There is no such thing as a ’standard’ port with respect to terminal or cargo operations. Harbour Masters may work in ports that neither own nor operate any terminals. Conversely they may work for ports or port companies that own and operate all or some facilities within their port.
Harbour Masters are responsible for the time and manner that ships enter and leave ports and for the allocation of a suitable berth to every ship. Among the issues that inform the decision about time and manner of entry or departure is the type and quantity of cargo on board. This is particularly so in the case of dangerous or hazardous cargoes. Information needs to be collected and transmitted to/from various users. Thus the individual Harbour Master must take account of the needs of all parties including ships, terminal operators or national authorities. These requirements will include the time that has been allocated to discharge or load and the schedule of ship arrivals and departures. |
