Palo Alto (CUPAL)

Palo Alto has one pier dedicated to handling breakbulk and dry bulk cargoes.

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

Palo Alto is situated on the S side of Cuba, 6.85nm SW of Jucaro.

Max Draught 5.50m, Vessels up to LOA 90m can be accommodated and around 3,500DWT base on the latest Max draught Audit.

Jucaro Anchorages No. 1 and No. 2 (once used for transhipment purposes) are situated SE and S, respectively of Cayo Obispito, 21° 32.000'N 78° 53.000'W, with depths of between 7.0-9.0m. Both anchorages provide good holding ground. Secure anchorage at Palo Alto, with depths of 6.7m, is located 1.7nm SSE of the pier, or in depths of 9.0m, 3.4nm SE of the pier.

Jucaro (Sub-Port) is approached from the W by Canal de Breton and Canal Manati and from the S from Canal del Pingue. Approach from the W is as follows: From a position in the vicinity of the inshore end of Canal Manati, 21°27'N 079°20'W, the approach to Jucaro leads E for approximately 26nm to Jucaro Anchorage, passing, (with reference to Bajo Tomeguin Light Beacon), 21°19'N 079°13'W: N of Banco Pasabanao, (6.75nm N) the N side of which is marked by a lightbuoy, (starboard hand), then; N of Bajo Las Charcas, (11.5nm NW), an unmarked shoal breaks even in calm weather, then; S of No 1 Lightbuoy (port hand) (18.7nm NE) marking the SE extremity of a dredged area leading to Palo Alto. Approach from the S is as follows: From a position 8nm WNW of Pasa Malabrigo, 20°53'N 078°29'W, the approach to Jucaro leads N and NW for approximately 40nm to Jucaro Anchorage, passing (with reference to Cayo Santa Maria Light), 21° 11'N 078°39'W: E of Cayo Santa Maria Light, (white GRP tower, red bands, 10m in height), then; E of Cayo Tio Joaquin, SE end No 1 Light (green square on green concrete tower on piles with platform), 14.5nm NNW, which marks the S side to the entrance to the channels that leads through Cayos Ana Maria, then; NE of Cayo Balandras, then; Through Canal de Bamlandras, the main channel through Cayos Ana Maria, which is marked by light beacons.

BA 2958. Admiralty Pilot NP70, NP286(7).

1025.

Pilotage is compulsory and available 24hrs a day. Pilots embark at the following: ..... 1. The seaward entrance of Canal de Breton (3nm SW of Lightbuoy No. 2 (21° 8.300'N 79° 30.400'W)) 2. Canal de Tunas (1nm S of Lightbuoy No 2 (21° 31.000'N 79° 41.000'W)) or 3. Canal de Pingue near Cayo Malabrigo, and should be requested in advance. Provides pilotage for Santa Maria, Baco Grande and Palo Alto,

Range 0.5m.

At Palo Alto the use of tugs is compulsory for vessels of more than LOA 120m.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

Palo Alto is a subport of Jucaro.

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. VHF: Harbour Master, Pilots and agent: Ch 16.

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.