Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (2023)

What are Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists?

Also called pre-arrival and pre-departure checklists, these are tools used by mariners before, during, and after arrival or departure at ports. They help mariners, especially those in the bridge and engineering team, ensure that a ship is ready to dock at ports or is seaworthy before departure for the next destination.

Ship Arrival Checklist

Download Free Template

Mariners at the bridge and in the engineering team can use this vessel arrival checklist to help ensure that the ship is ready for port arrival. Based on a pre-arrival-checklist, use this 72-96 hours before the intended arrival to prepare navigation and communication, documentation, steering and propulsion, safety, crew, etc. With the SafetyCulture (iAuditor) app, you can:

  • Ensure that all the important points are done right
  • Make relevant notes or take photos for any issues encountered
  • Assign tasks to appropriate crew members
  • Send and receive reports in real-time
  • Make recordkeeping convenient and secure
  • Create, edit, and share checklists that fit your vessel’s needs

Vessel arrival and departure checklists serve as a guide for seafarers to guarantee that all necessary and crucial steps are taken to help promote safety and comply with international regulations and standards.

In this article

  • Why are Arrival and Departure Checklists Important?
  • What are the Main Points to Review in Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Checklists?
  • Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklist FAQs
  • Powerful Tool for Vessel Arrival and Departure
  • Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists

Why are Arrival and Departure Checklists Important?

How does having a pre-departure and pre-arrival checklist help you? Vessel arrival and departure are time-sensitive and depending on current circumstances at sea and shipyard port, can be challenging and dangerous. Through checklists, seafarers can prepare for arrival and departure of ships more efficiently as well as promote the following:

(Video) Bridge preparation before arrival & departure || Merchant Navy || Cargo Ships || Life at sea ||

• Security and safety of the crew and passengers

Arrival and departure checklists help the crew go through all the essential steps to ensure the safety of the ship’s arrival and departure—both for the people on board as well as those at the seaport.

• Damage prevention

The checklists contain steps on what to check first to make sure that the ship, its cargo, and the port are safe for docking and departure.

• Timely departure and arrival

Using a checklist can help with efficiency, thus saving time, and help the ship stay on schedule. Inefficiency and delays can result to costly recurring penalties and damage business reputation.

What are the Main Points to Review in Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Checklists?

Pre-arrival and pre-departure checklists aim to cover all essentials beforehand, in compliance with international and local regulations and standards. Here are some of the main points covered by arrival and departure checklists:

Arrival

  • Navigation and communication
    • Inform the receiving seaport at least 3 days before the planned arrival
    • Provide all ship information required by the port authorities
    • Meet the crew and inform them of any potential security concerns
    • Check lights and test inter-ship communication
    • Be aware of any obstruction to the ship’s arrival
    • Ensure that the flag hoisted is appropriate
    • Anticipate any wind change
  • Documentation
    • Prepare all documentation needed for the port call, ensuring that they have the ship’s official stamp and signature of the Master
  • Safety
    • Check the perimeter of the ship and secure mooring lines, cables, and straps
    • Ensure that the main engine gear boxes are in good working condition
    • Secure any loose objects on the bridge
  • Crew
    • Brief the crew on duties during mooring
    • Remind crew of protocol regarding suspicious activity
  • Pilot
    • Be ready for the pilot’s arrival and boarding
    • Be briefed on any security issues, regulations, etc, at the port
  • Secured along side
    • Inform engineering when ready to secure engines
    • Put radar on standby
    • Monitor communications with port authorities using radios

