What are the Main Points in Arrival and Departure Checklists?

Arrival and departure checklists aim to cover all essentials beforehand, in compliance with international
and local regulations and standards. Here are some of the main points covered by arrival and departure
checklists:

Arrival

 Navigation and communication

o Inform the receiving seaport at least 3 days before the planned arrival

o Provide all ship information required by the port authorities

o Meet the crew and inform them of any potential security concerns

o Check lights and test inter-ship communication

o Be aware of any obstruction to the ship’s arrival

o Ensure that the flag hoisted is appropriate

o Anticipate any wind change

 Documentation

o Prepare all documentation needed for the port call, ensuring that they have the ship’s
official stamp and signature of the Master

 Steering and propulsion

o Test the steering gear (per SOLAS Regulation)

 Safety

o Check the perimeter of the ship and secure mooring lines, cables, and straps

o Ensure that the main engine gear boxes are in good working condition

o Secure any loose objects on the bridge

 Crew

o Brief the crew on duties during mooring

o Remind crew of protocol regarding suspicious activity

 Pilot
 o Be ready for the pilot’s arrival and boarding

o Be briefed on any security issues, regulations, etc, at the port

 Secured along side

o Inform engineering when ready to secure engines

o Put radar on standby

o Monitor communications with port authorities using radios

Departure

 Navigation and communication

o Ensure crew members are oriented on vessel duties (per SOLAS Regulation)

o Check that voyage plan has an updated crew list

o Ensure that authorities have provided permission to depart

o Check lights and test inter-ship communication

o Test radars and other essential equipment to ensure good working condition

o Ensure that the flag hoisted is appropriate for the destination

 Documentation

o Record the vessel’s draft in the logbook (per 46 CFR 131.510)

o Ensure that log compasses are on and gyro settings are correct

o Check and log if the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is in good
working condition

o Check all marine crew certificates and log if all are qualified and affix the signature of
the Master

 Steering and propulsion

o Test the steering gear (per SOLAS Regulation) and once engines are running, check that
gauges are in working order

 Safety

o Ensure that flashlights and emergency lights are working properly

 o Check life rafts, rings, strobes, and smoke buoys

o Secure any loose objects on the bridge

 Before cast-off

o Ensure that those aboard are intended to be there before departure. Check for
stowaways

o All watertight doors and hatches should be secured

o Loose gear on all decks should be secured

o Clear all obstructions or floating debris around the vessel

o Ensure proper PPE for all at mooring lines

o Inform engine room before cast-off

 After cast-off

o Activate radars that are in standby mode

o Ensure that mooring lines are properly stowed

 In open water

o Secure anchor windlass

o Update port authorities of ship status

Powerful Tool for Vessel Arrival and Departure

Manning a vessel, coordinating all activities, and ensuring that arrival and departure are safe, secure,
and on time are huge responsibilities. Making sure that all activities are properly monitored and
recorded round the clock also adds to the challenge. iAuditor by SafetyCulture, a powerful inspection
and checklist app, can help marine crew ensure that all crucial points are checked and taken into
account before the arrival and departure of vessels. With iAuditor, you can:

 Conduct inspection of the whole ship (even while in open water and beyond data signal)

 Schedule and assign recurring checks round the clock

 Automatically record inspection reports for easy reference

 Have an overview of vessel performance according to inspections

 Create and edit inspection templates according to the need of vessels