|
Further to M.S. Notice No. 31 of 2009
dated 24.09.2009 issued by the Directorate following couple of casualties/
near misses of ships in Indian ports, the Directorate has received more
reports from various sources that the shippers and port authorities are
not extending the support to the Masters of the ships calling Indian ports
for loading Iron ore fines, to comply with their obligations under the
provisions of SOLAS 74 as amended, BC Code & BLU Code.
Recognizing these
facts, the Director General of Shipping issues following additional
directions to the concerned authorities and organizations.
-
The agent of the
ships calling Indian Ports for shipment of captioned cargo should advise
and encourage the Masters to use their discretion and overriding
Authority under National & International Laws (Please refer to Part V of
M.S. Notice No 18 of 2009 Monsoon Advisory)
-
The Masters
should also be encouraged to verify the moisture contents of Iron ore
fines, if in any doubts, as per the provision of BC Code, prior to the
acceptance of shipment and during the entire loading operations.
-
The concerned
ports shall do everything possible to ensure safe carriage &
transportation of solid bulk cargo including Iron ore fines as per the
provisions of M.S. Notice 31 of 2009
-
The Port Should
not refuses the entry of vessels in need of assistance as places of
refuge when the Masters are suspicious about their cargoes not complying
with the BC Code requirements, especially related to moisture contents.
In doing so the ports shall take all measures for the safety of ports
and environment on the coast. Further the port authorities may be guided
by IMO Resolution A 949 (23) places of refuge and A 950 (23) - Maritime
Assistance Service (MAS).
Sd/-
(Capt. Deepak Kapoor )
Deputy. Chief Ship Surveyor-cum-Sr. DDG (Tech.)
|
