Document Types
Documentation associated with a vessel’s arrival, its acceptance of cargo for export, and its departure can be generally classified into two categories. One set of documents is provided by the Ship’s Master to the Port State Control agency and refer to the ship’s operation.
The Port State Control agency has the authority to determine whether the ship is properly registered, has clean oil discharge records, and is in compliance with security regulations. Officials have the authority to examine every aspect of the ship operation and the prevailing condition of the ship upon its arrival into the port. When any anomalies are detected, officials may prohibit cargo operations until any perceived discrepancies are fixed. Similarly, the ship could be held up from departing until the officials are satisfied that the ship is in compliance with the local and international rules governing the safety of ocean shipping.
Official agencies empowered by the Port State Control mandates drawn from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations include:
- The coast guard
- The port health and sanitation department
- The customs and excise agency
- Police
- Immigration
The second set of documents relates to the cargo that is being carried by the ship to the overseas destination. Generally, most of the documents are faxed or e-mailed to the recipients in advance. Originals are kept in readiness for inspection, as required.
The graphic below lists the documents required by boarding officials and the port agents on behalf cargo interests.
Officials have the authority to examine every aspect of the ship operation and the prevailing condition of the ship upon its arrival into the port. When any anomalies are detected, officials may prohibit cargo operations until any perceived discrepancies are fixed. Similarly, the ship could be held up from departing until the officials are satisfied that the ship is in compliance with the local and international rules governing the safety of ocean shipping.
Official agencies include:
- The coast guard
- The port health and sanitation department
- The customs and excise
- The police
- The immigration
All of these officials are empowered by the Port State Control mandates drawn from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.