings.
Any repairs to the main engine must be authorised.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Chilean Maritime Authority.
Contact: Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations.
Address: Subida Cementerio No 300, Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile.
Tel: +56 32 208637.
Fax: +56 32 208662.
Mob: +56 9 939 3937.
Email: [email protected]
Telex: 330607 ANGEL CK
Website: http://www.directemar.cl
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2018Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Water can be supplied by using the fire brigade's hose.
Bunkering: Available by road tankers.
Medical
Hospital de Puerto Natales, 3.3km
Transport
Nearest airport: Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport, 8.5km.
Working hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs. Sat 0800-1200hrs.
About Puerto Natales
updated May 2021Where it is
Puerto Natales and Puerto Bories are located in the southern part of Chile, N of Punta Arenas.
The port
The port mainly handles passenger, Ro-Ro and fishing.
Traffic
Approx 29,000TEU and 900 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Puerto Natales
Where does the pilot board at Puerto Natales?
The pilot boards at Puerto Natales pilot boarding place, 51°45.5′S 072°30.0′W.
What time zone is Puerto Natales in?
Local time at Puerto Natales is UTC−3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Puerto Natales?
The deepest berth listed is at Muelle Terminal Maritimo: 8.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Puerto Natales?
1025.
Which load line zone is Puerto Natales in?
Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.
Who carries out Port State Control at Puerto Natales?
Port State Control at Puerto Natales: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Natales?
The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Natales is CLPNT.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Puerto Natales 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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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.