Notices of Putian Port to the Masters and Ship Operators
- Navigation Updates
- New dredged channel depth: Main channel now 16.5m CD (up from 15.8m) with 250m width – effective since 15 June 2024 (MSA Notice 2024-22)
- Revised traffic separation scheme: NW-bound vessels must use eastern lane when within 2nm of Meizhou Island (CHART 14233 correction)
- Restricted areas: 0.5nm exclusion zone around undersea cable routes (marked by yellow special buoys) – coordinates published in Notice 2024-19
- New sector light at channel entrance: Position 25°11’18″N 119°05’42″E, characteristic Fl(3)G 15s (Light List Vol.8/2024)
- Radar interference: Temporary disruption possible near 25°14’00″N 119°08’00″E due to new construction (Notice to Mariners 25/2024)
- Pilotage Requirements
- Mandatory pilotage threshold reduced: Now required for all vessels >10,000 GT (previously 20,000 GT) – Port Regulation 2024-03
- Pilot boarding area moved: New position 25°12’30″N 119°07’15″E (VHF Ch 09) effective 1 August 2024
- Night pilotage surcharge: 30% additional fee between 2200-0600 LT (Port Tariff Schedule Amendment 4)
- Pilot ladder specifications: Must comply with new SOLAS Chapter V/23 amendments (MSA Inspection Checklist 2024)
- Pilot transfer restrictions: No transfers during currents >3 knots or winds >Beaufort 6 (Port Safety Directive 2024-5)
- Port Security
- ISPS Level 1 enhanced measures: 24/7 gangway watch required for all vessels >500 GT (MSA Security Circular 2024-7)
- Pre-arrival documentation: Must submit crew list and last 10 ports of call via e-Port system at least 48h before ETA
- Drone restrictions: No unauthorized UAV operations within 5nm of port facilities (PLA Notice 2024-6)
- Cybersecurity requirements: Mandatory antivirus updates before connecting to shore systems (Port IT Notice 2024-3)
- Weapons declaration: All ship’s arms must be sealed during port stay (Customs Regulation 2024-8)
- Cargo Operations
- Dangerous goods declaration: Revised IMDG Code (2024 Edition) compliance required for all DG shipments – verification checklist AN-12
- Grain loading restrictions: Maximum moisture content 14% for bulk grain (MSA Marine Notice 2024-15)
- Coal cargoes: Mandatory self-ignition risk assessment required for all thermal coal shipments (Port Safety Directive 2024-8)
- Container weight verification: New electronic VGM submission system implemented (Port Notice 2024-18)
- Breakbulk cargo: Maximum single piece weight increased to 500t at B3 berth after reinforcement (Terminal Notice 2024-2)
- Environmental Compliance
- Fuel sulfur limit: 0.10% within port waters (24nm radius) – stricter than ECA requirements (MSA Regulation 2024-11)
- Ballast water reporting: Must submit ballast log to Port Health 6h before arrival (new electronic form BW-2024)
- Plastic waste ban: Zero discharge policy for all plastics including fishing gear (Enforcement began 1 Jan 2024)
- Exhaust emissions: Continuous monitoring required for vessels at berth >4 hours (MSA Notice 2024-23)
- Anti-fouling systems: Must submit valid AFS Certificate copy with pre-arrival docs (Port Health Rule 2024-4)
- Emergency Procedures
- New oil spill response plan: Vessels >10,000 DWT must pre-stock 200m containment boom (MSA Circular 2024-9)
- Typhoon evacuation sequence: Revised priority system based on vessel type (Port Contingency Plan v5.2)
- Medical evacuation: Designated helicopter landing zones at all container terminals (marked with red H)
- Firefighting water supply: Minimum 2000m³/hr capacity required for tankers >50,000 DWT (Port Safety Standard 2024)
- Abandon ship drills: Must be conducted within 24h of arrival during port stays >3 days (MSA Inspection Memo 2024)
- Port Services
- Bunkering restrictions: No simultaneous ops during cargo handling except at dedicated fuel berths (B7-B8)
- Fresh water supply: Limited to 100t/hr maximum flow rate due to drought conditions (Port Notice 2024-16)
- Garbage disposal: Mandatory segregation into 6 categories (new color-coded bins provided)
- Ship repairs: Hot work permits now require 12h advance notice (Port Safety Directive 2024-6)
- Provisions delivery: All food suppliers must be port-approved (Sanitation Notice 2024-5)
- Documentation Updates
- New e-Manifest system: Mandatory electronic submission via Port Single Window before berthing
- Crew change requirements: 72h pre-notice plus valid seaman’s book copies (Immigration Rule 2024-2)
- Customs declarations: Paperless processing now available for all routine declarations
- Health declarations: Revised Maritime Health Declaration Form (version 2024.2) required
- Port logbooks: Must maintain separate record of all port operations (MSA Recordkeeping Rule 2024)
- Special Circumstances
- Naval exercises: Frequent drills in areas marked on CHART 14233A – monitor VHF Ch 16 for warnings
- Fishing seasons: Increased small boat traffic April-May and September-October
- Tidal currents: Strongest during spring tides (4-5 knots in narrow channels)
- Migrant activity: Increased patrols within 20nm of port – report suspicious vessels immediately
- Cultural restrictions: No discharge of animal products during Buddhist festivals (Local Ordinance 2024)
- Penalty Notices
- Late documentation: ¥5,000 fine for missing pre-arrival forms
- AIS malfunctions: ¥20,000/day for non-compliance
- Unauthorized discharges: Minimum ¥50,000 for any MARPOL violation
- Security breaches: ¥100,000+ for ISPS Code violations
- Pilotage evasion: ¥30,000 plus possible detention
- New Additions (July 2024)
- Heat wave precautions: Mandatory deck cooling for temperature-sensitive cargoes >35°C (Port Notice 2024-24)
- Cyber declaration: New form CY-1 for all vessel computer systems (MSA Circular 2024-25)
- Anchor chain inspection: Required for vessels >20 years old during port state control
- LNG bunkering: Now available at dedicated berth B9 (24h notice required)
- Drone deliveries: Approved for medical supplies only (Port Aviation Notice 2024-3)
Critical Operational Reminders:
- All notices subject to change during typhoon season (July-Oct) – monitor VHF Ch 16
- Daily port updates broadcast on VHF Ch 12 at 0800 and 1700 LT
- Electronic version of complete notices available at www.putianport.gov.cn/en
- Port control emergency contact: +86 594 269 5119 (24/7 English speaking)
- Mandatory pre-departure checklist must be submitted 2h before sailing