Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
General
Q: What is findaport.com?
Findaport.com is an interactive port information application that allows searching information on ports and terminals worldwide. This comprehensive online resource amalgamates all the information found in our various print and electronic publications, including the highly respected Guide to Port Entry and Guide to Tanker Ports.
Q: Where do you get your information from?
Our published data is researched and updated daily by our team of editors and checked using only authenticated sources such as port authorities, agents and operators. This process is undertaken at least once in every 2 year cycle. Therefore, you can be safe in the knowledge that you are accessing the most up-to-date information available to us on the ports you visit.
Q: Does findaport.com include continually updated numbers of dry bulk load and discharge rates, and also the current port costs for loading bulkers?
No, findaport.com does not include port costs as these vary too frequently to keep on top of. However, direct links to the port and terminal websites are included, where available and when we have been given this information.
To access the loading/discharge rate information, you would need the Bronze package.
Q: How is the information structured?
Port information is laid out in a logical sequence including a general description, pre-arrival requirements, max. size, safety and security, communications, berthing operations, cargo and shore facilities, regulations and other local information. Port plans, mooring diagrams, photos and maps, many georeferenced, provide valuable information for many ports and berths.
Q: What are ACE Reports?
Many entries also benefit from reports of Actual Conditions Experienced (ACE Reports) at given ports and facilities. These invaluable reports (nearly 2,500 in total), supplied by shipmasters, officers and others at the front end of the maritime industry, provide a unique insight into the facilities and conditions encountered by fellow seafarers.
Q: How can I search the data?
This depends on your subscription level. The Free and Basic packages allow you to search using the port name and/or country. Subscribers to the Bronze package can search for ports by a geographical location, port facilities, cargo facilities or dry dock facilities. Searches can be saved for later reuse. Findaport.com also provides over 4,700 full colour port plans, high resolution aerial photography, maps and port photos. For more information on how to search click here.
To view a video tutorial on how to search click here.
Q: What is a Beta release?
We are currently in our Beta phase, which means you are among the first to try findaport.com. Our Beta release is the first version released for the purpose of evaluation and real-world testing, similar to a prototype. Our Beta release may include known issues and minor bugs, but we are constantly working to improve the system. However, if you have any suggestions for how we can improve findaport.com, please let us know via the Contact Us page. New features will be introduced regularly.
Q: What is throttling?
Throttling is a limitation we place upon the use of findaport.com within a given time period, in order to prevent potential abuse of the system.
Subscriptions
Q: What levels of subscription do you offer?
We currently offer 3 subscription levels: Free, Basic and Bronze. To read more about the packages, including costs, please click here.
All subscriptions are governed by our Terms of Use and our Acceptable Usage Policy.
Q: Is VAT applicable?
VAT will be charged at the applicable rate currently 17.5% on all UK subscriptions and where appropriate to non business users in the EU.
How to use findaport.com
To view video tutorials on how to use findaport.com click here
Q: What is the dashboard?
The dashboard is the users personal homepage. It can be configured to hold lists of favourite searches and favourite ports, whilst having access to the search page, support forum, weather and any news and announcements from findaport.com.
Q: What are usage points?
On findaport.com, we have introduced a concept termed "usage points". They can be considered as findaport.com credits. With every subscription, the system allocates a set number of usage points to the account which are renewed on a monthly basis. The system then 'charges' a set number of usage points for each transaction, be it a search, a view of a port's details, or some other function.
Users who exceed their monthly usage points allowance will initially be offered the opportunity to renew their usage points in a paid-for transaction. Users who consistently exceed their monthly usage points allowance will be deemed to have excessive usage and will be required to upgrade or close their account, or wait until the beginning of the next month when their points will be renewed.
Our Acceptable Usage Policy details what rate of data access is considered acceptable for each level of subscription.
Q: How do I add a favourite port?
You can add favourite ports onto your dashboard so that they may be accessed directly from your dashboard, without having to perform a search again.
To add a port to your favourites list, search for your desired port. In the Port Summary panel there is an 'Add to Favourites' icon at the top right corner. Clicking on the icon once will save the port into your favourites list.
The 'Add to Favourites' icon can also be found at the top right corner of the details page for each of the ports.
Q: Why am I receiving usage depleted messages?
You are receiving these because you have used up your monthly usage quota. To continue using our service, you are required to upgrade your account. Alternatively, you can wait until the next calendar month.
Q: Why am I receiving usage throttled messages?
In order to prevent potential abuse of the system, we limit usage activities to a certain amount in a given time period. If you have reached this limit, you will receive a throttling message. However, you can usually continue to use the system after a short time.
