60 - 07/98 - Rice Infestation - Ex Kakinada - India

We have been made aware that as a result of recent strikes in Kakinada a substantial amount of rice has been left in the warehouses in the port area for several weeks without fumigation. This will probably have led to an increase in infestation.  Members should take great care before loading rice at this port for the time being.

We understand that after the strike ended cargo was being loaded into barges and then shipped out to the anchorage. We are advised that it is not practical to fumigate in the the warehouses for various reasons - one of which is the fact that the barges are commonly found to be contaminated by infestation.

We are advised by our correspondent that the only effective way to fumigate in Kakinada is by the use of Methyl Bromide gas which is passed through pipes laid out during loading. For this method of fumigation a minimum 48 hours exposure period is required. Thereafter another 24 hours of ventilation / open hatches are required to allow the gas to escape and to ensure safe man-entry into the holds. Following the aeration the holds should be inspected by surveyors to confirm that no live insects are still present. Only thereafter should owners/members sign clean mates receipts/bills of lading in respect of live infestation. Members should also be aware of the fact that if the infestation is particularly bad, as it has been at this port, the excessive amount of dead insects may also cause problems at time of discharge.

We would strongly recommend that owners take great care and seek professional fumigation advice before loading is undertaken at this port.

We remind Members that fumigation is dangerous especially when carried out on board and even more so if shippers request in-transit fumigation. Ships' crews are not specialists and great care for their safety must always be taken. IMO produces the publication

"Recommendations on the Safe use of Pesticides in Ships (1996 edition)"

which is a guide for authorities, mariners, fumigators and fumigant and pesticide manufacturers. A copy of this publication should be held on board. We would also direct members to several articles on the subject in the Club's publication

"Carefully to Carry"

- copies of which are available on request or which can be accessed on line thorough the Miller Encyclopaedia.

If members are not happy with fumigation steps being taken by shippers, the Club can help by directing them to fumigation specialists.

Source of Information :

Pandi Correspondents Pvt Ltd, Mumbai