Departure

  • Navigation and communication
    • Ensure crew members are oriented on vessel duties (per SOLAS Regulation)
    • Check that voyage plan has an updated crew list
    • Ensure that authorities have provided permission to depart
    • Check lights and test inter-ship communication
    • Test radars and other essential equipment to ensure good working condition
    • Ensure that the flag hoisted is appropriate for the destination
  • Documentation
    • Record the vessel’s draft in the logbook (per 46 CFR 131.510)
    • Ensure that log compasses are on and gyro settings are correct
    • Check and log if the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is in good working condition
    • Check all marine crew certificates and log if all are qualified and affix the signature of the Master
  • Steering and propulsion
    • Test the steering gear (per SOLAS Regulation) and once engines are running, check that gauges are in working order
  • Safety
    • Ensure that flashlights and emergency lights are working properly
    • Check life rafts, rings, strobes, and smoke buoys
    • Secure any loose objects on the bridge
  • Before cast-off
    • Ensure that those aboard are intended to be there before departure. Check for stowaways
    • All watertight doors and hatches should be secured
    • Loose gear on all decks should be secured
    • Clear all obstructions or floating debris around the vessel
    • Ensure proper PPE for all at mooring lines
    • Inform engine room before cast-off
  • After cast-off
    • Activate radars that are in standby mode
    • Ensure that mooring lines are properly stowed
  • In open water
    • Secure anchor windlass
    • Update port authorities of ship status

Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklist FAQs

The master of the ship is responsible for preparing the entire vessel for arrival and departure. They will relay orders to all crew members for getting ready to depart and arrive. Before leaving the dock, they must follow and document procedures to ensure compliance with seafaring regulations.

A vessel pre-departure checklist is essential to ensure you have all the items needed before the trip. It should contain the following items:

  • General preparations
  • Weather forecast
  • Condition of the boat
  • Tools and equipment
  • Navigation aids and lights
  • Emergency signals
  • Documentation
(Video) Steering gear checks and Controls testing | Pre arrival departure #ships #mariners #merchantnavy

A pre-departure checklist is crucial to navigating the coastal waters safely. This checklist helps marine officers get their ships ready for sailing before departing and arriving on the dock. It also makes sure that crew members can thoroughly run through every aspect of the ship’s engineering and operations without missing any item.

Manning a vessel, coordinating all activities, and ensuring that arrival and departure are safe, secure, and on time are huge responsibilities. Making sure that all activities are properly monitored and recorded round the clock also adds to the challenge. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor), a powerful inspection and checklist app, can help marine crew ensure that all crucial points are checked and taken into account before the arrival and departure of vessels. With SafetyCulture, you can:

  • Conduct inspection of the whole ship (even while in open water and beyond data signal)
  • Schedule and assign recurring checks round the clock
  • Automatically record inspection reports for easy reference
  • Have an overview of vessel performance according to inspections
  • Create and edit inspection templates according to the need of vessels

Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists

Powered by Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (2)

Ship Departure Checklist

Download Free Template

(Video) Steering gear checks and Controls testing | Pre arrival departure #ships #mariners #merchantnavy

Mariners can use this vessel pre departure checklist to help prepare the vessel and the crew before navigating into open waters. A pre departure checklist provides mariners a guide on which ship items and details to review with the aim of a smooth ship departure. Created with international and local regulations in mind, this ship pre departure checklist allows you to do the following:

  • Check navigation and communication
  • Check documentation
  • Check steering and propulsion
  • Check and ensure safety
  • Review before and after cast-off
  • Review ship while in open water

Powered by Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (3)

Vessel Arrival Checklist - Engine Room

The team of marine engineers can use this vessel pre-arrival checklist upon receipt of the one hour notice from the bridge in order to prepare the ship for arrival at the port.

Powered by Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (4)

Vessel Departure Checklist - Engine Room

The engineering team can use this vessel pre-departure checklist upon receipt of the one hour notice for departure in order to prepare the ship for departure from the port to open water.

(Video) Procedure For Arrival Of Ship At Port in English

Powered by Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (5)

Bonus! Port State Control Inspection Checklist

A Port State Control (PSC) inspection checklist is used by mariners to help ensure compliance with international regulations on the condition, operation, and manning of a vessel. Use this PSC inspection checklist that includes reminders for items and other details required by SOLAS Ch III Reg 37 and other requirements.

Vessel Arrival and Departure Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture (6)

SafetyCulture staff writer

Erick Brent Francisco

Erick Brent Francisco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. As a content specialist, he is interested in learning and sharing how technology can improve work processes and workplace safety. His experience in logistics, banking and financial services, and retail helps enrich the quality of information in his articles.

