Joining port check — visa, transit, shore-leave, welfare

What to verify about the joining port before flying. Catches visa-type errors, shore-pass refusals, and 'no transit allowed' surprises at immigration.

Who this is for

Every seafarer flying to a vessel in a country they aren't a citizen of. Especially relevant for the US (C1/D), Schengen, Australia (MCV), UK, and Brazil.

Practical steps

1. Find the joining port on /ports by UN/LOCODE.
2. Open /ports/<unlocode> and read the survival notes: airport, transport, hospital, SIM card, welfare centre.
3. Run /tools/shore-leave-port-card with your nationality + the port country.
4. Confirm the visa class with the consulate (or your /documents/visa entry).
5. Save the local seafarer centre's phone number and ITF inspector's contact.
6. Save the relevant embassy / consulate's emergency number.

Checklist

• UN/LOCODE confirmed on /ports.
• Visa class confirmed (e.g. C1/D, Schengen seafarer transit, Australian MCV).
• Airport-to-port transport known.
• Hospital + emergency number saved.
• Welfare centre or ITF inspector contact saved.
• Hotel arrangement confirmed (some operators put you up; some don't).
• Embassy contact saved.

Common mistakes

• Flying on a tourist visa when a crew transit visa is required.
• Assuming shore leave is automatic — many countries refuse SID-only shore leave at certain terminals.
• Not knowing the hospital before you need one.

Last verified 5 months ago