Valparaiso

1. Valparaiso pilot boarding area Pilot boards33°01.6′S 071°36.4′W

Size limits

LOA 366m, beam 51m, draught 14.10m, 158,097DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Mean tidal range 0.9m, spring range 1.2m.

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

Approach

Valparaiso is approached by a Traffic Separation Scheme, and entered between Punta Angeles (33°01.0'S 071°39.0'W) and Punta Gruesa, (2.5nm ESE).

The harbour is entered from the S end of the Traffic Separation Scheme. Tankers approaching or leaving the Oil Terminal at Las Salinas are not required to use the traffic lanes.

Vessels using the Inshore Traffic Zone are recommended to keep not less than 0.5nm clear of Punta Angeles and not less than 0.2nm off Roca Buoy, 0.25nm NW and of Roca La Baja, 0.3nm E.

From the S end of the S bound traffic lane the route leads SSE to the pilot station, then into the harbour passing:

E of a light (white column, red bands) on the SE end of Molo de Abrigo, then:

As required for berthing noting the depths in the vicinity of the floating dock, 0.35nm SSW of the head of Molo de Abrigo.

Port limits

The port limits are defined by a line joining Roca La Baja and Punta Gruesa.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Fishing vessels are likely to be met in the inshore traffic zone.

Tugs

There are 8 tugs available from 750-4,000hp. The pilot decides the number to be used for any particular manoeuvre.

Mooring

Ship programme, assignment of berth: Vessels are required to contact the port, in writing, to arrange berthing requirements.

Charts and publications

BA 4258. Admiralty Pilot NP6, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send initial ETA via agent 72hrs prior to arrival, confirming that all cargo gear is in proper working order, if any cargo shifting is expected, if there is dangerous cargo onboard for discharge and/or transit and arrival draught 24 and 4hrs prior to arrival.

Communications

Messages can be sent via Playa Ancha Radio (callsign "CBV") Valparaiso which listens throughout 24 hours on 500kHZ and works on 8522kHz and 16663kHz.

VHF: Port and pilots: Ch 16, 09, 14. There is a local VHF/Telephone service, with switchboard, allowing vessels to communicate with subscribers within a 25nm radius, as well as internationally via satellite. Vessels should call "CBV" on Ch 26 and then switch to Ch 27. No other radio service must be used in port and a permanent watch should be kept on Ch 26. From shore, dial 50097 or 50098 for connections.

Standard messages

Masters must report their position, course, speed and ETA next port as soon as they enter Chilean waters (200nm) to Directemar Valparaiso by cable. Thereafter, the same information is to be sent daily, whilst in Chilean waters, at 0800hrs and 2000hrs. Reports to be sent via Playa Ancha Radio.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered upon arrival at the anchorage.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Crew's own personal possessions must tally with those listed on the Crew Personal Effects List. If there is a discrepancy, penalties range from confiscation of the goods not declared to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the misdemeanour.

Immigration: Crew List is checked against passports. There are no restrictions on crew and passengers in transit proceeding ashore provided they are in possession of a landing card. Some foreign nationalities require an entry visa if embarking or disembarking.

Flags

Vessels entering Chilean waters must at all times fly the Chilean flag at the foremast and also whilst in port. Fines for not complying may be imposed by the authorities.

Notices and regulations

It is expressly forbidden to throw overboard any ballast, rubbish or waste or to spill petroleum whilst in Chilean waters and harbours.

Garbage is not allowed to be disposed of ashore.

Vessels must comply with the use of rat guards, safety nets and gangway railings.

Any repairs to the main engine must be authorised.

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: Chilean Maritime Authority.

Contact: Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations.

Address: Subida Cementerio No 300, Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile.

Tel: +56 32 208637.

Fax: +56 32 208662.

Mob: +56 9 939 3937.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 330607 ANGEL CK

Website: http://www.directemar.cl

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

Repairs

Major repairs can be undertaken and divers are available.

Dry docks

SOCIBER own a floating dry dock, "Valparaiso III", length 167m overall. Over keel blocks of 151m; internal width 26m; capable of docking vessels up to 30,000DWT, LOA 165m, beam 24.3m and with a maximum draught of 7.5m located at 33°02.247'S 71°37.371'W.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Fresh provisions of all kinds in any quantity available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Centro de Salud Javiera Carrera Hospital Aleman (1km).

Transport

Nearest airport: Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (90km).

Working hours

Normally 0800-1530hrs, 1530-2300hrs and 2300-0630hrs.

Where it is

Valparaiso, situated in Valparaiso Bay between Point Concon and Point Angeles, is the principal port of Chile.

The port

The bay is well sheltered, except from N or NW'ly winds during the winter season which leaves shipping exposed, although the breakwater provides shelter for the wharves and for the small anchorage area. Winds from the third quadrant can cause problems in the afternoon for vessels berthing or sailing.

The harbour is protected by a breakwater that is used primarily by the Chilean Navy.

Traffic

Approx 9,400,000t of cargo and 900,000TEU handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Valparaiso?

The pilot boards at Valparaiso pilot boarding area, 33°01.6′S 071°36.4′W.

What time zone is Valparaiso in?

Local time at Valparaiso is UTC−3. Back to UTC−4 on 4 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 5 Sep 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Valparaiso?

The deepest berth listed is at TPS - Valparaiso: 13.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Valparaiso?

1025.

Which load line zone is Valparaiso in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Valparaiso?

Port State Control at Valparaiso: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Valparaiso?

The UN/LOCODE of Valparaiso is CLVAP.

What crews who called at Valparaiso 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.

Read and add tips for Valparaiso →