Palua (VEPLA)

The port consists of two jetties and a marginal pier made of a steel structure supported by steel piles. The port is used to export iron ore and mineral ore, also loading and unloading of heavy project and general cargo.

Tropical.

Palua is situated on the S bank of the River Orinoco at Mile 181.4, approx 1.5nm WSW of San Felix.

Max LOA 255m, beam 38m, draught 24m, 93,266DWT.

The port is approached by a buoyed and dredged channel branching SW from the main channel. The centre line of this approach channel is indicated by the alignment of 2 lighted daymarks, situated near the loading wharf. A tug and a Docking Pilot will meet vessels after passing San Felix and before reaching the approach channel where the vessel is berthed port side to.

BA 3320. Admiralty Pilot NP7A, NP286(7).

1000.

The vessel is berthed portside to for loading ore. When unberthing, a vessel proceeds upstream to a turning area 0.75nm W of the wharf, assisted by a tug.

Compulsory. River Pilots board vessel at Mile 0, if vessel has LOA over 200m; otherwise pilot will board at Mile 27. Docking pilot meets vessel at Mile 178.

Simultaneous navigation in opposite directions between Miles 0-27 is not permitted, outbound vessels have priority. The Port Captain will notify the vessel via "YVM" of the time permitted to transit the channel. Maximum draught permitted varies due to seasonal changes. Dry season Dec-May 10.0m; rainy season Jun-Nov 13.1m. Vessels must have clean ballast water prior to transiting the river.

None.

Compulsory; four tugs available.

Prevailing winds: E-NE'ly.

PALUA 8°22'N 62°42'W See Pilot Requirements Puerto Ordaz

Radio reception 8386kHz, transmission 8453kHz, 0600-1800hrs. Reception 4192kHz, transmission 4322kHz, 1800-0600hrs. 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.

..... 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 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 at Puerto Ordaz via "YVM" of their ETA at Mile 0, 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.