Buenos Aires (ARBUE)

Buenos Aires is the federal capital of Argentina and all government offices and consuls are situated in the city. The port is divided into two main commercial sections: New Port (Puerto Nuevo), entered via the North Channel and South Port (Puerto Sur) the old port area, entered through the South Channel. A third section, Darsena Norte (the North Basin), is the docking area for Argentina's Navy Ships and licensed sectors, like the Buquebus yacht Club and certain ferry lines. On entering the North Port area, New Port (Puerto Neuvo) is located to the W and the North Basin is located to the S. New Port is divided into six dock basins (darsenas). The General Ports Administration (AGP) leases these dock areas out as concessions to several major private operators for periods ranging from 18 to 25 years. A new passenger terminal has been built here to accommodate an increasing number of cruise liners which call in to New Port. The North Anteport leads to the North Basin, which houses the Naval Dockyard and a hydrofoil ferry terminal. This is linked to the South Basin via four long dock basins which mainly accommodate small and recreational vessels. The area to the E of these four basins is known as Madero Port (Puerto Madero) which has latterly undergone a substantial amount of new development. Beyond this to the E is a nature reserve (Reserva Ecological) which borders the coastline. Cruise vessels currently use Basins 'A', 'B' and the South side of Basin 'C' of the Terminales Rio de la Plata (Terminals 1, 2 and 3), operated by DP World. A substantial new area of berths is under construction the North of Basin 'E'. The Quinquela Martin Cruise Passenger Building is located just outside the main entrance to this container terminal. At the entrance to the South Port (Puerto Sur) on the S shore there is an LPG /Products Berth and the Flammables Basin (Darsena de Inflamables). In the East Basin (Darsena Del Este) there is a floating drydock and shipyard and a power station with an oil tanker berth. Inside the South Anteport past the Eastern Basin is the South Dock (Dock Sud), with a container terminal and berths and dolphins for tankers. To the SW of the South Anteport is the entrance to the Riachuelo, a narrow winding river used by coastal vessels with drydocks, building slips and repair yards.

Summer.

The port of Buenos Aires, which forms part of the city, is situated on the south shore of the River Plate at Km 0, all distances seaward are calculated from this point. Access is by the Punta Indio channel which starts near the Recalada Lightship to the SE of Montevideo.

LOA 340m, draught 9.8m, beam 51m, 142,411DWT.

Approx. 7,400,000t of cargo, 800,000TEU, 700 vessels and 370,000 passengers handled annually.

Rada Exterior del Puerto de Buenos Aries lies between the lightbuoys Km25 and Km37 (34°40'S 57°58'W) 6.5nm and clear of the dredged channel where there are depths of 6.0-8.0m. The holding ground, consisting of soft mud, is not good and vessels may drag their anchors in strong winds. Winds from the S produce much swell. When good weather is expected a vessel with good ground tackle may anchor with safety in a depth of 0.6m greater than her draught.

The port, which is into two sections, is approached through Canal de Acceso; the N section being entered through Canal Norte. Access to the port of Buenos Aires is made through 200km (112nm) of dredged channels along Rio de la Plata. The passages start at Km 0 (Buenos Aires Port) and enter into Darsena Norte seaward are as follows: ..... 1. Canal Norte Km 0.9 to Km 7.3. 2. Canal de Acceso (Access Canal) Km 7.3 to Km 37.0. 3. Rada Exterior Km 37.0 to Km 57.0. 4. Paso Banco Chico Km 57.0 to Km 81.0. 5. Canal Intemidio Km 81.0 to Km 121.0. 6. Canal Punta Indio Km 121.0 to Km 201.6. The main access canal to the port has a depth of 9.75m at local zero, width 60m, under approval to be increased to 100m wide, with a 1:8 slope. Direct entrance is by the Access Canal running from the outer roads to within 10km of the port, where the channel divides into two channels. The North Channel, serving the New Port and North Basin, has a depth of 10.3m, width 100m (from Km 0.9 to Km 7.3) . The Access Canal has the same dimensions (from Km 7.3 to Km 12.0), and the South Channel, with a depth of 9.75m, serving the rest of the port to South Outer Port (dredging in progress to increase depth to 10.0m and 120m width), less depth available into Puerto Dock Sud. The tidal range of the Port of Buenos Aires is 0.6m, with a maximum of approx 1.05m. The Mitre Channel enters the access channel at Buoy No 12, by the inner roads and marks the limit of harbour pilot duties. APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Approach channel is 9.3m deep and 250m long next to the turning dock, which is 500m.

