INCIDENT
- Vessel commenced loading cargo of gas oil on 09th April.
- Charterer voyage orders included instructions for vessel to stay at load port berth for about 15 days prior departure for discharge port and wait green light from charterers prior leaving berth.
- Master requested clarification from the Charterers on loadable and on remaining at berth for 15 days by e-mail on 09 Apr. Charterers replied regarding the loadable quantity only.
- Master received daily update from Charterers agents regarding ETC/ ETD and pilot booking for 14 April. Charterer were in copy to these emails.
- Vessel completed loading on 13th April /PM and departed berth on 14th April /AM hrs.
- As per Master, he assumed the messages from the agents regarding ETC/ETD and pilot booking as concurrence by the charterers to the schedule sent by agent.
- Vessel departed berth in contradiction to the voyage orders.
WHAT IS SCAC CODE
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code, a two-to-four letter identification, is used by the transportation industry to identify freight carriers in computer systems and shipping documents such as Bill of Lading, Freight Bill, Packing List, and Purchase Order. It is also used by the American National Standards Institute, Accredited Standards Committee X12, and United Nations EDIFACT for Electronic Data Interchange computer systems.
SCACs are commonly used by the automobile, petroleum, forest products, and chemical industries; as well as suppliers to retail businesses, carriers engaged in railroad piggyback trailers, and ocean container drayage. SCACs can be obtained online at http://www.nmfta.org
SCAC is also used to identify an ocean carrier or self-filing party, such as a freight forwarder, for the Automated Manifest System (AMS) used by US Customs and Border Protection for electronic import customs clearance and for manifest transmission as per the USA’s “24 Hours Rule” which requires the carrier to transmit a cargo manifest to US Customs at least 24 hours prior to a vessel’s departure at port of loading
CAUSES OF INCIDENT
- Inadequate Communication- Although master tried to ask charterers on the 15 days stay at berth prior departure load port, Master did not use all available means at his disposal for communicating with the charterers and clarifying his doubt or informing commercial managers.
- Assumption made by master- Charterer agent was on daily basis advising ETC/ETD timings for 14th April keeping all concerned parties in copy. Master took agents mail communication as a confirmation for vessel departure.
- Failure by Master to comply with SMS and voyage orders– Usually company SMS clearly states that all charter party clauses and voyage orders are to be studied and complied with, provided they do not conflict with safe running of the ship.
CONSEQUENCES
- Non compliance with charterers voyage orders / Instructions in both the cases resulted in following.
- Off Hire of vessel and associated financial implications.
- Loss of Reputation with the owners ,Charterers, Commercial Operators & Oil majors.
- Significant Inconvenience to Charterers and owners.
LESSON LEARNT AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
- It is an industry wide practice that Voyage orders from the Charterers clearly states that any order received from any other parties ( i.e agents, port, terminal, loading master, cargo surveyor etc.)must not be accepted without getting the concurrence from the Charterers and/or commercial operator.
- Prompt Communication from both sides vessel as well shore team is the key for the voyage to be completed with utmost dispatch. In case the replies to the queries are delayed, follow-up reminders and phone call may expedite things.
- Master shall not deviate from the voyage orders/charter party until a written confirmation is received for the charterers and/or commercial manager.
- All deck officers must read and shall have clear understanding of the voyage orders/charter party for the intended voyage.
- Cargo stowage, Cargo quantity, Cargo plans, Cargo handling and care, Vessel routing, Voyage Notifications,, Voyage speed, bunkers availability etc. shall be strictly as per the voyage order/charter party provided they do not conflict with safe running of the ship.
- Highlight the important points, clauses inserted in the voyage order for easy reference.
- In case of doubts on voyage orders, immediately inform all parties concerned via email as per the voyage mailing list
- Do not hesitate to send reminder in case vessel query remains unanswered. If necessary, follow up the email with a phone call.
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