San Marcos (MXSMI)

The port specialises in the bulk loading of gypsum.

North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Mar 1 to Jun 30 and Nov 1 to Nov 30, Summer Jul 1 to Oct 31 and Dec 1 to Feb 28/29.

San Marcos is situated 15nm SE of Santa Rosalia in the Lower California Penninsula.

LOA 244.72m, beam 32.26m, 77,247DWT.

Anchorage may be obtained 0.5nm W of the pier in depths of 15.0-18.0m. Anchorage may also be obtained E of Roco Lobos, but care is necessary to avoid the 5.5m shoal situated 1nm ENE of the rock. The anchorage, which has a 1nm radius, is located at 27°12.3'N 112°09.0'W.

Dangers extend from the N and S extremities of the island but the remaining coastline is generally steep-to with detached rocks and islets lying within 0.3nm of the shore. Lights (truncated pyramid towers) are displayed from the vicinity of the N and NW extremities of the island, and from each end of the jetty head of the gypsum terminal. Caution: 3 white islets, 3 to 12m high, and a number of detached rocks, extend 0.5nm N from the island. Canal de San Marcos, the narrow passage between the spit and the mainland should not be navigated without local knowledge.

BA 1017. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).

Pilotage is compulsory for berthing and unberthing. The pilot boards incoming vessels in the vicinity of the harbour, at the centre of a semi-circle 1nm diameter, the centre point being the loading base. Otherwise the pilot boards from Puerto de Santa Rosalia, 12.5nm NW.

Variable.

Prevailing wind: NW'ly, Nov-Mar.

SAN MARCOS 27°13'N 112°06'W Pilot: Compulsory. The pilot boards incoming vessels in the vicinity of the harbour, at the centre of a semi-circle 1nm diameter, the centre point being the loading base. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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: Ch 16 is 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 4 copies of the following documentation: 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 12. Labour Permit For Crew Members 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.

ETA's: All ETA's have to be sent 48 hours prior to arrival of the vessel at the port. Additional ETA's have to be sent each 24 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.

The Health Officer boards vessels off Punta Prieta.

Tendered in accordance with the Charter Party.