European response to Ebola threat
COUNTRY: Worldwide
Several European countries have introduced measures in response to the continuing outbreak of Ebola virus in some West African countries and isolated cases elswehere, as follows:
SPAIN:
All vessels must now submit their Health Maritime Declaration prior to arrival at Spanish ports.
Health Authorities will take all necessary precautions (inspections, shore leave prohibition, etc.) only for vessels coming from affected countries (Guinea Konacry, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria) or that have visited any of these countries lately.
Every Master must report any illness symptoms amongst his crew. Any ill crew member must complete a form indicating (among other information) the last countries he has visited.
NETHERLANDS:
Vessels should complete and deliver the Maritime Declaration of Health. Measures taken on board should also be noted on the ship sanitation control certificate.
In case of a suspected case of Ebola Virus onboard a ship, immediate expert medical opinion should be sought and the event must be reported as soon as possible to the next port of call.
Depending on the situation, the competent authority may need to arrange medical evacuation or special arrangements for disembarkation and hospitalization of the patient and laboratory diagnosis. Passengers, crew members and cleaning staff who have been identified through contact tracing should be assessed for their specific level of exposure. Passive self-monitoring of temperature (e.g. monitoring temperature only if feeling feverish) and symptoms or active self-monitoring (e.g. by regular temperature measurement twice daily) for those at higher risk level should be continued for 21 days.
Port authorities cannot advise the delays but crew will be medically checked and ship will be disinfected. While waiting for outcome of the medical check all crew will stay in quarantine in the hospital.
FRANCE:
Le Havre – Maritime Health Declaration/ISPS must be sent to the Agent before ship’s arrival and to be examined by Le Havre port Authority. For vessels that have touched a port from West Africa in the past 30 days, waste have to be landed and incinerated via a specialized local waste collector (special procedure to be established). If a possible Ebola case is reported/suspected, any decisions/actions will be taken by port authorities on a case–by–case basis (to quarantine).
Rouen – According to the latest information from Rouen port authorities, Maritime Declaration of Health will only be requested from vessels coming from ports of West Africa. At this stage, no other restrictions or requests for the port of Rouen.
Brest – Health Maritime Declaration will systematically be requested by Harbour Master from vessels arriving from ports from West Africa in addition to usual pre-arrival requirements prior to entrance in port (ISPS, crew list etc)
Dunkirk – As per available information there are no special restrictions imposed at Dunkirk.
The Harbour Master will take a special care of Free-Pratique request before arrival in port, for vessels arriving from West Africa.
Montoir/Donges/St Nazaire – Vessels must complete and submit the Maritime Declaration of Health and the last ten ports of call document 48 hours before arrival on roads. If the Maritime Declaration of Health is OK and the Master has nothing to report, the vessel will automatically be authorized to enter the port. If, however, the Master declares a health problem onboard, a special procedure will apply and the vessel will not be authorized to immediately enter the post. Ports authorities, the French army and medical shipping departments will diagnose the sick individual and a special process will be engaged.
UNITED KINGDOM:
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is monitoring vessels that have visited ports in countries where the Ebola virus is present which intend to transit through UK waters or stop at UK ports. Every Vessel of Interest will be contacted by the Coastguard, as it enters UK AIS coverage to determine the vessel’s health status. If a VOI seeks Radio Medical Advice through the Coastguard, or requires a Search & Rescue response, or a medical evacuation, HM Coastguard will notify SAR units before a response can be undertaken so that they can prepare for and manage the situation more cautiously if required.
In case of a suspected case of Ebola, the vessel will be asked to divert to the nearest suitable port where the casualty can be taken off the ship by land-based medical services in a controlled manner.
Further information about measures being put in place elsewhere in Europe will be provided as it becomes available.
For information about operations in Europe contact the GAC UK Hub Agency Centre at hub.gb@gac.com
Ebola outbreak precautions
October 13, 2014, Oman, Salalah Port
Agents of all vessels calling Salalah at CT, GCT and anchorage, including wooden crafts (Djows), are hereby informed the list of the last 10 Ports of Call must be sent to port control and PFSO at least 48 hours prior to declared ETA of the vessel.
If the vessel has any of the ports in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria ro Senegal in the last 10 Ports of Call list this must be specifically brought to the attention of port cotrol, PFSO and health authorities.
(For information about operations in Salalah contact GAC Oman at salalah@gac.com)
Source: Port of Salalah Marine Notice No.07/2014 dated 13 October 2014
Maximum draft revised after dredging
October 13, 2014, India, Mormugao
Mormugao Port Trust has advised that after partial dredging in the channel and berths, the maximum draft permissable at Berth No.6 is now 13.5 metres during High Tide.
