Emergency Contingency Procedures
ECP
Calling Port of Refuge 		Doc No.: ECP 05-09
Revision: 01
Date: 15 Oct 2024
Issued by: DPA
Approved by: MD

5.9. CALLING A PORT OF REFUGE

SR Action – Calling a Port of Refuge Y/N
a. Notification
1 Notify the company and Charterers soonest and take their advice in selecting the port of refuge, if time permits.
2 Notify the Local Port Authorities/ Agent (if appointed) of the intended actions.
3 Company may be requested to perform following communications as applicable:
  • The Flag state authority or the Shipping Master in case of landing a sick or injured seafarer;
  • The Maritime authority and / or Class in case of damage affecting seaworthiness;
  • Hull underwriters or P&I Club as appropriate;
  • Charterers / consignees as required;
  • Injured person’s next of kin.
4 In case of landing of sick or injured seafarer the Company must be provided with as comprehensive and accurate information as possible, for informing next-of-kin if required, using reporting form as in SMP.
5 The port authorities will require all those information/documents which are expected during routine call including the reason for call.
6 Obtain clearance, both in and out of ports.
b. Calling a port/place with no authorities
1 In such case notify the nearest port authorities, Coast Guard or Naval station with required information, including the position. This is very important in order to avoid arrest or other unwanted issues if or when the vessel is discovered.
2 Notify ship's agent at destination and/or the consignees about the deviation and possible delays, depending on the reason for the call at a port of refuge.
3 In case of repairs concerning the seaworthiness of the vessel, a Certificate of Class may be required before the vessel can sail. Class to be informed.
c. Precautions to Consider
1 The port authorities will require all those information/documents which are expected during routine call including the reason for call.
2 Keep in mind that in many ports in the world, the authorities expect readiness of these documents on arrival even in such circumstances.
3 It is often necessary to make formal clearance, both in and out of ports, even if the purpose of the call is "only" to land a sick or injured person.
4 There shall be a deviation from the planned voyage in such case. Such deviation may give rise to General Average.
5 All contact with the local inhabitants should be avoided except as authorized by company or the nearest applicable authority.

5.9.1. Important Note:

The Company should be kept up to date at all times.

5.9.2. Record Keeping

All times and positions concerning the deviation as well as the reason must be entered in the ship’s logbook.