BA 1751, 1749, 3561. Admiralty Pilot NP5, NP286(7). Argentinian Chart 116, 118, 155, 156. US 24053, 24052 (and 24050). US Sailing Directions No 124 (East Coast of South America).

1000.

Berth assignment: Requests must be made to the AGP berthing master's office prior to the vessel's arrival. Shore linesmen: Available at all times. Launches: Available to assist at mooring operations, inspections, draught surveys, etc. Fenders: As per PNA regulations, 2 large fenders are required to be used when alongside. Notwithstanding this, it has become common practice for vessels to use fenders of somewhat lesser diameter made up of used rubber tyres strung onto a central wooden core. Vessels using small cane fenders or similar are liable to be fined. In the case of the New Port terminals, including Exolgan Container Terminal, all have suitable fenders on the quay. Rat guards: All mooring lines are required to be fitted with rat guards of 80cm diameter. Non compliance incurs fines. APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Turning Basin 395m. Approach Depth 9.3m. Approach Channel 250m. Puerto Dock Sud: All vessels required to berth, bows out to entrance and operators should be consulted regarding pumping capacities and maximum draughts.

Compulsory, with certain limited exemptions as stipulated by the PNA Pilotage in Rio de la Plata is provided from the position of the Practicos Recalada Light 'F' to the Roads [also known as the Common (Pilotage) Zone or CPZ}. On arrival/departure the Port Pilot embarks/disembarks in the CPZ which is close to La Plata Roads. If required, an exception can be made to the above for a vessel proceeding upriver via Mitre Channel whereby, to save time, a vessel may be swung with tug assistance at the entrance to the channel at Km 12. The port pilot embarking/disembarking by the tug. Since this alternative is expensive, most vessels proceeding upriver via the Mitre Channel do so via the CPZ, even though this entails steaming extra distance. River pilots engaged to assist the vessel on passage to and from upriver ports, take/hand over from/to the port pilot at CPZ (or exceptionally at Km 12 as indicated above). These pilots usually embark/disembark alongside at Buenos Aires but may do so at CPZ if convenient. Pilot boards in the following positions: ..... 1. Within the Pilot Boarding Area in Rada La Plata 2. Deep draught vessels: Within the area bounded by the following positions: a. 34°43.88'S 057°46.73'W b. 34°44.00'S 057°46.43'W c. 34°44.15'S 057°45.12'W d. 34°44.11'S 057°44.83'W

From the seaward end of the W sea wall at the entrance to La Plata a line leads E to embrace the cargo transhipment area E of La Plata fairway then S of a line joining Km 57 to Km 37 in the fairway to Puerto de Buenos Aires continuing along the N limit of this fairway to Km 09 beacon at the SE end of Escollera Norte of Puerto Neuvo. Following the line of the breakwater to Km 4 of the former Canal Castanero it then passes along the navigation route to Basin "F" (34° 34.422'S 58° 23.274'W), and includes the area S of the right bank of Rio de la Plata as far as the mouth of Riachuelo. Puerto Dock Sud: Entrance is approx 75m wide. Width is 90m, except in way of turning basin where approx width is 200m for 387m in length. Max. beam 32m and sailing at night not permitted for vessels over beam 28m. Dock Sud Section 2: Entrance width 90m, length 990m.

Power Station with 4 Chimneys (34° 37.542'S 58° 20.339'W).

When large passenger liners, LASH vessels or large bulk carriers are entering or leaving, it may be necessary to close access to all other traffic for a period of four hours because of the narrowness of the dredged channel. This restriction will be kept to a minimum and 48 hours notice of arrival must be given to the Prefecture, who will consider the overall situation. Speed: Between Km16 buoy (34°37'S 58°12'W) and the port entrances, the speed limit is 8kt. Within the port it is 3kt. Entry, departure or shifting draughts: On a rising tide these must not exceed the minimum depth to be encountered on passage. On a falling tide, a safety margin of 0.51m below the keel must be maintained at all times.

