Seatrade Group as a port agent, amongest other duties, undertakes the following key roles:
Booking the vessel in and out of the port, and arranging the pilot and tug boat services
Providing information on the crew and any passengers to the local immigration authorities
Ensuring the ship’s documentation complies with international regulations prior to Customs inspection
Preparing quarantine pre-arrival report (QPAR) which provides details on the crew, the ship’s previous route and any deaths or illnesses which may have occurred during the voyage
Advising Customs of the ship’s arrival and reporting the cargo on board
Logistics involved with provisions and fuel
Providing the stevedore’s ship planner with the manifest which gives detailed information on the cargo to be handled
Liaising with stevedores and terminal operators regarding the safe handling of containers, break-bulk and bulk liquids, and ensuring that the ship’s master is aware of shore requirements
Organising crew changes, any associated immigration documentation and arrangements such as booking flights
Paying the crew
Handling ship services including repairs and maintenance
In practice however, the agent can act for any of the parties
involved in the voyage and in any capacity as agreed between the
agent and the principal.