3. Custom house procedures
Entered into force 5th March 1967. India ratified on 25th May 1976. Further l amendments were made in ’69, ’73, ’77, ’86, ’87, ’90, ’92, ’93, ’96.
Purpose of this convention is to simplify and facilitate maritime transport and reduce to a minimum the formalities, documentation and procedures on arrival, stay and departure of ships on international voyages.
The convention specifies some standard (compulsory) and recommended practices for documentation and procedures.
Inward ClearanceHealth Clearance is the first requirement when entering ports. Port Health Authorities would be screening ships coming from suspect areas, communicable diseases, contagious diseases and incubation period of known infections. Seamen will have to carry inoculation certificates for Yellow fever etc. Those who are sick on arrival may have to be isolated and quarantined till they are declared fit. The Master would have informed the authorities about the state of health of the ship specifically reporting on animals, monkeys, pets as per local regulations. Ship Sanitation Certificate is required under International Health Regulations some countries issue exemption certificates after inspections to hasten the clearance process.
Immigration Clearance comes next, with which security clearance may also be granted. Many countries have made it mandatory to have visas in advance to work on ships that call such countries, though seamen need not have entry visas in the course of their duty on ships or when joining or leaving ships but some countries they insist on Visa for joining and repatriation also. Seamen’s families are also required to have visas of countries where they are joining ships, or to go ashore in port. Stowaways have to be retained on board and sail with the ship.
Customs Clearance is also mandatory. Duty free bonded stores are required to be locked up, with only small quantities being issued for usage. Banned items cannot be imported. Contraband goods will be confiscated. Dutiable goods will be liable for payment of duty. The ship is entered with the Customs and Port by the Ships Agent. All cargo related clearances through the Customs are carried out by Customs House Agents.
Outward ClearancePort Clearance is an official document issued by Customs or Port Authority, permitting the ship to sail from the port. It forms evidence of the ship’s trading record, and evidence of not calling at banned ports, or port where there is an embargo. When the ship is entered in, all certificates, including Port Clearance certificate from the previous port, will be seen by the Authorities. The ship should have paid all Port charges, including Port dues, Pilotage dues, Towage dues and various other Levies, Cess, Dues, etc. Before the Port Clearance is issued, the Authorities will ensure that all Ships Certificates are valid, with conditions of Class, if any, permitting the ship to sail. Agent may submit guarantees against charges that may not have been settled. Port Clearance will not be granted if crew or stowaway is missing from the ship. Deserters need to be found and repatriated, or indemnity given, if sailing is not permitted. Port Clearance will not override PSC detention.