We have received the following information.

QUOTE

The below information and recommendations are based on our observations during mooring operations involving river vessels, sea going vessels and floating cranes at the transhipment area of Kavkaz port.

This article highlights the local factors that should be taken into consideration to ensure safe mooring and reduce the risk of personal injury accidents during STS mooring operations at Kavkaz.

The mooring operations are carried out with the sea going mother vessel at anchor. Tug assistance is provided while mooring the floating cranes and river barges alongside the mother vessel. The river going vessels moored at port Kavkaz transhipment area normally go alongside the mother vessel without tug assistance.

Mooring operations take place during both day and night. It has been noted that mooring operations were attempted in unsuitable weather conditions such as wind force 6 and swell up to 1.0 - 1.5m. Furthermore the mooring ropes on some floating cranes, used to load the cargo, were observed to be heavily worn and in poor condition.

The following potentially risk factors during mooring operations should be considered:

• Lack of proper planning

• Poor communication and coordination at mooring

• Condition of mooring ropes

The weather conditions in Kavkaz port transhipment area are subject to frequent and sudden changes.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance to receive the latest weather forecast and carefully assess it before commencing any mooring operations.

The mooring plan should be discussed and agreed before commencing mooring operations.

Proper communication should be established between the mother vessel, daughter vessel (river vessels or tug used for mooring of barge) and floating crane before the mooring operations commence. All aspects of the mooring operation should be agreed by the mother vessel, daughter vessel or tug, and floating crane in advance.

Proper attention should be paid to the condition of the mooring ropes passed from the floating crane. If there is any doubt as to the condition of the ropes, the crane should be requested to provide mooring ropes in satisfactory condition. If the floating crane is not able to provide ropes in good condition the mooring operation has to be reassessed.

UNQUOTE

Axis Ltd

Russia

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