Puerto Quetzal

1. Puerto Quetzal pilot boarding Pilot boards13°54.4′N 090°46.1′W

Size limits

LOA 337m, beam 51m, draught 13.8m, 142,148DWT.

Water density

1027.

Load line zone

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

Tides

Range 2.8m (springs), 0.2m (neaps). S'ly current between 0.5 and 1kt has been reported on approaching the harbour.

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

Approach

The approach channel and turning basin are dredged to 14.0m and the berths are dredged to 11.0m. The approach channel is well buoyed. The access channel to the basin has an entrance width of 210m and the manoeuvring basin is circular, with a diameter of 340m.

Port limits

The port limits are bounded by the approximate parallels of 13°54.0'N and 13°57.0'N and the meridians of 090°47.0'W and 090°48.0'W.

Traffic schemes and VTS

None.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained in depths of 19.0-28.0m, 0.3nm S of the W breakwater head where there are nine designated berths. The holding is moderately good although the anchorage is exposed to considerable swell. A vessel approaching from sea may anchor in front of the harbour not closer than 1nm without the services of a pilot.

Tugs

Compulsory for vessels over 500GT when berthing and sailing.

Tugs available: "Santa Rosa", 850hp; "Kate", "Hercules" and "Sea Hawk".

Mooring

Usually 4-5 vessels can be berthed on the main quay and 1 vessel on the S quay. There is priority for passenger vessels, vessels with perishable or dangerous cargo and for container vessels. Apart from these priorities the general rule is to give berth to 2 liner and 2 tramp vessels, ie, in any congestion situation a 3rd tramp vessel could be sent back to the anchorage as soon as a liner arrives. At peak times of berth occupation, a vessel can also be sent to anchorage for reason of poor cargo handling performance.

Charts and publications

BA 1946, 1022. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The above are required by the Port Authorities and may be completed on the ship's own forms.

Communications

The following coast radio stations can be used for passing messages: Mobile, Limon, Sleidale, Tropical, San Francisco, Balboa and Canal. All stations work throughout 24 hours.

Port: Ch 16, 14. Tel: +502 7881 2276.

Harbour Master: Tel: +502 7881 1056. Email: [email protected].

VHF: Pilots: Ch 16. Tel: +502 7881 1555. Fax: +502 7881 1072.

PRESERA Port Agent: Ch 07A.

Notice of readiness

Usually tendered on dropping anchor in an anchorage zone.

Ship's agent must be sent a copy of the official's visit authorisation given by the Port's Commander to the Port Services Division one hour before berthing.

Documents

The above are required by the Port Authorities and may be completed on the ship's own forms.

Important documentation must be presented at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel.

Health

Free pratique is normally granted every day; including Sundays and holidays, either at anchor or after berthing.

If wharf space is available and vessels documents have been presented, a vessel would normally dock on arrival or at scheduled time for clearance and receive free pratique at the wharf.

Free pratique in Puerto Quetzal is granted when the party of officials visit the vessel to clear it inwards.

Customs and immigration

There are no customs restrictions for personal items for crew and officers. Such items should be duly declared in the Crew Personal Effects List. Non compliance may result in a fine.

Immigration: Crew and Passenger Lists required, Shore passes are issued by Agency or Customs and are Immigration approved.

Flags

Should be displayed as per Interco. Fines may be payable for non compliance.

Notices and regulations

The Drug Enforcement Agency may, at their sole discretion, request permission from the ship's Master/agent to carry out a "Sniffer Dog" inspection of the ship.

Lowering of boats requires permission from the Port Captain.

Vessels carrying explosives or ammunition must give at least 24 hours notice of ETA, the cargo will only be allowed to be discharged on the guarantee it will be cleared immediately from the port area.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio de Comunicaciones, Infraestructura y Vivienda.

Address: 8 Avenida y 15 Calle, Zona 13, Ciudad de Guatamala, Guatamala

Tel: +502 362 6051

Fax: +502 362 6066

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

Repairs available only for fishing vessels and small craft by shipyard in El Carrizo (5km), accessible by the Canal de Chiquimulilla.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available by road tanker.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Hospital La Paz (128km).

Transport

Nearest airport: San Jose Airport (5km).

Nearest railway: Puerto San Jose Railway Station (3.5km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours. There are 3 shifts: First, 0700-1430hrs; second, 1430-2130hrs; third, 2130-0700hrs.

Where it is

Puerto Quetzal is situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, SE of San Jose.

The port

Puerto Quetzal, located on Guatemala's Pacific coast, is the country's largest and most important commercial port. It serves as a key hub for the import and export of goods, handling cargo like coffee, sugar, bananas and petroleum products. The port is strategically positioned for access to major shipping routes and has facilities for containerised cargo, bulk goods and cruise ships. Puerto Quetzal plays a crucial role in Guatemala's trade, connecting the region to international markets and boosting the country's economic activity.

Traffic

Approx. 13,500,000t of cargo and 81,000TEU handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Puerto Quetzal?

The pilot boards at Puerto Quetzal pilot boarding, 13°54.4′N 090°46.1′W.

What time zone is Puerto Quetzal in?

Local time at Puerto Quetzal is UTC−6. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Puerto Quetzal?

The deepest berth listed is at APM Terminals Quetzal: 13.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Puerto Quetzal?

1027.

Which load line zone is Puerto Quetzal in?

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Quetzal?

The UN/LOCODE of Puerto Quetzal is GTPRQ.

What crews who called at Puerto Quetzal 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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