Alvarado (MXAVD)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Alvarado is a port of entry and a fishing port. The lagoon, in which the port is located, has traditionally been used as a landing area for amphibious aircraft and provides excellent shelter.

Summer.

Alvarado is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, at the inner end (W shore) of the entrance to Alvarado Lagoon, through which the river Papaloapan discharges. The town itself is situated approx 2.4km from the river mouth at the outer end of the entrance.

Draught 3.0m

There is an anchorage in depths of 18.0-22.0m approx 2.5nm outside the bar and off the town in 5.0-11.0m. The outer anchorage is not considered safe during the winter months. Submarine cables cross the harbour in the vicinity of the town.

The approach is from the N, the channel being difficult to distinguish from other directions. Entry is made between sandhills, 15-60m in height, on both sides of the channel marked by light beacons. Local knowledge is required to enter. Depth on the bar, at the mouth of the river Papaloapun, is 3.0-3.6m.

BA 376, 1225. Admiralty Pilot NP69A.

1025.

Compulsory. Pilots are equipped with VHF, and come out in response to the International Code signal "G".

Monte Simon Light (red masonary tower, 8.0m in height), stands on Monte Simon, a prominent sand bluff on the E side of the channel.

Mean max range 0.3m, min range 0.0m. During the rainy season there is a strong current over the bar. Discoloured water extends for quite a distance seaward.

Tug assistance is available.

Prevailing winds: SE'ly. The rainy season begins in Jun. During Nov there is a weather pattern called the 'Norths'. These are masses of cold winds colliding with the warm winds from the Gulf of Mexico causing rains and high winds which can exceed 65kts.

ALVARADO 18°47'N 95°45'W For details see: ALVARADO - NAVIGATION (Pilot Section) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

The following coastal radio stations are recommended: West Coast Mexico: International station and Mobile Radio (USA). East Coast Mexico: Mobile, Alabama Radio. The stations work throughout 24 hours. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Port: Ch 16, used to contact the port on arrival.

Allowances for officers and crew do not exist for personal possessions which must be kept onboard. Penalties for non-compliance will result in confiscation of the goods and fines. Immigration: Formalities depend on the nationality of the crew. Nationalities that are not restricted in Mexico can proceed ashore provided they have a shore pass which can be issued by the port agent upon request of the Master. Joining and off signing crew members have to be declared 24 hours prior to the time and date of arrival/departure. Vessel is cleared on arrival and departure.

On arrival, the Master must present the following documentation with 4 copies of each: ..... Document 1. Last Port Clearance 2. Crew List 3. Crew Personal Effects List 4. Stores List 5. International Maritime Declaration of Health 6. Vaccination List 7. Ports of Call List 8. List of Ship's Particulars 9. Cargo Manifest, if any 10. Passenger List 11. Ballast Declaration The following are also required: 1. International Tonnage Certificate 2. Load Line Certificate 3. Ship's Register 4. Safety Equipment and Emergency Radio Equipment Certificates Documents are received by the Harbour Master, Health Inspector, Immigration Authorities, Customs Authorities, Agricultural Inspector. There are no special forms for completion.

All ETA's have to be sent 72 hours prior to arrival of the vessel at the port. Additional ETA's have to be sent each 24 hours and 12 hours prior to arrival of the vessel. All messages should be sent during office hours so that the vessel can be scheduled at the Port Programme Meeting which is held daily. The ETA message should include: ..... 1. Arrival draught 2. Number of crew and if healthy 3. Vessel's main particulars such as LOA, GT, beam 4. Flag and port of registry 5. Cargo to be loaded/discharged

Cargo documents have to be in the port in order for the vessel to be programmed.

Pratique will be granted by the Port Authorities once they arrive onboard the vessel. Free pratique is not granted by radio. Vessels arriving from South America have to be fumigated. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates can be renewed.

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.