PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
San Felix
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory.
Key data
updated Jul 2020Size limits
Max draught 8.8m.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berths | 8.80 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 Jul 2020Charts and publications
BA 1966, 2191. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessel's arrival to agent. Additional ETA's to be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival or if a difference in ETA of more than 6 hours occurs after the last ETA message.
ETA message should include the following information: ETA at pilot station, Master's name, last port, ballast condition, last 3 cargoes, arrival/departure draught and arrival/sailing displacement.
Communications
It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Maritex for passing messages.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
Notice of readiness
NOR is tendered in accordance with the Charter Party. The normal place for tendering NOR is on arrival at the anchorage or all fast at the berth.
Documents
Customs and Harbour Master's clearance are prepared and delivered onboard by the agent prior to vessel's departure.
Cargo documents such as Bills of Lading, Quality and Quantity Certificates, Certificates of Origin, etc are prepared/released by terminal operators. These documents are presented to the Master prior to departure for his signature.
Health
Pratique and Custom's clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing.
Vessels coming from ports which have cholera will not be allowed to deballast overboard. A sanitary inspection is performed at the pilot station prior to entering port.
Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 5 days of cigarettes and alcohol out of bond. The bond is sealed after the vessel's clearance. Additional allowances may be made on request to the Customs authorities. Bonded items are not allowed to be taken ashore. Penalty is confiscation and a possible fine.
Immigration: Issue shore passes that are valid for 72 hours.
Flags
The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed in port. Vessels not complying will receive orders from the National Guard to stop cargo operations. A written report will be requested prior to cargo operations recommencing.
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 Jul 2020Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available from barge.
Medical
IVSS Outpatient Center Dr. Vinicia Grillet Hospital, 2km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Manuel Carlos International Airport, 18km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1100hrs, 1230-1630hrs.
About San Felix
updated Jul 2020Where it is
San Felix is situated near the junction of the Caroni and Orinoco Rivers, 240km from the sea.
The port
San Felix is a small general cargo port with a floating jetty pontoon. All vessels berthing must be capable of self loading/discharging.
Questions about San Felix
What are the pilot arrangements at San Felix?
Compulsory.
What time zone is San Felix in?
Local time at San Felix is UTC−4. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at San Felix?
The deepest berth listed is at the port's berths: 8.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at San Felix?
1000.
Which load line zone is San Felix in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of San Felix?
The UN/LOCODE of San Felix is VESFX.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at San Felix 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.