Ciudad Bolivar (VECBL)

It is the principle port for the upper part of Rio Orinoco and a distribution centre for the whole river basin. Exports: Cattle, hides, diamonds, gold and balata. Imports: Construction materials, metal goods and foodstuffs.

Tropical.

The port is currently closed. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Ciudad Bolivar is situated on the right bank, 241nm up the River Orinoco.

Max draught permitted varies due to seasonal changes. Dry season (Dec-May) 4.8m, rainy season (Jun-Nov) 9.1m.

The river at Ciudad Bolivar is deep and the anchorage area is therefore restricted. Close offshore, there are depths of 33m at mean river level. Vessels usually anchor near the E part of the city. The width of the river between Market Place Point and the rocks off Soledad, on the opposite bank, is approx 0.35nm at mean level; above and below these narrows, the river is approx 0.175nm wide in places. Mean level occurs in early Dec and from Aug until then the current in the narrows attains its max rate of approx 5kts in mid stream. There is an anchorage in a depth of 13.0m, 0.2nm E of Market Place Point and 300m offshore. Abeam this position, the current runs downstream along the shore, but there is a counter current a little W of it. Although this anchorage is out of the main stream, there is sufficient current to prevent the vessel swinging more than 4 points during brief squalls which come up river, accompanied by heavy rain, especially between 1600-1700hrs.

BA 3322. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1000.

Compulsory.

Simultaneous navigation in opposite directions between Miles 1 to 27.7 is not permitted, outbound vessels have priority. The Port Captain will notify the vessel of the time permitted to transit the channel. Vessels must have clean ballast water prior to transiting the River. Vertical Clearance: Telegraph wires span the river from Market Place Point (8° 09'N 063°33'W) at Ciudad Bolivar to Piedra del Medio, on which stands a telegraph wire support 31m in height, and thence to the N bank of the river at Soledad. At high river there is a least vertical clearance of 28m under the wires.

Range 1.23m.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Ch 16, 14, 13, 06.

Customs allowances: An allowance is made for approx 5 days of cigarettes and alcohol out of bond. The bond is sealed after the vessel's clearance. Additional allowances may be made on request to the Customs authorities. Bonded items are not allowed to be taken ashore. Penalty is confiscation and a possible fine. Immigration: Issue shore passes that are valid for 72 hours.

The following documentation is required on arrival: Port Captain: ..... 1. Original Last Port Clearance 2. Diversion cable (if Last Port Clearance destination is not the port of call) 3. Issue and expiry dates of: a. Official number b. International Tonnage Certificate c. Safety Construction Certificate d. Certificate of Registry e. Safety Equipment Certificate f. Oil Pollution Certificate g. Load Line Certificate h. Radio Telegraphy Certificate i. Liferaft Certificates 4. Photocopy of a Certificate of Compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974. Copies 5. Crew List 1 Sanitary (Health): 1. Maritime Declaration of Health 1 2. Vaccination List 1 3. Narcotics List 1 4. Crew List 1 National Guard: 1. Crew List 1 2. Personal Effects List 1 3. Stores List 1 4. Passenger List 1 5. Bonded stores (Slop Chest) List 1 6. Diversion cable (if applicable) 1 Customs: 1. Crew List 2 2. Personal Effects List 2 3. Stores Lists (original and copy) 1 4. Diversion cable (if applicable) 1 5. Bonded stores (Slop Chest) List 1 Immigration: 1. Crew List 1 2. Passenger List 1 Customs and Harbour Master's clearance are prepared and delivered onboard by the agent prior to vessel's departure. Cargo documents such as Bills of Lading, Quality and Quantity Certificates, Certificates of Origin, etc are prepared/released by terminal operators. These documents are presented to the Master prior to departure for his signature.

Notify the Port Captain, Ciudad Bolivar of ETA at Mile 1, 24 hours prior to arrival.

The national ensign of Venezuela should be displayed in port. Vessels not complying will receive orders from the National Guard to stop cargo operations. A written report will be requested prior to cargo operations recommencing.

Pratique and Customs clearance can only be granted on arrival either at anchorage or on completion of berthing. Vessels coming from ports which have cholera will not be allowed to deballast overboard. A sanitary inspection is performed at the pilot station prior to entering port. Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

NOR is tendered in accordance with the Charter Party. The normal place for tendering NOR is on arrival at the anchorage or all fast at the berth.