Home > Country
 

Iraq Flag of Iraq

Pre Arrival:  Documents
Communications:  Pre-Arrival
Pollution:  Ballast
Local Info:  Time | Holidays
Misc:  Agency
General Information for Iraq
Geo-political:
Capital City: Baghdad.
Nationality: (noun) Iraqi, (adjective) Iraqi.
Population: 28,945,569.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 964.
Number of Internal Airports: 75.
Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian.
Economy:
Currency: 1 New Iraqi Dinar (IQD) of 1000 Fils.
Exchange Rates:  (as of March 2018)
USD 1.00 = IQD 1,184.85
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertiliser and metal fabrication/processing.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Continental Shelf: not specified.
Coastline Extent: 58 km.
Climate: Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq.
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, phosphates and sulphur.
Natural Hazards: Dust storms; sandstorms; floods.
Terrain: Mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 11° C 4° C
June 42° C 22° C
September 40° C 20° C
DOCUMENTS:  Documents required by vessels heading for ports in Iraq:
The following certificates issued according to the valid international agreements shall be made available on vessels over 500 d.w.t.:
   Certificate of Registry of the vessel
   Derat (Exemption) Certificate
   Load Line Certificate
   Radio-Telegraphy Certificate
   Ship's Instruments/Equipments Certificate
   All other internationally required documents (Safety Certificates)
Contact Agent prior to arrival for latest requirements.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  Masters of vessels proceeding to ports in Iraq are to notify the Control Officer and pilot station of vessel's ETA (by radio) 24 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station. The Agent should also be advised at the same time.
If the vessel is carrying hazardous cargo, ETA advices should be sent 48 hours prior to arrival.
Free pratique should be requested at least 24 hours prior to arrival, and health conditions at last port of call should be reported.
The Control Officer also requires the following information:
  1. name of vessel and nationality
  2. call sign
  3. position in which anchor dropped
  4. draft fore and aft in meters
  5. name of Agent at the port of destination.
Contact Agent prior to arrival for latest requirements.
Gas Tankers:  Masters of gas tankers should contact the Harbour Master of the gas terminal and the Control Officer (telegraphically) 72 hours, 48 hours, 24 hours and 12 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.
Prior to arrival at the pilot station, the Master shall advise the Control Officer of the following:
  1. name of the tanker prefixed with letters (LPG) and her nationality
  2. call sign of tanker
  3. port of Registry
  4. LOA and LBP
  5. d.w.t.
  6. g.t.
  7. n.t.
  8. draft of tanker on arrival
  9. expected draft on departure
  10. last port of call
  11. health condition of tanker's crew
Every vessel proceeding to ports in Iraq has to contact Basra Radio Station, call sign ``YIR'', or Umm Qasr Radio Station, call sign ``YIU''.
For further information refer to Admiralty List of Radio Signals.
MARLO Advisory Bulletin 02-05:  06.02.2005.
The following information was provided to MARLO by the Coalition Navy leadership, for dissemination to the regional shipping community.
Northern Arabian Gulf, Iraq Inbound and Outbound Shipping: 
1. Background: At the request of the Iraqi government and in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1483 and 1546, a Multinational Maritime Security Force (MSF) continues to operate in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG). This force is authorised to conduct maritime security operations to prevent the unauthorised trade of arms and related material, to perform customary defence missions on behalf of the Iraqi government and to take all necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq.
2. Action: All vessels en route to and from Iraqi ports are subject to query, and may be subject to boarding and inspection by the MSF until further notice. This notice affects vessels traversing or preparing to traverse Iraqi Territorial Waters, Thekhawr Abd Allah, Shatt Al Arab and Iraq's offshore Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals. Inspections are conducted to verify compliance with relevant UNSCRS and to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq. The intent is to conduct thorough inspections with minimum disruption to maritime commerce. All cleared vessels will be permitted to proceed to their next port of call upon inspection completion. Any vessel carrying unauthorised arms and related material or other cargo that could jeopardise the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq will be detained and turned over to the Iraqi government for appropriate action in accordance with Iraqi law. Specifically, violations may result in the seizure and confiscation of cargo by the Iraqi government. Additionally, the Master and crew members of vessels carrying such cargo are subject to arrest, detention, and prosecution under Iraqi law. Strict adherence to the procedures in this notice will minimise delays associated with such inspections. Iraqi port status, categories of vessel traffic that can be accepted, and other restrictions will be published via separate notice by the Iraqi government. Hydrographic conditions of Iraqi ports and connecting waterways will also be published via separate notice by the Iraqi government. Parties wishing to dispatch ships to Iraqi ports are advised to review these notices and contact the Iraqi Port Authority for current entry protocol and restrictions.
