Pre-arrival checklist

A pre-arrival checklist is the bridge and engine-room verification list completed before a ship enters port, drawn from the company SMS. The bridge section covers passage-plan review for the pilotage and berthing leg, test of steering and engine controls, navigation lights and signals, pilot-boarding arrangements, anchors cleared away, and an updated master-pilot exchange card. The engine section covers changeover to compliant low-sulfur fuel for the ECA or port, engine on standby, and steering-gear test. SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 26 requires the steering-gear check within 12 hours before departure, and ports apply equivalent arrival checks.