Safety Factors in ConsideringPorts of Call

Port Consideration

• Before a new port is considered for a vessel deployment, it must be approved by many relevant stake holders within an organization.

• In a typical cruise company, the Marine Operations group has the primary (and final) approval of a potential port of call. It must approve the port and its shore based facilities by conducting a risk assessment for the overall safety of the vessel and her guests and crew.

Marine Ops Sign Off/Approval

Port X

Safety of Navigation

Port Facility

Influential Safety FactorsNo Go

No Go

No Go

GO

GO

Approval

Go/No-Go Risk Assessment

• Two tiers1.Navigational2.Port facilities

Influential Safety Factors

Items to be considered in a risk assessment that could impact the safe navigation and operation of a vessel in a port of call.

Navigation – go/no-go

• Considered with respect to the ships hull characteristics and maneuvering capabilities.• Approach/Channel/Dock Under Keel Clearances

(UKC)• Channel width• Turning basin depths and clearances (if needed)• Air draft clearances (bridges/power lines etc)• Availability of navigational data• Research and Simulation Assessment

Navigation – Influential Factors

• Anchorage characteristics• Holding ground• Proximity to grounding line• Distance to/from tender pier• Conditions at anchorage (open water or sheltered)

• Accuracy and scale of navigational charts/nautical data• SOLAS• Adequate chart scale• Survey data• Up to date reference information

Navigation – Influential Factors

• Availability of Aids to Navigation• Buoys/Lights/Beacons

• Pilotage• Mandatory/Voluntary/None

• Local navigational hazards• Ice/wrecks/shoals/reefs/traffic

• Security Risk• Piracy• War

Navigation – Influential Factors

• Weather• Wind speed and direction (trend)• Current and Tide• Wave and Swell in port• General weather trends (seasons)

• Local Rules/Regulations• Reduced visibility – fog• Night time navigation requirements• Special rules

Port Facilities – Go/No Go

• Depth at pier• UKC• Tidal Range• Door clearances

• Useable Pier length• Gangway placement• Loading• Door use

• Bollards/Dolphin/Mooring Buoys• Type and number available• Strength• Mooring line lead and placement

Port Facilities – Go/No Go

• Fenders• Type and placement• Adequate for ship hull protection

• Pier Obstructions• Cranes/buildings/structures/other vessels

Port Facilities – Influential Factors

• Security• ISPS compliance• Location - guest safety

• Gangways• Type/safe load /functionality• Special considerations• Accessibility to wheelchairs

• Tender Considerations• Tender navigation• Able to handle ships tenders at pier• Availability of shore based tenders• Accessibility for wheelchairs

Port Facilities – Influential Factors

• Guest/Crew Safety• Hazards on pier

• Containers/cargo• Trucks/Cars• Hazardous Materials on Pier

In Summary

• Port Safety assessment based on:• Safety of Navigation – Go/No Go• Port Facility – Go/No Go

• Even after a “GO” criteria is met, the port is further assessed based on factors that may influence the safety of the ship, her guests/crew and the environment.