Banes (CUBAN)

The port is closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Banes is a small bay consist of one wooden pier for sailing and fishing activities.

Summer.

Banes is situated on the northern coast of Cuba.

LOA 106m, draught 7.0m.

Vessels waiting for a pilot, or for favourable tidal conditions, may anchor in mid channel just within the entrance, where the breadth of the channel is 0.2nm, or in the reach round the first turn, where it is approx 0.15nm. The holding ground is good. ..... Anchorage No 1: Situated 0.5nm SW of the Nicaragua Pier, has depths of 7.0-10.0m, mud, good holding ground, capable of accommodating 5 vessels 100m in length. Anchoarge No 2: Situated to the E of Punta Macabi, with a diameter of 1nm. It has depths of 9.0-13.0m, mud, good holding ground, capable of accommodating 5 ships with a length of 100m. Anchorage No 3: Situated in Ensenada de La Raya, 20°54'N 075°41'W. It has depths of 6.0-8.0m, mud good holding ground. Capable of accomodating 2 ships with a length of 100m.

The min depth in the channel is 9.0m. The directions for entering Bahia de Banes are as follows: From the pilot boarding position, 1nm ENE of Playa Caracolillo Light, (white metal round tower with gallery, 10m in height), 20°52.6'N 075°39.6'W, the entrance channel, El Canon, leads generally W, into Bahia de Banes.

BA 635. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

1025.

Compulsory. Pilots embark 1nm ENE of Playa Caracolillo Light.

Passage of El Canon can take place only during daylight hours and at slack water. Caution: The shoal close W of Punta Fuerte extends 125m offshore and its outer edge cannot clearly be seen at HW. The shoal that fringes the other points in the channel do not extend far offshore and their edges are clearly visible. A vessel should only enter at slack water or with the ingoing tidal stream as a vessel attempting to enter against the outgoing tidal stream is in danger of being set on the rocks at some of the turns. Anchors should be kept ready for letting go, as the turns are so sharp, they may be required at any moment. A vessel of deep draught is recommended to leave at HW slack tide, due to the narrowness of the channel at LW.

Range 0.6m.

Vessels over 500t or 60m in length should employ a tug when navigating El Canon in either direction.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

BANES 20°54'N 75°41'W Pilot Pilot: Compulsory. Pilots embark 1nm ENE of Playa Caracolillo light. ANTILLA provides pilotage for Banes.

Radio: Customs Coast Radio Station "CLA CU" can be used for passing messages. The station operates throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat is the preferred method of communication and should be used, to contact agents, whenever possible.

The following documents are required by the port authorities to perform inward clearance: ..... Document Copies 1. Crew List 5 2. Passenger List 5 3. Stores List 3 4. Personal Effects List 3 5. General Declaration 2 6. Narcotics List 2 7. Weapons and Ammunition Declaration 2 The following certificates are to be presented: 1. Fumigation Certificate - 2. Certificate of Registry - 3. Safety Certificate - 4. Tonnage Certificate - 5. Radio Certificate - The following cargo documents are to be prepared: 1. Cargo Manifest 3 2. Stowage Plan 3 3. Set of Bills of Lading 2 4. Hatch List 3

Initial ETA should be sent on departure from last port. If time permits, further ETA's should be sent 10, 7, 5, 3 and 1 day prior to arrival. The messages must include date and time of arrival and expected draughts on arrival.

Free pratique should be requested by radio. Health Certificates can be renewed by phytosanitary organisations.

Normally tendered when a vessel is alongside and ready to work cargo or on arrival at the outer roads of the port if no berth is available.