Mean Maximum Range 0.6m. Mean minimum range approx 0.4m. Semi diurnal tides are experienced and the height of the tide can be notably influenced by the force, direction and persistency of the wind, so much so that in the case of SE'ly gales (Sudestada) tides considerably higher than those predicted are not unusual. Also, tides of several feet below the predicted values can be experienced when a steady N'ly wind sets in. Additionally, somewhat lower tides can be experienced immediately following a prolonged blow from the S and somewhat higher tides following a prolonged blow from the N. It should be noted that whilst times of HW are, as a rule, not unduly affected by the wind, the effect of winds from ENE, backing through N to SW, usually retard the times of LW, whereas winds from the N, veering through E and S to SW usually advance the same. Critical HW level at the port of Buenos Aires has been set at +2.7m, mean amplitude of the tide at 0.55m and mean level at 0.79m, HWS 1.24m, LWS 0.33m, HWN 0.89m, LWN 0.70m. APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Spring 1.05m, Neap 0.60m.

SECOSENA and CONTRASE: The Communication Service for the Safety of Navigation (SECOSENA) is in effect for the Argentine waters of the Rio de la Plata and approaches, bounded on the E by 56°W and on the S by 36°30'S, and is mandatory for foreign vessels LOA24m or more. When entering the area, all ships must report the name of their vessel, flag, call sign, length, breadth, draft, speed, port of departure, destination, navigational plan, and ETAs at points specified by the Traffic Control and Safety System (CONTRASE) system. When leaving the area, vessel must report their name, flag,and call sign. The CONTRASE system is compulsory for foreign vessels over LOA 24m. Reporting Points: If anchoring outside the points vessels should report including: Name, flag and callsign, location and time. Vessels should report including ETA at: Canal Punta Indio/Canal Intermedio: VHF Ch 12. 35°05.5'S 055°59.5'W (near Practicos Recalada Light Float). 35°10.3'S 056°17.3'W (near paired Lightbuoys No 1). 35°10.1'S 056°31.6'W (near paired Lightbuoys No 5). Paired Lightbuoys No 23. Paired Lightbuoys No 30. Lightbuoy Km 57. Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires: VHF Ch 09. Lightbuoy Km 37. Lightbuoy Km 11. Canal Emilio Mitre: VHF Ch 72. Lightbuoy Km 12. Lightbuoy Km 18.5. Lightbuoy Km 40.5. Lightbuoy Km 56.1. Canal Costanero: VHF Ch 72. Approaches to Rio Parana Guazu and Rio Uruguay: VHF Ch 14 or 81. Lightbuoy Km 38. N end of Barra de San Pedro. Punta Martin Chico. Lightbuoy Km 118.2. Lightbuoy Km 134.2. Entrance to Puerto de la Plata: Report to La Plata Prefectura Naval CRS on VHF Ch 09. Vessel should report upon entering Rada La Plata Boarding Area on VHF Ch 70 including time of arrival. On departure vessels should report including ETS at the following positions:Lightbuoy Km 37 (if bound for Canal de Acceso al Puerto de Buenos Aires). Lightbuoy Km 38 (if bound for Barra del Farallon). Lightbuoy Km 57 (If bound for Paso Banco Chico). Entrance to Puerto de la Plata: Vessel should report upon entering port including name, callsign, ETA and place of berthing. Before shifting anchorage or berth or moving with in port a vessel should obtain permission.

Compulsory. Towage to reach the port of Buenos Aires is taken from approx Km 6.0 of the access canal. Five private companies operate at Buenos Aires with the following tugs available: 11 tugs from 2,400-4,100hp and 9 tugs from 1,200-1,800hp. Tugs are compulsory in both the N and S canal under the following conditions: Vessels over 6.7m draught, 1 tug ahead between Buoy Km 8 and the port entrance plus 1 tug astern between Buoy Km 4 and the entrance. Vessels drawing less than 6.7m, 1 tug ahead between Buoy Km 5 and the entrance plus 1 tug astern between Buoy Km1 and the entrance.

