Loss Prevention Advice
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The risk of customs fines for vessels when landed cargo figures differ from declared quantities.
The customs authorities increasingly fine vessels when landed cargo differs from declared figures, often relying on shore-side measurements and applying minimal tolerance. Fines are usually based on unpaid duties or market value and can escalate quickly, especially for high-volume commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and fertilizers.
Even small discrepancies can trigger penalties, and shipboard measurements are often disregarded, making accurate documentation and draft surveys critical. Ships may also need to post security deposits during investigations. Ports like Dakar are known for strict enforcement, though some authorities are showing cautious leniency toward minor variances.
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Lessons learned from an incident where a plastic pallet loaded with plastic lube oil drums fell while being hoisted.
What happened?
During transfer of lube oil drums via barge to a vessel in an anchorage, a plastic pallet loaded with plastic lube oil drums fell while being hoisted. The incident resulted in product damage (ruptured drums, oil spillage on deck). There was where no injuries nor structural damage.
What might have gone better?
- The pallet was inadequately secured before lifting, and when it was lifted, it was an out of balance load and tipped over.
- There could have been more adequate secondary securing of the load – straps or netting.
- There could have been more and better supervision of the barge crew during cargo lifting operations.
- There was perceived “time pressure” at work.
- There was unchallenged reliance on routine – “we’ve always done it this way”.
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RightShip is the world’s leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) focused digital maritime platform, providing expertise in global safety, sustainability and social responsibility practices.
Founded with the mission to drive operational improvements in the global shipping industry, more than 600 customers use RightShip’s due diligence, environmental and inspections services to help them manage risk and improve overall maritime safety standards on shore and at sea.
The RightShip RISQ (RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire) 3.2 is a detailed and standardised inspection tool used globally by RightShip-accredited experts. Its primary function is to conduct rigorous, on-board assessments of target vessels, particularly focusing on dry bulk carriers, general cargo ships, and container ships.
RISQ 3.2 is a critical due diligence mechanism designed to independently verify the operational condition of a vessel and confirm the effectiveness of its Safety Management System (SMS).
The inspection is extensive, covering essential elements such as safety, environmental protection, structural integrity, maintenance standards, and crew competency. It is built upon the best practices established by leading international maritime bodies (including the IMO, ISO, OCIMF, and P&I Clubs).
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Detailed guidance on navigating Argentinean Customs inspections, emphasizing meticulous declaration to avoid penalties and costly delays.
The Argentinean Customs House is rigorously checking vessel Store Lists and has unfortunately demonstrated an unusual diligence in identifying minor errors and omissions. While they frame this as an effort to ensure regulatory compliance, the subsequent penalties and procedural delays often result in significant financial consequences for the vessel.
Despite their willingness to thorough searches, the margin for mistake in the Store Lost drafting can be highly reduced if the following key points are taken into account. Pay close attention when declaring the following categories of goods. These items will be subject to meticulous inspection:
Goods requiring utmost attention