Notices of Meizhouwan Port to the Masters and Ship Operators

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Notices of Meizhouwan Port to the Masters and Ship Operators
  1. Navigation and Pilotage
    • Mandatory pilotage zone extends 3nm from port entrance (25°10’N 119°08’E)
    • Pilot boarding area: 25°09’30″N 119°09’15″E (VHF CH 12)
    • Pilot transfer prohibited when wind exceeds Beaufort 6 or swell >2.5m
    • Daylight transit only for vessels >250m LOA through main channel
    • New AIS virtual fairway established (see MSA Notice 2023-15)
    • Channel depth monitoring: Daily dredging reports available at VTS
    • Radar blackout zones exist near Gulei Peninsula (consult port charts)
  2. Port Security
    • ISPS Level 1: 72h pre-arrival security information required
    • Restricted areas marked by red flashing lights (no approach within 100m)
    • Weapons declaration mandatory (including signal pistols)
    • Underwater hull inspections require 24h notice to Port Security
    • Cyber security audit required for vessels built after 2021
    • Face recognition system in use for all crew shore passes
  3. Cargo Operations
    • Dangerous goods manifests must follow IMDG Code Amendment 41-22
    • Coal cargoes: Maximum 12% moisture content enforced
    • Grain shipments: Fumigation certificates must specify chemicals used
    • Container weight verification (VGM) must use Method 1 or 2 per SOLAS
    • Iron ore: Mandatory moisture content testing for Brazilian imports
    • LNG operations: Gas detection system must be ISO 28460 compliant
    • Project cargo: Advance stowage plan approval required (72h prior)
  4. Environmental Compliance
    • Open-loop scrubber discharge prohibited within 12nm of port
    • MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months minimum
    • Ballast water exchange must occur >200nm from coast (D-1 standard)
    • Plastic waste discharge absolutely prohibited (zero tolerance)
    • VOC recovery mandatory for tankers loading Class A chemicals
    • Underwater noise mitigation required for cetacean migration season
  5. Emergency Procedures
    • Oil spill response plan must be compatible with China MSA format
    • Emergency towing lines (100m x 76mm) must be rigged for tankers
    • Hospital contact: Putian First Hospital (+86 594 229 1111)
    • Diving operations require harbor master approval
    • Medical waste disposal: Only through licensed contractor (list at CIQ)
    • Helicopter landing: Pre-coordination with Fujian Air Traffic Control
  6. Port Services
    • Fresh water supply: 200t/hr capacity (advance booking required)
    • Garbage disposal: Compulsory for all vessels staying >24h
    • Slop reception: Available only at designated oil berths
    • Bunkering: Licensed suppliers only (list available from port authority)
    • Crew changes: Minimum 48h notice with complete documentation
    • Provisions: Halal/kosher food requires 72h pre-order
  7. Documentation Requirements
    • Original crew vaccination records (yellow fever/malaria)
    • Ship sanitation control exemption certificate (valid >6 months)
    • Cargo gear certificates (including loose gear certification)
    • ECDIS backup arrangements must be demonstrated
    • Noon reports must include fuel ROB for carbon accounting
    • SEEMP Part III must be submitted for vessels >5,000 GT
  8. Special Circumstances
    • Typhoon season (June-Oct): Mandatory evacuation when Signal #8 issued
    • Fog procedures: Vessels must maintain 500m separation
    • Military exercises: Monitor VHF CH 16 for exclusion zone notices
    • Chinese New Year: Reduced labor availability (plan accordingly)
    • Monsoon season: Additional mooring lines required Nov-Feb
    • Fishery moratorium: Increased patrols May-August
  9. Inspection Regime
    • Port State Control: 25% inspection rate for foreign vessels
    • Customs: Random narcotics detection sweeps (K9 units deployed)
    • MSA: Special focus on lifeboat maintenance records
    • CIQ: Strict quarantine for vessels from plague-infected areas
    • CCS: Enhanced structural surveys for bulkers >15 years
    • Fire safety: Monthly drill records must be originals
  10. Local Regulations
    • Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.5%) within port limits
    • Noise restrictions: No unnecessary engine tests 2200-0600
    • Drones prohibited without prior authorization
    • Fishery protection zones: 1nm clearance from marked aquaculture areas
    • Local holidays: No hot work permitted during Qingming Festival
    • Data reporting: AIS must remain active throughout port stay
  11. Technical Requirements
    • Mooring lines: Minimum MBL 125% of ship’s requirements
    • Gangways: Must be illuminated at night with safety nets
    • Radar: X-band must be operational during restricted visibility
    • VHF: Dual-channel capability required (CH 16 + working channel)
    • ECDIS: ENC updates must be less than 8 weeks old
  12. Crew Welfare
    • Shore leave: Curfew 2300-0500 for non-officers
    • Internet: VPN registration required for crew communications
    • Medical: Prescription medications must have English/Chinese labels
    • Training: Anti-piracy drills must be documented

Important Contacts (24/7):
– Port Control: +86 594 269 3000 (VHF CH 16/12)
– Medical Emergency: +86 594 269 3120
– Pollution Reporting: +86 594 269 3150
– Agent Coordination: +86 594 269 3180
– Security Hotline: +86 594 269 3170
– Customs Clearance: +86 594 269 3190

Safety Reminders:
– Verify all coordinates using WGS-84 datum
– Tide tables must be China MSA approved version
– Local notices to mariners updated weekly at VTS office
– Bunker quality disputes require independent sampling

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