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

BUENOS AIRES 34°35.61'S 58°21.17'W UNCTAD LOCODE: AR BUE For details see: GENERAL DIAGRAM BUENOS AIRES COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE FOR THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION (SECOSENA) PRБCTICOS RECALADA (RECALADA PILOTS) GENERAL NOTES ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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Inmarsat may also be used for passing messages. Radio Pacheco can be used and works throughout 24 hours. ..... PORT AUTHORITY: Tel: +54 11 433 15678 (24 hours) Email: consultas-agp@puertobuenosaires.gob.ar Website: www.puertobuenosaires.gov.ar PILOT AND PORT: VHF: Ch 16, 09 Tel: +54 11 773 4600 (pilots) +54 11 313 1817 (port) Communication Service for the Safety of Navigation: (SECOSENA) VHF: 09, 12, 16, 72, 81 Tel: +54 11 335107 Traffic Control and Safety System: (CONTRASE) VHF: Ch 09, 12, 16, 72, 81 Terminales Rio de la Plata (TRP) - Terminals 1, 2 and 3: Tel: +54 11 4319 9500. +54 11 4310 1400. +54 11 4317 0600. Email: atenctionalcliente@trp.com.ar Website: www.trp.com.ar APM Terminals - Buenos Aires - Terminal 4: Tel: +54 11 459 00900. Fax: +54 11 459 00991. Email: t4cus@apmterminals.com Website: www.apm-terminals.com.ar BACTSSA - Terminal 5: Tel: +54 11 4510 9800. Fax: +54 11 4510 9821. Emal: contacto@bactssa.com.ar Website: www.bactssa.com.ar EXOLGAN Terminal: Tel: +54 11 5811 9100. Website: www.exolgan.com Contact Details for Private Pilotage Companies: ZONA RIO DE LA PLATA: Practicaje Rio de la Plata CTL: Tel: Tel: +54 11 5276 6760. Email: pilots@ripla.com.ar Website: http://www.riodelaplatapilots.com Nautica del Sur SA Tel: +54 11 4313177. Email: info@nauticadelsur.com.ar Master Pilot SA: Tel: +54 11 4345 2223. Email: masterpilot@masterpilot.com.ar ZONA PUERTO DE BUENOS AIRES: Tel: +54 11 4137 5170. Email: administracion@practicosdebsas.com CONTRASE: This Traffic Control System is in effect for the Buenos Aires area. It is mandatory for foreign vessels LOA24m or more. Details of Reporting Points can be found in the Navigation (Traffic Schemes) section. SHIP/SHORE RADIO SERVICES: Argentina Radio in Buenos Aires provides radiotelephony (HF and VHF) and telegrams by radiotelephony (HF). They also cover safety of life at sea and listening in for the Navy messages, covering the SAR service for them as well as, under request, giving Notices to Mariners, weather forecasts and radiomedical communications. All these Stations are controlled from Argentina Radio in Buenos Aires. Argentina Radio: Email: lsd836@ses.com.ar. ..... Radiotelephony HF (J3E) 24 Hour Callsign LSD836 (kHz): Transmit: Receives on Channel: 4837 411 4393 413 6507 603 6522 608 8734 806 8740 808 8776 820 13089 1205 13179 1235

Customs allowances: The daily allowance is 40 cigarettes and 0.25 bottle of spirits. For non compliance a fine of from 1-5 times the value of the goods plus duties on any extra cigarettes/spirits above the given limit. Immigration: An Immigration Officer attends onboard to stamp Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards. The crew require an Argentine Shore Pass (fichas) on which appear a thumb print and photograph as well as personal details. If they are not already onboard they are prepared on the vessel's entry. A photographer can attend onboard. The Master, in the ETA message, should state the number of crew members requiring shore passes. Passengers require passports and landing cards. There are no restrictions for either crew or passengers to proceed ashore with the above mentioned documents.

..... Document Total Copies Distribution CU IM CG PH AG FP 1. Stores List (Deck & Cabin) 2 2 - - - - - 2. Stores List (Engine) 2 2 - - - - - 3. Crew Personal Effects List 2 2 - - - - - 4. Crew List 6 - 2 2 1 1 - 5. Vaccination List 1 - - - 1 - - 6. Health Declaration 1 - - - 1 - - 7. List of Ports of Call 2 1 - - 1 - - 8. Clearance from Last Port 1 - - 1 - - - 9. Argentine Shore Pass for Crew (1 original for each crew member) 10. Passenger List 8 - 2 2 1 1 2 11. Passenger Landing Card (1 original per passenger & 1 original for Immigration Department) An additional copy of all the above, except Crew Shore Passes and Passenger Landing Cards, should be made for the Master to keep on file in case they are required. Note: CU = Customs, IM = Immigration, CG = Prefectura (Coastguard), PH = Sanidad (Port Health), AG = Agent, FP = Federal Police. Prefectura (Coastguard) Declaration, Immigration Declaration and Customs Declarations are all presented to the Master, on special forms, for his signature by the attending agent and officials. Cargo Manifests or In Ballast Declaration: Cargo Manifests or a Ballast Manifest have to be presented on arrival but these are normally dealt with, on behalf of the Master, by the agent. In the case of Buenos Aires, a computerised Manifest for all ports of call is transmitted directly from the agent's office to the Customs House, the "Maria" system being used. In all other cases, an indexed manifest, in the prescribed form, is presented to the Customs Officer attending the vessel on arrival. Notwithstanding the above, at outside ports the Master is also required to present up to 4 Manifests on arrival. This usually refers to vessels carrying bulk cargoes such as fertilisers.

