All regulated activities requires a permit from the Port Manager depending on the activity term. Permits are short term in which assessment and issuance are within 24 to 48 hours of the activity date. Applicants are encouraged to always submit their applications on time to the Port Manager for approval to ensure they have the permit before the activity is undertaken. The list of regulated activities presented is not exhaustive, always contact the port manager for any other activities that are not mentioned here.

Port Development application requirements

All Port Developments are done consistent with other Statutory Regulations such as Department of Lands, Conservation Environment Protection Authority and other relevant legislations and Compliance with International Standards

Port Development Activities such as all constructions, reclamations and backfilling on the shoreline and within 10m of it. It is advisable to always contact the Port Manager to obtain clarity prior to any development within the waters.

It is therefore recommended that the proponent submit in writing an application of their intentions. Also, complete the designated application form and submit.

Information on the fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Mooring and Anchorage application requirements

All vessels coming into ports for permanent anchorage/ mooring, provisions or for inward and outward customs clearance formalities must apply for a Mooring and Anchorage permit.

A standard application fee per Gazettal notice G427 will be charged for all Mooring and Anchorage application. In addition to this the anchorage fees will be charged any other vessels in the rates specified in Gazettal notice G287 except for those vessels awaiting berth for less than 7 days and ships of war, government survey ships, hydrographic survey ships, customs and police patrol boats.

Upon receipt of application, the applicant will be provided with a designated anchorage position by either VTS or Port Control.

Interested parties are to complete the Mooring and Anchorage application form and submit with the necessary requirements specified in the form.

Ship to Ship Transfer of Crude Palm Oil application requirements

Any company who proposes to undertake the Ship to Ship transfer of Crude Palm Oil within the declared port limits must first;

1. Apply for a Ship to Ship transfer of CPO license from the Port Manager,

2. The licensee must apply for a permit every time they intend to undertake the STS transfer of CPO.

Interested applicants must complete the application form (provide link) and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

The license is valid for a period of 3 years. Information on the license fees and the permit fees can be found on Gazettal notice G287.

Tug and Towage application requirements

Interested parties willing to operate and provide tug and towage services should apply for a permit from the Port Manager.

Those interested to apply for tug and towage permit must consider and do the following below;

1. Foreign companies who wish to obtain a Tug and Towage permit to operate in all the declared ports in Papua New Guinea should ensure to have 30% local participation with local landowners.

2. Have tug boats with sufficient bollard pulls to engage in this operation.

3. Complete the application form and attach with the necessary requested documents specified in the application form.

All tug operations are done in consistent with the Direction released by the Port Manager concerning the “Use of Tugs within the Declared Ports for Berthing/Unberthing operations” pursuant to Section 39 of the regulations. Refer to Gazettal notice G262 Direction 2/2016 for more information on Tug operations.

The permit is valid for a period of 1 year and will have to be renewed upon its expiration. Information on the permit fees can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Ship to Ship transfer of general cargoes application requirements

The Ship to Ship transfer operations is the transfer of cargo which cannot be appropriately handled at the port facility between sea going ships positioned alongside each other either while stationary or underway.

Apart from this STS transfer, there could also be lightering operations where a licensed stevedore is to perform the activity of taking goods to or from a larger sea going vessel or a ship to be lighted (discharging ship) via a flat-bottomed open cargo boat or barge when it is being loaded or unloaded.

STS transfer operations will only be approved if it is for Lightering operations, certain cargoes that cannot be handled at the port facility and the transfer of fish during the fishing operation and if in the event the Port Facility is unable to handle this transfers at berth.

Those intending to carry out this activity must complete the application form and submit with all the necessary requested documents specified in the application form.

Discharge of Cargo over side and Loading of cargoes from Sea to ship application requirements

Those who intend to discharge certain type of cargoes carried by the ships into the sea while the ship is alongside the berth, anchorage, pier, mooring buoy, dolphins or to load cargoes from the sea to ship will need to obtain a permit from the Port Manager prior to the operation. To obtain a permit, the applicant must complete the application form and submit with all the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

Cargoes will be allowed to be discharged over side only if they can’t be discharged conveniently via the port facilities but would be discharged conveniently into the sea. Those interested are advised to contact and seek clarification from the Port Manager and obtain a permit.

Information on the regulatory fees and charges can be found on Gazettal notice G543.

Dangerous Goods application requirements

The handling of Dangerous goods within the Port Limits is done in consistent with other relevant National legislations but most of all it is consistent with several International codes which include the International code for the Maritime transport of Dangerous Goods (IMDG code).

Accordingly, all Dangerous goods are classified in accordance with the code and all items that fall under these categories from Class 1 to 4 and respectively from 6 to 9 will require a permit from the port Manager. Class 5.1 cargoes are assessed separately specifically the Ammonium Nitrate Dangerous goods handling, refer to details here.

All Dangerous goods in Class 1 and 7 shall be the first goods to be unloaded from a vessel at berth and onto a waiting truck and transported out of the port and shall also be the last cargo to be loaded on to a waiting vessel at berth. These cargoes should always be accompanied with a police clearance certificate issued by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

In ports where there is no storage facilities for classes 1 & 7 transshipment cargoes, the ship owner or agent shall seek prior approval to have such cargoes on board the vessel while loading/unloading other cargoes of that same vessel to which the cost of leaving the cargo on board shall be borne by the shipper or owner(s) of the cargoes where extra security shall be provided to the cargoes.

