Argentina

Groundings

Members will no doubt be aware of the regular reports of groundings at the Parana River in Argentina.

The Association would like to draw attention to the following advice to members:

Key points

1. Masters should always obtain latest local updates on available drafts for the vessels' operations on a daily basis
2. if these updates are in a language the Master does not read, then he should seek assistance from the local agents in obtaining a suitable translation
3. it is also important to check for notices of dredging works, including whether any channel buoys may have been moved as part of the dredging operations
4. when navigating rivers, attention needs to be paid to the fact that sand can build up on corners and channel sides, and it may be easier to navigate more towards the centre of the channel (other safety matters, like traffic, permitting)
5. the "squat effect" needs to be taken in to account when considering vessel speed and available draft
6. proceeding with reduced speed may be prudent when dealing with potentially difficult navigational areas
7. even if under pilot, the Master is always the final authority on the vessel and should always take such navigational steps, including adjustments of speed, as he considers to be necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel

Parana River information

Published alongside this bulletin are two charts of the area, one highlights the different ports and berths along the river, and the other marks up locations of groundings that are known to have occurred in 2012 and 2013.

The correspondents have advised that particular attention needs to be paid at Paso Alvear (km 407), Abajo Los Ratones (km 287.50), Las Hermanas ( km 321.40), and they further stress that due care needs to be taken whenever river channels are being navigated.

In case of further query, Members are asked to contact the Association: lossprevention@skuld.com

Attachment: Ports on the Middle and Lower Parana River / Grounding map