Last Updated: February 13, 2026
1. Introduction
All foreign-going vessels arriving at Malé Commercial Harbour or any anchorage in the Maldives must now utilize the Tradian National Single Window (NSW) for pre-arrival declarations. The previous method of submitting manual documents individually to MPL, Customs, and other agencies has been centralized into this digital platform.
Important: Direct access to Tradian is restricted to registered local Shipping Agents and Freight Forwarders. Vessel Masters must send all required documentation to their nominated local agent well in advance to ensure timely digital submission.
2. Pre-Arrival Procedures (Timeline)
To ensure a smooth entry and avoid fines or delays, please follow this strict timeline:
A. 72 Hours Prior to Arrival
- Agent Nomination: The Vessel Master must appoint a local agent registered with Maldives Transport Authority and Maldives Customs Service.
- ISPS Pre-Arrival Information: Submit security levels and last 10 ports of call data to the agent.
B. 48 Hours Prior to Arrival (Strict Deadline for Security)
- Armed Security / Weapons Declaration:
- If the vessel is carrying Armed Security Guards (PCASP), weapons, or ammunition, the agent must obtain approval from the Ministry of Defence.
- Action: Submit TFA FORM-02 (Firearms/Ammunition) and TFA FORM-03 (PCASP Details) via email.
- Submission Emails:
- Ministry of Defence: admin@defence.gov.mv
- Coast Guard (MRCC): mrcc@mndf.gov.mv
- Note: Failure to declare weapons 48 hours prior will result in detention and heavy fines.
C. 24 Hours Prior to Arrival (Tradian Digital Submission)
The Local Agent must log in to tradian.gov.mv and submit the following mandatory data modules:
- Vessel Arrival Information (ETA)
- Sea Cargo Manifest: Bill of Lading (BL) data must be entered digitally. Physical manifest copies are no longer accepted for discharge planning.
- Crew & Passenger Lists
- Vessel Registration & Last Port Clearance
D. 12 Hours Prior to Arrival (Hybrid Health Submission)
While Tradian records the vessel’s arrival, the Port Health Unit (HPA) requires specific technical documents to be emailed directly for verification before Pratique is granted.
- Email to: male.seaport@health.gov.mv (Copy your local agent)
- Subject: PRE-ARRIVAL HEALTH DOCS – [Vessel Name] – [ETA]
- Attachments Required:
- Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH)
- Ship Sanitation Control (Exemption) Certificate (SSCC/SSCEC): Must be valid.
- List of Last 10 Ports of Call: Mandatory for disease surveillance.
- Crew Vaccination List: Specifically Yellow Fever (if arriving from affected zones).
- Veterinary Health Certificate: Mandatory if any animals (including ship pets) are on board.
- Medicine Chest Certificate & Narcotic List.
E. 2 Hours Prior to Arrival
- VHF Contact: The Master must contact Malé Harbour Control on VHF Channel 10 to confirm arrival time and receive anchoring/berthing instructions.
3. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document Name | Submission Method | Authority |
| Sea Cargo Manifest / BL Data | Tradian Portal | Customs / MPL |
| Vessel Registration / Load Line | Tradian Portal | Transport Authority |
| Crew List & Passenger List | Tradian Portal | Immigration |
| PCASP Forms (TFA-02, TFA-03) | Email (48h Notice) | MNDF / Coast Guard |
| Maritime Declaration of Health | Email (12h Notice) | Port Health |
| Ship Sanitation Certificate (SSCC) | Email (12h Notice) | Port Health |
| Veterinary Health Certificate | Email (12h Notice) | Port Health / Agric. |
| Nil List (Stowaways/Arms/etc.) | Physical / PDF | Customs (On Board) |
| Bonded Store / Crew Effects | Physical / PDF | Customs (On Board) |
| Last Port Clearance (Original) | Physical | Customs (On Board) |
4. Arrival & Clearance Protocol (“The Green Light”)
Step 1: Pilotage
- Pilot Boarding Ground: Approx. 1 mile off the entrance channel.
- Port Entry: Malé Commercial Harbour operates 24 hours.
Step 2: Boarding Order
Strict hierarchy is enforced. No commercial activity may begin until this sequence is complete:
- MNDF (Coast Guard): Boards first.
- Verifies Security Level and PCASP forms.
- Action: All weapons/ammunition must be mustered and handed over to MNDF custody for the duration of the stay.
- Port Health: Boards second.
- Verifies the Original SSCC and Health Declaration.
- Action: Grants “Free Pratique”. No crew may disembark, and no other agency may board until this is issued.
- Customs & Immigration: Boards last.
- Clears Inward/Outward docs, bonds stores, and clears crew.
Step 3: Cargo Discharge
- Stevedoring commences immediately upon Customs clearance.
- MPL (Maldives Ports Limited) utilizes the digital manifest from Tradian for discharge planning.
5. Important Port Regulations
- Animals & Pets: Strict control. Any ship pet (dog, cat, bird) must be declared via the Veterinary Health Certificate. They must remain confined on board at all times. Undeclared animals may cause significant quarantine delays.
- Prohibited Items:
- Alcohol & Pork: Import is prohibited. All ship’s bonded stores containing liquor or pork products will be sealed by Customs upon arrival.
- Religious Idols: Materials contrary to Islam are prohibited from import.
- Narcotics: Zero tolerance.
- Environmental Protection:
- Discharge: Strictly prohibited to discharge oil, bilge water, sewage, or refuse into Maldivian waters.
- Ballast Water: Must comply with IMO Ballast Water Management Convention standards.
6. Important Contact Information
- Malé Harbour Control: VHF Channel 10 (Primary) / 12 (Secondary)
- Coast Guard (MRCC): mrcc@mndf.gov.mv / VHF Channel 16
- Ministry of Defence (Permits): admin@defence.gov.mv
- Port Health Unit: male.seaport@health.gov.mv
- Maldives Customs Service: info@customs.gov.mv
- Maldives Ports Limited (MPL): info@port.mv
Revision Notes (February 2026 Update)
This guide replaces the previous version. Key operational changes include:
Tradian System Implementation: The manual submission of manifests and vessel registration to MPL is discontinued. All core data must now be routed through the Tradian National Single Window.
Hybrid Submission for Health: While Tradian is the primary portal, Port Health currently enforces a parallel requirement to email technical health documents (MDH, SSCC, Vet Certificate) 12 hours prior to arrival to specific unit emails.
Veterinary Requirements: Added explicit requirement for Veterinary Health Certificates for ship pets to prevent quarantine issues.
24-Hour Port Operations: Updated to reflect that Malé Commercial Harbour now permits vessel entry 24 hours a day (previously restricted 0000-0600 hrs).
Security (MNDF): Reinforced the 48-hour mandatory notice for Armed Guards (PCASP) via email, distinct from the general Tradian arrival notification.