Puerto de Hierro (VEPHO)

The port is a natural coastal harbour with a pier and now under control of Venezuelan Navy. In year 1965, it is reported that the port used by Reynolds Aluminium for the shipping of bauxite.

Tropical.

Situated on the N coast of the Gulf of Paria and about 8nm to the W of Cristobal Colon.

Max 45,000DWT.

Anchorage with good holding ground can be obtained S of the pier head.

BA 483, 1044. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1025.

Compulsory. A pilot can be obtained through Guiria. Notice of ETA should be given 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival.

When seen from S and W, good landmarks are the pier with its ore loading towers and two oil storage tanks. At night, the port lighting may be seen at a distance of 20nm. A light (white metal framework tower, red bands) stands on the W entrance point of the cove. A lightbuoy (black conical; light flashing white) is moored 1.25nm S of Puerto de Hierro.

Vessels are berthed by day or at night, but normally only at slack water. While awaiting the pilot and or slack water, they should anchor near the lightbuoy (see principal navigation aids). Berthing is difficult without local knowledge. A vessel should approach with as little way on as possible. The use of an anchor may prove helpful.

Range 0.3m. Off Puerto de Hierro, the streams set as follows: W going, rising tide; E going, falling tide. Rates up to 2.5kts.

Not available.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

PUERTO de HIERRO 10°38'N 62°05'W Pilotage is arranged through the agent.

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

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.

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 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.