SCOPE & PURPOSE

Collisions between merchant ships and fishing vessels remain one of the most persistent safety risks in the coastal waters of the People’s Republic of China. The high density of fishing traffic, combined with challenging hydrometeorological conditions, continues to produce frequent incidents — often with severe consequences for life, property and the marine environment.

In response, the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China (China MSA) has issued and progressively reinforced its guidance for merchant vessels operating in these waters. Phoenix Register of Shipping is circulating the key points of that guidance to assist our clients in strengthening their onboard collision-prevention practices.

China MSA has identified 38 high-risk water areas along the Chinese coast where fishing-vessel collision risk is elevated.

Risk peaks when the summer fishing moratorium (typically 1 May – 16 August) lifts and fishing-vessel density is at its highest.

Most collisions occur between 2300 and 0400 — the hours demanding the greatest vigilance.

1. NORMAL NAVIGATIONAL METHODS

Before entering waters where fishing vessels are concentrated

• Review the passage plan and, so far as practicable, adopt recommended routes that keep clear of dense fishing areas to reduce the likelihood of close encounters.
• Test all navigational and communication equipment — radar, ECDIS/ECS, AIS, VDR, VHF, navigation lights and sound-signalling apparatus — to confirm it is in sound working order.
• Arrange the navigational watch so that at least two crew members are on the bridge at all times.
• Post clear safety precautions and collision-avoidance actions for fishing areas in a prominent position on the bridge.

While navigating in or approaching such waters

• Adopt the principle: Safety first — do not take risks — take a detour.
• Strengthen the bridge team in proportion to fishing-vessel density, and do not hesitate to call the master to the bridge whenever in doubt.
• Ensure the master issues night orders addressing the special precautions required for safe navigation in fishing areas after dark.
• Maintain a sharp look-out by sight and hearing and by all available means; use two or more radars with both long- and short-range scanning, and never rely on a single navigational aid.
• Proceed at a safe speed at all times, and keep AIS updated and fully operational.
• Take all measures to prevent watchkeepers operating while fatigued or after consuming alcohol.

Special precautions

• Exercise heightened vigilance immediately after the fishing moratorium ends and during the 2300–0400 window, when most collisions occur.
• Be alert to fishing vessels anchored at night that may carry no watchkeeper, display improper lights or lack operational AIS, and to interference from AIS devices placed on fishing nets or markers.
• Treat a fishing vessel making around 3 knots as possibly engaged in fishing and restricted in her ability to manoeuvre — keep clear at a safe distance.
• When passing a fishing vessel at close range, take great care to avoid collision, wave damage or vessel suction; even slight contact can capsize a small fishing vessel.
• Vessels sailing from the southern South China Sea to Japanese or Korean ports, and those not calling at Chinese ports, are recommended to proceed via the waters east of Taiwan Island and stay clear of China’s coastal waters.

2. ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION

• Comply fully with COLREG 1972. Take avoiding action in ample time, make course and/or speed alterations large enough to be readily apparent, and pass at a safe distance until the other vessel is finally past and clear.
• Attempt to coordinate avoiding action on VHF Channel 16, allowing for the possibility that a fishing vessel keeps no listening watch and for limitations of accent and language — confirm both parties are clear on intentions.
• Watch for uncoordinated manoeuvres by fishing vessels at close range. Where emergency action is needed, give at least five short, rapid flashes with an Aldis lamp or a continuous sound signal to attract attention.
• In an emergency, consider reducing speed or stopping the vessel in addition to altering course.
• Ensure that any avoiding action does not create a close-quarters situation with other vessels in the vicinity.

3. EMERGENCY RESCUE

• Where a collision is unavoidable, so far as possible avoid your bow striking the fishing vessel.
• Stop the vessel immediately after a collision. Give life-saving rescue first priority and make every effort to carry out on-scene rescue, provided your own safety is not severely threatened.
• Immediately call vessels in the vicinity to assist with the rescue operation.
• Report to the nearest competent authority without delay, stating the location, the name of the vessel in distress, casualties, damage, weather and sea conditions, and rescue needs.

Our recommendation

We strongly encourage all masters and bridge teams to familiarise themselves with the full China MSA guideline and to incorporate these measures into passage planning, night orders and bridge-watch arrangements before transiting Chinese coastal waters. Highlighting expected high-density fishing areas directly on the passage plan is a simple, effective aid for the watch.

Phoenix Register of Shipping remains at your disposal for any clarification or further guidance.

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at psc@phrs.co.com.