Navigating shipping ports can be a complex and dangerous process. For safe port entry, it is essential to have reliable information. These information can come in many forms, such as PDF documents from the Port Authority and port entry guide books.
Port Authorities release PDF documents which are very useful and can be found on their website. As with all navigational resources, shipmasters must ensure that the PDF documents are up-to-date. It can be difficult to access this information due to language differences or web sites that are difficult to navigate.
You will find a Maritime News wealth of information about almost all international shipping ports in a set of guidebooks to port entry books. These books are usually composed of four volumes. They may be updated every two years. Port data and plans will be included in the guide. The port data will usually include name, country, approach and destination information, cargo handling capabilities, vessel services, and general information such as emergency services and tidal ranges. Sometimes, reports are called Actual Conditions Experienced (ACE). ACE reports are extremely valuable because they include the first-hand experience of seafarers. The authenticity of ACE reports is always checked by the local port authority. Port plans include location, country maps, berth locations, berth diagrams, and equipment. For electronic access, modern publications often include all the information on a companion CD.
A ships atlas will usually include latitude/longitude coordinates for ports, as well as distance tables. Weather hazards, canal and river systems as well as international loadlines zones (ship loading regulations) are all other navigational data. You may also find information about transportation routes to ports, such as rail and air links. This is usually accompanied by a CD that allows for electronic access.
Specialized maps can be created with many different themes and are generally global in scope. The environmental themes include ocean currents and MARPOL zones. Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas are (PSSA’s), and wind patterns. Other themes include time zones, political zone and piracy incidents.
A new service is an online portal that allows you to access information about port entry. The port conditions are updated daily to provide the most current information. You can also access other data, such as information about port disbursements for commodities. While an online service can be the most convenient way to access quickly changing information, you may still need the backup of a guide port entry book in case of communication failures.
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