For information about operations in India contact GAC India at india@gac.com
Marine Site Investigation at Kiu Tsui
October 13, 2014, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
For approximately two months, marine site investigation works involving drilling of boreholes will be carried out [at Kiu Tsui of Sharp Island, Sai Kung] in the following areas:
AREA 1:
This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22 deg. 22.042’N / 114 deg. 17.238’E
(B) 22 deg. 22.069’N / 114 deg. 17.203’E
(C) 22 deg. 22.096’N / 114 deg. 17.232’E
(D) 22 deg. 22.059’N / 114 deg. 17.262’E
AREA 2:
This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (E) to (H) and the adjacent shoreline:
(E) 22 deg. 22.015’N / 114 deg. 17.285’E
(F) 22 deg. 21.977’N / 114 deg. 17.243’E
(G) 22 deg. 22.001’N / 114 deg. 17.215’E
(H) 22 deg. 22.032’N / 114 deg. 17.251’E
The works will be carried out by one flat top barge. One tug will provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 50 metres around the barge will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the barge.
The hours of work will be from 0700 to 1900 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
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 Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.130 of 2014
Dredging at New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter
October 13, 2014, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
For approximately 3 months, dredging operations will be carried out [at New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter] within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS84 Datum) from (A) to (B) and (C) to (D) and the adjacent breakwater and shoreline:-
(A) 22 deg. 18.739’N / 114 deg. 09.595’E
(B) 22 deg. 18.739’N / 114 deg. 09.303’E
(C) 22 deg. 18.872’N / 114 deg. 09.257’E
(D) 22 deg. 18.945’N / 114 deg. 09.295’E
The works will be carried out by two derrick lighters. Two hopper barges, two tugs and one work boat 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 derrick lighters will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the derrick lighters.
A silt curtain will be established at the immediate area where dredging by grab takes place.
The hours of work will be from 0700 to 1900 hours. Vessels employed for the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
(For inofrmation about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hpong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.131 of 2014
Amended port navigation depths
October 13, 2014, Australia, Mackay
The design and actual port navigation depths below port datum [at Mackay Hrbour entrance and berths], Lowest Astronomical Tide, are amended as of Monday, 13 October 2014 as follows:
ENTRANCE CHANNEL
Design Depth (Metres: 8.5
Actual Depth (Metres): 8.5*
SWING BASIN
Design Depth (Metres: 8.5
Actual Depth (Metres): 8.5
BERTH NO.1
Design Depth (Metres: 10.6
Actual Depth (Metres): 11.1
BERTH NO.2
Design Depth (Metres: 13.0
Actual Depth (Metres): 12.9
BERTH NO.3 & 4 COMPOSITE
Design Depth (Metres: –
Actual Depth (Metres): 12.9
BERTH NO.4
Design Depth (Metres: 10.6
Actual Depth (Metres): 11.0
BERTH NO.5
Design Depth (Metres: 12.5
Actual Depth (Metres): 12.2
(For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com)
Source: Queensland Notice to Mariners 590 (Temporary) of 2014
Importance of using official nautical charts
October 13, 2014, Australia, all ports
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a notice about the importance of using official nautical charts, after noting a recent increase in the use of unofficial charts for navigation.
AMSA’s Marine Notice No.16/2014 states that the country’s port State control program has recorded deficiencies and detained ships using unofficial nautical charts for navigation. These include but are not limited to: photocopies, facsimiles or imitations of official paper charts, large format commercial printed copies of scanned Electronic Navigations Charts, and paper charts “assembled” by printing several small portions of a Raster Navigational Chart. Unofficial copies of nautical charts can be distorted, out of date or many omit important navigational features.
For a nautical chart to be considered adequate for navigational purposes, it must be:
i) officially issued,
ii) the latest edition,
iii) used in its original form,
iv) maintained up to date using the latest available notices to mariners, and
v) of appropriate scale suitable for the navigational task at hand.
Australian official paper charts are issued and updated by the Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) under the “Aus” series and provide bathymetric and near shore coverage of Australia’s area of charting responsibility. The series is also largely reproduced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office as part of their world-wide “Admiralty” chart series. AHS charts are easily identified by their “Aus” chart numbers and AHS crest above the chart’s title. There is no other alternative numbering system for “Aus” charts.
The AHS distributes the full portfolio of “Aus” charts via AHS authorised chart agents, who sell and distribute “Aus” charts as “single’ paper charts or grouped as “portfolios” of charts. A list of authorised AHS chart distribution agents is available on the AHS website at: www.hydro.gov.au.
