PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Puntarenas
Pilot
updated Feb 2019- Puntarenas pilot boarding place Pilot boards09°57.3′N 084°48.0′W
Pilotage is compulsory for berthing, the pilot boards approx 2nm SE of the "L" shaped mole. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 14 and 16.
Key data
updated Apr 2019Size limits
The largest vessel reported "Norwegian Pearl" LOA 300m, max draught 9m and 10000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Mean spring range 2.8m; mean neap range 1.6m. Strong currents prevail.
Tidal streams: The ingoing stream sets W and the outgoing stream ESE, with strength from 1.0kt to 1.5kts, though rates up to 2kts have been observed on occasions.
Caution: Care is necessary when berthing at Puntarenas as the tidal streams are strong and the wind can be variable. Rates up to 5kts have been experienced with both the ingoing and outgoing streams at the Commercial Pier causing lines to part; it is advisable to drop the outboard anchor underfoot.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Terminal | 9.00 m | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Approach
It is reported that the channel leading to the pier has been dredged to 10m.
Anchorages
The anchorage usually selected by moderate sized vessels during the fine season from Nov-Apr, is 0.6nm SE of the mole lighthouse in depths of approx 9.1m, the depths further E are also convenient for anchoring.
In summer and autumn it is necessary to anchor further out on account of the heavy rollers setting in from the SW.
The holding ground is not good and as single anchors are liable to foul by vessels swinging to the tidal streams and land and sea breezes, it is advisable to moor head and stern along a line running SE and NW.
Large tankers anchor approx 4.75nm SE of Punta Arenas Light, 09°59'N 084°51'W.
Tugs
There are 2 tugs available, "Don Pepe" with approx 1,200hp and "Don Beta" with approx 1,000hp.
Charts and publications
BA 587, 1931, 2145. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2019Communications
Contact Information:
1. VHF: Ch 14 and 16
2. Telephone: 506-634-3218
3. Facsimile: 506-634-3217
Port Authorities can be contacted, as follows:
1. Telephone: 506-634-4169
2. Facsimile: 506-634-4137
Documents
The agent provides a Master's Declaration to be completed on arrival.
Health
Pratique can be applied for by radio not less than 48 hours before arrival.
Customs and immigration
On arrival, officials from Customs and Immigration will the board vessel.
Notices and regulations
No vessel is allowed to enter a Costa Rican port until visited by a Health Officer, the Captain of the port and a Customs Official.
Vessels berthed alongside are obliged, by port regulations, to maintain a constant watch on the mooring wires and ropes and to make signals on the siren if a line should part.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes.
Address: Apdo 101176, 1000 San Jose, Costa Rica.
Tel: +506 336510.
Fax: +506 330605.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Feb 2019Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available ex-quay, on arrival.
Medical
Monsignor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas, 9km
Crew change
There are no known restrictions on crew change.
Transport
Nearest airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, 85km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Puntarenas
updated Feb 2019Where it is
Puntarenas is situated on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Nicoya, near to Caldera.
The port
The port mainly handles passenger traffic.
Questions about Puntarenas
Where does the pilot board at Puntarenas?
The pilot boards at Puntarenas pilot boarding place, 09°57.3′N 084°48.0′W.
What time zone is Puntarenas in?
Local time at Puntarenas is UTC−6. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Puntarenas?
The deepest berth listed is at Passenger Terminal: 9.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Puntarenas?
1025.
Which load line zone is Puntarenas in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Puntarenas?
The UN/LOCODE of Puntarenas is CRPAS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Puntarenas 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.
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.