RE: DOUBLE BANKING WITHOUT SUITABLE FENDER

To: Manager (Marine Operation)
Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia

Dear Sirs,

This is to advise you that my ship was exposed to an extreme danger in the morning of 05th Sep, 1999, during M/V “Pioneer” double banking on my starboard side, due to lack of suitable fenders.
Understand that the double banking is a normal practice in Haldia port, knowing that the Pilots here are well experienced, and this was proved again today – the pilot brought the M/V “Pioneer” alongside my ship’s safely, without causing any damages, under the condition that both two ship’s bridge wing are protrude to each other with distance less than 20cm.
However, just be reminded that under no circumstance the ships can be double banking without suitable fenders, as this will endanger ship’s bridge wing, lifeboat, etc., ships may incur a heavy damage. Although the Pilots and Captains are expected to be well experienced to handle all difficult situations, but we have no confidence to shooting down the apple on our son’s head with a broken arrow.
Please be advised that we do have some fenders (used tires: Dia/1.0m, Thick/0.3m) onboard vessel and they were rigged accordingly, but these fenders are used for bunker barges / small tankers which DWT less than 1,000mt only. For double banking of large ships, we have to use Yokohama Fenders. Details regarding size of fenders, please refer to “Ship to Ship Transfer Manual” and “Mooring Equipment Guideline”, which published by OCIMF (Oil Company International Maritime Forum).
Therefore, in view of the safety of my ship, please be advised that I will reject any double banking without suitable fenders. Further more, for the sake of good order, when double banking becomes necessary and the fenders are satisfied by Master, a communication on VHF should be set up between two ship’s Captains and Pilot, and a pre-arrangement of double banking should be well discuss and agreed prior the operation being carried out.



Yours Faithfully,