To identify unofficial nautical charts, a comparison can be made with a genuine official AHS chart. The “look and feel” comparison may raise suspicions that a chart is unofficial. An unofficial nautical chart may have:
• ink of a different colour (and is not simply black and white);
• inconsistent colour across the chart;
• colours that can be erased; or
• different paper weight or feel.
If it is suspected that an “Aus” chart is not genuine, contact should be made to AHS by email (hydro.sales@defence.gov.au) with relevant details. In cooperation with AMSA, AHS will actively seek to stop the production and sale of unofficial copies of AHS products
The carriage of up to date nautical charts is critical to safe navigation. AMSA urges all purchasers, users, marine surveyors and recognised organisations to be vigilant in the identification and reporting of unofficial nautical charts.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
GAC Bunker Fuels Ltd Pricing Alert
Market Price Update 13/10/2014
| COUNTRY | 180 CST | 380 CST | MGO | MDO |  |
|
|
Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | 782.00 | 0 | |
|
Aden | 730.00 | 665.00 | 1, 105.00 | 0 | |
|
Alexandria | 755.00 | 655.00 | 1, 180.00 | 0 | |
|
Amsterdam | 505.00 | 485.00 | 735.00 | 0 | |
|
Antwerp | 500.00 | 480.00 | 730.00 | 0 | |
|
Aqaba | 0 | 720.00 | 1, 020.00 | 0 | |
|
Bahrain | 0 | 0 | 970.00 | 0 | |
|
Bergen | 601.00 | 575.00 | 814.00 | 0 | |
|
Busan | 565.00 | 540.00 | 800.00 | 790.00 | |
|
Cape Town | 602.00 | 0 | 838.00 | 0 | |
|
Colombo | 625.00 | 615.00 | 950.00 | 0 | |
|
Dubai | 600.00 | 590.00 | 840.00 | 0 | |
|
Durban | 546.00 | 0 | 980.00 | 0 | |
|
Fujairah | 590.00 | 518.00 | 950.00 | 0 | |
|
Gibraltar | 580.00 | 550.00 | 810.00 | 0 | |
|
Hambantota | 645.00 | 615.00 | 970.00 | 0 | |
|
Hong Kong | 530.00 | 523.00 | 794.00 | 0 | |
|
Houston | 532.00 | 492.00 | 850.00 | 0 | |
|
Istanbul | 674.00 | 551.00 | 845.00 | 0 | |
|
Jeddah | 720.00 | 660.00 | 1, 090.00 | 0 | |
|
Kaohsiung | 590.00 | 580.00 | 905.00 | 890.00 | |
|
Kuwait | 0 | 550.00 | 1, 230.00 | 0 | |
|
Lerwick | 0 | 0 | 831.00 | 0 | |
|
Malta | 674.00 | 651.00 | 806.00 | 0 | |
|
Montrose | 0 | 0 | 828.00 | 0 | |
|
Mumbai | 548.00 | 541.00 | 1, 014.00 | 0 | |
|
New York & New Jersey | 585.00 | 525.00 | 850.00 | 0 | |
|
Panama | 657.00 | 500.00 | 925.00 | 0 | |
|
Piraeus | 589.00 | 569.00 | 805.00 | 0 | |
|
Port Louis | 682.00 | 0 | 956.00 | 0 | |
|
Port Said | 750.00 | 655.00 | 1, 110.00 | 0 | |
|
Qatar | 0 | 0 | 905.00 | 0 | |
|
Richards Bay | 587.00 | 0 | 1, 002.00 | 0 | |
|
Rio de Janeiro | 565.00 | 543.00 | 945.00 | 0 | |
|
Rotterdam | 513.00 | 483.00 | 740.00 | 0 | |
|
Salalah | 665.00 | 615.00 | 1, 080.00 | 0 | |
|
Shanghai | 563.00 | 536.00 | 1, 005.00 | 0 | |
|
Sharjah | 600.00 | 590.00 | 840.00 | 0 | |
|
Singapore | 523.00 | 510.00 | 808.00 | 0 | |
|
Sohar | 0 | 630.00 | 1, 015.00 | 0 | |
|
St Petersburg | 413.00 | 368.00 | 715.00 | 0 | |
|
Stavanger | 0 | 0 | 824.00 | 0 | |
|
Suez | 655.00 | 710.00 | 1, 110.00 | 0 | |
|
Walvis Bay | 663.00 | 0 | 952.00 | 0 | |
|
West Africa OFFSHORE – FROM ABIDJAN TO LUANDA | 735.00 | 660.00 | 961.00 | 0 |
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services dedicated to helping customers achieve their strategic goals at the highest levels of quality, safety and compliance.
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