We refer to LP Bulletins 274 12/02 and 285 02/03 that explained the requirements for ocean cargo manifest information to be received by the US government at least 24 hours prior to loading the cargo at the foreign port. Enforcement of the rule began on February 2nd 2003, with initial enforcement efforts focused only on the cargo description field. On April 4th 2003 the next phases for enforcement were announced that relate only to the 24-hour rule for inbound ocean shipments. Other modes will be subject to regulations under the Trade Act of 2002, which will be issued this autumn.
We have been advised that in the last few months there have been occasions, where, during pilotage duties on the Mississippi river transit, certain pilots have been using personal mobile telephones excessively. In one reported case, during a five hour pilotage, a pilot spent no less than four hours on his cellular phone, in spite of a large sign on the bridge front bulkhead stating that cellular phones might interfere with navigational instruments. During the same pilotage it was also noted that the helm orders were less than clear as the pilot just turned his head and mumbled the orders.
291 - 03/03 - Permitted Trade - Iraq
01/03/2003
Members will be aware that the United Nations imposed economic sanctions upon Iraq in 1990. A number of shipping publications have recently reported an increase in the amount of oil exported from Iraq in apparent compliance with exceptions to those sanctions. The Club has received a number of questions regarding the UN sanctions and in light of this take the opportunity of outlining some of the requirements that must be established to ensure lawful compliance.
The area in the region of Escravos/Warri has experienced considerable violent ethnic disruption over the last several years. This situation has been exacerbated in recent days due to forthcoming Presidential elections in Nigeria (April 2003).
Circular 3/03: 2003 Policy Year
02/02/2003
288 - 02/03 - Regulations of Entry - Peru
01/02/2003
We have been advised that Peruvian Harbour Masters' Regulations require all ships, which are to enter or leave Peruvian territorial waters (within a 200-mile zone), are to notify the Maritime Authority of their position and intention of doing so.
Highlights issue 5:
01/02/2003