Japan P&I Club has obtained update from a local correspondent in Buenos Aires, Pandi Liquidadores, about the revised speed regulation in way of Km 406 to 435 in the River as of 11 August 2022.
According to the correspondent, the number of breach of speed regulation has increased in the last two years, particularly between Km 406 to 435.
It is suggested that the shipowners and the Masters of vessels closely discuss with the pilots about the speed restrictions and the voyage plan, and if the same might be exceeded for any reason, ensure that the pilot communicates with VTS beforehand and make an entry in the ship’s log book.
According to the REGINAVE (Sea, River and Lake Navigation Regime), it is forbidden to all vessels to sail at such speed capable of:
- Creating a risk to other vessels, watercrafts or naval contrivances sailing nearby;
- Causing damages to berths, shore constructions or installations or navigational aids or other markers;
- Causing damages or a risky situation to vessels, watercrafts or naval contrivances berthed or anchored; or
- In excess to the maximum speeds established by the Coast Guards
Inside any port the ships must sail to the minimum speed compatible with its good steering but never in excess of 6 knots to avoid wash damages to the vessels moored.
The Parana is an alluvial river of about 4,880 km with ocean-going vessels normally reaching up to Km 550. It is formed by sharp bends, strong currents, shifting sediments and limited navigational width (at least 100 m except where natural bends prevents so).
It has a heavy traffic and various other factors which makes it restricted (and certainly challenging) navigation. There are over sixty Port Terminals alongside the River. Due to this, using Port and River Pilots is not only mandatory but also essential to for a safe passage in these restricted channels.
However, there are often wash damages affecting berths and ships alongside that are caused by the excessive speed of the vessels sailing either downriver or upriver – incidents that tend to repeat over time and that otherwise could be avoided.
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