Charting Your Course Right: Why You Must Be Map-Ready for Mundra Port

 🗺️ Charting Your Course Right: Why You Must Be Map-Ready for Mundra Port

❓ Do you have the mandatory Indian charts onboard for Gulf of Kutch and Mundra?

❓ Will ECDIS alone protect you from detention or delays?

❓ Can unavailability of local charts put your compliance at risk?

 

📜 Clause Breakdown: Minimum Required Indian Charts for Mundra Port Call

When a vessel is calling Mundra Port, it is mandatory to carry specific Indian nautical charts covering the Gujarat coast and Gulf of Kutch region. This requirement ensures safe navigation through Indian coastal waters, particularly through ecologically sensitive and high-traffic areas.

✅ List of Minimum Required Charts

As per port and marine authority guidance, the following paper or electronic (ECDIS) charts must be available:

Chart No.	Chart Title
202	Jakhau to Dwarka, incl. Gulf of Kutch – Extension to Navlakhi
208	Gulf of Khambhat
209	Hazira to Umargam
252	Okha to Veraval
253	Veraval to Pipavav, incl. Approaches to Gulf of Khambhat
2068	Gulf of Kutch Deep Water Route, Eastern Portion, and Approaches to Mundra Port
2106	Mundra Port
2107	Mundra Port West Basin

ECDIS Compliance:
If your vessel is fully ECDIS-compliant, you are not required to carry paper charts, provided all the above charts are available digitally via authorized ENC providers.

 

⚠️ Implications & Common Pitfalls

• Chart Deficiency at PSC or Port Arrival:
  Vessels arriving without the required charts may face delays, inspections, or detentions by the Indian authorities.
• Last-Minute Orders May Not Help:
  These charts are not available locally at Mundra. They must be procured in advance from authorized suppliers, usually based in Mumbai, and depend on stock availability.
• ECDIS Not Fully Updated? Risk Remains.
  Incomplete ENC coverage or outdated electronic charts can lead to non-compliance, even if the ship is paperless.

 

📚 Real-Life Example

A geared bulk carrier approaching Mundra with outdated ENC coverage was flagged during port arrival formalities. Despite having ECDIS, the vessel had to anchor until updated charts were confirmed via remote license updates—causing delays in berthing and draft survey.

 

✅ Actionable Steps for Shipping Professionals

👨‍✈️ Masters & Bridge Teams

• Confirm availability and update status of all mandatory charts before Indian coastal approach.
• Verify that ECDIS coverage includes all listed Indian charts with valid licenses and recent updates.

🧑‍💼 Operators & Managers

• Include a chart compliance checklist for all India-bound vessels.
• Ensure procurement of charts well in advance—Mumbai is the nearest authorized hub for Indian charts.
• Work with local agents to confirm no port-specific requirements are missed.

🤝 Owners & Charterers

• Allocate sufficient time and budget for chart acquisition during voyage planning.
• Review and update SMS documentation and passage planning procedures in line with regional requirements.

 

🚀 Conclusion: Don’t Let Missing Charts Detour Your Voyage

Proper charts are not just a technical requirement—they’re a regulatory necessity and a risk mitigation tool. Whether paper or electronic, ensure full coverage of Indian waters well before your vessel calls Mundra.

 

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official or legal advice. Readers should consult their company's navigation department, flag state, or authorized chart suppliers for specific compliance requirements.