UK P&I Club news alert
The UK P&I Club has issued news alert to warn carriers carrying containers to or from Australian ports should be aware of the requirements of Marine Order, Part 32 – Cargo Handling Equipment.
The Club recommends that vessels carrying containers provide a working space of at least 550mm clear of all obstructions between and alongside containers. Where it is not possible for a vessel to provide a walkway meeting the minimum working space, carriers should avoid using container bays which do not allow for the minimum space.
Carriers should also be aware that the Navigation Act prohibits vessel crew handling cargo at an Australian port so the crew will be prohibited from unlashing or lashing containers should stevedores refuse to do so because of the vessel’s failure to meet the minimum working space requirements.
Source: The UK P&I Club
