WHEREAS

The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA), attached to the Ministry of People’s Power for Transport, is the management entity for policies issued by the governing body and exercises the Aquatic Authority and Administration, in accordance with the competencies assigned to it by law. Its responsibilities include, among others, supervising, controlling, and inspecting the activity of public and private ports, port-type constructions, installations, related services, and other works, as well as guaranteeing maritime safety and life through supervision and control within the scope of aquatic jurisdictions, in coordination with the competent authorities.

WHEREAS

The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, in the exercise of the Aquatic Authority and Administration, must collaborate with the bodies and entities with competence in aquatic signaling, nautical cartography, hydrography, marine meteorology, oceanography, channeling, and maintenance of navigable waterways.

WHEREAS

The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, in its capacity as the Aquatic Authority, must demand that port administrators comply with the provisions established by Law. These are, in turn, controlled through the Service of Hydrography, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Nautical Charting, attached to the Ministry of People’s Power for Defense, as the entity in charge of authorizing, coordinating, supervising, developing, and executing scientific and hydrographic activities, nautical charting, signaling, and other aids to navigation in all aquatic and insular spaces subject to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Republic.

DECIDES

1. Urge port administrations, in accordance with the provisions of the General Port Law, to comply with the requirement of periodic evaluations, at least every two (2) years, of bathymetry, in order to guarantee the official draft of each port, ensuring that the access channel and docks maintain depths consistent with the nature of the traffic the port serves, through the Hydrography, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Nautical Charting Service of the Bolivarian National Navy, or by companies duly certified and registered by the Service, in order to guarantee compliance with the technical standards consistent with its function.
2. The General Management of Operations, the General Management of Ports, and the Port Captaincies of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces are charged with the execution of this Circular.

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In Caracas, on the 31st day of the month of May 2021. Years 211°, 162°, and 22°.