Safe Operating Practice 1-97

Vessel Maintenance & Repair at Anchor

Revised June 2007

Issue. In 1997, there were no written guidelines delineating what safety or prevention measures need to be taken when a vessel’s maneuverability is impaired because of maintenance or repair while at anchor. Some ship operators had a tug standing by alongside; others had a tug on standby in port. Some ships were empty, others laden. Lack of uniform, written standards delayed Coast Guard response to repair requests, caused confusion among shipping agencies, and may have added costs to ship port calls.

Discussion. Vessels frequently take advantage of Hawaii 's mid-Pacific location, fair weather, and logistical support structure to conduct scheduled and emergency repairs at Honolulu 's anchorage.

In the past, various policies were established to ensure safety measures were in place while a ship's propulsion or steering system was being repaired. The latest revision to that policy developed by stakeholders is outlined below. Notification of going dead ship and returning to an operational plant must be given to the Captain of the Port, CG Sector Honolulu , 808-842-2600 or VHF CH16.

Planning Matrix
Maintenance & Repair at Anchor

The following matrix applies to vessels that conduct maintenance or repair on a system that impairs the vessel's propulsion or maneuverability.

Weather Actual or National Weather Service Forecasts		Petroleum, reactive cargo or high windage vessels <600’	Petroleum, reactive cargo or high windage vessels >600’	All Other cargo vessels <600’	All other cargo vessels >600’

	Wind less than 15 knots
Trades	Winds 16 To 33 knots	1 tug >1200hp available	1 tug >4000hp available	Anchorage B only: 1 tug >1200hp available	Anchorage B only: 1 tug >4000hp available
Trades	Gale Winds 34-47 Kts	1 tug >1200hp on scene	1 tug >4000hp On scene	1 tug >1200hp available	1 tug >4000hp On scene
Trades	Storm 48+ Kts	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited
Kona	Winds 15- 22 Kts	1 tug >1200hp On scene	1 tug >4000hp On scene	1 tug >1200hp available	1 tug >4000hp On scene
Kona	Winds 23+ Kts	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited
	Hurricane Condition III - 24 hours	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited	Prohibited
	Southerly Swell Greater 6 ft./ Sea State 4	1 tug >1200hp on scene	1 tug >4000hp on scene	1 tug >1200hp available	1 tug >4000hp on scene

Legend & Definitions

1. ‘Available’ means tug can be on scene in one hour.

2. Because of proximity to sewer outfall, ships in anchorage "B" must have a tug available.

3. ‘On scene’ means tug and fendering on scene, with wire made up or within 500 yards.

4. ‘Prohibited’ means no new maintenance or repair work at anchor; complete on-going repairs; move from anchorage as necessary.

5. Gale force winds forecast within 24 hours, all vessels to sea.

6. Trade winds are northerly; Kona winds are southerly. Weather is based on actual conditions experienced by vessel or National Weather Service forecasts.

7. High windage vessels include Car Carriers, Wood Chip Ships and vessels with large volume deck cargo such as container cranes.

Hawaii Ocean Safety Team (HOST) revised: 6/07