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Protecting whales – in the Mediterranean and everywhere else

ALERT
29 NOV 2023

The IMO has adopted a new voluntary speed restriction scheme in the North-West Mediterranean Sea to protect local whale populations. This area is also marked on the newly released global whale chart aimed at helping seafarers in planning their voyages to reduce the risk of vessel-whale collisions.
Red Sea - situation update

ALERT
22 NOV 2023

Updated 5 December 2023

Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have increased since the commencement of the Israel-Gaza conflict and this is particularly relevant for assets with links to Israel transiting the region.
Amazon river: drought and reduced navigability

ALERT
25 OCT 2023

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The Amazon region is currently suffering from one of the worst droughts in years. Smoke from fires around the city Manaus is further hampering navigability in the rivers. Members and clients operating in the region should contact local correspondents for the latest information.
Preventing collisions with fishing vessels in China

ALERT
19 OCT 2023

On 22 September 2023, the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) issued two circulars addressing the prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels in Chinese waters. These circulars specifically identify high-risk areas (HRAs) prone to such incidents and provide valuable guidance on collision prevention in these waters.
Ships with Ukrainian crew at Russian ports risk disruption

ALERT
18 OCT 2023

The Russian Federation’s recent implementation of temporary entry restrictions for Ukrainian citizens may cause delays and other difficulties for vessels with Ukrainian crew at Russian ports.
Israel-Gaza conflict: Impact on shipping

ALERT
11 OCT 2023

Updated 8 December 2023

The situation in Israel and Gaza remains volatile and we recommend assessing all port calls in the country on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate measures should be incorporated into ship contingency plans.
Maintain vigilance at Peru’s Callao Anchorage

ALERT
05 OCT 2023

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On 29 September 2023, a vessel was boarded by thieves whilst at anchor in Callao, Peru. The perpetrators tied up the duty crew and shore watchmen on routine rounds and held them at knifepoint, before escaping with the ship’s stores, reports the IMB PRC.
Persistent threats to merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Persian Gulf and its approaches

ALERT
02 OCT 2023

Updated 5 December 2023

Regional conflicts, heightened military activity, and increased political tensions continue to pose threats to commercial vessels operating in in these regions, warns flag administrations. And with the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict, tensions in the Southern Red Sea region have escalated even further, particularly for assets with a link to Israel. See our alert Red Sea - situation update for additional advice.
Are you snap-safe?

ALERT
21 SEP 2023

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Use of worn mooring lines, overtightening of the brakes, or sudden movements of the ship are some of the main reasons for ropes straining beyond their breaking limits and parting. Parting of tensioned mooring lines has been associated with some of the worst human injuries, and loss of life registered in Gard’s claims portfolio.
First lines ashore! Do we understand the risk?

ALERT
13 SEP 2023

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A number of fatalities and serious injuries have occurred across the maritime industry due to parting of mooring lines. Our loss prevention poster highlights the fact that the first line ashore has the highest potential to snap given the level of load it can experience to steady a moving vessel.
Look out for risk of collision with fishing vessels in Chinese waters

ALERT
15 AUG 2023

Every year we handle claims of collisions between merchant and fishing vessels in Chinese waters. As the seasonal fishing ban comes to an end in China, ship operators and masters are advised to take additional precautions when planning a voyage to and from Chinese ports due to the increased number of fishing vessels in Chinese waters.
Customs fines in Argentina

ALERT
27 JUL 2023

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Ship operators continue to be fined for alleged inaccuracies when filing customs declarations at Argentine ports. The accuracy of the figures declared is crucial as reported overage, or duplication of items, could be just as expensive as a “shortage”.
Prepare for PSC CIC on fire safety

ALERT
20 JUL 2023

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Updated 11 August 2023

This year’s concentrated inspection campaign by port state control starts on 1 September 2023 and focuses on fire safety, both from a technical and operational aspect.
Damage to coral reefs caused by anchoring outside designated anchorage

ALERT
10 JUL 2023

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Vessels should not anchor outside designated anchorage areas in regions where coral reefs are known to exist to avoid damaging them and being exposed to fines by authorities.
California expands its voluntary vessel speed reduction program

ALERT
05 JUL 2023

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In an effort to protect whales and cut vessel emissions, California continues to incentivise operators that slow down their vessels to a speed of 10 knots or less along the state’s coast. This year the vessel speed reduction zones have become larger and the season longer.
Nigerian freight tax demands

ALERT
16 JUN 2023

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Nigeria issues freight tax demands on tanker owners/vessels having called Nigerian ports dating back to 2010.
Stricter immigration controls for seafarers entering Brazil now in force

ALERT
25 MAY 2023

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Following Brazil’s ratification of ILO Convention 185, only seafarers’ identification documents issued by ILO Convention 185 member states are accepted as valid travelling documents by Brazil, without the need for a visa.
Navigating safely through the seasonal fishing ban in Chinese waters

ALERT
28 APR 2023

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The seasonal fishing ban in China will come into force on 1 May 2023. Fishing traffic is expected to increase significantly in the period leading up to the start of the fishing ban and immediately after the ban ends in each sea area. As some illegal fishing activities may still continue and some fishing activities are allowed under the new Special Fishing Permit system in certain sea areas during the ban, ship operators and masters are advised to take additional precautions when planning a voyage to and from Chinese ports during this period.
Slow down for right whales along the North American East Coast

ALERT
17 APR 2023

Masters and crews operating along the US/Canadian East Coast must maintain a good lookout for North Atlantic right whales and follow the speed restrictions in force at any given time.
Drug smuggling on the increase in Mexican ports

ALERT
11 APR 2023

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Mexico has seen an increase in the number of cases involving illegal narcotics being smuggled on merchant vessels calling Mexican ports in the past 12 months, reports our local correspondent.