NorthStandard P&I Club’s correspondent, Hogarth, reports that civil unrest in Haiti keeps impacting port operations across the country.
According to NorthStandard, generally the local agent and port authorities will advise the vessel to stay 20-25 NM from the pilot station and organize the berthing in daylight hours. The vessel will be asked to return to the PAP pilot station by 0700 in order to receive the pilot for berthing.
It is suggested that local agents make arrangements with port authorities in order to have local coast guard escort the vessel during berthing and departure manoeuvres.
It is very common to hear gun shots at any berth in the Port-au-Prince area. It is advised that all crew members NOT on duty remain inside the super structure to avoid being struck by stray bullets and request that additional security be placed onboard during the discharging operations. Crew members should be kept on watch 24/7 from a safe distance, NorthStandard informs.
The conditions in the country are deteriorating but the government forces are doing as much as they can to bring security and calm back. Local police director has stated that in the coming weeks with the assistance of the multinational forces they will regain control of the cities and restore order.
Terminal Varreu and Thor have made additional arrangements in order to secure the discharging operations of tankers, the Club concludes.
