1. Legal Framework
1.1 Governing Laws:
– China Maritime Code (2020 Amendment)
– Port Law of the People’s Republic of China (2018 Revision)
– Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (2023)
– Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Port Regulations (2024)
– Maritime Traffic Safety Law (2023 Amendment)
– China Coast Guard Law (2021)
1.2 Regulatory Authorities:
– Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration (MSA)
– Guangdong Port Administration Bureau
– Shenzhen Customs District
– Shenzhen Ecological Environment Bureau
– Shenzhen Coast Guard
– Shenzhen Transport Bureau
2. Vessel Entry/Exit Regulations
2.1 Mandatory Pre-arrival Documentation:
– e-Maritime System submission (72h prior for vessels >10,000 GT)
– Crew list with biometric data (facial recognition compatible)
– Dangerous goods declaration (IMO format)
– Ballast water management report (48h prior)
– Cyber security self-assessment form
– Crew vaccination records (WHO approved)
2.2 Special Area Restrictions:
– No-entry zones:
* Military areas: 22°45’N-22°55’N / 114°30’E-114°45’E
* LNG terminal security zone: 500m radius
* Submarine cable protection zones (0.5nm buffer)
* Bridge protection zones (300m either side)
– Speed limits:
* Inner harbor: ≤8 knots
* Approach channels: ≤10 knots
* Restricted visibility: ≤6 knots
* TSS areas: ≤12 knots
3. Operational Compliance
3.1 Navigation Requirements:
– AIS transmission mandatory within 50nm of port
– VHF Channel 16/12 continuous monitoring
– Bridge resource management standards (BRM Level 2)
– ECDIS updates within 30 days of arrival
– New requirements:
* Backup paper charts for ECDIS-dependent vessels
* Voyage data recorder (VDR) annual certification
* Automatic identification of fishing vessels
3.2 Cargo Operations:
– Container weight verification (VGM) tolerance: ±5% or 1MT
– Bulk cargo moisture limits:
* Iron ore: ≤10%
* Coal: ≤12% with TML certificate
* Bauxite: ≤8% with IMSBC certification
* Nickel ore: ≤32% with TML
– DG segregation:
* Class 2.1/5.1 minimum 10m separation
* Class 3/8 minimum 6m separation with barrier
* Class 7 minimum 12m separation
3.3 Operational Restrictions:
– No nighttime operations for:
* Vessels >300m LOA
* High-risk DG cargo (Class 1, 2.1, 7)
* Dust-generating bulk cargo
– Mandatory tug escort for:
* VLCCs at all times
* LNG carriers during berthing
* Vessels with steering defects
* Vessels >250m LOA in inner harbor
– New crane safety standards:
* Annual load testing
* Anti-collision systems
* Wind speed monitoring
4. Safety Management
4.1 Emergency Equipment Standards:
– Life-saving appliances:
* 110% immersion suit complement
* Monthly lifeboat drill records
* EPIRB annual test certification
* New: Thermal imaging cameras for rescue boats
– Fire-fighting systems:
* Annual hydrostatic testing certification
* CO2 system inspection every 2 years
* Fire damper operational testing monthly
* New: Firefighting robot compatibility
4.2 Gangway Safety:
– Minimum width: 1.0m for vessels >200m LOA
– Maximum angle: 30° from horizontal
– Safety net requirements: Full perimeter coverage
– Lighting: Minimum 100 lux at all times
– New: RFID crew tracking at gangways
4.3 Safety Requirements:
– Anti-piracy measures:
* Water spray systems for high-risk areas
* Safe muster points clearly marked
* New: Drone detection systems
– Cybersecurity:
* Network segmentation for critical systems
* No unauthorized USB devices
* Regular penetration testing
* New: Blockchain-based log verification
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Emission Control:
– Fuel sulfur limits:
* Port area: ≤0.10% m/m
* At-berth: ≤0.05% m/m
* ECA zone: ≤0.10% within 24nm
– Shore power requirements:
* Mandatory for container ships >5,000 GT
* Minimum 6.6kV/60Hz capacity
* Connection within 1h of berthing
* New: Real-time power monitoring
5.2 Waste Management:
– Zero discharge policy in port waters
– Mandatory use of licensed waste contractors
– Electronic waste tracking system (e-Waste)
– Waste categories:
* Microplastics (separate collection)
* Food waste (compulsory separation)
* E-waste (certified disposal)
* New: Carbon filter residues
5.3 Ballast Water Compliance:
– D-2 standard mandatory for all vessels
– Port State Control sampling increased to 15%
– Reception facilities:
* Capacity: 50,000m³/day
* Advance notice: 48h required
* Fee: $0.50/m³ (minimum $500)
* New: Ballast water analytics service
6. Inspection Regime
6.1 Port State Control:
– Inspection rate: 25% of foreign vessels
– Targeting criteria:
* Age >15 years
* High-risk flag states
* Previous deficiencies
* Blacklisted operators
* New: Cyber security risk profile
– Inspection focus areas:
* Cyber security systems
* Anti-piracy measures
* Crew working conditions
* New: Carbon emission records
6.2 Deficiency Statistics:
– Top 10 findings (2024 data):
1. Fire damper malfunctions (23%)
2. Emergency lighting defects (18%)
3. Oil record book discrepancies (15%)
4. Lifeboat equipment deficiencies (12%)
5. ISPS documentation issues (10%)
6. AIS transmission errors (8%)
7. Garbage management plan violations (7%)
8. Crew rest hour violations (5%)
9. Fuel changeover records (4%)
10. Ballast water documentation (3%)
7. Enforcement Measures
7.1 Penalty System:
– Minor violations: $1,000-$5,000
– Major violations: $5,000-$50,000
– Criminal offenses: Case referral to maritime court
– Penalty categories:
* Cyber security breaches: $10,000-$100,000
* Waste discharge: $50,000 minimum
* False declarations: $20,000 minimum
* New: Carbon fraud: $100,000 minimum
7.2 Detention Criteria:
– Grounds for detention:
* Safety equipment failures
* Pollution prevention defects
* Documentation fraud
* Crew welfare violations
* Cyber security breaches
* New: Repeated minor violations (3+)
– Appeal process: 7 days to Shenzhen MSA
7.3 Enforcement Tools:
– Drone surveillance for:
* Visible emissions
* Illegal discharges
* Security breaches
* New: Night vision monitoring
– Blockchain verification for:
* Bunker delivery notes
* Waste receipts
* Crew certifications
* New: Maintenance records
8. Special Compliance Programs
8.1 Green Port Initiative:
– Tiered incentive system:
* Platinum: 20% port fee reduction
* Gold: 15% reduction
* Silver: 10% reduction
– Qualification criteria:
* CO2 emissions <10g/ton-mile
* Use of alternative fuels
* Shore power capability
* Waste reduction measures
* New: Noise reduction measures
8.2 Cyber Security Certification:
– Mandatory for all vessels >500 GT
– Annual audit requirements
– Minimum standards:
* ECDIS patch management
* Network segmentation
* Access controls
* Incident response plan
* New: AI-based intrusion detection
– Approved auditors:
* DNV
* ABS
* CCS
* New: China Cyber Security Center
8.3 Quality Shipping Program:
– Benefits:
* Reduced inspection frequency
* Priority berthing
* Fast-track clearance
* New: Discount on waste fees
– Eligibility:
* No detentions in past 3 years
* ISM DOC valid
* Green Port Platinum status
* New: Cyber Security Gold rating
9. Crew Welfare Requirements
9.1 Working Conditions:
– Maximum working hours: 14h/day
– Minimum rest periods: 10h/24h
– Shore leave guarantees (except security level 3)
– Requirements:
* Mental health support
* Internet access provisions
* Complaint reporting system
* New: Cultural/religious accommodations
9.2 Medical Standards:
– Mandatory medical insurance coverage
– Telemedicine access requirements
– Infectious disease reporting protocol
– Facilities:
* 24/7 port clinic
* Designated quarantine area
* Emergency helicopter pad
* New: Mental health first aid stations
10. Dispute Resolution
10.1 Legal Jurisdiction:
– Exclusive venue: Shenzhen Maritime Court
– Applicable law: Chinese maritime law
– Arbitration options: CMAC Shenzhen
– Mediation service for:
* Crew contract disputes
* Commercial disagreements
* Environmental claims
* New: Cyber incident disputes
10.2 Compliance Certification:
– Annual compliance audit required
– Recognized certification bodies:
* China Classification Society
* Lloyd’s Register
* Bureau Veritas
* New: Shenzhen Maritime Institute
– Certificate validity: 1 year
– New: Digital certification option
Compliance Checklist
1. Pre-arrival documentation complete
2. Safety equipment certified
3. Environmental compliance verified
4. Crew documentation valid
5. Operational procedures updated
6. Cyber security audit current
7. Waste management plan approved
8. Emergency contacts posted
9. Port fee payments cleared
10. Last inspection deficiencies rectified
11. Ballast water records updated
12. Crew rest hours documented
13. Fuel changeover procedures filed
14. Security drills recorded
15. Carbon emission report prepared
Important Contacts
1. Port Control: VHF Ch 12/16 | +86 755 8445 6111
2. MSA Inspection: +86 755 8445 6222
3. Environmental Hotline: +86 755 8445 6333
4. Security Emergency: +86 755 8445 6999
5. Crew Welfare Office: +86 755 8445 6888
6. Customs Clearance: +86 755 8445 6555
7. Medical Emergency: +86 755 120 (English)
8. Legal Assistance: +86 755 8445 6777
9. Pilot Station: VHF Ch 13 | +86 755 8445 6333
10. Tug Dispatch: VHF Ch 14 | +86 755 8445 6444
11. Cyber Security Center: +86 755 8445 6666
12. Green Port Office: +86 755 8445 6778
13. Maritime Court: +86 755 8445 6996
14. Coast Guard: VHF Ch 16 | +86 755 8445 6119
15. Immigration Office: +86 755 8445 6556
