In view of the recent downturn/ recession in global shipping, the Indian Directorate General of Shipping has been receiving requests regarding the reduction in manning scale for Indian vessels laid up at ports in India as well as overseas.
According to a draft notice issued by the Directorate, owners of Indian Flag vessels intending to lay-up their vessel within port limit are required to comply with the following:
- Obtain permission from the port authorities where the vessel is intended to be laid-up and comply with the conditions imposed by the port authority thereof.
- Ensure that the tankers (i.e. oil, chemical, gas) do not have any flammable vapours in its cargo tanks and has a valid gas free certificate from the appropriate agency
- Ensure that the vessel has valid insurance cover in respect of third party liabilities of wreck removal, oil pollution and salvage costs, as a minimum for this duration of the lay-up
- Inform the Register of the vessel at its Port of Registry of the proposed lay-up of the vessel
- Inform the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department if the lay-up is in Indian ports
- Ensure that the class status of the vessel is changed to lay-up notation
- Ensure that the vessel shall have towing wires rigged and ready for use for assisting vessels to be able to render assistance at short notice
Further details may be found by reading the related draft notice
Source: dgshipping.gov.in
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There are two basic criteria that the lay-up is designed to meet: To maintain the security, safety and protection of the vessel, crew, and the environment. To preserve and maintain the structure and machinery by providing protection against corrosion and static seizure.
Types of Lay Up
- Hot Lay Up :This lay-up condition is normally appropriate for up to 12 months out of commission.
- Cold Lay Up: In cold lay-up condition the vessel is taken out of service for a period exceeding 12 months and may be up to five years
Further information about Lay-Up may be found by clicking here
