Port Operations and Agency
Port Call
A vessel’s scheduled or actual visit to a port for cargo, bunkering, repairs, crew matters or other operations. During a port call, the concept may affect coordination, timing, cost, documentation or responsibility between the vessel and local parties.
What a port call covers
A port call is one vessel’s visit to one port, from arrival to departure.
It exists as a plan before it exists as an event, which is why the definition says scheduled or actual.
Everything done for the vessel during the visit belongs to the same call, however many companies deliver it.
Port Call is a term used in maritime business and operations.
A vessel’s scheduled or actual visit to a port for cargo, bunkering, repairs, crew matters or other operations.
During a port call, the concept may affect coordination, timing, cost, documentation or responsibility between the vessel and local parties. The exact meaning may vary with the contract, jurisdiction, port practice or workflow in which it is used.
What happens during a port call
Activity
Cargo operations
What it involves
Loading, discharging, tank cleaning, and the surveys that accompany them.
Activity
Bunkering
What it involves
Delivery of fuel, with sampling and documentation.
Activity
Stores and spares
What it involves
Provisions, deck and engine stores, and parts delivered to the vessel
Activity
Crew matters
What it involves
Sign-on and sign-off, medical attendance, and shore leave arrangements.
Activity
Repairs and inspection
What it involves
Riding crews, technicians, and class or port state attendance.
Activity
Statutory clearance
What it involves
Customs, immigration, health, and port authority formalities.
Where a port call starts and ends
Operationally
Begins when the vessel arrives at the pilot station or port limits.
Commercially
Begins when the agent is appointed and the proforma account is raised.
Operationally
Ends when the vessel is outward bound and the pilot is away.
Commercially
Ends when the final account is settled.
Operationally
Measured in hours and days.
Commercially
Measured in weeks, sometimes months.
Operationally
Recorded in the statement of facts.
Commercially
Recorded in the disbursement account.
Port calls in PortzApp
One visit, several jobs
In PortzApp a port call tracks one vessel’s visit to one port, holding the schedule, the current status, and every request and job connected to it. A single visit often involves several providers with separate jobs, and the port call brings their activity together. ETA and ETD are held in port local time.
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