EntranceChannel
MAZATLAN
ENTRANCE CHANNEL
The approach channel and entrance fairway are marked by buoys and indicated by lighted ranges (Figure I-3). A lighted range on a bearing of 023° marks the approach to Mazatlan (NIMA chart # 21301). The entrance channel is one way and restricted to one ship at a time in the channel. It is entered between two short breakwaters that extend seaward from Isla Creston and Isla Chivos. The channel has a width of about 300 ft (91.4 m) and a minimum depth of 36 ft (11 m). The harbor area, lying 1 nmi above the entrance, has been extensively reclaimed to provide ample alongside berthing facilities and depths for ocean going vessels. The entrance channel divides to the north of the harbor, forming two shallow estuaries of no commercial importance (NIMA Sailing Directions Pub. 153). USN and USCG ships usually turn around in the basin adjacent to Piers 2 and 3 and tie up starboard side to Pier 4 or 5 of the Fiscal Wharf. Beyond the five berths designated as piers along the Fiscal Wharf is the Navy Wharf. This is solely used by the Mexican Navy for vessels up to 394 ft (120 m) in length.
NIMA chart # 21301 was last updated with Mexican chart and survey information as of 1987. Since that time, buoy placement and depths have changed in the Inner Harbor. As indicated by the port pilots during the site visit in February 2000, the turning basin has been expanded by 246 ft (75 m) to 1312 ft (400 m) in diameter. The buoy positions have been adjusted and one buoy has been added in the turning basin with depths as follows: #1 - 27 ft (8.2 m), #2 - 25 ft (7.6 m), #3 - 28 ft (8.5 m), #4 and #5 - 32 ft (9.8 m). Updated charts were not available for incorporation into Figure I-3.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/mexico/mazatlan/text/sect3.htm
