Hot Port News from GAC

• Vessels static data is loaded incorrectly or not present at all. For example: incomplete or incorrect MMSI, vessel’s name, vessel’s dimensions and AIS GPS antenna position.
• Some vessels are not transmitting heading information or the information is incorrect.
• The pilot plug is not located near Conning Position 1 or it is wired incorrectly. The correct wiring, as seen from the AIS equipment, as established by IMO’s “Guideline for installation of Shipborne Automatic Identification System”, is as follows:
  – TX A is connected to Pin 1
  – TX B is connected to Pin 4
  – RX A is connected to Pin 5
  – RX B is connected to Pin 6
  – Shield is connected to Pin 9
• There is no power receptacle near the AIS pilot plug or the power receptacle has a voltage not compatible with the pilot’s laptop. The voltage must be 120 VAC 50/60Hz.

For the Panama Canal AIS requirements, please refer to OP Notice to Shipping N-01-2016, available athttps://www.pancanal.com/eng/op/notices/2016/N01-2016.pdf. It is essential  that all masters verify that their vessels’ AIS System is transmitting complete and accurate data so that full advantage is taken of the Automatic Identification System (AIS.

Non-compliant vessels require that a supplemental device be brought on board, with an associated fee.

(For information about operations in the Panama Canal, contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com)

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-43-2016 dated 12 August 2016

A working area of approximately 25 metres around the work boat will be established. The hours of work will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. Vessels engaged in the works will not stay in the works area outside the hours of work. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the work boat.

Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of work.

Vessels engaged in the works 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.107 of 2016 dated 12 August 2016

Any type of vessel intending to use Fujairah Offshore Anchorage Area must have a local agency based in Fujairah.

Lay-up or scrap vessels will not be permitted.

Rendezvousing between steaming vessels or between steaming vessels and service boats are prohibited.

Movements of vessels in double banking position (side by side) are strictly prohibited.

Any type of vessel approaching or using the area must all times be liable to maintain proper actions and apply rules of the “INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA” for averting the risk of collision.

Permission to anchor must be obtained from the Port Control Tower prior to anchoring.

Anchoring in “Passage Way” between coordinates provided is prohibited.

No vessel is permitted to immobilize in the area without prior approval from Traffic Control.

(For information about operations in Fujairah contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com)

Source: Port of Fujairah Notice to Mariner No.213 of 2016 dated 15 August 2016. For coordinates see fujairahport.ae.

Lateral Buoy (Red Hand Mark) (B4)

Coordinates: 25deg. 7.5’N / 056deg. 24.0’E

Characteristics: F1.R

Direction of Traffic Flow

Please consider the Note 1 – Port of Fujairah given in the Admiralty Charts 3723 & 3709 as cancelled (Edition No. 2 dated 4 October 2012).

Direction of traffic flow is normal as per international maritime convention.

Vessels calling and leaving the South Pilot Station must keep the Fairway Buoy on their port side.

(For information about operations in Fujairah contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com)

Source: Port of Fujairah Notice to Mariner No.212 of 2016 dated 14 August 2016.