1. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
- Primary Legislation:
- China Maritime Code (2020 Amendment, Articles 35-42)
- Port Law of the People’s Republic of China (Article 34-41)
- Maritime Traffic Safety Law 2021 Revision (Chapter 4)
- New Addition: Maritime Labor Convention (MLC 2006) China Implementation Rules
- Local Regulations:
- Dalian Special Port Regulations (Liaoning Provincial Decree No. 58/2023)
- MSA Dalian Branch Enforcement Guidelines (2024 Edition)
- Dalian Port Dangerous Goods Management Rules (DLPA-2024-06)
- New Addition: Dalian Port Emergency Response Protocol (2024-07 Amendment)
2. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
| Category | Requirement | Legal Basis | Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Management | Valid SMC certificate with Dalian-specific annex | ISM Code Art.4 + DLPA Circular 2024-11 | First port call/year |
| Pollution Control | Approved SOPEP with Chinese language supplement | MARPOL Annex I Reg.37 | Every inspection |
| Navigation | Fully operational AIS with Chinese coastal mode | SOLAS V/19 + MSA Tech Notice 2023-5 | Continuous monitoring |
| Cargo Operations | BC Code compliance for bulk carriers >10,000GT | MSA Bulk Cargo Rules Art.12 | Pre-loading survey |
| Crew Certification | Minimum 2 officers with China coastal navigation endorsement | STCW Regulation II/3 + MSA Notice 2024-15 | Document check at each entry |
| New: Mooring Safety | Certified synthetic mooring lines for vessels >50,000 DWT | OCIMF MEG4 + DLPA Notice 2024-21 | Pre-berthing inspection |
3. ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS
- Port State Control
- Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) quarterly focus:
- Q2 2024: Fire safety systems
- Q3 2024: Cargo securing arrangements
- Q4 2024: Cyber security preparedness
- New Addition: Q1 2025: Emergency generator compliance
- Target Factor System:
- High-risk vessels: >5 deficiencies in last 12 months
- Mandatory expanded inspection for vessels >15 years
- Additional scrutiny for ships changing flag within 6 months
- New Criteria: Priority inspection for vessels with >3 crew complaints
- Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) quarterly focus:
- Administrative Penalties
- Fine structure (RMB):
- Minor violations: ¥10,000-50,000
- Major violations: ¥50,000-200,000
- Critical violations: ¥200,000+ + detention
- Repeat offenders face 200% penalty multiplier
- New Addition: False safety records: ¥300,000 minimum
- Common penalties:
- Unauthorized discharge: ¥100,000 minimum
- False declarations: ¥150,000 + cargo seizure
- Improper ballast water management: ¥80,000-120,000
- New Addition: Unauthorized hot work: ¥75,000 + operational suspension
- Fine structure (RMB):
4. SPECIAL COMPLIANCE AREAS
- Ballast Water Management:
- Mandatory D-2 standard since 2024-01-01
- Approved treatment systems only (China MSA Type Approval)
- Sampling port of Dalian added to mandatory testing locations
- New Requirement: Daily ballast log submission via MSA e-portal
- Cyber Security:
- IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) implementation
- Mandatory network segmentation for OT systems
- Monthly vulnerability scans required for ships >50,000 GT
- New Addition: Crew cyber awareness training certificates
- Cold Ironing Operations:
- Mandatory shore power connection for:
- Container ships >10,000 GT (berths 15-18)
- New: Cruise ships >30,000 GT (all berths)
- Certificate of Compatibility required 24hrs before berthing
- MSA-approved connection procedures only
- Mandatory shore power connection for:
- New Section: Gangway Safety
- Minimum width 1.2m for vessels >200m LOA
- Night operations require 50 lux illumination
- Safety nets mandatory when tide range >3m
5. DOCUMENTATION VERIFICATION
- Mandatory Documents
- Certificate of Financial Responsibility (Blue Card)
- Garbage Record Book (Chinese/English bilingual)
- EEXI Technical File for ships >400 GT
- New Addition: Crew Vaccination Records (WHO-approved)
- New Requirements (2024)
- Digital Certificate of Compliance (Blockchain-verified)
- ECDIS backup system validation report
- CII Implementation Plan for ships >5,000 GT
- New Addition: Noise Management Plan for vessels >75m LOA
6. COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEMS
- Dalian Port VTS:
- Radar coverage: 40nm range with AIS correlation
- Automatic tracking for non-compliant vessels
- AI-powered anomaly detection system (since 2024-05)
- New Capability: Automatic fog collision alerts
- Drone Surveillance:
- Daily patrols for pollution monitoring
- Thermal imaging for hot work compliance
- VOC sniffing drones for tanker operations
- New Addition: Infrared gas leak detection
- Automated Mooring Monitoring:
- Strain gauges on all bollards at oil terminals
- Real-time tension alerts to VTS
- New Installation: Berths 22-25 now equipped with smart fenders
7. APPEALS PROCESS
- Written objection within 7 days of penalty notice
- MSA Dalian Review Committee hearing within 14 days
- Final appeal to China MSA Beijing within 30 days
- Electronic submission of appeals now mandatory
- New Provision: Video conference hearings available upon request
8. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
- Dalian Port Compliance Handbook (2024 Ed.) ISBN 978-7-89427-836-5
- IMO Circular SN.1/Circ.336/Rev.2
- China MSA Directive No. 15 (2023) on Port State Control
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1638 (Pilot Transfer Safety)
- China CCS “Port Facility Technical Standards” 2024
- New References:
- ILO Code of Practice on Port Safety (2023)
- Dalian Port Tide Tables 2024 (Official Edition)
9. CONTACT FOR CLARIFICATIONS
| Department | Contact | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Port State Control | +86 411 8263 8124 | Inspections/Detentions |
| Legal Affairs | +86 411 8263 8199 | Regulatory Interpretation |
| Environmental Compliance | +86 411 8271 1235 | Pollution Prevention |
| New: Crew Welfare | +86 411 8271 1288 | MLC Compliance |
10. PORT-SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Restricted Areas:
- Military Zone: 1nm radius around 38°55’N 121°40’E
- New construction area: Berths 30-33 closed until 2025-Q2
- Tidal Considerations:
- Maximum tidal range: 4.2m (Spring tides)
- Strong currents (>3 knots) expected at entrance channel during NE winds
