Brazil

Brazil : draft restrictions for Parana River

Coast Guard in Buenos Aires has warned of several vessels sailing from Santa Fe to the ocean with drafts above 34 feet having caused damage to the channel. Apart from the risk of grounding and the related navigational hazards this would cause, these incidents have contributing to congestion and affected the traffic in this area. While vessels with drafts above 34 feet have been able to use the Parana River safely this has been due to the high tidal levels. However, the Coast Guard warns that the tidal levels are not constant and should not be taken into account when calculating the vessel's draft. In order to minimise the risk of grounding and the associated problems the Coast Guard recommends that vessels using the main waterways from Santa Fe to the ocean must have drafts below 34 feet.