PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Punta Cardon
Pilot
updated Oct 2012- Puerto Cardon boarding position 1 Pilot boards11°38.1′N 070°15.0′W
- Puerto Cardon boarding position 2 Pilot boards11°36.9′N 070°15.0′W
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels entering or leaving the port. Pilot boards in positions 11°38.10'N 070°15.00'W and 011°36.90'N 070°15.00'W.
All pilots are employees of the Venezuelan government. The agent's representative will arrange for this service at any time. If it becomes necessary for the Master to disregard pilot's orders in order to ensure safety of the ship, the Master must promptly submit a written report to the Harbour Master on the matter, via the agency, stating the reason for his action.
Key data
updated Mar 2023Size limits
LOA 248m, beam 45.64m, draught 13.71m, 107,181DWT.
Water density
1026.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
The normal range of the tide is approx 0.28m. However, a 0.45m range has been observed during spring tides. The tidal current at the port is navigable, during the flood tide current runs SSW, at 0.7kts and when the tide is ebbing it runs NNE, at 0.35kts.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDVSA Terminal | 13.71 m | 248 m | 13 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2023Approach
Punta Cardon is approached from the WNW via Traffic Separation Scheme, and entered between Punta Gorda (11°38'N 070°14'W) and Punta Cardon, 1.5nm SSE.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Traffic Separation Schemes: Non IMO adopted TSS's have been established in the approaches to ports on the W side of the Paraguana peninsular.
Anchorages
Within 2nm W of the heads of the jetties, anchorage can be obtained in depths varying from 16-30m, mud with some patches of small stones, sand and shells; the holding ground is good. There are no known obstructions from West to North West of the Piers and there is ample water for a clear approach when approaching from West and North West, but the anchorage is limited on the South by sand pit projecting a 1nm South West off Punta Cardón Cape.
Restrictions
Masters are requested to keep a good lookout for small fishing craft and nets when approaching the coast. Vessels should not enter a restricted area between Punta Macolla and Punta Estanques on the W coast of the Paraguana Peninsula, which is used for fishing.
Entry to the restricted areas off the berths is only permitted to tankers manoeuvring for arrival and departure.
A drilling platform is located approx 10nm West of Punta Cardon. the lights and position of the platform may be subject to frequent change.
Tugs
Two tugs of 2,700hp and 36t bollard pull are available and their assistance is compulsory for berthing. Number, disposition and manoeuvring of tugs are directed by the pilot.
Charts and publications
BA 2190, 2193, 2194. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Instituto Nacional de los Espacios Acuaticos.
Position: Gerente de Puertos.
Address: Av Rio Orinoco, Urb Las Mercedes, EDF Inea Piso 3, Caracas, Venezuela.
Tel: +58 212 909 1540
Fax: +58 212 909 1540
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.inea.gob.ve
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that a vessel arriving at US ports in one of its five subsequent calls from ports in Venezuela will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures. To ensure compliance with USCG regulations masters must increase vessel security to equivalent of Marsec Level 2 standards while in Venezuelan ports.
Port services
updated Mar 2023Repairs
Emergency repairs of a minor nature effected ashore, maintenance services and repairs for radar, radio, and navigational equipment.
Dry docks
Nearest drydocks are at Puerto Cabello and Willemstad.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Ambulatorio Medico de Punta Cardon (1.5km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Josefa Camejo International Airport (20km).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Punta Cardon
updated Oct 2012Where it is
Punta Cardon is located at the Gulf of Venezuela on the SW coast of the Paraguana peninsula.
The port
The port serves a large oil refinery and is primarily used for petroleum exports. This is an open sea port with practically no swell due to the E'ly winds.
Questions about Punta Cardon
Where does the pilot board at Punta Cardon?
The pilot boards at Puerto Cardon boarding position 1, 11°38.1′N 070°15.0′W. Punta Cardon has 2 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is Punta Cardon in?
Local time at Punta Cardon is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Punta Cardon?
The deepest berth listed is at PDVSA Terminal: 13.71 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Punta Cardon?
1026.
Which load line zone is Punta Cardon in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Punta Cardon?
The UN/LOCODE of Punta Cardon is VEPCN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Punta Cardon 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 Punta Cardon →
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.