Monsoon preparedness

03 May 2023 / Mumbai, India

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:

  1. Monitoring of weather forecast by all available means and technology. Preventive and precautionary measures to be taken as per the prevailing weather conditions.
  2. Agents/owners/managers/masters to ensure the foul weather preparedness of their crafts/or the applicable to the expected foul weather season.
  3. All crafts to be manned as per safe manning requirements.
  4. All crafts to have sufficient bunkers/provisions/fresh water in reserve keeping in mind the prevailing weather condition.
  5. The vessels to keep their engines in readiness, keeping prevailing weather conditions in mind.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Master/owner/manager/agent will be held responsible for any deviations or any incidents/accidents due to non-compliance of above mentioned guidelines.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Tides are considered strong when range is 9 feet and above.
  13. 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

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