The foul weather season has been declared from May 25 to August 31, in the Port of Mumbai. During this period, the anchorage area of the [Mumbai] inner harbour is restricted to a line, which is normally north of the Sunk Rock Light House position.
Hence, the number of anchorages that can be utilized would be restricted due to non-availability of anchorages to the south of this line.
There is a possibility that A-3 anchorage also may not be available.
Mumbai Port Trust will try and accommodate as many vessels as possible but may have to deny anchorage facilities due to non-availability of anchorage berths. The cargo working anchorage berths will be allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis, while other anchorages will be allotted for short periods only for those vessels also on a first-come-first-serve basis, which have specific work at Mumbai. Vessels which have got no employment will not be accorded to "lay up anchorage" and hence are strongly exhorted to find monsoon shelter elsewhere.
Smalls tugs, barges and other small vessels, which are covered under the Inland Water Act are also advised to seek shelter in minor ports in consultation with MMB. These vessels which are anchored in the inner Mumbai Harbour will have to ensure thay they are in a port-worthy condition, manned under the ISM code of safe manning and have the engines in proper working condition besides having all the statutory certificates and insurance valid.
(For information about operations in India contact GAC India at [email protected])
Source: Mumbai Port Trust circular
