The seasonal fishing ban in China comes into force on 1 May 2021. As the number of fishing vessels in Chinese waters is expected to increase in the period leading up to this date, ship operators are advised to take additional precautions.
As Gard says, its correspondent in China, Huatai Insurance Agency and Consultant Service Ltd., warn of an increase in fishing traffic in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the waters north of 12°N of South China Sea.
Worth noting is that the seasonal fishing ban applies on 1 May 2021 on all locations and previous experience suggests the number of fishing vessels will increase in the period leading up to this date. Likewise, an increase in fishing vessel traffic can be expected immediately after the ban ceases in each location, which will be between 16 August and 16 September depending on location.
Recommendations
Huatai Insurance Agency and Consultant Service advises ship operators and masters to take additional precautions when planning a voyage to and from China during these special times, giving emphases on the importance of maintaining a proper lookout and staying in close contact with the nearest VTS center and pilot station.
key recommendations are as follows:
- Voyage planning: Consider the designated fishing zones during voyage planning and mark them on navigation charts and ECDIS.
- Bridge team composition: Increase the bridge watch keeping level in advance to make sure that the OOW has sufficient assistance at night as well as during the day.
- Safe speed: When operating in high fishing activity areas, proceed at a safe speed with engines ready for maneuvering.
- Use of RADAR/ARPA: Use the radar and sound fog signal when navigating in fog, even when no fishing boats are sighted on the radar. The use of radar can be vital when navigating in these waters. General practice of long ranges scanning (12-48 nm) using the S-band radar to identify clusters of fishing fleet and using the X-band on small range (3-6 nm) for collision avoidance can be effective.
- Keep clear of clusters: Where the OOW can detect a cluster of fishing boats, try to change course well in advance to avoid navigating through it.
- Detecting the nets: Fishing nets may be poorly marked and difficult to detect, particularly during daytime when display lights are not easily visible. Nets with radar reflectors can be useful, but this is not a common practice and mariners have to rely on timely visual sightings of the net markers. “If the vessel encounters fishing nets, stop engines immediately to prevent the propeller being fouled,” says Gard.
- Communication with fishing boats: As it might prove difficult to establish contact with fishing boats via VHF, use of whistle and day lamp may be a good way to attract their attention when required.
If a collision occurs, or is suspected to have occurred, the master and crews must render all possible assistance to the fishing vessel and contact the nearest VTS/MSA via VHF or by calling their emergency telephone number. We also stress the importance of maintaining a record of all evidence, including VDR data
Gard concludes.
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