Port Captain Services

A Port Captain is an experienced Master Mariner who operates shoreside, representing the shipowner's or charterer's interests at the operational level during a port call. Unlike the commercial ship's agent, the Port Captain brings seafaring expertise to the terminal interface — overseeing cargo operations, liaising with terminal safety officials, ensuring compliance with Port Information Guides and international maritime conventions, and providing a technically qualified escalation point for the vessel's Master when operational problems arise. At Unified Maritime Services, our Port Captain team consists exclusively of holders of Class 1 (Master Mariner) certificates with deep practical experience at the ports where they operate.

Cargo Operations Oversight

Loading and discharging bulk cargo or liquid cargo at a commercial terminal involves coordination between the vessel's cargo officers, the terminal's shift supervisor, the stevedore foreman, and the terminal's safety department. When these parties disagree — on loading rates, trim and stability calculations, cargo sequencing, or hatch opening procedures — the situation can deteriorate rapidly into delays or, in worst cases, safety incidents. Our Port Captain provides an authoritative, technically qualified presence on site who speaks the language of both the ship and the terminal. We review the vessel's loading or discharging plan, monitor its execution, and intervene where deviations from the approved plan create risk to the vessel or the cargo.

LPG & LNG Terminal Interface

Gas tanker operations — liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) — require the highest level of operational expertise and terminal coordination of any maritime cargo type. The cryogenic temperatures, high vapour pressures, and flammability of these cargoes mean that the consequences of any procedural failure are severe. Our Port Captains with gas tanker experience manage the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist interface with the terminal, oversee the connection and pre-cooling of cargo arms, monitor the ullage and temperature readings throughout the loading or discharge cycle, and ensure the vessel's Gas Code compliance documentation is accepted by the terminal. We handle berth pre-qualification visits, attend Ship/Shore Pre-Transfer Conferences on behalf of the Principal, and provide 24/7 coverage throughout the loading or discharge operation.

Pre-Arrival Port Information Guide Review

Every commercial terminal publishes a Port Information Guide (PIG) or Terminal Handbook that specifies the operational requirements for vessels calling at their facility: maximum allowable LOA, beam, and draft; mooring arrangements; manifold height and PDMS requirements; loading/discharge rates; required certificates and class status; vapour recovery requirements; and crew restrictions during cargo operations. Our Port Captain reviews the PIG in advance of the vessel's arrival, identifies any areas where the vessel may not comply, and works with the Principal to resolve any non-conformances before the vessel arrives at the berth — preventing costly rejection or delay.

Regulatory Compliance Oversight

Ports across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are subject to the local Port Authority regulations in addition to IMO conventions. Port State Control inspectors can board any foreign vessel in port and inspect for compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006, STCW, and other international instruments. Our Port Captains are familiar with the inspection priorities of USCG, Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU, and Gulf MOU port state control regimes. We conduct informal pre-inspection readiness checks aboard the vessel when requested, identify potential deficiencies, and advise the Master on corrective actions before the inspectors board.

On-Ground Problem Solving

The most important role of a Port Captain is resolving the unexpected. A disagreement between the terminal and the Master over the vessel's trim at arrival. A discrepancy in cargo temperature records at a chemical terminal. A dispute with the terminal on the cargo quantity loaded against the Bill of Lading. A structural query from the terminal regarding the vessel's hatch coaming condition. These situations require someone with both maritime expertise and the interpersonal authority to resolve them quickly. Our Port Captains have managed these situations at the most demanding terminals in our region and bring that experience to every vessel they attend.