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
As a result of a recent casualty off Porto Vesme we are advised by the Club's correspondent in Genoa that the Italian Ministry of Environment has on the 3rd October 2000 issued a decree whereby :
Members employing Filipino crew will be aware that a newly amended POEA contract came into effect on 25th June 2000. All manning agencies in the Philippines have been instructed that when seafarers are being employed under the new contract, a full copy of the contract shall be provided to the seafarer to document proof that the seafarer is familiar with all aspects of the contract. In practice, this means that the seafarer will sign each page of the contract. A copy of the contract will then be provided to the seafarer. Another copy will be filed with the records department of the POEA and a third copy shall be retained by the manning agent.
In the port of Jeddah the stevedores require the vessel to sign an official document entitled JEDDAH ISLAMIC PORT SURVEY REPORT.
We refer to bulletins
157 - 09/00 - Sugar Problems - Kenya
31/08/2000
We have been advised by the Club's correspondent in Mombasa that there is presently a severe shortage of sugar in the area. Prices have tripled and traders are taking advantage and are importing large amounts.
152 - 08/00 - High value cargo: Contamination of top quality kraft pulp by aluminium fluoride
31/07/2000
A Member recently loaded a bulk cargo of high quality kraft pulp in Vancouver. A film was placed over the cargo and then lumber loaded on top.
The recently enacted Washington State ballast legislation, which will concern any Members calling at ports in Washington State US, became effective on 24 June 2000. Fines may be incurred for breaching these regulations, which may be summarised as follows.
We have recently been warned by Members of potential charterparty disputes in respect of draft/navigational problems in the Congo.
During a recent visit to a Member's vessel the following unfortunate incident was witnessed.
The Customs Authorities in Tripoli, Libya are currently taking a very strict approach to contraband or breach of any local regulations.