Erick Brent Francisco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. As a content specialist, he is interested in learning and sharing how technology can improve work processes and workplace safety. His experience in logistics, banking and financial services, and retail helps enrich the quality of information in his articles.

(Video) How to prepare the ship bridge on arrival

FAQs

What are ship arrival and departure checklists and its importance? ›

Also called pre-arrival and pre-departure checklists, these are tools used by mariners before, during, and after arrival or departure at ports. They help mariners, especially those in the bridge and engineering team, ensure that a ship is ready to dock at ports or is seaworthy before departure for the next destination.

What is a pre departure checklist for a boat? ›

Check the electrical system and that all lights are working properly. Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor. Check the propulsion and cooling systems. Check the oil level, and inspect the engine compartment for oil leaks. Change the oil filter, water filter, and spark plugs, if needed.

How do I check my vessel arrival? ›

Notable Vessel Tracking Websites
  1. Marine-Traffic. Marine-Traffic, one of the most famous and widely used online ship tracking systems, offers ships' real-time data and advanced search features. ...
  2. FleetMon. ...
  3. Shipfinder. ...
  4. VesselFinder. ...
  5. Vesseltracker. ...
  6. VT Explorer. ...
  7. myshiptracking. ...
  8. Cruisemapper.
Jan 1, 2021

What is 1 hour notice before departure and arrival of the our ships? ›

Things to do at 1 hour notice period

A quick round of engine room is taken and chief engineer has to be reported regarding the departure. Check oil level, header tank level, cylinder oil daily tank level. Check the pressure of fuel oil pump, booster pump, lube oil pump etc.

What are the 4 elements of a risk assessment onboard ship? ›

The areas pertained to are:
  • Identification of hazards.
  • Assessment of the risks concerned.
  • Application of controls to reduce the risks.
  • Monitoring of the effectiveness of the controls.
Jul 14, 2019

What are the purpose of SMS onboard the vessel? ›

The SMS functions as a way to monitor the hazards that can occur on your ship and to control the risks. That's why you should review it regularly to keep it up to date. Each SMS will be slightly different as they are tailored for the type of ship and the kinds of cargo it carries.

Why should all boaters use a pre departure checklist? ›

A pre departure checklist is easy to review, and it ensures that you don't get caught on the water unprepared. It is also useful to keep new passengers informed and comfortable. Common sense tells us that we should check everything about our boat before leaving the dock to prevent an unpleasant situation.

How do I check my vessel documentation? ›

Contact the USCG Vessel Documentation Center (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm) for vessel title and lien information.

What is actual vessel arrival? ›

Actual Time of Arrival (ATA)

…is when a ship or vessel actually arrives at the dock. Example: The time of arrival can be close to the predicted time or very different. Impact: If a vessel actually arrives early or late, this will cause an issue for port congestion.

What is vessel arrival? ›

The phrase arrival of a vessel means that time when the vessel first comes to rest, whether at anchor or at a dock, in any harbor within the Customs territory of the U.S.

What is the minimal of hours to provide notice of arrival? ›

(i) Less than 24 hours but greater than 6 hours, must submit updates to an NOA as soon as practicable, but at least 6 hours before entering the port or place of destination.

What should be done to the anchors of vessel before the arrival in port *? ›

Before arrival at or off the port, both anchors are to be cleared ready for use. Anchors should only be cleared when the water depth will allow recovery of the anchor and cable if they are accidentally let go. An anchor marking buoy is to be available and ready for use.

What are the duties of the ship agent before the ship arrives to the port? ›

The port agent is central to all trades and is responsible for organising, overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the port call, from booking berth allocations and services ahead of the vessel's arrival to finalising the accounts and other paperwork after the vessel has sailed.

What are the five 5 principles of risk assessment? ›

You can do it yourself or appoint a competent person to help you.
  • Identify hazards.
  • Assess the risks.
  • Control the risks.
  • Record your findings.
  • Review the controls.