Initial ETA should be sent as per Charter Party instructions, if on a voyage charter, otherwise if there is no instruction to the contrary, 7 days prior to arrival to nominated owners and/or charterers agents. NB: In practically all cases of vessels loading/discharging at ports other than Buenos Aires, all matters are handled and controlled by a principal agent in Buenos Aires who, in turn, appoints a sub agent to assist at the actual loading/discharging port. Additional ETA's should be sent as per Charter Party instructions or at 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival. The ETA message should include: ..... 1. Estimated forward and aft draughts, indicating in FW or SW a. If a liner, indicate tonnage per hatch to discharge, also any shifting or special comments relative to commencement of operations. b. If loading grain, advise that hatches to be loaded are ready (clean, dry and free of infestation) and airdraught. Masters should request information regarding airdraught at load berth since ballasting may be involved. NB: Holds/tanks of vessels loading bulk cargoes will be inspected by a government appointed or private surveyor and will need to be approved by these surveyors before loading can commence. c. If a tanker or chemical carrier, indicate tonnage to discharge and any special characteristics/precautions required. 2. Bunkers on arrival 3. Fresh water on arrival 4. Any important requirements, ie bunkers, fresh water, stores, repairs, etc. 5. Number of people requiring medical attention and/or shore passes.

The national flag of Argentina is to be flown from the highest point on the vessel from sunrise to sunset. Fine for non compliance is an unspecified amount. It is important to fly the "Q" flag on entering port until free pratique is granted by the Port Health Officer attending onboard. Fine for non compliance.

