Punta de Palmas (VEPLV)

The terminal is currently closed to commercial shipping. Information is retained should the port reopen. The terminal has 3 offshore berths, each at the end of an oil pipeline connected with the point through a platform from which a light is exhibited.

Tropical.

Offshore oil terminal operated by Palmaven, situated on the W shore of Lake Maracaibo 1.25nm from Buoys 95 & 96 in the main channel. The mooring area is situated 5.5nm off the terminal installations.

Largest vessels handled: LOA 254.5m, 80,000DWT.

Approx over 50 vessels visit the port annually.

The terminal is approached through the dredged channel in Canal de Maracaibo and entered No of B96 Light Buoy (10°24.2'N 071°32.7'W); there are no specific directions for berthing.

BA 1525. Admiralty Pilot NP7A.

1025.

Compulsory, Docking Master boards vessel before it enters terminal.

Range 0.9m.

Compulsory, two tugs of 1,600hp provided for berthing and unberthing, and a third tug may be necessary for vessels exceeding 228m in length. A vessel more than 254m in length, bound for Berth No 3, requires one additional tug.

Prevailing winds: E'ly.

Punta de Palmas 10°26'N 71°36'W Pilots NOTE: Pilotage is provided by SAN CARLOS, see Maracaibo

It is recommended to use Mobile Radio, Curacao Radio, Portishead Radio or Maritex for passing messages. Inmarsat communication is possible. VHF: Via Curacao Radio (PJC), Ch 16, 12.

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 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.