3. Checkpoint: Vessels bound for or departing from Iraqi ports and offshore oil terminals must pass within a 5 n.m. radius of 29° 35.00′ N, 048° 53.00′ E Approaching vessels must contact the Maritime Security Force Commander on Marine VHF (bridge-to-bridge) radio telephone, Channel 16 within 5 n.m. of this point and be prepared to respond to MSF queries.
4. Notification: All shipping must be co-ordinated with the Iraqi Port Authority or State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO).
5. Cargo Documentation: Documentation for Iraq bound cargo must include the items listed below:
a) An original manifest describing the cargo, as well as its location in the ship, must be on board. The original manifest must include the port of origin, ports of call, complete business names and addresses of all shippers and consignees and final destination of all cargo. A complete business address must include the street address, a prominent identifiable geographic location, or a post office box, contact person, name or recipient ministry or entity, an email address plus a telephone number or fax number.
b) Consignee names and addresses on all cargo must match the manifest.
c) The manifest must bear an original signature of the vessel's Master or Chief Officer. The manifest may be on shipper's letterhead, fax, photocopy or computer printout, but it must bear an original signature.
d) The original manifest may consist of more than one document if there are amendments that list cargo dropped off at a given port or correct the original manifest. These amendments may originate from the shipper or carrier. Since additional documents may be transmitted to a vessel by telegram or fax, they need not bear an original signature. However, the Master is required to certify in writing that the amended manifest accurately reflects what is on board the vessel.
6. Incomplete Documentation: Iraq-bound vessels which are determined to have incomplete cargo manifests, to be otherwise in violation of requirements listed in paragraph 5 of this advisory or Iraqi laws, may be detained by the MSF for turn over to the Iraqi Government or diverted to last port of call until appropriate conditions are met.
7. Petroleum Imports and Exports: Trade in petroleum products is controlled by the Iraqi government. Iraqi law authorises the seizure and confiscation of vessels found in violation of any petroleum import or export authorisation. All petroleum imports and exports are handled through SOMO or its Agent the Iraqi South Oil Company (SOC). Only those oil shipments verified to be under valid SOMO contract, or otherwise specifically authorised by the Iraqi government will be allowed to pass. SOMO can be contacted by Fax: +873 (763) 705020.
8. Vessel Documentation: Vessels must maintain sufficient indicia of flag state registry, such as the original certificate of registry, on board at all times the vessel is in operation. Stateless vessels or vessels without valid safety and environmental protection certificates are not welcome in Iraq.
a) Questionable Registry: Vessels with questionable registry may be delayed in obtaining clearance to proceed or face detention and other penalties upon arrival in Iraqi ports.
b) Invalid Registry: Vessels presenting certificates of registry confirmed to be invalid will be denied entry into Iraq, and could be subject to arrest by the Iraqi government.
9. Personnel Identification: All crew members on Iraq-bound vessels must possess valid seaman's documents or passports. All passengers en route to Iraq must possess valid passports or other identification documents acceptable under Iraqi law or regulation.
10. Ferries and Passenger Ships: Ferries or passenger ships traversing the Iraqi Maritime Security Force checkpoint will be subject to the following requirements:
a) Vessels carrying passengers only (with no commercial cargo capacity) may arrange for an expeditious transit through the checkpoint by forwarding a certified passenger list at least 36 hours prior to transit by fax or letter to the Iraqi Port Authority. Additionally, 10 days prior to first transit forward a certified attestation by fax or letter from a recognised member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) that the ship has in fact no cargo carrying capacity.
b) A passenger vessel arriving at the Iraqi Maritime Security Force checkpoint that has not complied with the requirements of paragraph 10.A) will be held until authorised by the Iraqi Port Authority to enter port. The passenger vessel may be boarded and inspected while awaiting authorisation.
11. Query/Boarding Procedures: MSF units querying passing vessels will identify themselves as Maritime Security Force warship (or aircraft) and may give an identifying number. Merchant vessels will be expected to provide the following information in response to query:
name
flag
international radio call sign or distinctive letters assigned by flag state
cargo quantity and description (with exception of military cargo)
Agent
last port of call and date departed
next port of call and estimated arrival
date of arrival and departure.
