31 Jul 2015 / Panama, Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) considers proper boarding facilities to be an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of their personnel, as well as others using these facilities while transiting in Canal waters. In order to promote awareness and compliance with Canal requirements by vessels in Canal waters, the ACP will hold its annual "Safe Boarding Week" from July 6-10, 2015. During this period, the ACP will emphasize and encourage safe boarding practices on all vessels arriving at the waterway. "Safe Boarding Week" activities will involve inspections of boarding facilities by teams representing personnel who normally board vessels, such as Canal Port Captains, Pilots, Transit Vessel Inspectors, Chemists, Emergency Response personnel, Admeasurers, Deckhands, as well as ship's agents. This year, the ACP will continue promoting preventive measures to be taken in order to avoid the tripping hazard created by the retrieving line attached to the pilot ladder, as well as the excess portion of the pilot ladders, which is very often laid out on deck. The ACP suggests the use of a box-like structure to be placed over the excess portion of the ladder that may be encountered at the embarkation point on deck. This will provide for a flat, non-slippery surface as persons transfer from the ladder to the deck of the vessel. The structure may be permanent or may be constructed so that it is lightweight and portable allowing for it to be used only as the situation warrants. Vessels at both Cristobal and Balboa anchorages will be boarded to inspect their boarding facility arrangements. Vessels' Masters will be provided with the results of the inspection. Those vessels deserving special recognition for excellence will be presented with plaques that will be delivered immediately following the inspection. Any vessel with boarding facilities determined to be below acceptable standards must correct the deficiencies prior to transit. (For information about operations in the Panama Canal Contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at [email protected]) Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-14-2015
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