What are the 3 prime factor in every ship board operation? ›

In every shipboard operation, the three prime factors that should be focused on by the onboard personnel are – safety of the crew, safety of the ship and cargo, and protection of marine environment.

What is the difference between ISM and SMS? ›

SMS is an important aspect of the International safety management (ISM) code and it details all the important policies, practices, and procedures that are to be followed in order to ensure the safe functioning of ships at the sea. All commercial vessels are required to establish safe ship management procedures.

WHO issues a SMS certificate to a vessel? ›

A Safety Management Certificate is issued to the ship of a DOC holding Company by the administration. Every individual ship must have an SMC which ensures that it complies with the onboard Safety Management Manual based on ISM.

What equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer? ›

Vessels 16 feet and over, except canoes and kayaks, must have one wearable Coast Guard-approved life jacket of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the boating activity being engaged in for each person aboard, plus at least one Type IV throwable flotation device.

What are the 4 points of a boat? ›

What Are The Front, Back, Left, and Right of a Boat Called?
  • The front of a boat is called the bow, while the rear of a boat is called the stern.
  • When looking towards the bow, the left-hand side of the boat is the port side.
  • And starboard is the corresponding word for the right side of a boat.

What should boat operators always have on board? ›

Boating Safety Equipment Requirements

At a bare minimum, you should always have with you: Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board. Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length. Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C.

Are you required to carry marine charts? ›

The Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations require pleasure craft operators to carry nautical charts on board unless they know the location and character of charted: Shipping routes and… Lights, buoys, and markers and… Navigational hazards.

What is the most important thing to check before launching your boat? ›

Ensure the trailer is properly connected to the towing vehicle and a safety chain is attached. Check all lights and brakes on the trailer. Check to make sure the boat is securely attached to the trailer by winch wire and safety chain, stern hold-downs and all equipment in the boat are safely secured and stowed.

What do boat surveyors look for? ›

The surveyors will inspect the hull to check for soundness and water intrusion, running gear, electronics, electrical system, plumbing, heat and air conditioning and all other items of the boat. They will do a cursory review of the engine and mechanical systems.

Why do you remove shoes before boarding a boat? ›

The majority of yachts do not allow the wearing of shoes on board. Street shoes, such as boots and heeled shoes, are prohibited on all boats as they can damage decks and floors and contaminate carpets and other exotic decorations. Therefore, the “barefoot” rule is regularly enforced on board.

What is a yellow buoy used for? ›

For those who are paddling or boating on intercoastal waterways, yellow buoys are used to designate a channel. When someone sees a yellow square, this is a sign that they need to keep the buoy to the port side. On the other hand, yellow triangles should stay to the starboard side of the boater.

How does a predeparture checklist help you? ›

One of the best ways to be prepared is to use a pre-departure checklist before each trip---even short trips! This type of checklist is easy to review, and it makes sure that you aren't caught unprepared. You can also use it to keep new passengers informed and comfortable.

What vessels must be documented? ›

What vessels are required by law to be documented? Any vessel of at least five (5) net tons which engages in the fisheries, Great Lakes trade, or coastwise trade must be documented, except: A vessel which does not operate on the navigable waters of the United States.

What is vessel Documentation? ›

Vessel documentation is the process of registering a boat with the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center. Unlike state titling, USCG vessel documentation occurs at the federal level.

What are the requirements for USCG vessel Documentation? ›

Character Requirements
  • Letters & Numbers must be read from left to right.
  • Characters must be at least three (3) inches in height.
  • Characters must be of contrasting color to color of the boat. ...
  • Characters must be separated by the width of one letter or number - not including the number one (1) or capital letter (I).

What is the difference between ETA and ATA? ›

Let's say a driver is supposed to arrive at their final destination at 3 p.m. This is the ETA. However, due to a traffic jam, the truck is delayed. It ends up arriving at the final destination at 5 p.m. This is the ATA.

What is vessel departure? ›

Vessel Departure means the date and time that the a vessel casts off the last line.

