Las Piedras (VELSP)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations as no commercial activity handled for the previous years. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. The bay, which is well sheltered, used to be a STS transfer area for crude oil vessels and has several small piers for coastal and naval vessels.

Tropical.

Located 3.2km S of Amuay Bay on the W shore of Paraguana Peninsula.

Anchorage is best obtained approx 1nm NW of the main pierhead in depths of 16-24.0m, sand or mud, but the holding ground is poor. It is generally used only by vessels awaiting berth at the pier.

The port is approached from the W through the in-bound lane of a TSS and entry is between Punta Piedras (11°42'N 070°13'W) and the N extremity of Punta Carirubana 0.8nm S. There is a charted depth of 12.0m in the approaches to Muelle Naval (11°42.1'N 070°13.1'W).

BA 2190, 2193, 2194. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1025.

Pilotage is compulsory and is available throughout 24 hours. The pilot boards approx 1.5nm WNW of the main pierhead from a power boat.

Sandhill (conspicuous) 12m in height 300m S, with a monument close WSW. Brown house (conspicuous) 0.5nm SE. Water tower (conspicuous) at Punto Fijo 0.65nm E. Tower (conspicuous) 0.75nm E. Water tower (aluminium coloured tank), from which a light is exhibited, 0.9nm ENE.

A shoal marked by a light, with a least depth of 3.7m over it, lies on the S side of the fairway 0.75nm SW of Punta Piedras. Restricted area: An area restricted to naval vessels only exists around Muelle Naval. Submarine cables: Several submarine cables land at the head of Las Piedras; anchoring and trawling in the vicinity of them is prohibited.

Non-IMO adopted TSS's have been established in the approaches to ports on the W side of the Paraguana peninsular. These are regulated by the Port Captain of Puerto de las Piedras and their use is compulsory for all vessels over 200GT. Prohibited area: Passage is prohibited for mechanically propelled vessels with draughts greater than 1.5m in the coastal waters within an area, between Punta Macolla (12°05.7'N 070°12.5'W) and Punta Los Taques, 17nm SSW. The prohibited area is used for fishing.

Available.

Prevailing winds: NE'ly.

It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible.

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.

..... Copies Port Captain: 1. - 2. - 3. - 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. - 5. 1 Sanitary (Health): 1. 1 2. 1 3. 1 4. 1 National Guard: 1. 1 2. 1 3. 1 4. 1 5. 1 6. 1 Customs: 1. 2 2. 2 3. 1 4. 1 5. 1 Immigration: 1. 1 2. 1 Custom 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.

Initial ETA to be sent 72 hours prior to vessel's 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 Custom's 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.