OPS 38
STS Marine Management Pvt. Ltd. Issue No. 01
Issue Date: 01.01.2023
LETTER OF PROTEST Prepared By: HSSE Dept
Authorized By: DPA
Vessel : MT ST ZEEZEE
IMO No: 9241815
@ Escravos
Date: 21-Feb-2023
To: The Harbour Master
Escrovas/ Warri/ Koko
This is to protest against the fact that during the inbound transit of ST ZEEZEE (Oil tanker in laden
condition) after crossing Escravos Bar under pilotage with good visibility, it was observed that Supply
vessel “Jennifer II” had anchored in the middle of the navigable channel hence blocking the channel
thus impeding the safe passage of our vessel which could navigate only through the channel because
of the size and draft restriction.
Please note, ST Zeezee after crossing the shallow bar under pilotage, the vessel started experiencing
reduction in visibility. A discussion was held between the master & pilot for the restricted visibility
maneuver. Extra lookouts were posted on the bridge wing & fwd most parts of the ship and the fog
signal was activated; Measures were taken as per Company's SMS Checklist & BPG for restricted
visibility. Contingency anchorage was discussed between the master, bridge team & pilot at this
stage, however, due to the size of the vessel, the proximity of navigational hazard (Undersea
Pipelines) & available sea room for vessels swinging circle, it was agreed to exercise caution & arrive
in contingency anchorage at Buoy # 19. Visibility continued to deteriorate & decreased to less than
100 meters. At this stage, the radars started to show sudden clutter’s on PPI possibly because of the
close-by traffic and suspended particles in the atmosphere due to haze/ fog. While passing abeam
Chevron Refinery area in the channel, an outbound Jack up Rig was sighted coming down on the port
side at a distance of less than one cable. The Radar range was scaled down as the visibility was
reducing. Lot of echoes were seen on the PPI. At this time pilot advised to alter course to stbd to
increase CPA with the jack-up rig. While the vessel was swinging to stbd, Lookout posted at the
Forward part of the vessel sighted the Supply vessel Jennifer II anchored in the centre of the
navigable channel blocking safe passage of the vessel, she was not displaying any day signal, No
anchor light and No fog signal, Evasive manoeuvres were carried out by giving full astern movement
& all efforts were put in place to avoid collision with Supply vessel “Jennifer II but Vessel made slight
contact with the supply vessel.
On account of the above, I hereby protest against the following:
1. Escrovas Signal Station/ Port control did not notify us about the anchored vessel in the middle of
the channel blocking the navigable channel hence impeding safe passage of laden taker that can only
navigate in that channel due to her size and draft restrictions, while the visibility continued to
deteriorate.
2. The VTS/ Signal Station did not give any alert to the vessel with regard to deteriorating visibility
and dense fog prevailing inside the channel after crossing the breakwater.
OPS 38
STS Marine Management Pvt. Ltd. Issue No. 01
Issue Date: 01.01.2023
LETTER OF PROTEST Prepared By: HSSE Dept
Authorized By: DPA
3. If the condition was deemed not fit for pilotage, the harbour master should have closed the port
and not allowed the vessel to move inwards.
On behalf of the Owners, Charterers, Managers and/or other interested parties, I hold you fully
responsible for any losses, damages, claims to the ship or consequential damages due to off-hire of
the vessel that may be sustained due to port negligence.
I further reserve the right to extend this protest at places and/or times convenient.
Kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and oblige accordingly.
Master
MT ST ZEEZEE
