- Port Entry Requirements:
- Pre-arrival documentation must be submitted 72hrs prior via TIPC e-Portal (portal.tipc.tw):
- IMO Standard Pre-arrival Notification Form (TIPC Rev.2023-12)
- Valid Class Certificate (original copy with RO stamp, not expired)
- Crew vaccination records (WHO approved vaccines only, QR code format)
- Ballast Water Management Report (Form TW-BWM-01, signed by Master)
- Last 10 Ports of Call with dates (Anti-Piracy Declaration, BMP5 format)
- New: Digital Ship Particulars (IMO number linked to GISIS)
- Mandatory inspections (TIPC Inspection Protocol 2024):
- Ballast water sampling (IMO D-2 standard enforced, 3 samples minimum):
- Sampling points: Overboard discharge valve, pump room
- Testing: 48hr bacteriological analysis at port lab
- Fuel sulfur content verification (max 0.5% sulfur, testing at bunker manifold):
- XRF analyzer used (ISO 8754 compliant)
- Duplicate samples retained for 90 days
- Cargo securing arrangements (containers: CTU Code compliance check):
- Lashing materials certification required
- Visual inspection of twist locks
- New: ECDIS software version verification (IHO S-57/S-52 standards)
- Ballast water sampling (IMO D-2 standard enforced, 3 samples minimum):
- New 2024 Requirements:
- Digital Ship Security Certificate (DSSC) verification via IMO GISIS API
- Anti-Cyber Attack Preparedness Declaration (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1632)
- Biofouling Management Plan (IMO GL BIOFOULING 2023)
- Pre-arrival documentation must be submitted 72hrs prior via TIPC e-Portal (portal.tipc.tw):
- Navigation and Pilotage:
- Channel restrictions (2023 hydrographic survey, TIPC Notice 1127-45):
- Main channel depth: 18m CD (dredged quarterly, next survey Jan 2024)
- Max beam: 45m (including fenders) at turning basin
- Air draft: 38m (at MHWS) – clearance under Suao Bridge (catenary curve considered)
- Underkeel clearance: Minimum 1.5m or 10% draft (whichever greater)
- New: Side margins 5m each side in main channel
- Pilot boarding (MPB Ordinance 2023-12, Amendment 1):
- Position: 24°36.15’N 121°52.80’E (WGS84) ±50m
- Daytime only (0700-1800LT) for vessels >20,000GT
- Night pilotage surcharge: $1,200 (approved cases only, 48hr notice)
- Pilot ladder compliance:
- SOLAS Reg.II-1/3.9 with 2023 amendments
- Maximum 9° inclination during boarding
- New: Infrared reflective tape required on steps
- New: Helicopter transfer zone at 24°36.30’N 121°53.00’E for medical evacuations:
- H-marking diameter: 15m
- Wind limit: 25kts maximum
- Tug requirements (OCIMF MEG4 Standards):
- Minimum 2 tugs (>4,000HP each) for vessels >50,000DWT
- Emergency tug on standby: +886-3-996-5121 (response time <30mins)
- New: ASD tugs required for vessels >200m LOA
- VTS Communication (Suao VTS Manual 2023):
- Reporting points:
- Point Alpha: 24°40.00’N 121°55.00’E (12nm out)
- Point Bravo: 24°38.00’N 121°54.00’E (6nm out)
- Mandatory channels:
- Ch 16 – Distress/Safety
- Ch 12 – Port Operations
- Reporting points:
- Channel restrictions (2023 hydrographic survey, TIPC Notice 1127-45):
- Cargo Operations:
- Special handling requirements (TIPC Cargo Manual 2023, Rev.3):
- Coal cargoes:
- Maximum 12% moisture certificate (SGS or equivalent, original required)
- Trim requirement: Max 1:50 (length:depth ratio)
- New: Prohibited during monsoon season (Dec-Feb)
- Containers:
- Verified gross mass (VGM) declaration mandatory (SOLAS VI/2)
- High-cube containers: Special stowage plan required (stack weight limits)
- New: Refrigerated containers – pre-cooling certificate required
- Dangerous goods:
- IMDG Code Special Provision TW-1127 applies
- Class 1 explosives: 48hr pre-advice required
- New: Lithium batteries – separate storage area mandatory
- Bulk liquids:
- Vapor recovery system required for VOC emissions
- New: Mass flow meters for all liquid bulk transfers
- Coal cargoes:
