HomeMarine InsuranceMaritime AccidentsAmerican Club Circular no. 08/21 – Loss prevention: Ship anchoring and mooring considerations in US rivers during high water conditions
American Club Circular no. 08/21 – Loss prevention: Ship anchoring and mooring considerations in US rivers during high water conditions
American Club Circular no. 08/21 – Loss prevention: Ship anchoring and mooring considerations in US rivers during high water conditions
Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman and CEO, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Managers for The American Club
MARCH 31, 2021CIRCULAR NO. 08/21TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATIONDear Member:LOSS PREVENTION: SHIP ANCHORING AND MOORING CONSIDERATIONS IN US RIVERS DURING HIGH WATER CONDITIONS
The run-off of melting snow each spring, and often heavy seasonal rains, create periods of high water in the Mississippi River system which can result in additional risks for vessels operating there, particularly for those which load and discharge cargo at midstream moorings.
In order to provide guidance in mitigating such risks, your Managers are pleased to present Ship Anchoring and Mooring Considerations in US Rivers During High Water Conditions. This provides an overview of best practices for midstream buoy mooring, actions to be taken to prevent fouled or stuck anchors, and further recommendations on actions to be taken if anchors, or anchor chains, are lost.
Claims resulting from delays, salvage equipment costs, tugs, underwater surveys, etc., can be substantial and can very quickly add up to significant figures. Therefore, preparedness of equipment is vitally important. Of equal importance is the vigilance and preparedness of mariners to prevent losses and to mitigate exposure if an incident does occur.
Your Managers recommend that Members take note of the information contained in the attached overview and be guided accordingly. They also wish to thank International Maritime Consultants for their contributions to this guidance. Please direct any inquiries in regard to the above to Dr. William Moore, Senior Vice President, at william.moore@americanclub.com.
Yours faithfully,
Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEOShipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB
