Arecibo (PRARE)

Port Arecibo is an alternative name for Arecibo.

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

Port Arecibo is located on the N coast of the island, 32nm W of San Juan.

Max draught 6.0m.

Approx 4,000t of cargo handled annually.

Anchorage is available approx 0.25nm NW of the head of the mole, in depths of 15.0 - 16.0m positioned by the following: The alignment (118°) of Roca Coginera (0.3nm WSW) with the bluff on the S side of the hill (0.3nm S). The line of bearing, 216°, of the cathedral (1nm WSW). Anchorage is also available approx 0.25nm W and NW of the above position, in depths of 16.0 - 22.0m, well clear of Roca Resuello, which dries, (1nm WSW). A wind from the N may make the anchorage untenable.

Directions for entering harbour: Approaches: The recommended approach from both E and W is to remain at least 3nm off the coast until in a position to close the port. From east: From the vicinity of 18°33'N 066°41'W, the line of bearing, 200°, of the cathedral (1nm WSW), which has a belfry and a dome, and a large building near it, all of which are prominent, leads towards the entrance channel. From west: From the vicinity of 18°33'N 066°47'W, the line of bearing, 132°, of Punta Morrillos Light leads towards the entrance channel. Entrance channel: A dredged entrance channel, with a controlling depth of 7.0m leads into the port. From a position 0.7nm NW of Punta Morrillos Light, with the light bearing 132° and the cathedral bearing 200°, the track leads 165° with a position midway between 2 prominent, high chimneys (1.75nm S) on a bearing ahead, passing: WSW of Tres Hermanos, the outermost of which (0.9m high) (0.27nm W) lies close off the breakwater, then WSW of Roca Coginera (0.32nm WSW), at the outer end of the mole extending 350m SW from Punta Morrillos, marked off its W side by No 1 Buoy, then ENE of No 2 Buoy (0.5nm WSW), then WSW of a depth of 2.2m (0.27nm SW).

BA 3408, 478. Admiralty Pilot NP71.

1025.

Compulsory for foreign vessels. Pilots can be obtained from Bahia San Juan. In bad weather the pilot boat may be considerably delayed by breaking seas in the entrance.

Reported that the entrance was dredge to a controlling depth (6.04m) and depths between 1.0m and 5.5m at the basin off the wharf.

Range 0.6m.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

San Juan Radio transmits on 2530kHz, receives on 2134kHz and keeps watch on 2182kHz VHF: Ch 16 and 14.

Arecibo is not a Customs port of entry.