- Stevedore damage liability (Port Tariff Section 12, 2024 Update):
- Fixed rate: $500 per incident (hull damage, paint touch-up excluded)
- Cargo damage: $25 per ton (maximum $10,000 per event)
- New: Crane collision insurance deductible: $15,000 per occurrence
- New: Consequential loss coverage excluded
- Grain operations (Taiwan Grain Bureau Regulation 112-5):
- Fumigation certificate required (valid 7 days, original copy)
- Loading rate: 5,000MT/day (weather permitting, 24hr operation)
- New: Insecticide application prior to loading mandatory
- Heavy lift operations:
- Prior approval required for >100ton lifts
- New: Dynamic load monitoring during lifts
- Special handling requirements (TIPC Cargo Manual 2023, Rev.3):
- Port Security:
- ISPS compliance (Taiwan Coast Guard Regulation 112A, 2023 Update):
- Declaration of Security (DoS) required for:
- All tankers (including chemical/gas carriers)
- Vessels from high-risk areas (as per BMP5 latest edition)
- New: Vessels carrying dual-use cargoes
- 24/7 gangway watch (minimum 2 personnel with TW-issued licenses):
- Training certificates must be presented
- New: Night vision equipment required after dark
- Drone operations prohibited within 1nm of port facilities:
- Exception: Port-approved survey drones
- New: Cybersecurity declaration required for ECDIS/ECS systems:
- Software patch level verification
- Firewall configuration report
- Declaration of Security (DoS) required for:
- Restricted areas (National Security Act 2023 Amendments):
- No photography within 500m of Terminal 3 (enforced by CCTV)
- Crew shore leave restricted to designated zones (port perimeter fence):
- Curfew: 2200-0600LT
- New: Alcohol limit 0.05% for shore leave
- New: Biometric crew identification system implemented at all gates:
- Facial recognition + fingerprint
- Real-time Interpol check
- Cyber Security (IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3):
- Network segmentation required for OT systems
- New: Mandatory cyber security drills quarterly
- ISPS compliance (Taiwan Coast Guard Regulation 112A, 2023 Update):
- Environmental Regulations:
- Zero discharge policy (EPA Taiwan Regulation 112-3600, 2023 Update):
- No garbage discharge within 12nm (MARPOL Annex V, including food waste)
- Ballast water exchange: Minimum 200nm from coast or 200m depth
- New: Plastic logbook mandatory (including microplastics):
- Categories per IMO MEPC.295(71)
- Weighbridge verification for landed waste
- Air emissions (Clean Air Act 2023, Chapter 5):
- Shore power connection mandatory for stays >4hrs (440V/60Hz):
- Cable management plan required
- New: Automatic transfer switches tested annually
- Auxiliary engine load limit: 30% in port (continuous monitoring):
- Exemptions for reefer vessels
- New: NOx real-time monitoring
- New: Real-time emissions reporting via TIPC E-Monitor system:
- Data retention: 3 years
- Calibration certificates required
- Shore power connection mandatory for stays >4hrs (440V/60Hz):
- Underwater noise (Marine Ecology Protection Act 2023):
- Dynamic positioning restricted in dolphin habitats (Apr-Oct):
- Designated zones marked on port charts
- New: Acoustic deterrent devices prohibited
- New: Acoustic monitoring devices installed at all berths:
- Maximum 160dB re 1μPa at 100m
- Monthly calibration checks
- Dynamic positioning restricted in dolphin habitats (Apr-Oct):
- New: Carbon Intensity Indicators (CII):
- Annual reporting required for >5,000GT vessels
- Port stay optimization recommendations provided
- Zero discharge policy (EPA Taiwan Regulation 112-3600, 2023 Update):
- Emergency Procedures:
- Oil spill response (TIPC Contingency Plan 2023, Rev.2):
- Tier 2 capacity: 500 tons (contractor: Clean Seas TW):
- Response vessels: 4 dedicated skimmers
- Boom length: 2,000m available
- Reporting: Immediate to +886-3-996-5114 (24/7 hotline):
