In a recent update, the London P&I Club informs that China MSA has issued new Guidelines for the Prevention of Collisions between Merchant Vessels and Fishing Vessels that identify 38 sea areas designated as high-risk precaution zones for collisions.
The Guidelines contain detailed safety navigation advice, with emphasis being made on high levels of vigilance with enhanced bridge watchkeeping and lookout duties. The Guidelines are for vessels to conduct a collision risk assessment and make voyage plans that take particular features of fishing vessels in those areas into account, including keeping a minimum of two watch standers consistently on the bridge, amongst other measures.
The Guidelines also set out the action to take to avoid a collision in these areas, including communications and lights to be used, and emergency rescue in case of a collision.
Members and Assureds are advised to follow the Guidelines and in the event of an incident or collision with a fishing vessel, they should immediately notify the Club for assistance and further guidance.
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