Technical Circular No: 047/2022
Download PDF1. Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued an updated Marine Notice No. 07 of 2022 in respect of Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) in Torres Strait.
2. All coastal pilots transiting ships with draughts of 9 m or above through the Prince of Wales Channel, Gannet Passage or Varzin Passage are required to use the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system implemented by AMSA, when complying with Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) (MO54).
3. The purpose of the UKCM system is to ensure that the best possible under keel clearance information, updated in real time, is available to assist in the planning and safe conduct of vessel transits through Torres Strait.
4. The UKCM system is a web-based aid to navigation (AtoN) for use by ships’ masters, pilotage providers and licensed coastal pilots. When a successful UKCM transit plan has been calculated, coastal pilots can also save and print the plan for use and wider promulgation.
5. The UKCM system is designed to cover navigable ship routes through Torres Strait between the longitudes of 141 degrees 50 minutes east and 142 degrees 27 minutes east. Routes are limited to those areas designated by the Australian Hydrographic Service as having a data quality indicator of Category A Zone of Confidence (ZOC).
6. Access to the UKCM system is available for approved users through a vetted registration process. To request registration, please follow the registration application process available at https://ukcm.amsa.gov.au/Security/LogOn
7. In this regard, AMSA has advised ship Masters to provide accurate stability and draught data to pilotage providers in a timely manner. The supply of accurate data by masters will enable appropriate UKCM transit and associated route planning to be conducted by coastal pilots when complying with MO54. No.: 047/2022 Date: 23rd June 2022 Technical Circular Whilst the utmost care has been taken in the compilation of the Technical Information, neither Indian Register of Shipping, its affiliates and subsidiaries if any, nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents assume any responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused in any manner whatsoever by reliance on the information in this document.
8. Following table provides role/ responsibility of various entities under UKCM system.
|
Entity |
Role |
|
Shipping Company / Ships Agent |
Provide the pilotage provider with the required vessel particulars, including ships stability details and ETA at the UKCM area. |
|
Ships’ Masters |
Provide the required final stability particulars well in advance to embarking a coastal pilot, to ensure appropriate UKCM transit planning. |
|
Coastal Pilots & Pilotage Providers AMSA |
Use the UKCM system to generate transit plans, manage tidal windows and monitor active vessel transits. Oversee and regulate the use of the UKCM system by coastal pilots and pilot providers in accordance with MO54. Provide training, support and assessment of pilots in the use of the UKCM system. Provide validated metrological, oceanographic and tidal sensor data for use by the UKCM system. Manage access to the UKCM system. |
|
REEFVTS |
Receive reports from pilots as required under MO54. |
9. Ship Owners/ operators and masters of vessels intending to transit Torres Strait are advised to be guided by above.
Enclosure:
Disclaimer:
This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.