The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and the International Group of P&I Clubs have published a guide on Senegalese ports by providing an overview of port requirements for vessel clearance.
In particular, the guide gives an overview of the documents that are required by the authorities during the pre-port call, the inwards clearance, and the outwards clearance processes. It also gives examples of common challenges and practices.
Important checks
- All bunkers/oils on board (in tank. In use, drums, and cans) must be declared even if name of tank is not specified and check carefully the total generated on the reporting form (as provide buy your agent). The quantities must be precise as any discrepancy between the declared quantity and the inventory will lead to heavy fines. Customs Authorities will ask for information regarding the vessels last bunkering, date, quantities, and daily consumption to compare it with your ROB (fuel, diesel, and lube oil) declarations according to your engine Logbook. The Chief Engineer should be prepared to accompany customs officials for the FO, DO and LO tank inspections and soundings in order to confirm the quantities declared, as required.
- NO expired medicines, narcotics, or foods shall be kept on board.
- CHECK all ships certificates are valid and duly endorsed.
- CHECK all seafarers’ discharge books (CDC) include the signing on date with the ships stamp.
- CHECK all passports are in order. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory and CHECK yellow fever certificates are in order.
- It is PROHIBITED to gift or sell or trade gas, oil, or paint to any person during the port stay. This includes the authorities.
- STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to smoke in the petroleum site.
- CHECK that all DG cargo is accompanied by complete and appropriate documentation including manifest and packing list, and containers marked with the appropriate stickers according to the IMDG code regulations. This applies to all cargo for discharging and in transit.
- CHECK you have a letter requesting permission, addressed to the Harbour Master to undertake any kind of activities in port (chipping, painting, welding, lifeboat testing, etc.). This will be duly signed on board upon arrival by the Harbour Master.
Examples of fines and common offences
Note that fines will be imposed for cargo shortages or excesses upon completion of discharge (bulk/bagged commodities such as rice, sugar, wheat, and corn).
- Customs will take advantage of the absence of a ship-appointed surveyor to create or exaggerate their claim. As a precautionary measure, it is therefore important that Owners/Charterers appoint a tally surveyor. The following is an example of fines which have been raised in the recent past: Misdeclaration of lube oil figures
- Authorities will check the number on the declaration against actual quantities in the tank and no additional declaration or amendment is authorized. It is therefore imperative that the readings are updated as soon as the vessel berths. o The manner in which the fine would be calculated is based on the cargo value in the local market multiplied by 4.
- Immigration fine: All seamen books must clearly mention the date and place of embarkation, signed, and stamped. The crew must correspond accordingly with all information. Fines will be raised if not adhered to.
