APPLICATION OF SINGLE WINDOW CONCEPT. Implementation of an electronic system for the clearance of ships based on the single window concept

Transcription

1 E FACILITATION COMMITTEE 43rd session Agenda item 6 1 February 2019 Original: SPANISH APPLICATION OF SINGLE WINDOW CONCEPT Implementation of an electronic system for the clearance of ships based on the single window concept Submitted by Argentina SUMMARY Executive summary: Strategic direction, if applicable: The present document provides information on the implementation of the Ship Clearance Electronic System (DEB) for the clearance of entry and exit of ships in ports under the jurisdiction of the Argentine Republic 5 Output: 5.1 Action to be taken: Paragraph 19 Related documents: FAL.5/Circ.36; Resolution FAL.12(40); FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2; FAL 42/17 and FAL 43/1 Introduction 1 During the course of the fortieth session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 40), an initiative was presented on the preparation of a prototype maritime single window as an electronic means for the clearance of ships, with the ultimate aim of facilitating and expediting international maritime traffic. 2 Technological innovations are constantly moving forward, having a major impact on our society and, in particular, on the maritime domain. For that reason, it is vital to have information technology resources available to support that process and provide solutions. 3 The systems for the electronic exchange of information provided for in section 1, part C of the annex to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), required for ship clearance processes and notification processes, offer many benefits such as increasing the efficiency of maritime transport, reducing the administrative burden, and avoiding unnecessary delays to the clearance of ships, cargo and passengers, among others.

2 Page 2 4 To meet this international commitment, our country, through its maritime authority, the Prefectura Naval Argentina (Argentine Coastguard), developed the Ship Clearance Electronic System (DEB), which was implemented through Ordinance No.7/2018 in force from 16 November When developing the system, account was taken of the Guidelines for setting up a single window system in maritime transport (FAL.5/Circ.36), as well as the provisions of resolution FAL.12(40), adopted on 8 April 2016, on amendments to the annex to the FAL Convention. 5 Also, it should be noted that the electronic clearance of ships project is included in the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) macro project, led by the Ministry for Production and Labour. VUCE is characterized by the presentation, at a single entry point, of all the information required by the public authorities on the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo, the ultimate aim being to avoid duplication of information and improve the efficiency of maritime logistics, through agreements concluded between the various public authorities of our country. Analysis 6 The DEB system can be defined as an information technology platform administered by the maritime authority to carry out processes for the clearance of ships upon entering or exiting ports under the jurisdiction of the Argentine Republic and to exchange information and documents required for their processing. 7 Due to the fact that the information technology environment for electronic clearance can differ depending on the type of vessel and navigation, the DEB system will be implemented in stages. 8 The first stage covers the clearance of ships engaged in international maritime navigation, which is performed exclusively through the DEB system. Vessels assigned to coastal traffic will be included in a later stage. Procedure 9 Regarding the processing of electronic clearance, it should be noted that clearance processes may only be performed by users registered for that purpose with the maritime authority, in accordance with the user registration formalities and subject to prior acceptance of the relevant terms and conditions. 10 The DEB system consists of two phases. In the first phase, the registered user must, in the case of ships obliged to submit the Standard Data Form on Maritime Security, submit the required information regarding maritime security. Once that information has been validated, the system then authorizes the second phase linked to electronic clearance proper. 11 Regarding the documentation and information supplied to the DEB system, the information technology platform provides the necessary instructions for uploading by users. The format of the declarations, documents and certificates required under the regulations in force is adapted to the requirements of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, as amended. 12 In that regard, ship certification information is examined within the framework of the port State using the risk analysis tools and methodologies provided for in the Viña del Mar Agreement, taking as a reference in this process Circular FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 on the Guidelines for the use of electronic certificates.

3 Page 3 13 It should also be noted that both the authenticity and the veracity of the documentation and information provided are the responsibility of the user and accepted by the maritime authority as a sworn declaration. Nevertheless, the maritime authority will be entitled to carry out any controls or checks it considers appropriate, whether on the original documentation or on the vessel. 14 Finally, the documentation is validated by the personnel of the maritime authority that has jurisdiction in the port where the clearance is processed. Once the validation is complete, the user will receive a communication on the result of the validation to the address declared at the time of registration. 15 Matters relating to the DEB system procedure and communication about the results of document validation as mentioned above are given in annex 1 of the present document. 16 Finally, by virtue of the implementation of this system for the electronic exchange of information on the arrival, stay and departure of the ship, persons and cargo, data is exchanged in accordance with the rules of the United Nations Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT) and other internationally agreed standards, such as the XML standard. Other considerations 17 Within the framework of the obligation to create systems for the electronic exchange of information and for the purpose of complying with the said international commitment, the Prefectura Naval Argentina has developed and implemented the Ship Clearance Electronic System (DEB). It is characterized by its simplicity, is centred on the requirements of the FAL Convention, and is aimed at reducing the administrative burden and, ultimately, expediting maritime transport. 18 Given that the DEB system has been developed by the Argentine maritime authority itself, based on a process of evaluation and analysis covering the particularities and needs specific to our country, the system is made available to those countries that are interested in implementing a system with similar characteristics and assistance is offered through the various channels for technical cooperation. Action requested of the Committee 19 The Committee is invited to:.1 note the information provided in the present document; and.2 note the offer in paragraph 18 relating to the experience gained in developing the system. ***

4 MBPC* user Coastguard Shipping agent Annex, page 1 ANNEX 1. DEB system flow chart Not authorized Consult Ship clearance Request registration Database validation registration Valid Launch process Choose process Send approval ISPS form Notifications Observations Notify approval Create MBPC voyage Website Notify both parties Approval or rejection Approved Notify rejection Check clearance approved Is approved *MBPC = Ship, passenger and cargo traffic system

5 Annex, page 2 1. Communication on validation results 23/01/ :54 ELECTRONIC SHIP CLEARANCE IMO No Vessel: DA CHANG Clearance process no. 4628; date and time of registration 23/01/ :54; status CONFIRMED.