We refer to Bulletin 20 - 10/97 Hantavirus state of alert in Peru. We have now received further information issued by the Director-General of Harbour Masters' Offices and Coast Guard on the 5th May 2000 in respect of actions to be taken by vessels arriving from all foreign ports at which HANTVIRUS has been reported to exist. This follows a circular from the Peruvian health authorities advising that Panama and Bolivia have now been included on the list of countries that have had deaths from Hantavirus.
141 - 5/00 - The Smuggling of Stowaways
30/04/2000
We have to report the recent murder of a crewmember on shore leave in La Guaira, Venezuela. The crew member in question was shot dead soon after going ashore to telephone his family. Unfortunately on subsequent investigation it was established that such acts of violence in this particular area are not uncommon.
Members should be aware that the 17 member states of the Tokyo MOU have agreed to increase their inspection rate in the Asia Pacific area to 75% . This increase, from 50%, is due to begin from October 1st 2000. The members have agreed to develop a targeting system. The criteria is not yet known but is likely to be based on previous inspection records. It will also include factors such as flag, owner and class.
We would like to bring to owners attention a recent incident where a vessel belonging to a member has suffered serious structural damage to her hull whilst coming alongside at the Okrika tanker jetty, Nigeria.
AQIS, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, has announced it is to check the accuracy of information on ballast water exchange provided by vessels upon arrival in Australia.
129 - 02/00 - Customs Fines - Ivory Coast
01/02/2000
We have been advised by TCI Africa CI (Club Correspondents) in Abidjan of recent articles in the Ivory Coast press referring to alleged cases of fraud involving considerable sums of money with their origin in the mis-declaration of quality, origin and quantity on bagged cargoes of sugar from South America.
122 - 12/99 - New California Ballast Water Regulations - Effective 1/1/2000 - California - USA
01/12/1999
From 1st January 2000, a new California law will come into force to establish a statewide mandatory ballast water management and control program under the jurisdiction of the California State Lands Commission (SLC).