Port Regulations & Requirements — Port of Honolulu
Comprehensive regulatory compliance information for vessels calling at Port of Honolulu. Always confirm current requirements with your ship's agent prior to arrival.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
All vessels must submit pre-arrival documentation to CBP and the port authority. The following documents are required for customs, immigration, and port health clearance on arrival at Port of Honolulu.
- Ship's Papers — Certificate of Registry, Classification Certificate, SMC (Safety Management Certificate), ISSC
- Crew List — Master, officers, ratings with passport / seaman's book details (CBP Form I-418)
- Cargo Manifest — Full declaration of all cargo; 24h pre-arrival filing via AMS (Automated Manifest System) required
- eNOA/D (Notice of Arrival/Departure) — CBP Form 1300 via SVRS — 96h pre-arrival for international; 24h for coastwise
- ISPS Clearance — International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC); last 10 port calls PFSO statement
- Maritime Declaration of Health — WHO Maritime Declaration of Health required for all international arrivals; WHO's IHR 2005 applies
- Customs Declaration (CF 1302) — Store list, bonded stores, dangerous goods list
- Last Port Clearance — Official clearance certificate from last foreign port of call
US Federal Requirement: eNOA/D via CBP Simplified Voyage Reporting System (SVRS) is mandatory 96 hours before arrival from any foreign port. Failure to submit constitutes a federal violation under 33 CFR 160.
Environmental Regulations
ECA / MARPOL Annex VI
US waters within 200nm form part of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). Maximum fuel sulphur content 0.10% m/m while in ECA. Scrubbers accepted under open-loop ban check for port state.
Ballast Water — 33 CFR 151
All vessels must comply with USCG Ballast Water Management regulations (33 CFR Part 151). Ballast Water Report Form (CG-5117) required within 6h of arrival. D-2 treatment standard applies from 2024.
OPA 90 Oil Pollution Act
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) mandatory for all vessels over 300 GT operating in US waters. Evidence of COFR to be presented to USCG on request.
Garbage — MARPOL Annex V / 33 CFR 151
Garbage discharge prohibited within US EEZ (12 nm). Garbage Record Book inspection by USCG. Shore reception facilities available at all major terminals.
MARPOL Annex IV (Sewage)
No untreated sewage discharge within 3 nm of shore. Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) required. US No Discharge Zones (NDZ) in many ports.
Port Anti-Idling / Air Quality
Many US ports require shore power connection (cold ironing) for vessels berthed >3h. Check port-specific requirements. CA ports have stricter CARB regulations.
Safety Regulations
Pilotage
COMPULSORY at Port of Honolulu. Pilot boarding: Honolulu Harbour outer approach (Kewalo Basin area); pilot boards at sea buoy. VHF: Ch 16. Station: Hawaii Pilots.
VHF Channels
Ch 16 (distress/calling). Contact VTS on arrival for working channel instructions.
Tug Assistance
Tug requirements set by port authority and local regulations. Deep-draft or high-wind conditions may require additional tugs. Arrangements via ship's agent.
AIS — Automatic Identification System
Class A AIS mandatory for all vessels ≥300 GT international, ≥500 GT domestic, and all passenger vessels. AIS must remain active within US waters (33 CFR 164.46).
Customs & Immigration (CBP)
CBP / US Customs Pre-Arrival
eNOA/D via CBP Simplified Voyage Reporting System (SVRS) required 96h before arrival from foreign port. All crew biographic details must be pre-filed.
Shore Pass — CBP I-95 / I-94
Crew wishing to go ashore must receive Form I-95 (Crewman's Landing Permit) from CBP on arrival. Controlled shore leave may apply. Confirm with agent.
Controlled Substances
All narcotics and controlled substances must be declared and logged. Narcotics locked in ship's safe; key held by Master. CBP inspection rights under 19 USC 1581.
Health & Sanitation (USPHS)
Maritime Declaration of Health
All international arrivals must submit Maritime Declaration of Health (WHO form) 24h pre-arrival. Port Health officers may board; free pratique granted after clearance.
Public Health Service Notification
USPHS notification required if any crew member shows infectious disease symptoms. Quarantine anchorage may be ordered. 42 CFR Part 71 applies.
Deratting Certificate
Ship Sanitation Certificate (Exemption or Control) required for all international arrivals. Valid for 6 months. Rat guards on all mooring lines.
Fees & Port Dues
| Fee Type | Basis | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) | Ad valorem on cargo value | 0.125% of cargo value (imports) |
| Port Dues / Wharfage | Per GT per call or per tonne | Contact port agent |
| Pilotage Fee | Per movement (inbound/outbound) | Based on vessel GT; contact pilot station |
| Tug Fees | Per tug per movement | Contact port agent / tug operator |
| Anchorage Fee | Per day at anchor | Contact port authority |
| USCG User Fee (CBP) | Per arrival from foreign port | Scale based on vessel GT (33 USC 2110) |
All port fees are payable via ship's agent. Rates subject to change — confirm current rates prior to arrival. Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) collected by CBP on all waterborne imports.
Useful Contacts
Hawaii Dept of Transportation Harbors Division
General port administration
+1 808-587-2000Pilot Station
Hawaii Pilots — pilot request and boarding
+1 808-848-4105Sector Honolulu
Coast Guard — SAR, port security, safety
VHF Ch 16 / +1 808-842-2600US CBP (Customs & Border Protection)
Cargo manifest, crew entry, NOA/D
Via eNOA/D SVRS system / local CBP officeUSDA (if applicable)
Agricultural inspection for food/plant products
Via ship's agent