Following query, vessels may be cleared to proceed or directed to standby for boarding. Ships directed to standby for boarding will be boarded as expeditiously as possible, with due regard to weather conditions and vessel characteristics. Coalition vessels conducting boardings will endeavour to provide notice of boarding team arrival whenever possible.
a) Boarding/Security Sweep: Boarding teams will advise vessels of requirements to muster crew and account for any watch standers prior to boarding. All directions from the coalition vessel should be followed explicitly to avoid misunderstanding. If any direction is not understood, the vessel's Master should ask for clarification. Merchant vessel crews should not take offence at security sweeps, and should not interfere with them. Remain in locations designated until cleared to move about the ship by the boarding team.
b) Ship Inspection: Vessel Masters can facilitate the inspection process by opening hatch covers and making other reasonable preparations prior to the arrival of the boarding team. The ship's Certificate of Registry, cargo documentation, and crew passports or Seaman's Books should be available for inspection by the boarding Officer. Boarding teams may require copies of some documents.
12. HYDROPACS 205/2002, 206/2002 and 1033/2004 are cancelled.
BALLAST:  Regional Organisation for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME Sea Area (RSA)) Ballast Water Management Regulation:  In light of the Ballast Water Management Convention that replaced the voluntary guidelines and considering the specific provisions of the Convention, it is desired to take the necessary steps to mitigate the risk of introduction of harmful species and also to harmonise national and regional policies to address the issue of ballast water in the RSA.
The RSA is defined as extending between the following geographic positions:
  1. 16° 39.00′ N, 053° 03.50′ E
  2. 16° 00.00′ N, 053° 25.00′ E
  3. 17° 00.00′ N, 056° 30.00′ E
  4. 20° 30.00′ N, 060° 00.00′ E
  5. 25° 04.00′ N, 061° 25.00′ E
The area is the largest recipient of ship's ballast water. Annually, more than 50,000 vessels visit this area and discharge a large amount of ballast water. The RSA is a semi-enclosed water body with intensely hot summers and short cool winters, extensive air and water temperature fluctuation and relatively high salinity. It is also characterised by high turbidity and low exchange of water with open waters. Therefore, there is also a need to manage and control the spread of harmful aquatic species in ship's ballast water by implementing a set of measures such as ballast water exchange outside the RSA.
With effect from 1 November 2009, all ships, regardless of flag, will be required to exchange and treat all ballast water taken up outside the RSA for the protection of the marine environment. This comprises the states of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Taking into consideration the provisions of the Regulation B-4 of the Ballast Water Management Convention , the following points should be observed:
  1. Vessels arriving from outside the RSA should undertake ballast water exchange en route in water over 200 n.m. from the nearest land and in water at least depth 200 m.
  2. If not possible for safety reasons, vessel should be expected to make minor deviations to areas within the 200 n.m. limit that can be identified as discharge area, so long as such areas are more than 50 n.m. from the nearest land in waters at least depth 200 m.
  3. If not achievable, ship shall provide the respective authority with the reason why she has not done so, and further ballast water management measures may be required, consistent with the Ballast Water Management Convention and other international laws.
Ballast water, that has been treated with a ballast water treatment system approved in accordance with IMO standards, does not need to be exchanged.
Ships will be required to have on board an approved Ballast Water Management Plan in accordance with the IMO standards. Ships should also have and maintain a Ballast Water Record Book. From the date specified above, all the ships passing Strait of Hormuz will be required to complete the Regional Ballast Water Reporting Form (RBWRF). The ships will be inspected by the Port State Control Officers to ensure these regional requirements are fully implemented.
For further assistance contact the local Agent or respected Port Authority or MEMAC as the Regional Centre at [email protected] at the earliest opportunity.
HOLIDAYS:  Due to the uncertain situation in the country the following holiday dates should be used for guidance only.
1 January (New Year's Day); 31 January* (Eid Al Adha); 1 February* (Eid Al Adha); 22 February* (Islamic New Year); 4 April (Palm Sunday); 8 April (Maundy Thursday); 9 April (Good Friday/Iraq's new National Day); 11 April (Easter Sunday); 1 May* (Prophet's Birthday); 15/16 November* (Eid Al Fitr); 25 December (Christmas Day).
* Dates are stated approximately as they depend on the sighting of the moon.
AGENCY:  The sole Agent for all ships and tankers calling at Iraqi ports is as follows:
Iraq State Enterprise for Water Transport (ISCWT), (Formerly State Enterprise for Maritime Agencies), PO Box 3, Basrah, Iraq. Tel: +873 (761) 226136, +964 (1) 285 3347. Fax: +873 (761) 226137, +964 (1) 285 3347. Telex: 207009 B BSR IK, 1070669, 207066 BWAKR IK.
Note:  Dated 10 April 1996 (Updated August 2001).
All vessels calling at Iraqi ports of Umm Qasr and Khor Al-Zubair are exempt from payment of the customary Port and Agency disbursements, i.e. the owners have the privilege of sending their ships to discharge their cargoes at Iraqi ports free of charge until further notice.