Marine Advisory: 01/2021 - Precautions when Navigating Waters in and around Changjiangkou, China

Marine Advisory: 01/2021 SUBJECT: Precautions when Navigating Waters in and around Changjiangkou, China TO: ALL Owners/Operators and Masters of Liberian Flagged Vessels

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Masters:

Purpose

The purpose of this Advisory is to inform of China Marine Safety Administration (MSA) recent Safety Notice calling for additional safety checks of vessels propulsion and essential maneuvering systems prior to arrival and departure of highly congested waters around Changjiangkou near Shanghai.

Background

A recent collision of two vessels near Changjiangkou resulted in the sinking of one vessel and subsequent death of 4 seafarers and 4 seafarers missing. An investigation by local authorities is ongoing however officials believe the collision occurred due to loss of maneuvering systems.

Action

In response to the accident, the China MSA Safety Notice urges vessel Master’s to test their vessels main engine, steering gear and essential maneuvering systems and correct any deficiencies prior to arriving and prior to departing the highly congested waters around Changjiangkou. Any malfunctions subsequently impacting the vessel’s safe navigation will be thoroughly investigated and the vessel may be subject to a PSC inspection and adverse port state action, to include detention.

All Masters are reminded of the importance of maintaining equipment and conducting steering gear tests in accordance with SOLAS CHAPTER V.

Owners, operators and Masters are encouraged to review the MSA Safety Notice and take action as deemed appropriate.

Please contact the Fleet Performance Department at prevention@liscr.com if you have any questions.

* * * * *

SAFETY NOTICE

On December 13 2020, the container ship “Oceana” (IMO 9634684) lost control in the deep water channel of CJK area. MV ”Oceana” subsequently collided with the domestic cargo ship “XINQISHENG 69” which subsequently sank and left 4 seafarers dead and 4 seafarers missing.

This matter is currently under investigation and the search for all of the remaining seafarers is continuing.

In order to avoid similar failures and prevent accidents occurring, all vessels in the concerned waters are hereby urged to thoroughly test its engines and ensure the main engine, steering gear and all essential maneuvering systems are in good order before departure from the berth, as well as before arrival in the high-density traffic waters. Any defects found should be corrected before the vessel departs the wharf or arrives in the high density traffic water.

If any malfunction arising from such defects subsequently occurs and impacts upon the vessel’s safe navigation in any respects, it will be thoroughly investigated. The vessel will be subject to PSC inspection also, and severe cases may lead to detention respectively.

If the departure from the last foreign port is less than the period of quarantine assigned by the local quarantine policy, the investigation and inspection will be carried out after fulfilling the quarantine requirements at the anchorage. All associated cost will be on the ship's account.

* * * * *