A Member's ship was recently visited in Abidjan by a Port State Control team of five people. In addition to carrying out an inspection of the vessel, the navigating officers were gathered together and tested on the use of the GMDSS equipment. Detailed questioning took place until errors were found. The sum of US$500 was then demanded for this issuance of a 'clean' certificate.
We have been advised that on the 22nd October 2000 an important decision relating to the settlement of customs dues, recently issued by the Minister of Finance in Syria, has been circulated by the General Manager of the Customs to all Customs County Directorates. We further understand the manager of the Customs Department in Lattakia has further circulated this to his own departments on 26th October 2000.
While a vessel was at anchorage off Lagos recently, the Master reported to the correspondent that he had been contacted by people purporting to be the agents, advising that they would be boarding. When these people arrived they were accompanied by several others, alleging to be police officers and dressed accordingly. The "police officers" proceeded to accuse the vessel of illegal bunkering and eventually drew their firearms with which they threatened the Master and crew and demanded money. The Master, fearing for both his own safety and that of the crew, was forced to give the men about $2,500 before they would agree to leave the vessel.
Circular highlights recommendations made by International Group of P&I Clubs concerning safe carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite (UN Nos
12/00: Stowaways
01/11/2000