1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1 General Provisions
– Primary governing legislation:
– Maritime Code of the People’s Republic of China (2021 Edition, Articles 32-45 for port operations)
– Port Law of the People’s Republic of China (2018 Amendment, Articles 15-28 specifically applicable to Zhangzhou Port)
– Regulations on the Administration of Port Operations (MOT Decree No. 11, 2020, Chapter 3 for Zhangzhou-specific implementations)
– Special cargo handling requirements:
– Dangerous goods: Full compliance with IMO IMDG Code (2022 Edition) and GB 12268-2012 (China National Standard)
– Bulk solids: IMSBC Code requirements plus Zhangzhou Port Bulk Cargo Manual 2023 (Section 4.2 for grain stability requirements)
– Liquid chemicals: Additional restrictions per Zhangzhou Port Dangerous Cargo Annex 2023
1.2 Navigation Rules
– Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) requirements:
– Mandatory reporting points at 22°30’N 117°45’E and 22°55’N 118°10’E (Zhangzhou VTS Circular 2022-03)
– Continuous VHF monitoring: Channel 16 (distress), Channel 08 (port operations), Channel 12 (ship-to-ship)
– AIS transponder must remain operational at all times (SOLAS V/19.2.4)
– Speed restrictions:
– Inner harbor: ≤8 knots (Zhangzhou MSA Notice 2021-12)
– Approach channels: ≤12 knots (verified via AIS data audits)
– Special 5-knot zones near passenger terminals
– Restricted areas:
– Anchorage No. 3 (military restricted area per CHINA CCP12321 chart)
– 500m exclusion zone around LNG terminal (24/7 active monitoring)
– No-anchoring zones marked by yellow buoys with radar reflectors
1.3 Cargo Operations
– Containerized cargo regulations:
– Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement per SOLAS VI/2 + MOT Order No. 487 (2016)
– Overweight containers (>30.48T) require prior approval (Zhangzhou Port Rule 5.7)
– Refrigerated container monitoring every 4 hours (temperature logs mandatory)
– Liquid bulk operations:
– Crude oil transfer requires double-hull vessels (per MARPOL Annex I Reg. 19)
– Minimum 2-meter safety zone during chemical transfers (GB 30000-2013)
– Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) require separate safety zones
– Breakbulk handling:
– Project cargo requires 72-hour prior notice
– Heavy lifts (>100T) need port engineer approval
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1 Inspection Regime
– Port State Control (PSC) procedures:
– Tokyo MOU inspection criteria (2023 Annual Report)
– High-risk vessels: 20+ years old or 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months (100% inspection rate)
– Expanded inspection for bulk carriers >10 years old
– Facility audits:
– ISPS Code compliance checks quarterly (MSA Security Directive 2020-7)
– Oil spill response equipment tested monthly (per China MSA Order No. 145/2018)
– Annual structural integrity inspection for all berths
– Crew documentation verification:
– STCW certificates cross-checked with IMO database
– Minimum safe manning document verification
2.2 Penalties
– Fine structure (Zhangzhou MSA Enforcement Standard 2022):
– Pollution violations:
– Oil discharge: CNY 10K-100K
– Hazardous material release: CNY 50K-500K
– Plastic waste discharge: immediate detention
– Navigation violations:
– Speed violations: CNY 5K-50K
– Unauthorized anchorage: CNY 20K-200K
– VTS communication failure: CNY 10K-100K
– Documentation non-compliance:
– False declarations: CNY 1K-20K
– Expired certificates: CNY 5K per item
– Detention criteria:
– Critical deficiencies per IMO Resolution A.1138(31)
– Maximum 72-hour repair window for non-critical items
– Three-strike policy for repeat offenders
3. Safety Requirements
3.1 Crew Safety
– Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
– Hard hat (EN 397), hi-vis vest (ISO 20471), steel-toe shoes (ISO 20345)
– Gas detectors mandatory in enclosed spaces (MSA Circular 2019-05)
– Fall protection for work >2 meters height
– Emergency preparedness:
– Monthly abandon-ship exercises (per SOLAS III/19)
– MOB equipment tested quarterly with records retained 2 years
– Hot work permits require gas-free certification + fire watch
– Health protocols:
– Medical waste disposal through approved contractors
– COVID-19 measures per latest WHO Maritime Guidelines
3.2 Vessel Safety
– Structural requirements:
– Double hull for oil tankers >600 dwt (MARPOL Annex I Reg. 19)
– Load line certificate valid within 5 years (LL Protocol 1988)
– Hull thickness measurements for vessels >15 years old
– Operational systems:
– AIS continuous operation (per SOLAS V/19)
– Emergency towing arrangements bow/stern (MSC.1/Circ.1255)
– Bridge Resource Management training for officers
– Fire safety:
– Quarterly fire drill requirements
– Fixed firefighting system annual inspection
4. Environmental Protection
– Discharge controls:
– Zero oily mixture discharge (MARPOL Annex I Reg. 15)
– Sewage discharge only beyond 12nm (MARPOL Annex IV)
– Garbage segregation per MARPOL Annex V
– Air emissions:
– 0.5% sulfur cap in ECA (MEPC.305(73))
– Shore power connection mandatory for berths >4 hours (MOT 2021-15)
– NOx Tier III requirements for vessels built after 2021
– Ballast water management:
– D-2 standard implementation per BWM Convention
– Mandatory exchange outside port limits
5. Technical Standards & Certifications
– Equipment certifications:
– Cranes: GB/T 3811-2008 + annual load testing
– Firefighting systems: NFPA 10 standards for port facilities
– Mooring equipment: SWL clearly marked per OCIMF MEG4
– Port infrastructure:
– Berth strength calculations per JTJ 211-99 (China Port Design Code)
– Navigation aids maintained to IALA Recommendation O-134
– Fender systems inspected biannually
– Digital systems:
– E-navigation compatibility required
– Electronic cargo manifests mandatory