What is IMO on a vessel? ›

What is an IMO number? The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced its Ship Identification Number Scheme in 1987 to help prevent maritime fraud and enhance the security of merchant vessels.

Who is responsible for ship departure and arrival? ›

The master of the ship is responsible for preparing the entire vessel for arrival and departure. They will relay orders to all crew members for getting ready to depart and arrive. Before leaving the dock, they must follow and document procedures to ensure compliance with seafaring regulations.

What is the difference between vessel arrival and berthing? ›

So, in simplest words reaching to port is vessel arriving and the process of reaching dock and unloading is vessel berthing. Arriving vessels may have to wait long periods to get berthed in a port if there is more congestion. Once the vessel is berthed, the cargo will be unloaded on the docks.

What is the difference between ETA and ETB? ›

Vessel ETA is commonly used to denote the date and time at which a ship is expected to arrive at the port, while ETB is used to denote the date and time at which a ship is expected to berth at the port. As such, ETB is a more accurate date/time of arrival for planning purposes.

What is checklist and its importance? ›

A checklist is a type of job aid used in repetitive tasks to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task. A basic example is the "to do list".

What is the importance of ship shore safety checklists? ›

The purpose of the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist is to improve working relationships between ship and terminal, and thereby to improve the safety of operations.

Why checklists are so important and useful? ›

Checklists have the objective of overseeing tasks or projects and ensuring nothing important is forgotten during execution. This way, you don't omit anything that might end up compromising your results. Additionally, they ensure activities are completed in orderly, organized fashion.

How does having a departure checklist help you? ›

One of the best ways to be prepared is to use a pre-departure checklist before each trip---even short trips! This type of checklist is easy to review, and it makes sure that you aren't caught unprepared. You can also use it to keep new passengers informed and comfortable.

What should a checklist include? ›

A typical checklist should have the following items:
  • Give a name to your checklist. The name of the checklist represents the purpose and use of creating it.
  • Date / Date range. ...
  • Add tasks in your checklist. ...
  • Continue repeating for every task.

What is a basic checklist? ›

A simple checklist template is any kind of process or list of tasks arranged in the form of a checklist; in other words, it's a to-do list where the order of tasks is usually important.

What are the two types of checklist? ›

It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task from an individual, within a work group, or across an institution. There are two basic types of checklists: process-based and behavior-based. Sometimes, process- and behavior-based checklists are combined.

What are the contents of ship and shore safety checklist? ›

Bulk liquid cargo handling - Ship to shore safety checklist
  • There is safe access between the ship and shore.
  • The ship is securely moored.
  • The agreed ship/ shore communication system is operative.
  • Emergency towing-off pennants are correctly rigged and positioned.

How do you fill a ship shore safety checklist? ›

  1. There is safe access between the ship and shore. ...
  2. The ship is securely moored. ...
  3. The agreed ship/shore communication system is operative. ...
  4. Emergency towing-off pennants are correctly rigged and positioned. ...
  5. The ship's fire hoses and fire fighting equipment is positioned and ready for immediate use.

What does code r stand in ship shore safety checklist? ›

Code R stands for Re-check. These are the items that need to be checked at regular interval. For example, item 1 requires the vessel to check the Gangway and as this is a Code "R" item, the vessel needs to check the gangway at regular interval.

What is checklist and example? ›

A checklist is a list of all the things that you need to do, information that you want to find out, or things that you need to take somewhere, which you make in order to ensure that you do not forget anything. Make a checklist of the tools and materials you will need. [ + of]

What is checklist method? ›

Under checklist method, a checklist is forwarded to the rater regarding the performance and behaviour of the employees. The rater on analysing the question and the employees, rates the employees. Such questions carry score which is given by the HR manager.

What should be discussed with passengers during the pre departure checklist? ›

Before departing, have a safety discussion with everyone on board. Some of the things you should point out are: Locations of emergency equipment—personal flotation devices (PFDs), fire extinguisher(s), visual distress signals, first-aid kit, and bilge pump.

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