VGM Operation Guide From Port Of China 2019

Why need do VGM

Objective for VGM
Personnel security！Operational safety！
Vessel safety

Application of VGM
Vessel stowage plan

Consequence for lack of VGM
NO VGM
NO LOAD

Why need to set up VGM CUT-OFF time

• 30 hours before ETA（apply to EDI、EB、E-SI, etc. by electronic way）；42 hours before ETA（apply to fax、mail , etc. on paper）.
• If the vessel operated by partner: VGM CUT-OFF time is 6 hours ahead of partner’s VGM CUT-OFF time.
• If local terminal claims that “No VGM，No Gate in”, suggest to provide VGM 6 hours before gate-in and the premise no later than our released VGM CUT-OFF time should be noticed.
• If the VGM CUT-OFF time of local terminal is earlier than our standard, VGM CUT-OFF time released by our POL agent should be 6 hours ahead of the local terminal’s.

How to weigh

• There is no mandatory requirement for weighing location indicated in SOLAS， shipper can arrange to weight, but the precision standard and requirements of the used equipment (weighing apparatus) must meet the regulation of local metrology;
• Our company will collect the weighing location from all over the world and for your reference.

SOLAS:container maximum loading weight can’t exceed the maximum loading weight stipulated by the International Convention for Safe Containers..

What need to be provided?

• Booking NO./ B/L number 2
• Container Number
• VGM
• Weight measurement （KGS）
• Responsible Party (Shipper shown on B/L)
• Name of Authorized person （Signature）
• Weighing Method (If local Authority required)
• Certification Statement (If the VGM is submitted through E-mail/FAX/ any other hardcopy….)

How to check the VGM status?

The VGM status can be checked on shipping company website. Our company will check if all the VGM have been received before cut-off time & advising customer for any missing.

If VGM can be amended ?

• It is free if the amendment application received before VGM cut-off ；
• The relevant amendment fee is needed If the application after cut-off time, due to extra work is caused.（ Tariff will be further issued）
• VGM amendment is not acceptable if the actual stowage has been finished.（specific time please contact our local office）

How to deal with VGM discrepancy?

• SOLAS：Will subject to VGM weighed by dock if there are discrepancy between the VGM from customer and the VGM weighed by dock.
• SOLAS doesn’t explicitly stipulate the permitted error range; hence the concerned process should be operated according to local authority. And the regulation issued by our company is available if local authority of POL without issuing relevant regulation about VGM error range.

IMO MSC advised on 23-May, a 3-month- trail run period is granted. And the implementation program of our company during Jul 01 to Sep 30 is as following unless otherwise specified by local Authority or terminals.

• It is permitted that packed containers that are loaded on a ship before 1 July 2016 and are transshipped on or after 1 July 2016 to be shipped to their final POD without the VGM.
• Due to the different understanding on MSC ADVISE among Authorities, it is encouraged to provide VGM start from 1st July, although MSC advised “Administrations and port State control authorities can provide flexibility to all the stakeholders from Jul 01 to Sep 30.”
• Above mentioned fees will not be

Spot Checking： Our company will spot check VGM， customer should undertake all responsibility, risks and cost caused if the checking result exceeds the error range permitted by local authority.