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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
16200 Central Green Blvd
GAC Regional Office, Asia Pacific 78 Shenton Way, #29-01
Group Vice President, Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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07 Aug 2019 / Torres Strait, Australia
Following successful trials over the year on increasing the maximum draft up to 12.5m in the Torres Strait, AMSA [Australian Maritime Safety Authority] has issued the attached exemption to Marine Order 54.
BULK CARRIERS AND TANKERS
AMSA Exemption 2019/03 allows AMSA-licensed Coastal Pilots to navigate Bulk Carriers or Tankers through Torres Strait with a maximum draught up to 12.5 metres, using the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) System, as set out in in Marine Order 54 – Coastal pilotage 2014 (MO54).
These changes to the maximum allowable draught have come about following a trial carried out in collaboration with the UKCM system vendor (OMC International) and Rio Tinto. The trial showed that at certain times of the year, due to favourable tidal conditions, the prevailing high waters allow for some deeper-draught vessels with a full-form hull to safely transit through Torres Strait, in full compliance with MO54.
When planning the voyage, Masters must accept that delays may be caused by the tidal window becoming unavailable due to changing weather conditions. We recommend that Masters liaise closely with pilotage providers when planning a passage through Torres Strait.
CONTAINER VESSELS
A similar trial in collaboration with OMC International and Maersk is currently underway to determine whether vessels with fine-form hulls (typically container vessels), can also safely pass through Torres Strait at certain times of the year. If the trial determines that these vessels can safety transit, MO54 will be amended and industry notified accordingly.
EXISTING MO54 EXEMPTIONS
The following exemptions have been repealed and included in the Exemption 2019/3:
• Marine Order 54 (UKCM system compulsory usage draught limit) Exemption 2018 (No. 5); This Exemption allows AMSA-licensed Coastal Pilots not to use the UKCM System for vessels with a draught less than 9.0 metres;
• Marine Order 54 (Torres Strait UKCM system draught regime trial) Exemption 2019 (No. 2); This exemption allows AMSA-licensed Coastal Pilots to pilot Container Vessels participating in the trial to transit with draughts of up to 12.5 metres.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at [email protected]