SB04 - Southern Seas - Crew Safety, Vessel Damage & Cargo Losses

Due regard should be given to any local environmental conditions which could be anticipated such as “Abnormal Waves” that can be encountered under certain weather conditions off the SE coast of South Africa (Ref: Sailing Directions (14th Edition - Pub 171 - published by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, USA))

Abnormal waves, of exceptional height, occasionally occur off the SE coast of South Africa causing severe damage to ships unfortunate enough to encounter them. 

The Club would remind “vessel owners, operators and Masters” of:

• the importance of stowing and securing cargo in accordance with Chapter VI of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) as amended
• the potential danger to ships of navigating in the vicinity of intense low-pressure systems and, particularly for container vessels, the effects of parametric rolling.
• the importance of preventing a loss of LO pump suction by maintaining main and generator engine LO sump levels in line with manufacturer specification. (Ref. IACS UR MR46).
   

The Club encourage ship owners, Masters and ship staff to ensure that they are fully familiar with, and follow, the requirements of their Safety Management Systems with particular regard to operations in rough seas.