In view of severe weather conditions during the monsoon period in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai Port, [port users] to adhere to the guidelines issued by DG Shipping/IMO and safe practices of seamanship from time-to-time for monsoon weather conditions and also issued by various competent authorities.
In addition, following points to be included for monsoon weather preparedness but should not be limited to:
- Monitoring of weather forecast by all available means and technology. Preventive and precautionary measures to be taken as per the prevailing weather conditions.
- Agents/owners/managers/masters to ensure the foul weather preparedness of their crafts/or the applicable to the expected foul weather season.
- All crafts to be manned as per safe manning requirements.
- All crafts to have sufficient bunkers/provisions/fresh water in reserve keeping in mind the prevailing weather condition.
- The vessels to keep their engines in readiness, keeping prevailing weather conditions in mind.
- Owners/agent/charterer to ensure that the Master is aware and provided with regular updates of weather forecast and ensure the compliance of safe practices.
- Master/owner/agent of a craft without propulsion to ensure that stand-by tug/s of suitable capacity and numbers with respect to prevailing weather condition is/are available.
- Master/owner/manager/agent will be held responsible for any deviations or any incidents/accidents due to non-compliance of above mentioned guidelines.
- All statutory certificates including but not limiting to P&I certificates, class certificates, etc. should remain valid at all times. Any violations will be considered as non-compliance.
- The vessels to keep their engine in readiness in short notice, keeping prevailing weather condition in mind. All vessels in harbour to monitor applicable port VHF channel.
- All vessels to carry extra mooring ropes as spare lines in case ropes parted or required as additional mooring ropes. Mooring ropes should be in good condition.
- Tides are considered strong when range is 9 feet and above.
- During monsoon strongest tides are run across the harbour, in cyclonic weather sometimes experiences the strongest wind (up to 40-45 km) and zero visibility during heavy rain.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected])
Source: Mumbai Port Authority Circular dated 2 May 2023