Further to our Bulletin 66/1998, we have been advised that SIPBS (State Inspection for Protection of the Black Sea) are continuing to take infringements of the ballast water regulations very seriously.
Incidents in 2000 & 2002 illustrate strict response of U.S
231- 02/02 - Port Health Fines - Brazil
01/02/2002
Referring to our earlier Bulletins - 09 (07/97), 11 (08/97), 35 (02/98) & 155 (09/00), we would like to advise Members of a recent development regarding the fines imposed upon vessels found to have "sanitary infractions" by the Brazilian Port Health Authorities (PHA).
The Paris MOU Committee decided in May 2001 that the new requirements of the STCW Convention should be strictly enforced by Port States in the Region. For this purpose the Paris MOU has developed specific guidelines for assessment of STCW compliance and Port State Control Officers received training during a seminar held in Athens in October last year.
One of our Member's bulk carriers twice recently visited the port of El Dekheila, near Alexandria, Egypt. On both occasions, the vessel experienced heavy swell whilst alongside, resulting in the vessel surging along the quay. On the second occasion, she parted a total of eleven mooring lines and required the assistance of a tug, pilot and mooring crew to resecure the vessel. Two ship's staff were injured during this operation..
As the deadline date for full STCW 95 implementation looms, we would like to remind Members of their obligations. LP Bulletin 206 - 08/01 Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping Convention
TB1 - Mooring practices
01/01/2002
The UK Club's inspectors frequently find that ships' mooring arrangements are both ineffective and used inefficiently, such that mooring lines are subject to unnecessary chafing.
TB2 - Free-fall lifeboats
01/01/2002
Many shipowners build vessels, even very large vessels, with fully enclosed free-fall lifeboats in the belief that this is a safer means of saving the crew in case the ship has to be abandoned.
TB3 - Plastic piping
01/01/2002
Many ships today are fitted with both ballast and IG system pipes manufactured from approved types of plastics and glass reinforced plastics (GRP).
We have been advised, that as of 14th September 2001, a number of ports in the US have restrictions. Mariners are advised to check with the local USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) and/or agent well in advance of arrival/departure, as the restrictions may change without notice. Vessels may not enter a security or safety zone without USCG permission.
The following bulletin supersedes Bulletin 208 issued 14th September. We have been advised, that as of 15th September 2001, a number of ports in the US have restrictions. Mariners are advised to check with the local USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) well in advance of arrival/departure, as the restrictions may change without notice. Vessels may not enter a security or safety zone without USCG permission. Delays can be expected at container terminals due to heightened security precautions.
Latest Information Websites - USA
For over ten years it has been an industry practice in some US ports for longshoremen to use motorised vehicles for the purpose of dragging ships' mooring lines to shoreside bollards during the berthing operation. In such cases one end of the mooring line is on the ship's winch while the other is made fast to a tagline which is attached to the front of a quayside motorised vehicle. This practice was adopted in order to prevent back injuries to longshoremen while hauling heavy mooring lines.
A pilots' strike has been declared at St Petersburg by the Maritime Pilot Corporation and took effect from 7th August. This has been caused by a long term dispute between the Pilot Corporation and the State authorities and there is currently no indication of when the strike is likely to end. Some vessels have already been delayed. Any members who have vessels calling at St Petersburg are recommended to instruct their local agents:
With effect from 1st July 2001, ships considered to be especially friendly to the environment calling at the port of Hamburg will receive a rebate on harbour dues of 6% or 12%. The Harbour and Environment Authorities intend that this will induce shipowners to make ships cleaner and more environmentally friendly. The ships to be rewarded will be those which can demonstrate a high standard in the areas of waste gas pollution or ship painting or have environmental certification eg ISO 14001. All decisions will be based on existing certification systems or easily verifiable environmental care measures. The project is to be valid initially for a five year period and will be financed by the environmental authorities.
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping convention (STCW 95) comes into full effect next year with effect from February 2002 and requires flag states to accept direct responsibility for seafarers serving on their ships.