Vessel Entry and Exit Procedures

Kamarajar Port requires all vessels calling at the port to follow the prescribed procedures for pre-arrival notification, vessel registration, voyage declaration, berth allocation, and port clearance through the NLP-Marine portal. These procedures ensure compliance with DG Shipping and international maritime regulations while ensuring safe and efficient port operations.

1. Pre-Arrival Security Notification

All vessels must submit a Pre-Arrival Notice of Security (PANS) at least 96 hours prior to arrival at the port, or within 2 hours of departure from the last port if the voyage duration is less than 96 hours.

This requirement ensures compliance with the maritime security guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

2. Vessel Arrival Procedures

Vessel Arrival Report (VAR)

Ship agents must submit a Vessel Arrival Report (VAR) prior to arrival, providing detailed operational information regarding the vessel and cargo through the NLP Marine portal including:

• ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
• Pilot Memo
• ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

Upon reaching port limits, vessels must contact KPL VTS via:

• VHF Channel 74
• VHF Channel 77

The Vessel Traffic Service coordinates vessel movement to ensure safe navigation within port limits.

AIS Compliance

All vessels must keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) active throughout their approach and stay within port waters.

Pilotage and Boarding

Vessels must ensure:

• Proper pilot ladder arrangement as per IMO / SOLAS regulations
• Safe boarding conditions for the harbour pilot

False declarations regarding pilot boarding readiness may result in operational delays.

Waste Management

If vessels intend to use port reception facilities for waste disposal, a pre-arrival notification must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance, even if the service is not required.

3. Vessel Profile Registration in NLP

The ship agent must first register the Vessel Profile through the National Logistics Portal (NLP).

The following mandatory certificates must be uploaded:

• Certificate of Registry
• Certificate of Class and CAS/CAP for Tankers
• International Tonnage Certificate
• International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)
• Safety Management Certificate
• Safety Construction Certificate
• P&I Certificate (Protection & Indemnity Insurance)

Verification by Marine Department

The Marine Services Department will:

• Verify all uploaded certificates
• Ensure compliance with international maritime standards
• Approve the vessel profile in the system

Only after approval can the ship agent proceed with voyage registration.

4. Voyage Registration in NLP

Once the vessel profile is approved, the ship agent must submit Voyage Registration in the portal comprising the following eight main sections:

• Voyage details
• Cargo details
• Crew list
• Passenger list
• Ship stores declaration
• Dangerous goods declaration
• Vessel security details
• Undertaking

5. Generation of Vessel Call Number (VCN)

After successful submission and verification of voyage documents, the system generates a VCN (Vessel Call Number) through the National Logistics Portal.

The VCN serves as the unique reference number for the vessel’s port call and is used for all subsequent operational processes.

6. Berth Planning and Allocation

• A berth is allocated to the vessel by the Traffic Department of Kamarajar Port.

7. Issue of No Due Certificate (NDC)

Once berth allocation and required payments are completed:

• The Marine Department issues the No Due Certificate (NDC).

The NDC confirms that:

• All applicable port dues have been settled
• The vessel is authorized to commence port operations

8. Vessel Exit Procedure (Departure)

Before departing the port, vessels must obtain Port Clearance from Customs.