Punta Cuchillo (VEPCU)

Previously a tanker loading berth, operated by Roqueven. The terminal and tanks were demolished, however the jetty remains and is now used as a lay by for barges.

Tropical.

Situated on the right bank of the River Orinoco at Mile 191.6.

LOA 260m, draught 11.3m and 60,000DWT.

There is a natural turning basin 0.65nm wide off the terminal.

BA3320. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1000.

Compulsory; River pilot boards at Mile 27.7. Docking pilot meets the vessel at Mile 78 (LW) or Mile 183 (HW).

Simultaneous navigation in opposite directions between Miles 1-27.7 is not permitted, outbound vessels have priority. The Port Captain will notify the vessel via "YVM" of the time permitted to transit the channel. Max draught permitted varies due to seasonal changes. Dry Season (Dec-May) 10.05m, rainy Season (Jun-Nov) 13.10m. Vessels must have clean ballast water prior to transiting the river.

Compulsory, two tugs used for berthing/unberthing operations.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

PUNTA CUCHILLO 08°19'N 62°49'W See Pilot Requirements Puerto Ordaz

Radio: "YVM" on CW 472kHz, 4322kHz, 8453kHz. 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 and 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.

Vessels must notify the Port Captain, Ciudad Bolivar via "YVM" of their 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 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.