PortFacilities
ACAPULCO
PORT FACILITIES
The port is entered via Boca Grande, the channel leading between Isla Roqueta and the mainland.
Acapulco has one primary pier (Figure III-3, Figure III-4 and Figure III-5). The main facilities are situated on the north side of Bahia Santa Lucia. Dock # 1, the Passenger Wharf (Cruise Ship berth), has 675.9 ft (206 m) of berthage with depths of 30.8 to 40.7 ft (9.4 to 12.4 m) alongside. Dock # 2, the Fiscal Wharf, has 649.6 ft (198 m) of berthage with depths of 25.3 to 30.8 ft (7.7 to 9.4 m) alongside. Dock # 3, the Commercial Wharf, has 508.6 ft (155 m) of berthage with depths of 21 to 25.3 ft (6.4 to 7.7 m) alongside, and the Fishing Wharf has 567.6 ft (173 m) of berthage with a depth of 13.1 ft (4 m) alongside. Navy ships would normally tie up at Dock # 1 but cruise ships have first priority. If a cruise ship were in port, the visiting ship would normally tie up at Dock # 2 or be assigned anchorage. Figure III-6 provides a diagram of the docks with associated lengths and depths.
Vessels of up to 675.9 ft (206 m) in length and a 35.1 ft (10.7 m) draft can be accommodated alongside. The deck height for the primary pier is 6 ft (1.8 m). No Yokohama fenders, camels or brows are normally available. There are sufficient bollards and cleats on the wharves for mooring but the potential ship surge from storm swell might be precarious since the pier is very low and fendered with old tires. Many U. S. Navy ships identified the surge effects of the swell that was notably present alongside the pier.
Note that there is a large white and orange striped platform (floating dock) with orange light and large bollard (16°50'55"N 099°54'01'W) in line with the pier. This additional mooring is used for large cruise ships that routinely tie up at Dock # 1. The floating dock, Figure III-7, is located approximately 1200 ft (366 m) from the end of the primary pier.
Another pier is located in the southeastern part of Acapulco at the Naval Base. It has no facilities and is not used for visiting U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ships.
Pilotage is mandatory in the Port of Acapulco and the Pilot should be contacted on VHF Channel 16. The Pilot will then switch to a working frequency on Channel 14. Normally, the Pilot is contacted one hour before the estimated time of arrival and boards about 1 nmi southwest of the harbor entrance (16°49'N 099°54'W). Vessels should send an ETA at least 72 hours in advance with a confirmation 24 hours in advance. The vessel's length and draft should be stated. Except for emergencies, visiting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships enter and leave during daylight hours. The Pilot Boat is approximately 25 ft in length with a black hull and white upper conning tower. The husbanding agent is normally present with the Pilot for both inbound and outbound tracks. The Port Pilots are knowledgeable and can communicate satisfactorily in English. As of the site visit to Acapulco in August 2002, Mr. Jean Michael Vincent assists with all U. S. Navy and USCG ship visits. He is available through the Captain of the Port's office on Channel 16, email at vjeanpaul@infosel.net.mx or via phone (011-52-(7)-484-3880) /cell phone (011-52-(7)-449-0701). The Captain of the Port/Harbor Master can be reached via phone at 011-52-7-482-2067/1344/2869.
There are no dry docks or repair facilities for large vessels.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/mexico/acapulc/text/sect2.htm
