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PORTINSIGHT Handbook

Complete Maritime Operations Guide for Port Agents, Ship Operators, Surveyors and Terminal Personnel.

All Vessel Cargo Survey Customs Demurrage

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Vessel Arrival Procedure
Standard operating procedure for all arriving vessels

Pre-arrival notification must be submitted at least 72 hours before ETA. The following documentation is required:

  • Vessel particulars (LOA, Beam, Draft, GRT, NRT, DWT)
  • ETA / ETB confirmation
  • Cargo manifest
  • Crew list
  • Port clearance from previous port
Information
All vessels must contact Port Control on VHF Channel 12 upon arrival at the port limits.
Warning
Failure to submit pre-arrival notification may result in delays of up to 24 hours.

Arrival Checklist:

  • ETA notification submitted (72 hours prior)
  • Vessel documentation verified
  • Pilot booked
  • Tug services arranged
  • Berth assigned
  • Quarantine clearance obtained
  • Customs clearance obtained
  • Immigration notified
Berthing Operations
Guidelines for safe and efficient berthing

Berthing is conducted under the supervision of the Port Pilot. The following conditions apply:

  • Maximum wind speed for berthing: 25 knots
  • Maximum visibility: 0.5 nautical miles
  • Daylight berthing preferred for vessels > 200m LOA
Critical Safety
All mooring lines must be inspected before use. Use of damaged lines is strictly prohibited.
Expert Note
For vessels with bow thrusters, it is recommended to have a minimum of 2 tugs for vessels over 200m LOA.

Berthing Sequence:

  1. Vessel approaches at reduced speed
  2. Pilot boards vessel
  3. Tugs connect to vessel
  4. Vessel maneuvers into berth
  5. Mooring lines secured
  6. Gangway deployed
  7. Port inspection completed
Cargo Operations
Standard procedures for cargo handling

Cargo operations commence upon receipt of customs clearance. Key considerations:

  • Stevedoring services provided by licensed operators
  • All cargo must be documented in the cargo manifest
  • Dangerous goods require special handling and documentation
  • Import/export cargo must be segregated
Information
All cargo operations must be conducted in accordance with the IMO Cargo Handling Code.

Cargo Handling Rates (Estimated):

  • Containers: 25-30 moves/hour
  • Bulk Cargo: 5,000-8,000 MT/day
  • Breakbulk: 2,000-4,000 MT/day
  • Vehicles (RoRo): 50-80 units/hour
Warning
Cargo operations must cease during thunderstorms or high wind conditions.
Demurrage & Laytime
Understanding demurrage calculations and laytime

Demurrage is calculated when laytime exceeds the allowed free time. Key definitions:

  • Laytime: The time allowed for loading/discharging cargo
  • Demurrage: Payment for exceeding laytime
  • Dispatch: Payment for completing before laytime
  • NOR (Notice of Readiness): Notification that vessel is ready
Information
Standard laytime for general cargo vessels is 3-5 days. Demurrage rate is typically USD 5,000-10,000 per day.
Expert Note
For vessels with multiple cargo types, separate laytime calculations may be required.

Demurrage Calculation Formula:

  • Demurrage Days = Total Laytime Used - Allowed Laytime
  • Demurrage Amount = Demurrage Days × Daily Demurrage Rate
  • Dispatch Amount = Dispatch Days × Daily Dispatch Rate
Emergency Response
Emergency procedures and contacts

In case of emergency, immediately contact Port Control on VHF Channel 16. Emergency protocols:

Critical Safety
In case of fire, evacuate the vessel immediately and report to Port Control. Do not attempt to fight fires without proper training.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Port Control: VHF Channel 16, +255 22 211 5678
  • Fire Station: +255 22 213 4567
  • Medical Center: +255 22 214 5678
  • Police: +255 22 215 6789
  • Pollution Response: +255 22 216 7890
  • Port Security: +255 22 217 8901
Warning
All emergencies must be reported to Port Control immediately. Do not delay reporting due to concerns about liability.
Maritime Glossary
Key terms and definitions

Common maritime terms used in port operations:

  • ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
  • ETB: Estimated Time of Berthing
  • ETD: Estimated Time of Departure
  • NOR: Notice of Readiness
  • Laytime: Time allowed for cargo operations
  • Demurrage: Charge for exceeding laytime
  • Dispatch: Payment for completing before laytime
  • LOA: Length Overall
  • Beam: Maximum width of vessel
  • Draft: Depth of vessel in water
  • GRT: Gross Registered Tonnage
  • NRT: Net Registered Tonnage
  • DWT: Deadweight Tonnage
  • B/L: Bill of Lading
  • ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
  • IMO: International Maritime Organization
  • SOLAS: Safety of Life at Sea
  • MARPOL: Marine Pollution Convention
Information
All vessels must comply with ISPS regulations. Security level is currently set at Level 1 (Normal).