The different types of permits issued by the Port Manager for the handling of Dangerous goods are:

1. Application to Load Dangerous Cargoes

2. Application to Unload Dangerous Cargoes

3. Application to Transfer Dangerous cargoes

4. Application to Handle bulk quantities of Oil/Fuel Oil

Application to restore class 1 & 7 to be on board the vessel while loading/unloading other cargoes.

Applications for these can be found at (Click Here) and the applicant is to submit with a complete and true copy of the cargo manifest.

All port stakeholders such as the Port Facility Operator, Stevedore, Agent and master are all equally responsible to ensure that the set guidelines are followed to guarantee the safety of the other port users while DG’s are handled within the Port area.

Port Dead ship Movement application requirements

Movement and declaration of Dead ships within the declared port will require a permit from the Port Manager subject to Sections 11 and 38 of the Regulations.

The Port Manager issues permits for the following below with regard to Dead ship. With all applications, the applicant shall make a security deposit of K10, 000 that is refundable or provide a letter of undertaking for the operation.

1. Dead Ship entering Non Original port of call- when a dead ship intends to enter a declared port which is not its original port of call, they must submit an application to the Port Manager using the prescribed application form (provide link) and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

2. Declaring Dead ship within Declared Port- A ship can only be declared as a dead ship within a declared port by PNGHMS only. The owner, agent or master must seek approval from the Port Manager by submitting an application form using the prescribed form and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

3. Dead ship entering a Declared port- When a dead ship enters a declared port, the agent, master or owner must seek approval from the Port Manager by submitting an application form using the prescribed form and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

4. Dead Ship leaving a Declared port- A dead ship leaving the declared port will seek approval from the Port Manager by submitting an application form using the prescribed form and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

5. Movement of Dead Ship within a declared port - A dead ship will seek approval from the Port Manager for any movement within the declared port. Whether it is from berth to berth or from anchorage to berth or vice versa, approval must be sought by submitting an application form using the prescribed form and attach with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

It is important to note that all Dead ship movement should be facilitated by a licensed Tug service provider as per the listing provided.

All Dead ship applications should be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance with the security deposit.

Information on the fees schedule with regard to dead ship movement can be found on Gazettal notice G427. Please contact the Port Manager for more information.

In-water Vessel Hull and Propeller cleaning polishing and inspection application requirements

In-water vessel hull cleaning activity is prohibited in the declared ports and harbours and is only recommended for dry dock cleaning. However, certain activities of Hull-cleaning are allowed for in-water cleaning and this also includes inspection.

Hull cleaning involving Cleaning of Sea chests, Sea suction girds and other Hull apertures are allowed in-water but should always be with prior approval.

Propeller inspection, cleaning and polishing activities should also seek approval from the Port Manager and will only be allowed subject to the permit regulations.

Interested parties should seek approval with a permit from the Port Manager using the prescribed application from and submit with the necessary requirements as specified in the form.

Permit fees varies with the different activities involved. Please consult Gazettal notice G427 for the fee schedule.

Underwater lease endorsement application requirements

PNGHMS endorses the applications to lease a portion of land underwater within the declared port. Applicants are normally referred to PNGHMS by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) to obtain underwater lease endorsement.

The applicant is required to provide the following information:

1. A cover letter supporting the underwater lease application

2. Survey Plans

3. Site Plan/Maps

4. Business Development Plans

5. Management Plans highlighting safety, security and environmental concerns

6. Environmental Management Plan

Interested parties are advised to contact PNGHMS to gain information on the underwater lease endorsement process.

Ship in need of Assistance application requirements

In the event that a ship is seeking permission to take refuge or shelter within the Port Limits, the agent or master must submit an application to the Port Manager to obtain approval before entering the declared port limits.

The permit given in this situation does not cover vessels that are in distress as this situation would require the National Maritime Safety Authority’s action.

To obtain a permit, the applicant must complete the designated application and submit with the necessary requirements specified on the application form.

Information on fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Aquatic Sports application requirements

Any sporting activity that happens within the Declared Port waters should always be done with prior approval from the Port Manager.

Complete the designated application form and attach with all the requirements specified in the form.

Information on fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Lifeboat Launching application requirments

A vessel master or crews intending to perform lifeboat launching exercises on the vessel must obtain prior approval from the Port Manager.

Interested person(s) must complete the designated application form and submit with all the necessary requirements specified in the application.

Information on fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Port Sea Trial application requirements

All vessels that come out from repair operations and would be undergoing sea trial operations or any other activity that is necessary to for the testing the vessel after repairs will need to be done with prior approval from the Port Manager.

The vessel owner, master or agent must complete the designated application and attach with the necessary requested documents specified on the application form.

Information on fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.

Port Helicopter Ship operations application requirements

To ensure safety during a Port Helicopter ship operations within the declared ports, prior approval must be sought from the Port Manager.

All vessel agent, masters and owners except for Military Helicopter Ship operations and NMSA Helicopter ship drills exercises must complete the designated application form and submit with the necessary requirements specified in the application form.

Note that this operation is conducted subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority jurisdictions, therefore prior approval must be sought from them before conducting this activity.

Information on fee schedule for this activity can be found on Gazettal notice G427.