Canada’s approximately 243,000 km coastline is the longest in the world, and our marine sectors continue to contribute significantly to provincial, regional, and national economies. Commercial Marine Shipping has long been interconnected with Canada’s history, from its environmental and cultural impacts to its effects on the urban development of major cities and rural communities alike.
International trade between Canada and the rest of the world is heavily facilitated by marine shipping – despite competing modes of commercial transportation such as road, rail, and air – and is commonly the only means of moving essential goods to remote island locations in Canada’s northern areas above the tree line. Estimates suggest that the economic impact of marine shipping’s role in facilitating international marine trade is equal to about 1.8% of the Canadian GDP, or about $30 billion in 2016.
In the past, the captain of each vessel was the primary representative of the shipowner in each of the ports that the ship, its crew, and its products travelled to. Over time, with the rise of international commerce and leaps in technology, it became impractical for captains to continue with this responsibility thus giving rise to marine agencies and marine agents.
In this article, we look at the responsibilities of a Marine Agent and the benefits of hiring one for your international shipping.
What are Marine Agencies & Marine Agents?
A Marine Agency (also known as a Ships [Shipping] Agency, Maritime Agency, or Port Agency) is the term used to refer to the appointed company that handles the operational, procedural, and legal requirements for a commercial vessel’s port call in a local port. The agency’s professional Marine Agent is an expert of the local port and will act as the representative of the shipowner, charterer, or ship manager and carry out all essential duties and obligations required by the crew of the ship, alleviating these responsibilities from the ship’s captain. Their main objective is to provide comprehensive support and assistance to vessels during port calls in their area.
Marine Agents are your ‘boots on the ground’ logistics experts who take care of the nitty gritty details in each port you enter!
What are a Marine Agent’s Responsibilities?
As the connection between vessel operators and port authorities, Marine Agents have many responsibilities when they are appointed as a ship’s representative, including:
Documentation Handling
- Managing and processing the necessary paperwork and documentation required for port entry, cargo handling, and regulatory compliance (e.g. vessel declaration, cargo manifests, etc.)
Customs & Immigration Clearance
- Submitting & managing required documentation and information on crew and passengers to local immigration authorities (e.g. work visas, permits, TRVs, LMIAs, etc.)
Port Services Coordination
- Arrangement of essential port services such as pilotage and tug coordination, berthing, and mooring
- Ensure the compliance of all safety regulations & security protocols, and comply with international standards and local regulations
Cargo Operations Management
- Organizing and overseeing cargo operations to ensure smooth loading and unloading of cargo
- Arranging dockside services like stevedores and linesman, and enforce proper protocols
Crew Requirements
- Facilitating crew changes (meeting crew, arranging local transport and accommodations, etc.) and repatriation
- Coordinating emergency assistance and medical care
Ships Stores/Provisions Services
- Coordinating delivery of ships’ provisions such as fresh water and food, sourcing spare parts and supplies, delivery of bunker, and secure delivery of cash to Master
- Supplying ship’s husbandry services
- Managing and arranging ship needs, such as fuel, repairs, and maintenance
- Arranging waste disposal, sludge removal, and handling of hazardous materials
Shipments and Ships’ Spares Handling
- Expediting and arranging customs clearance for imported and exported goods
- Organizing the supply, transport, storage, and handling of goods
A Marine Agent’s responsibilities are diverse and constantly changing depending on the type of vessel coming to port, the country they’re coming from, or the goods that they’re bringing. No two days are the same for a Marine Agent!
What Should You Look for in a Marine Agency/Agent?
Certifications & Licencing
Ensuring that the marine agency service provider you are hiring is fully-licenced and possesses the appropriate certifications that are necessary to meet industry standards should be a top priority when looking for a suitable marine agent. These certifications guarantee that your marine agent is qualified to handle the duties of your port call from arrival to departure.
Experience & Knowledge
As previously mentioned, Marine Agents are experts of the local port which they service. Marine Agents must be fully conversant with all appropriate local and national regulations and requirements relating to the port, area, or sector in which they operate. Marine Agents must also have a wide range of relevant contacts and good relationships with local suppliers to provide the level of service and support necessary to smoothly coordinate a vessel’s port call. Much of this compulsory knowledge is gained through years of experience in the industry and after the handling of thousands of port calls.
Communication & Availability
Marine Agencies and Agents begin relaying vital information between port authorities and ships (and vice versa) before a vessel has even left its home country. Constant & proficient communication is a skill that experienced Marine Agents have mastered to provide excellent customer service to a ship’s crew. A marine agency that values open communication, promptly addresses your questions and concerns, and keeps you informed throughout the entire port call is what you should look for. In addition, the availability of a marine agent in the event of an emergency or differing time zones should be 24/7; quick response times can minimize downtime and ease tensions if a problem were to arise.
Facilitating Smooth Sailing
Marine Agencies connect the logistics, correspondence, and compliance facets of commercial marine shipping and bridge the gap in communication between port authorities and ship operators. Marine Agents become essential intermediaries and representatives on the ground during a vessel’s port call and are a vital link in keeping the world’s oceans connected.
Although the job of a Marine Agent is dynamic, can change from day to day, and doesn’t allow for typical “9 to 5” working hours, those who enjoy breaking up the monotony thrive in a high-pressure environment position like a Marine Agent. Marine Agencies anticipate the needs of vessels and their crews entering a local port and tirelessly provide the services behind the scenes needed to ensure a smooth trip from start to finish. Their dedication and commitment ensure that vessels can navigate through ports all over the world with ease and confidence in record times!
Why Choose PF Collins as your Marine Agency?
We’re Experts in Our Industries
Choosing the right marine agency and marine agents is crucial for maintaining the performance, safety, and security of your vessel and its trips around the world. PF Collins has been providing services for all types of vessels operating in Canada for over 30 years. Our experience and established relationships with the local supply base ensure efficient and reliable port call management and vessel turnaround.
We are a “one-stop-shop” for importing and exporting. With Marine Agents, Customs Brokers, Import Raters, Compliance Specialists, Freight Forwarders, and Project Logistics Specialists, we bridge many gaps between an importer’s goods and their final destinations. Our teams work together to create an easy and efficient importation process from start to finish while saving you time and money, reducing risks and liabilities, accessing expertise and resources, and improving your customer satisfaction.
For more information about our Marine Agency, follow the button below. You can also fill out the form on our Contact Us page to get in touch with a member of our team!