- Follow IMO FPOL format
- New: Digital photo upload via TIPC app
- New: Drone surveillance system for spill tracking:
- Infrared capability for night ops
- Data integrated with current models
- Tier 2 capacity: 500 tons (contractor: Clean Seas TW):
- Medical emergencies (Port Health Ordinance 112-7):
- Designated hospital: Suao Port Medical Center (24/7 trauma team):
- Hyperbaric chamber available
- New: Tele-toxicity consultation
- Helicopter medevac: 30min notice required (max wind 25kts):
- Landing area illumination requirements
- New: Night vision goggle compatible lighting
- New: Telemedicine capability available via port VHF:
- Ch 67 dedicated medical channel
- Video link for trauma assessment
- Designated hospital: Suao Port Medical Center (24/7 trauma team):
- Firefighting (NFPA 307 Standards):
- Port foam capacity: 20,000 liters (AFFF 3%):
- Application rate: 500L/min per monitor
- CO2 bank available for engine room fires:
- Minimum 50% backup capacity
- New: Thermal imaging cameras on all fire boats
- Port foam capacity: 20,000 liters (AFFF 3%):
- New: Mass Rescue Operations Plan:
- Assembly stations GPS-coordinated
- Life raft servicing certificates checked
- Oil spill response (TIPC Contingency Plan 2023, Rev.2):
- Commercial Regulations:
- Port dues structure (TIPC Tariff 2024, Effective Jan 1):
- Base rate: $0.80/GT (minimum $5,000):
- 10% discount for Green Award vessels
- Night surcharge: 50% (2000-0600LT):
- Exemptions for scheduled services
- Holiday premium: 100% (Taiwan national holidays):
- List published annually
- New: Carbon levy: $0.10/GT for vessels >5,000GT:
- Reductions for alternative fuels
- Base rate: $0.80/GT (minimum $5,000):
- Demurrage calculation (TIPC Port Rules Article 15):
- Free time: 24hrs after NOR (validated by VTS logs):
- Weather delays excluded with proof
- Rate: $5,000 per day or part thereof:
- Escalates by 10% weekly
- New: Force majeure clause for typhoon delays:
- CWB warnings as evidence
- Free time: 24hrs after NOR (validated by VTS logs):
- Bunker surveys (CPC Bunker Code 2023):
- Mandatory for all deliveries >100MT:
- Mass flow meter certification required
- Surveyor fee: $300 (shared 50/50):
- Independent surveyors permitted
- New: Digital sampling with blockchain recording
- Mandatory for all deliveries >100MT:
- New: Just-in-Time Arrival System:
- Optimized speed adjustment for berth availability
- Requires AIS transmission and ETA updates
- Port dues structure (TIPC Tariff 2024, Effective Jan 1):
- Special Notices:
- Typhoon season (July-October, CWB Advisory 2023-12):
- Mandatory evacuation when Signal No.8 issued (72hr forecast):
- Evacuation completion within 6hrs of warning
- New: Mandatory checklist for typhoon preparation
- Designated typhoon moorings at 24°37.0’N 121°54.5’E:
- Double anchors required
- New: Mooring load monitoring system installed
- New: Typhoon bond requirement: $50,000 deposit:
- Refundable if no damage occurs
- Mandatory evacuation when Signal No.8 issued (72hr forecast):
- Military exercises (MND Notice 2023-1127):
- Live fire areas within 5nm (NOTAMs issued weekly):
- Exclusion zones marked on ECDIS
- Radar interference possible in Sector 4 (240°-270°):
- Alternative routes provided
- New: GNSS jamming tests every Thursday 1400-1600LT:
- Backup celestial navigation recommended
- Live fire areas within 5nm (NOTAMs issued weekly):
- Fishery interactions (Fisheries Agency Regulation 112-5):
- Seasonal fishing zones (Mar-Jun) near approach channel:
- Speed reduction to 8kts in marked areas
- Report net entanglements to Coast Guard Ch 16:
- Dedicated response team available
- New: Automatic fishing gear detection system trial
- Seasonal fishing zones (Mar-Jun) near approach channel:
- New: Whale Migration Season (Jan-Mar):
- Speed restriction zones
- Marine mammal observers required
- Typhoon season (July-October, CWB Advisory 2023-12):
