Santo Domingo

1. Santo Domingo pilot boarding place Pilot boards18°26.8′N 069°53.4′W

Size limits

LOA 360m, beam 32m, draught 8.22m.

Water density

1000-1018.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

Tides

Range 0.6m. The current in the river has a normal rate of 1.5kts, but the rate in the rainy season can reach 4.5-8kts. With high rates the turning of large vessels can be difficult. At the Sansouci and Don Diego Terminal's the tidal range is about 1.8m.

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

Approach

From the pilot boarding position the route leads N to enter a short buoyed channel that leads towards the breakwaters.

Then the alignment, (047°) of a pair of leading lights (white concrete towers), 0.6nm N of Punta Torrecilla (18°27.8'N 069°52.6'W) leads between the breakwaters and into the harbour. The lights are moved to meet changes in the channel.

The entrance channel is dredged to 10.6m.

Anchorages

Deep water anchorage located 18° 27.500'N 69° 53.100'W. An anchorage for vessels awaiting pilots located at 18° 27.200'N 69° 53.100'W with depths of 15.24m, bottom sand and rock.

Restrictions

There is limited entry and departure during the night at pilot's discretion, usually requiring a bonus to be paid to the pilot. Deep draught vessels or other special conditions are not usually handled after dark.

For vessels using berths above the Juan Pablo Duarte and Ramon Matias Mella bridges there is an airdraught restriction of 30.48m.

Tugs

Tugs are available and compulsory for docking and undocking inside the harbour. Tugs will join vessels outside for an additional fee. At least one tug of about 1,200HP is normally stationed within the port. A tug of 2,000HP can be brought from Rio Haina upon request with minimum of 24hrs prior notice.

Charts and publications

BA 467, 471. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent by fax or telex to agent 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

Communications

Santo Domingo Radio, callsign "HIX2", radio telephone 2738kHz, 2638kHz and 2182kHz.

VHF: Santo Domingo pilot station: Ch 12.

Documents

PD = Port Doctor, HM = Harbour Master, CS = Customs, IM = Immigration, DA = Department of Agriculture, PA = Port Authority, AG = Agency.

Cargo documentation:

According to Dominican Republic law, all cargo is discharged from a vessel into the custody of customs. Original Bills of Lading, (or in lieu thereof an adequate bank guarantee) are required by customs from the consignee before the cargo can be removed from the customs controlled port areas. Hence, neither the Master nor the agent may demand presentation of the original Bills of Lading prior to discharging, as the ultimate destination of the original Bills of Lading is the Dominican Customs Office.

As this is frequently a source of confusion it is very important to clarify this matter prior to the vessel's arrival, to avoid costly delays and/or disputes.

Notices and regulations

Shifting: By Port Authority orders, vessels are sometimes forced to shift to another berth within the port or anchorage, giving preference to another vessel. With a few exceptions (vessels not loading/discharging) the costs for these shifts are charged to the vessel given preference.

Port regulations require that vessels carrying explosives must discharge them into lighters in the roadstead before entering harbour.

ISPS

Contact person: Mr Luis F Martinez Ruiz.

Mob: +1 809 446 4257 or +1 809 415 3701.

Email: [email protected]

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

Repairs

There are limited shore facilities available for topside repairs.

Dry docks

Felix Benitez Shipyard: Located on the E bank of the river is a small shipyard that includes a graving dock which can handle vessels up to LOA 121.9m and beam 15.2m. The pier is approx 200m in length, max draught 6.0m.

Motor cranes are allowed on the pier for handling spares and equipment as well as repairs.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil are available by road tanker. Arrangements must be made in advance. They carry either 5,000 or 10,000 US gallons.

Bunkering is not currently available at General Cargo Berth No 2 or at Molinos Dominicanos private berth.

Fresh Water: Available by pipeline or truck at most berths.

Medical

Available at Santo Domingo.

Transport

Nearest airport: Las Americas International Airport is 30km from the port, served by major international airlines.

Working hours

General cargo: Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1800hrs, Sat 0800-1200hrs. Overtime is available on request, overtime on holidays is 100% over straight time rates, whereas after regular working hours, the rate is 50% over straight time.

The flour mill works throughout 24 hours. Tankers may pump throughout 24 hours including Sun and holidays without restriction.

Where it is

Santo Domingo is located on the W bank of the Ozama River on the S coast of the island.

The port

Santa Domingo is the capital city and one of the main ports of the Dominican Republic. The port, in conjunction with Rio Haina, handles the majority of import traffic to the country.

Traffic

Approx 275,000t of cargo, 13,300TEU, 400 vessels and 100,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Santo Domingo?

The pilot boards at Santo Domingo pilot boarding place, 18°26.8′N 069°53.4′W.

What time zone is Santo Domingo in?

Local time at Santo Domingo is UTC−4. No summer time.

What is the water density at Santo Domingo?

1000-1018.

Which load line zone is Santo Domingo in?

North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Santo Domingo?

The UN/LOCODE of Santo Domingo is DOSDQ.

What crews who called at Santo Domingo 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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