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In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* United States, Boston, Massachusetts – MARSEC Level increased
* Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Dredging at Kwai Chung Container Terminals 6 & 7
* Panama, Bahia Las Minas – Buoys out of service
DATE: April 16, 2013
COUNTRY: United States
PORT: Boston, Massachusetts
MARSEC Level increased
As of 1845, 15 Apr 2013, the Captain of the Port of Boston has raised the MARSEC Level to MARSEC level 2 within the COPT Boston zone.
Each owner or operator of a vessel or facility required to have a security plan under 33 CFR Parts 104 or 105 must notify the COTP at (617) 223-5242 within 12 hours of receipt of notification that measures or actions
described in their security plan and any other requirements that may be imposed by the COTP that correspond with MARSEC Level 2 have been attained.
Due to this heightened level of security, regulated vessels and facilities under the authority of the COTP and all maritime partners are asked to be aware of the higher threat conditions and to increase protective measures.
Security plans should be reviewed with employees and additional security measures implemented, where appropriate.
We ask the maritime industry, boaters, and general public to maintain a high state of alert and vigilance and to contact the Sector Command Center at (617) 223-5757 or VHF channel 16 for immediate assistance.
(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
Source: US Coast Guard Sector Boston Maritime Security Posture Increase
DATE: April 16, 2013
COUNTRY: Hong Kong
PORT: Hong Kong
Dredging at Kwai Chung Container Terminals 6 & 7
For approximately three months, dredging operations will be carried out [at Kwai Chung Container Terminals 6 & 7] within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (F) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22 deg. 19.710’N / 114 deg. 07.631’E
(B) 22 deg. 19.659’N / 114 deg. 07.648’E
(C) 22 deg. 19.634’N / 114 deg. 07.565’E
(D) 22 deg. 20.166’N / 114 deg. 07.384’E
(E) 22 deg. 20.191’N / 114 deg. 07.467’E
(F) 22 deg. 20.139’N / 114 deg. 07.485’E
The works will be carried out from a grab dredger. Three tug boats, three split-hopper barges, one survey boat and one motor sampan will assist in the works. The number of vessels engaged in the works will change from time to time to suit operational requirements.
A working area of approximately 50 metres around the grab dredger will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the grab dredger.
The works will normally be carried out round-the-clock.
The vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.
(For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.44 of 2013
DATE: April 16, 2013
COUNTRY: Panama
PORT: Bahia Las Minas
Buoys out of service
The Bahia Las Minas Chief Pilot has advised that the sea buoy light is not working and that navigation buoy No.5 is out of position. Further, the leading lights of land and sea are out of operation.
Following safety navigation measures, pilots suggest a temporary suspension of all night time docking/un-docking maneuvers at Bahia Las Minas Terminal until the navigation buoy is repaired and back in position.
All docking/un-docking maneuvers may be subject to daylight restrictions on a case-to-case basis. Vessels arriving and departing Las Minas may experience delays due to the current restrictions invoked.
This restriction does not affect the Panama Canal or vessels in transit activity unless a particular tanker is required to load or discharge at the terminal before proceeding through the Canal.
For information about operations in Panama contact GAC-Wilford & McKay a gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.
