PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
San Marcos
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory for berthing and unberthing. The pilot boards incoming vessels in the vicinity of the harbour, at the centre of a semi-circle 1nm diameter, the centre point being the loading base. Otherwise the pilot boards from Puerto de Santa Rosalia, 12.5nm NW.
Key data
updated Feb 2023Size limits
LOA 244.72m, beam 32.26m, 77,247DWT.
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
Variable.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos Terminal | — | 245 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 Feb 2023Approach
Dangers extend from the N and S extremities of the island but the remaining coastline is generally steep-to with detached rocks and islets lying within 0.3nm of the shore. Lights (truncated pyramid towers) are displayed from the vicinity of the N and NW extremities of the island, and from each end of the jetty head of the gypsum terminal.
Caution: 3 white islets, 3 to 12m high, and a number of detached rocks, extend 0.5nm N from the island.
Canal de San Marcos, the narrow passage between the spit and the mainland should not be navigated without local knowledge.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained 0.5nm W of the pier in depths of 15.0-18.0m. Anchorage may also be obtained E of Roco Lobos, but care is necessary to avoid the 5.5m shoal situated 1nm ENE of the rock. The anchorage, which has a 1nm radius, is located at 27°12.3'N 112°09.0'W.
Charts and publications
BA 1017. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Director General for Merchant Navy/Office of National Protection of Maritime Ports.
Position: Director General for Merchant Navy
Address: Avenida Nuevo Leon 210, 3rd Floor, Colonia Hipodromo Condesa, 06100 Piso Deleg. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F.
Tel: +52 55 5265 3216.
Fax: +52 55 5265 3215.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sct.gob.mx/e-mar
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Feb 2023Repairs
There are no repair facilities available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available on pier.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Banner - University Medical Center Tucson.
Transport
Nearest airport: Isla San Marcos Airstrip, 1.6km.
About San Marcos
updated May 2010Where it is
San Marcos is situated 15nm SE of Santa Rosalia in the Lower California Penninsula.
The port
The port specialises in the bulk loading of gypsum.
Questions about San Marcos
What are the pilot arrangements at San Marcos?
Pilotage is compulsory for berthing and unberthing.
What time zone is San Marcos in?
Local time at San Marcos is UTC−7. No summer time.
Which load line zone is San Marcos 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.
Who carries out Port State Control at San Marcos?
Port State Control at San Marcos: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of San Marcos?
The UN/LOCODE of San Marcos is MXSMI.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at San Marcos 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.