Influence of the Suez Canal
Over the last few years there have been several incidents where vessels transiting the Suez Canal under pilotage of the Suez Canal Authority have either grounded, damaged navigational buoys and/or encountered various other problems.
The main purpose of this circular is to briefly highlight some of the common problems that may face vessels while transit so as to try to avoid them in the future.
The Suez Canal is run by a very professional team ( Head quarters in Ismailia ) under the SCA Rules of Navigation. These rules cover almost all the activities that a vessel may need prior and during transit.
The Suez Canal Authority, being the second biggest source of revenue to Egypt, has a unique position in the country and has supreme power and influence.
The latest version of the Rules of Navigation should be accurately read by members as we believe that careful understanding of these rules is one of the important methods of Loss Prevention in relation to this issue.
Influence of the Suez Canal
Incidents generally involves Grounding, damage to buoys, damage to SC tugs, injuries to Pilots, injuries to Mooring Company employees, etc.
Grounding Incidents :
Causes of Grounding incidents may vary. Some incidents may occur due to vessel’s engine failure or rudder/steering problems (the latter is the reason of most grounding cases), others may be pilots’ negligence, poor visibility due to severe sand storms that sometimes prevail in the canal area. In grounding incidents, assistance of SCA tugs is immediately imposed as per the Rules of Navigation. Article 57 states : “ Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during canal transit in the following cases :
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
Grounding Incidents :
Causes of Grounding incidents may vary. Some incidents may occur due to vessel’s engine failure or rudder/steering problems (the latter is the reason of most grounding cases), others may be pilots’ negligence, poor visibility due to severe sand storms that sometimes prevail in the canal area. In grounding incidents, assistance of SCA tugs is immediately imposed as per the Rules of Navigation. Article 57 states : “ Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during canal transit in the following cases :
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
Grounding Incidents :
Causes of Grounding incidents may vary. Some incidents may occur due to vessel’s engine failure or rudder/steering problems (the latter is the reason of most grounding cases), others may be pilots’ negligence, poor visibility due to severe sand storms that sometimes prevail in the canal area. In grounding incidents, assistance of SCA tugs is immediately imposed as per the Rules of Navigation. Article 57 states : “ Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during canal transit in the following cases :
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
Grounding Incidents :
Causes of Grounding incidents may vary. Some incidents may occur due to vessel’s engine failure or rudder/steering problems (the latter is the reason of most grounding cases), others may be pilots’ negligence, poor visibility due to severe sand storms that sometimes prevail in the canal area. In grounding incidents, assistance of SCA tugs is immediately imposed as per the Rules of Navigation. Article 57 states : “ Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during canal transit in the following cases :
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
Grounding Incidents :
Causes of Grounding incidents may vary. Some incidents may occur due to vessel’s engine failure or rudder/steering problems (the latter is the reason of most grounding cases), others may be pilots’ negligence, poor visibility due to severe sand storms that sometimes prevail in the canal area. In grounding incidents, assistance of SCA tugs is immediately imposed as per the Rules of Navigation. Article 57 states : “ Chargeable tugs shall be imposed during canal transit in the following cases :
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.
The CA may require any vessel to take a tug or tugs through the canal, when in its judgment such action is necessary to ensure safety of the vessel or to the canal.
Any vessel without mechanical power, or the machinery of which is / or becomes disabled, or steers badly, or which is liable to become unmanageable for any reason, shall be towed through the canal. Vessels having engine or steering gear trouble for the second time during the same passage.
Bad view vessels owing to deck cargo, containers , cranes, or constructions impeding the view from the wheelhouse and wings.
a) vessels unable to use one of both anchors
b) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with one anchor.
c) vessels over 1500 SC G.T. built with more than one anchor if only one of them is in the bow.
Drilling vessels. Vessels with two engines on one propeller of which one is out of order for any reason and can not maintain speed of 10 knots at least without current after sea trial to assure the speed and valid sea worthiness certificate. Vessel with two engines on two propellers of which one is out of order. On Master’s request for one tug or more. “ Interestingly, Article 59 ( 5) states : “ When a vessel stops in the canal itself in consequence of an accident other than ( collision, engine troubles auxiliary and steering gear troubles ) CA, in order to clear the way with all possible speed and to get her underway, will assist by the necessary tugs to afloat her , free of charge. “
Also Article 59 ( 8 ) states : “ Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this be necessary to avoid it. “ This Article does not state that any assistance by SCA tugs is rendered free of charge, however, from experience, SCA eventually tend to give such service for free.
The SCA tugs’ fees are fixed in accordance with a tariff as per Article 105 of the Rules of Navigation.