The West of England P&I Club has released a statement to say that ecological inspectors are still attempting to board vessels fitted with segregated ballast tanks while in the Port of Ukraine, despite new legislation that came into force in April 2015 stating that ecological inspectors are no longer authorised to board these vessels to take samples.
This has led to a number of fines being issued where ecological inspectors have been permitted by vessel masters to take samples from the segregated ballast tanks and spurious fines being imposed on the grounds that the ballast water was allegedly contaminated.
Inspectors have therefore launched a new tactic to access the tanks where it has been denied by the vessel. They are now sending letters to the Harbour Master making accusations of “unsatisfactory” test results following analysis of samples taken from the waters adjacent to the vessel.
Harbour authorities have therefore ordered vessels to be shifted to an alternative berth while the allegations are investigated. These costs are high, with the authorities charging between USD 10,000 and 20,000 for performing this movement.
According to the Port of Ukraine, if ecological inspectors claim that waters in the vicinity of a vessel with segregated ballast tanks are contaminated, or attempt to come onboard, the Master should always refuse access and contact the West of England P&I Club or the local correspondent for immediate assistance.
Furthermore, if the vessel is contacted by the Harbour Authorities about alleged “unsatisfactory” test results following analysis of samples taken from the waters adjacent to the vessel, then assistance should be sought at the earliest opportunity from the Club or local correspondent.
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