The General Directorate of Captaincies and Coastguards (DICAPI) approved Directorial Resolution N° 656-2026 MGP/DICAPI, which modifies various appendices of the Maritime Pilotage and Maritime Pilots Standard (originally approved by R.D. N° 1186-2016 MGP/DGCG). This measure seeks to strengthen nautical safety, efficiency in maneuvers, and adapt to the expansion of port infrastructure in the country.
Main Regulatory Modifications
The legal provision updates and expands the limits of the ZPM9 Compulsory Pilotage Zone, formally incorporating the infrastructure of the San Nicolás Port Terminal of Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. – New San Nicolás Pier into the following regulatory tables:
- Appendix «D» (Table «D-1»): The new port infrastructure is formally assigned to the jurisdiction of the San Juan Port Captaincy and the ZPM9 zone.
- Appendix «E» (Table «E-1»): The minimum maneuver requirements for obtaining, renewing, promoting, and rehabilitating the license of Maritime Pilots enabled in this zone are established:
- Aspirants / Granting in another zone: 30 maneuvers.
- License renewal (PM2, PM1, PME): 16 maneuvers.
- Promotion to PM1: 30 maneuvers.
- Promotion to PME: 60 maneuvers.
- Appendix «O» (Table «O-1»): The minimum number of pilots required to operate in the ZPM9 zone is set at four (4).
Operational Impact on the Port Sector
The technical update responds to the need to support the country's maritime megastructures with operational safety standards. With the incorporation of the new pier in San Nicolás (San Juan de Marcona district, Ica), the regulations will allow for:
- Handling of deep-draft vessels: Safe maneuvering of vessels with capacities between 200,000 DWT and 300,000 TPM, with up to 329 meters in length.
- Mass export capacity: Operational support for the shipment of up to 25 million tons of bulk cargo annually.
- Regional positioning: Consolidation of the facility as the largest mineral loading port terminal on the west coast of South America.
- Protection and sustainability: Guarantee of safety of human life at sea, pollution prevention, and proper socio-environmental management.
Effective Date
The directorial resolution comes into effect on September 20, 2026 (the day after its publication in the Official Gazette El Peruano). The other provisions of the Maritime Pilotage Standard approved in 2016 remain in force and effect.
