PortFacilities
MAZATLAN
PORT FACILITIES
Mazatlan has 5 berths along the Fiscal Wharf, which are used for multiple purposes (see Figure I-3). Berths 1 and 2 are used for fishing boats and berths 3 through 5 for a combination of general cargo, coastal traffic, and tourism. Berths 4 and 5 are normally used for visiting U. S. Navy ships. Berth 4 is 751 ft (229 m) and Berth 5 is 899 ft (274 m) long. These two berths have a 10 ft (3.1 m) deck height with a minimum depth alongside of 33.5 ft (10.2 m). Both berths are considered to be structurally sound. Fendering is made up of a combination of large tires and 15 ft (4.6 m) sausage-shaped hard rubber pads separated by 6 ft (1.8 m) gaps. A total repair of the bollards and fendering was completed in 1999. There is a planned project to dredge the piers to 36 ft and the channel to 36 ft up to the end of the turning basin. As of February 2000, no estimated completion date was available.
Pilotage is compulsory in the Port of Mazatlan and is available from 0800-1700 Local Time. Special arrangements can be made for night pilotage if required. Vessels should send an ETA 24 hours in advance through their agent. Pilots should be contacted on VHF Channel 16 and normally board about 1 nmi south of Piedra Negra Island at 23°08'N 106°25'W. The pilot will then switch to a working frequency on Channel 13 or 14. Two tugboats with ratings of 2000 and 4000 hp are available and one or both normally meet the ships at the breakwater.
The Port Pilots can communicate quite well in English. As of the site visit to Mazatlan in February 2000, Mr. Rafael Rivera (Husbandry Agent/General Manager Tropical Tours) 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 tropical@acnet.net or bojorq@prodigy.net.mx, or via phone (52) (69) 16-50-77 or cellular phone (52) (69) 19-16-20.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/mexico/mazatlan/text/sect2.htm
