Port agents duties after arrival include which action?

• A. Tender NOR (Notice of Readiness).
• B. Obtain cargo details from principal.
• C. Pay all dues in advance.
• D. Arrange onward transport of cargo.

Answer: (A)

Tendering the Notice of Readiness signals the port that the vessel has arrived and is ready to begin operations, marking the start of discharge/loading and laytime. This formal signal is the trigger that allows the terminal to allocate berth, initiate cargo handling, and start demurrage timing. In practice, the port agent (often on behalf of the master) provides the NOR to the port authority and terminal as soon as readiness is confirmed, so operations can proceed without unnecessary delay.

Obtaining cargo details from the principal is typically done earlier to prepare manifests and handling plans, not the immediate post-arrival duty that starts operations. Paying all dues in advance isn’t a standard requirement for arrival, as port charges are usually settled when due or as services are rendered. Arranging onward transport can be part of a broader cargo-handling role but is not the immediate duty that marks the arrival and the start of port operations.