PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Puerto Plata
Pilot
updated May 2017- Puerto Plata pilot boarding place Pilot boards19°48.7′N 070°41.7′W
Pilotage is compulsory and available throughout 24hrs. Pilot and Harbour Master can be contacted by radio on VHF Ch16. Pilot boards 0.4nm NNE of Punta Fortaleza, close to sea buoy.
Key data
updated May 2017Size limits
LOA 215m, beam 30.4m, draught 8.8m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Mean spring range 0.5m, mean neap range 0.4m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Pier | — | — | 1 |
| Generadora San Felipe (GSF) Power Plant | — | — | 1 |
| New Pier | — | — | 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 2017Approach
The entrance channel is 121m between reefs. Depth at the entrance to the port is 12.8m, depth on the bar is 10.6m and in the harbour 9.1-10.6m.
Anchorages
Outer Anchorage - Deep water anchorage is available, located 0.6nm N of Punta Fortaleza, in depths of 24.0m, good holding ground. In rough weather this anchorage is frequently dangerous therefore its use is discouraged.
Inner Anchorage - May be obtained abreast Punta Fortaleza, but isn't recommended to vessels more than LOA 90m, depths of 10.8m available with good holding ground but uneasy swell.
Restrictions
Entry and departure is allowed throughout 24 hours for small vessels but tankers and grain vessel movement are restricted to daylight hours only.
Tugs
Tugs are compulsory for vessels of more than 500GT. At least one tugboat 3,500hp and one tugboat 2,500hp are usually available.
Charts and publications
BA 463. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessel's ETA should be sent by fax or telex to agent 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.
Communications
Radio: Pilots and Harbour Master: 2738kHZ and 2638kHZ.
VHF: Pilots and Harbour Master: Ch 16; 12, Tel: +1 809 586 2576.
Documents
PD = Port Doctor, HM = Harbour Master, CS = Customs, IM = Immigration, DA = Department of Agriculture, PA = Port Authority, AG = Agency.
Cargo documentation:
According to Dominican Republic law, all cargo is discharged from a vessel into the custody of customs. Original Bills of Lading, (or in lieu thereof an adequate bank guarantee) are required by customs from the consignee before the cargo can be removed from the customs controlled port areas. Hence, neither the Master nor the agent may demand presentation of the original Bills of Lading prior to discharging, as the ultimate destination of the original Bills of Lading is the Dominican Customs Office.
As this is frequently a source of confusion it is very important to clarify this matter prior to the vessel's arrival, to avoid costly delays and/or disputes.
Notices and regulations
Shifting: By Port Authority orders, vessels are sometimes forced to shift to another berth within the port or anchorage, giving preference to another vessel. With a few exceptions (vessels not loading/discharging) the costs for these shifts are charged to the vessel given preference.
Inspections
ISPS
Contact person: Mr Luis F Martinez Ruiz.
Mob: +1 809 446 4257 or +1 809 415 3701.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2017Repairs
Shore facilities are available for minor repairs only.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available, supplied by tank truck through Maritima Dominicana S.A.S.
Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil available by tank truck only. Arrangements to be made in advance through Maritima Domincana S.A.S., trucks carry up to 37.8m³.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Available at Puerto Plata.
Transport
Nearest airport: Puerto Plata International Airport, 13km ESE.
Airport facilities: Daily flights to/from San Juan, Miami and New York.
Working hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. Overtime is available on request, overtime on holidays is 100% over straight time rates, whereas after regular working hours, the rate is 50% over straight time.
About Puerto Plata
updated Jul 2018Where it is
Puerto Plata is situated on the N coast of the Dominican Republic.
The port
The port of Puerto Plata is the main commercial port on the N coast of the Dominican Republic and handles general and break bulk cargoes, bulk grain, containers, oil products and also exports tobacco and agricultural commodities. The port is comprises a MBM, a New Pier and an Old Pier, the latter of which is no longer in commercial service.
Traffic
Approx. 200 vessel's visit the port annually.
Questions about Puerto Plata
Where does the pilot board at Puerto Plata?
The pilot boards at Puerto Plata pilot boarding place, 19°48.7′N 070°41.7′W.
What time zone is Puerto Plata in?
Local time at Puerto Plata is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the water density at Puerto Plata?
1025.
Which load line zone is Puerto Plata 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 Plata?
The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Plata is DOPOP.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Puerto Plata 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.