Flow Pattern for Import:
The following steps would illustrate the complete operation in this regard.
1. The vessel is escorted into the harbor by the pilot vessel of the port.
2. After entering the harbour, the vessel is brought to the particular quay or berth, where it is berthed and anchored.
3. The health department officials and police officials go on board the vessel. The health officials check
(a) Whether the vessel has called during its voyage at any port which is susceptible to epidemic diseases; and if so, whether the ship has been cleared by the Quarantine authorities.
(b) Whether any crew or passenger in the vessel has any contagious or epidemic for contagious disease;
(c) Whether the vessel or any crew/passenger requires to be quarantined;
(d) Whether the vessel carries any cargo contaminated by such epidemic diseases, affecting the health of people or crop, etc.
The immigration authorities check whether the ship has proper documents to call at an Indian airport.
4. The Customs Officer, who boards the vessel on its arrival alongside the health and police officials
(a) Collects the arrival report with its supporting papers from the master of the ves sel.
(b) Scrutinizes the arrival report for details on
(i) import cargo/same bottom cargo;
(ii) Special goods like arms, ammunition, explosives, and dangerous drugs.
(iii) Proper clearance from the last port of call, health certificate, payment of light dues etc.
(b) Calls for necessary information/documents from the Master/mate/Chief officer/ Ship’s doctor to carry out the above checks;
(c) If satisfied, collects the arrival report and the Import Manifest if it has not been already filed and sends these papers to the Custom House.
(d) If entry had been given by the proper officer, allows the unloading to commence.
5. Once the unloading of the cargo starts, supervises and checks whether the landing is done by proper tally maintained by Steamer Agents tally clerks and Port Trust’s tally clerks.
6. Keeps a general surveillance to ensure that the goods are not illicitly removed from the ship or the storage godowns.