Colombia’s General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) has introduced new requirements for local navigation in Cartagena that will impact the cruising community.

Published 2 years ago

Initially scheduled for November 15 (but now postponed until sometime in December) the General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) is requiring that the Integrated Maritime Transport and Traffic System (SITMAR) be used to submit float plans for local navigation.

This system is currently used by clearing agents for arriving and departing vessels, but now vessels will be required to receive an “electronic zarpe” from SITMAR for local navigation.

Previously, popular overnight/day trips to Cholon or the Rosario Islands from Cartagena did not require a zarpe or a notification process, but now these trips will need to be registered in SITMAR.

This includes registering a list of crew members, list of passengers or supernumeraries, the country flag of the ship, estimated time of departure and arrival, destination, activity, among other data that allow the Maritime Authority to have the necessary information to act in a timely manner in the event of an emergency at sea.

For the cruising vessels, the request to set sail is approved immediately.

A vessel may self-report via SITMAR or they can contact their entry agent for this support (additional fees may be required).

Our thanks to Club de Pesca, Cartagena, for this information.

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Related Links:

Integrated Maritime Transport and Traffic System (SITMAR)

Noonsite:  Colombia, Cartagena

Noonsite:  Colombia Entry Formalities

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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