Mormugao Port Authority issues monsoon season advisory
Mormugao Port Authority has advised that no operations shall be carried out west of its breakwater during the monsoon season, from 20 May until further notice.
Small craft/vessels, including barges, are not permitted in these areas and are advised to stay in sheltered waters during the monsoon period.
Additional safety measures will be implemented, as follows:
Ships to be moored at dolphins with at least six head ropes and six stern ropes of suitable size and strength for the size of the vessel. The ropes should be polypropylene or other synthetic material that floats on water. Anchors may or may not be used, depending on prevailing weather conditions and vessel size. During adverse weather, vessels may be moved from mooring dolphins to any suitable berth, if available, to complete cargo operations. If no berth is available, vessels may be shifted to outer anchorage until conditions improve or a berth becomes available.
The number of anchorages east of breakwater will depend on available space on the day in question. All concerned are requested to adhere to recommended lengths.
Allotment of dolphins will be decided after consideration of the following:
i) The date of arrival/commencement of loading/discharging
ii) Expected loading/discharging rate and type of cargo
iii) Type of loading/discharging gear on board the vessel
During monsoon season, vessels will not be brought to the turning basin just for the purpose of clearing. Only vessels coming from Yellow Fever area, which cannot obtain radio pratique, or having dire emergency, may be brought to the turning basin, provided other ship movements are not hampered.
Night navigation will be carried out normally, subject to weather conditions for vessels up to LOA 235 m.
Pilots to ensure vessels are moored/berthed with additional lines at berths. Masters of all vessels to keep engines, winches, etc. on standby for use at any time, along with adequate manpower.
All vessels at anchorage to ensure sufficient length of anchor chain is paid out.
All vessels to maintain proper navigation watches, obtain frequent weather reports, and extreme caution should be exercised.
Weather reports will be transmitted to ports users, authorities, etc., and warning signals/storm alerts will be hoisted/displayed at the Port Signal Station, informed a communique.
Source: Exim News Service: Mormugao (Goa), May 15