Guideline for the Prevention of Collision Between Merchant Vessels and Fishing Vessels in Coastal Waters of China published by Liberia

Liberia Maritime Authority has published a marine advisory note informing shipowners, operators, and masters of the Guideline for the prevention of collision between merchant vessels and fishing vessels in coastal waters of China recently issued by the MSA.

Objective

The objective of the Guideline is to provide guidance on collision prevention and to improve the collision risk control capabilities of both merchant and fishing vessels.

All crew members responsible for navigation watch-keeping should possess a thorough understanding of the Guideline.

Requirements

This Guideline incorporates the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 Convention, as well as the navigation and fishing practices specific to the coastal waters of China and takes into consideration practical experiences of shipping companies, industry associations and maritime institutions.

The Guideline offers recommendations to optimize navigation techniques, regulate action to avoid collision, and address emergency rescue measures for merchant vessels navigating in the coastal waters of China.

Navigation Techniques

Prior to voyages bound for Chinese ports or transiting through coastal waters of China, special attention should be paid to the spatial distribution of fishing grounds.

Voyage plans should consider the clusters of fishing vessels and avoid such clusters rather than taking unnecessary risks.

If entry into waters with high concentrations of fishing vessels is unavoidable, proper identification of fishing vessels, their lights, shapes, and nets, as well as their ongoing fishing operations should be part of a collision avoidance plan.

The Guideline also includes recommendations for the following scenarios:

• 1.1 Prior to entering areas with high concentrations of fishing vessels.
• 1.2 Navigating in or close to areas with high concentrations of fishing vessels.
• 1.3 Matters requiring special attention, such as season of the year, time of navigation, interference of AIS transmitters on fishing nets, among others.

Action to Avoid Collision

The Guideline describes specific actions to be taken such as the VHF channel to be used, the use of lights and whistles, reduction of speed, enhancement of lookout, among others.

Emergency Rescue

If the collision becomes unavoidable, the recommended actions include making the maximum effort to avoid a collision between the bow of the merchant vessel and the side of the fishing vessel, the vessel should be brought to an immediate stop, promptly report the incident to the nearest competent maritime authority, among others.

This note was published on 25 October 2023.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Guideline for the Prevention of Collision Between Merchant Vessels and Fishing Vessels in Coastal Waters of China