Guanta (VEGUT)

Vessels bound for Guanta must enter Bhia Pozuelos as they must first call at Puerto La Cruz to embark a pilot. The port is well protected with calm waters. The port handles general cargo and containers.

Tropical.

Guanta is located approx 5nm E of Puerto La Cruz.

Draught 10.6m, LOA 200m

Approx 28,000TEU handled annually.

The anchorage for Guaraguao Terminal is in Pozuelos Bay. Nature of bottom is sand and mud with shells. The entrance to Pozuelos Bay is located at 10°18'N 064°41'W. The min depth is approx 27m.

Approach: At Bahia de Pozuelos, the route passes between Isla Chimana del Sur and Punta Bergantin (10°15'N 064°38'W), in mid channel, and then steers E, keeping 0.4nm off the mainland to avoid a 4.6m shoal (10°15.4'N 064°36.8'W) and a 12.2m patch 015nm NW of it. Approach to port area: A narrow channel leading into Bahia Guanta is entered between Isla Pitahaya (10°15.5'N 064°35'W), height 11m, and Isla Redonda 200m E. When Punta Queque is abeam, a SSE course is steered for the piers (10° 14.7'N 064°35.5'W), passing E of a lightbuoy, moored 0.2nm SW of Punta Queque and marking the E side of the drying reefs which lie S of Punta Meta. Once inside Bahia Guanta, tug assistance will be available and is compulsory for vessels over LOA 90m. A line of reefs and islets extends 0.2nm S from Isla Pitahaya; on their W side is NW passage, which is narrowest off Punta Meta. A reef, on which are some islets, lies between Isla Passage and Punta Queque, 0.3nm S. Little passage separates this reef from Isla Redonda (10°15'N 064° 35'W).

BA 230,1498. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1025.

Vessels are berthed during daylight hours only. There is no time limit for sailing.

Compulsory for berthing and unberthing. Pilots obtained at Puerto la Cruz.

The Custom House, standing in the port area at the head of the bay 0.5nm S of Punta Queque, is a large stone building and easily identified from the offing. Punta Queque Light (green GRP tower, white band, 3m in height). Pitahaya Light (white pyramidal-hexagonal concrete tower with red bands, 3.0m in height). Isla Redonda Light (white pyramidal-hexagonal concrete tower with green bands)

Range 0.2m.

Compulsory. One tug required for vessels up to LOA 139m and two tugs for vessels over LOA 139m. Masters are advised that tug boats are privately owned and waiting times could approach 2-3 hours as the tugs work closely with the oil terminals.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

GUANTA 10°07'N 64°36'W Pilot: Compulsory, pilots obtained at Puerto la Cruz.

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 Masters 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. Communictaions: It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Ch 16, 12.

Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessels arrival to agent. Additional ETA's to be sent 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival or if a difference in ETA of more than 6 hours occurs after the last ETA message. ETA message should include the following information: ETA at pilot station, Master's name, last port, ballast condition, last 3 cargoes, arrival/departure draught and arrival/sailing displacement.

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.