Q: What is an API?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of functions or protocols documented by a data provider to allow 3rd parties access to their dataset.
How to search for a port on findaport.com
To view video tutorials on how to use findaport.com click here
Basic search example:
Q: How do I search for all the ports in a particular country?
1. Log into findaport.com with your login details.
2. Click on the Search link at the top navigation bar.
3. You will see the search bar located near the top of the page. From the Country drop down list, choose a country and then click the blue Search button located on the far right of the search bar.
4. The list of ports for your chosen country is displayed in the Results panel. Click on one of the ports in the results list, the summary of the chosen port will appear in the Port Summary panel.
Advanced search example:
Q: How do I find all the ports in Australia that contain cranes and tankers in their cargo facilities?
1. Log into findaport.com with your login details.
2. Click on the Search link at the top navigation bar.
3. You will see the search bar located near the top. Click on the Advanced link on the far right of the search bar.
4. Choose Australia from the Country drop down list, check the tick boxes for cranes and tankers, and then click the blue Search button located on the far right of the search bar.
5. The list of ports in Australia that have cranes and tankers in their cargo facilities are displayed in the Results panel. You can click on the Basic link on the top right of the search bar to minimise the Advanced search feature.
1. Log into findaport.com with your login details.
2. Click on the Search link at the top navigation bar.
3. You will see the search bar located near the top, click on the Advanced link on the far right of the search bar.
4. Specify your search. For example, choose a country in the Country drop down list and choose the facilities you would like to specify.
5. In the far right of the search bar, you will see a box titled Search name, this is where you can name your search. For example, if you would like to search for all the ports in Algeria and have specified the search criteria, you can name this “All Algerian Ports”.
6. Click on the Save button. Now you have saved your search.
Q: How do I access the saved searches?
1. Navigate to your dashboard page by clicking on the Dashboard link just below the top navigation bar.
2. You will see one of your panels is called Saved Searches. This is where your saved searches are stored. You can click on any of your saved searches in this panel to view your search results.
Q: How do I bookmark/save a favourite port?
1. Log into findaport.com with your login details.
2. Click on the Search link at the top navigation bar.
3. You will see the search bar located near the top of the page. From the Country drop down list, choose a country and then click the blue Search button located on the far right of the search bar.
4. The list of ports for your chosen country is displayed in the Results panel. Click on one of the ports in the results list, the summary of the chosen port will appear in the Port Summary panel.
5. In the Port Summary panel, click on the yellow star icon located on the top right of the panel to save this port.
Q: How do I access my saved ports?
1. Navigate to your dashboard page by clicking on the Dashboard link just below the top navigation bar.
2. You will see one of your panels is called Favourite Ports, this is where your saved ports are stored. You can click on any of your saved ports in this panel to view your saved ports’ detailed information.
Affiliates
Q: How can I use voucher codes?
You can create and track different voucher codes to suit your different promotional methods. For example, you can create a voucher code specifically for an advert posted in a magazine with a 3% discount, and then another voucher code which you give out in your promotional leaflets with a 1% discount. Please note that once you have deleted a voucher code, that code will no longer be valid for signing up to findaport.com.
Q: How do I set up a voucher code?
Creating a voucher code is simple to set up. Simply type in the description in the appropriate box with the desired discounted rate and press Create. This will create a unique code which you can either give out directly to customers or embed within a link.
Q: How do I insert a link?
After creating the voucher code you can select the Affiliate Links and Banners tab, where you have various options available to you. Firstly, select the desired voucher code. By selecting this you will notice that all the html coding changes automatically to include the coding for your personal discount for your customers. You can then copy and paste the html coding into your webpage, email or e-bulletin and the desired banner will appear.
Please note that the code and the embedded links are unique to you, they are used to track customers who clicks on your link to sign up to findaport.com. This is how we can guarantee that you receive your commission.
Q: Can I preview a banner or image?
The image shown beneath the individual banner sizes and coding is how your banner will look and appear. You can place the coding wherever you like on your website or email depending on the size.
Q: How can I expire a voucher code and a link?
If you would like to stop any of your voucher code promotion, please click on the appropriate 'expire' link. If you would like to reactivate an expired voucher code, simply click the 'activate' link.
Q: Can I monitor who has signed up?
Yes, you can monitor your customers and view their details on your personal affiliate dashboard. Here you can also view a detailed summary of your customer subscriptions.
This includes:
- Annual subscription sign ups using voucher code
- Annual subscription sign ups via affiliate link
- Monthly subscription sign ups using voucher code
- Monthly subscription sign ups via affiliate link