- Local Services:
- Bunkering (CPC Corporation Regulations 2024):
- Supplier: CPC Corporation (ISO 8217:2017 compliant):
- Bunker barge capacity: 3,000MT
- Minimum order: 50 tons (24hr notice):
- New: Digital nomination system
- New: Mass flow meters mandatory for all deliveries:
- Calibration certificates verified
- Supplier: CPC Corporation (ISO 8217:2017 compliant):
- Provisions (Port Health Ordinance 112-8):
- Halal certified suppliers available (48hr notice):
- Inspection of preparation facilities
- Fresh water: $50/ton (bacteriological test included):
- New: Microplastic testing available
- New: Medical waste disposal: $200/ton:
- Sharps containers provided
- Halal certified suppliers available (48hr notice):
- Ship repairs (TIPC Dockyard Regulations):
- Hot work permit: $500 (gas-free certificate required):
- Fire watch mandatory
- Maximum repair duration: 72hrs without extension:
- New: Overtime charges apply after limit
- New: 3D printing services available
- Hot work permit: $500 (gas-free certificate required):
- New: Waste Management:
- Segregation into 12 MARPOL categories
- Blockchain tracking for hazardous waste
- Bunkering (CPC Corporation Regulations 2024):
- Compliance Verification:
- Required certificates (Port State Control Checklist 2024):
- Taiwan EPA Bunker Delivery Note (original, 3 copies):
- New: QR code verification
- Class-approved Cargo Securing Manual (latest amendment):
- Lashing computer printouts required
- New: Digital Crew Vaccination Certificate (WHO SMART format):
- Yellow fever exemption if applicable
- Taiwan EPA Bunker Delivery Note (original, 3 copies):
- Penalties (MOTC Fine Schedule 2023, Amendment 2):
- Non-compliance: $10,000 minimum fine:
- Daily penalties for continuing violations
- Repeat offenses: Vessel detention possible:
- 3 strikes within 12 months triggers audit
- New: AIS tampering penalty: $25,000:
- Including improper static data
- Non-compliance: $10,000 minimum fine:
- Port State Control (Tokyo MOU Annual Report 2023):
- Inspection rate: 18% (high-risk vessels):
- Concentrated Inspection Campaigns quarterly
- Common deficiencies:
- Fire doors (25% of detentions)
- Lifeboat equipment (18%)
- New: Cyber security documentation (12%)
- Inspection rate: 18% (high-risk vessels):
- New: Digital Compliance Dashboard:
- Real-time status monitoring
- Automated reminders for renewals
- Required certificates (Port State Control Checklist 2024):
- New 2024 Regulations:
- Digital Logbooks (IMO Resolution MSC.496(105)):
- Mandatory electronic garbage record book
- Integration with TIPC e-Portal required
- New: Blockchain timestamping
- Biofouling Management (IMO Biofouling Guidelines 2023):
- In-water cleaning prohibited without permit
- Anti-fouling certificate required
- New: Hull inspection prior to departure
- Cyber Security (IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.2):
- Vessel Cyber Security Plan required
- Monthly system audits for >50,000GT vessels
- New: Penetration testing annually
- New: Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Verification:
- Annual reporting for >5,000GT vessels
- Port stay optimization recommendations
- Digital Logbooks (IMO Resolution MSC.496(105)):
- Final Operational Reminders:
- All times are local (UTC+8)
- Currency references in USD (exchange rate fixed at 1:30.5 TWD)
- Regulations subject to change – verify with agent 24hrs pre-arrival
- Electronic version available at portofsuao.tw/notices (updated hourly)
- New: Digital signature required for all declarations
- New: Mandatory pre-departure checklist
- Emergency Contact Numbers (24/7):
Service Phone VHF Channel Port Control +886-3-996-5111 Ch 12/16 Coast Guard +886-3-996-5100 Ch 16 Medical Emergency +886-3-996-5555 Ch 67 Oil Spill +886-3-996-5114 Ch 06 Security +886-3-996-5116 Ch 13 Tug Emergency +886-3-996-5121 Ch 09