Reporting: Whilst in Argentine waters, vessels are required to keep the Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) advised of their position. This is achieved by: ..... 1. Long range: Informing SECOSENA 2. Short (close) range: Informing CONTRASE. Short range contact with CONTRASE is via VHF and is maintained by the pilot, on the Master's behalf, whenever underway. The Master is not required to intervene. In the case of SECOSENA, on entering Argentine waters, Master should give (in Spanish or "Standard Marine Vocabulary" and/or "Q" code): ..... 1. Upon entering national waters: Name of ship, flag, callsign, length, breadth, draught, speed, bound from, proceeding to, position, type of cargo, course and if a doctor is carried onboard. 2. Upon departing national waters: Name of ship, flag, callsign, speed, destination, position and course. 3. Upon entering port: Name of ship, flag, callsign, time and place of berthing. 4. Upon leaving port: Name of ship, flag, callsign, length, breadth, draught, speed, destination, course, type of cargo and if a doctor is available onboard. Transmission of all SECOSENA messages is via MF or HF radio. Certificates of Competency: The Coastguard (PNA) have, recently, been asking to see all deck, engine and radio officers Certificates of Competency. They must be valid and acceptable to the country under whose flag the vessel is registered. This refers in particular to vessels sailing under flags of convenience. Port regulations: South Channel/South Dock area: In this area special conditions apply as follows: ..... 1. All ships must berth bow out (facing the dock basin entrance). 2. Agents must advise Maritime Police (PNA) at least 12 hours beforehand of any expected movement to permit traffic co-ordination and vessels are prohibited from crossing in the South Channel. Passenger ferries using South Basin have priority over other vessels. 3. In Puerto Dock Sud, vessels are limited to a max beam of 32m, exceptionally 33m for daylight entry and sailing and 28m for night time operations. 4. Berthing is forbidden on the eastern side of the dock (in way of the Exolgan Container Terminal berths). In case of vessels berthing at the container terminal the max permitted beam is 32m (exceptionally 33m). There are special PNA limitations in the case of vessels berthing second off in Section 1, however, as a matter of policy, Exolgan do not berth craft second off. 5. At the Gas Carrier Terminal berthing is limited to a max of 2 vessels at any given time. 6. Vessels of up to 22m beam, when entering or sailing via the South Channel by night, must at all times maintain clearance under the keel of 0.3m on a rising tide or 0.61m on a falling tide. In the case of vessels with a beam exceeding 22m, these figures are increased to 0.41m and 0.91m respectively. 7. Vessels drawing more than 4.27m must request authorisation from South Dock Prefecture when other craft are required to berth alongside second off. They must also indicate nature of operations to take place and size of craft berthing second off. In actual fact Masters and pilots of all craft are obliged to keep the PNA advised of their movements at all times and to obtain consent before proceeding. 8. Anchoring is prohibited in the channels or within 0.15nm of their sides. 9. No vessel may enter the channels unless the latest tidal information gives a depth equal to her draught on a ingoing tide, or 0.5m greater than the draught on an outgoing tide. 10. Vessels, proceeding in opposite directions, meeting in the channel should alter course to starboard in plenty of time and should reduce speed when passing. Vessels overtaking others are not allowed to pass them and must keep at a distance of 0.1nm from coasters and of 0.55nm from the other vessels. 11. Speed between Km 15 (34°37'S 058°12'W) and the port entrances, the speed limit is 8kts; within the port it is 3kts. Speed should be reduced when passing dredgers working in the channel. 12. Before shifting berth, within the port, permission must be obtained from the port authorities, who will supervise the movement. Power vessels may leave the port at any time of day or night if cleared by port and customs authorities. 13. All explosive and flammable materials must be discharged before a vessel enters the docks. For this purpose cargo may be worked in the roadstead, the only other cargo work permitted at the roadstead is for lightering purposes only. 14. Mariners wishing to pass a dredger must stop; sound one long and three short blasts on the whistle or siren. Permission to pass will be given by a similar signal from the dredger. "Passing obstructed" will be indicated by the dredger sounding two long and three short blasts; and by displaying three balls or three red lights disposed vertically; in this case the vessel must anchor. Dredgers will indicate the side of vessel should pass by displaying a red and white chequered metal flag; or three lights, red, green and white disposed vertically. Hopper barges exhibit two white lights amidships and one red light at each end. The following extracts from General Regulations apply to the roadstead and approach channels: Anchoring is prohibited in the channels or within 0.25nm of their sides. Visibility: During thick fog entry and departure is prohibited without special permission from Port Authorities. Depths: No vessel may enter the channels unless the latest tidal information gives a depth equal to vessels draught on an ingoing tide, or 0.5m greater than vessels draught on the outgoing tide. Passing: Vessels, proceeding in opposite directions meeting in the channel should alter course to starboard in plenty of time and should reduce speed when passing. Overtaking is not permitted. Faster vessels should adjust their speed to stay at least 0.1nm astern of coasters and 0.55nm astern of any other vessel. Movement in port: Before shifting berth, within the port, permission must be obtained from the Port Authorities who will supervise the movement. Power driven vessels may leave port at any time of day or night if cleared by port and Customs Authorities. Dangerous cargo: All explosive and inflammable materials must be discharged before a vessel enters the docks. For this purpose cargo may be worked in the roadstead. The only other cargo work permitted at the roadstead if for lightering purposed only.

Pratique should be applied for at least 3 working days prior to arrival. The pratique message can be passed to the ship's agent by telex of fax for onward transmission to the Port Health Authorities. Free pratique is only granted after a Sanidad (Port Health) Officer attends on arrival. This visit does not normally prevent the commencement of cargo operations. See Country Section for additional information. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates: To obtain a new Ship Sanitation Control Certificate with fumigation, a minimum of 30 hours is required. If Ship Sanitation Control Certificate expires on route, or is due to expire within a few days, exemptions for 6 months can be obtained if applied for between 0700-1300hrs, Mon-Fri. Outside these times, Port Health will grant an extension for 30 days.

NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms. This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside. At times of upriver congestion, with berths and roads fully occupied, Prefectura Naval Argentina (Coastguard) will require vessels to wait at Zona Comun (Buenos Aires/La Plata roads pilotage embarkation, disembarkation point at Km 37, off Buenos Aires) or even, in cases of severe congestion, at Recalada at the mouth of the River Plate. In these latter cases, appointed agents will inform Master of situation and Prefectura (CONTRASE), via VHF to pilot, will advise if a vessel is not permitted to proceed. In these cases, when the vessel is being prevented from getting any closer to its berth, NOR should be presented on arrival/anchoring at Zona Comun or Recalada. Again, in the case of vessels obliged to wait at Zona Comun or Recalada, the steaming time from these anchorages to the port roads and/or berth, is usually discounted. A provision to this effect should, preferably, be added to the Charter Party. If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.