Transit Requirements

CHAPTER 11: ARRIVAL AND PREPARATION FOR TRANSIT

SECTION 1: Pre-Arrival of Vessels

Article 12 : Booking for transit

1. Vessels may book for transiting the Canal . The booking notice shall reach the Suez Canal Authority Offices not later than 4 days prior to the transit day. It must contain the name , nationality of the vessel , here type(container , Ro-Ro, etc…) here draft, Suez Canal Gross Tonnage and deadweight tonnage.
2. Vessels booking for fixed date will have priority to catch the convoy on the date, if they arrive within the time limit defined by the present Rules.
3. Booking can be cancelled or altered by notice to the Suez Canal Authority offices at least 24 hours before the date booked for, otherwise the vessel shall be charged U.S.$100.00.
4. In case of VLCCs and similar vessels, this charge will be U.S.$1,500.00 on account of the special arrangements made by the Suez Canal Authority.
5. Vessels arriving without previous booking will catch the convoy if capacity of movement in the Canal permits , otherwise they may catch the following convoy .

Article 13: Notice of Arrival 

Masters of vessels fitted with wireless apparatus are requested to transmit the following information to their Agents , 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival and to Suez Canal Authority via SUQ.

1. The name and nationality of the vessel , her ex-name if any.
2. Suez Canal Gross tonnage and deadweight tonnage, draft and beam .
3. Whether they intend transiting or merely stopping in the harbours and , in this case . mentioned the duration of stay required .
4. The ETA
5. Whether they carry dangerous cargo, stating quantity and class according to IMO's regulations .                                                 Top

Article 14: Contacting Port Offices on Arrival

(a)Vessels have to contact the harbour office by VHF.

1.   15 miles before arrival at Fairway Buoy of Port Said.
2.   Five miles before arrival at Separation Zone Buoy No.1 off Port of Suez.

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Article 15: Documents and Requirements

1st. Documents to be produced are:

The tolls difference means the difference between the correct and the wrong amount of transit dues .                                                     Top

Article 16: Stay in the Harbour

A.The Master is responsible for the mooring of his vessel in Port Said Harbour and Port of Suez .

B.Mooring Lashing Ropes : For the Safety and quick berthing of vessels in Port Said Harbour, the only lashing ropes allowed to be used for fixing ship's ropes on the buoys are those provided by the Suez Canal Mooring and Light Company. For this purpose , the said company provides vessels making fast in the harbour with 2in. Manilla or Sisal ropes . This service is against U.S.$ 40.00 per vessel to be added to the invoice of the Suez Mooring and Light Company .

C.the Master is to pay attention to the instructions hereunder:

1. When the vessel is moored to the buoys , the mooring ropes must be watched to ensure safe mooring. If two vessels are moored to the same buoy , when one leaves , the other must adjust her moorings .
2. Masters must comply with the Harbour Master's advice regarding mooring ropes during the stay of their vessel in port ; especially when , in case of expected bad weather, it is necessary to increase the moorings if required.
3. When a vessel is moored with her stern to the bank, the Master must keep himself continuously informed of the depth of water aft, to avoid grounding on the submerged slope either as a result of the settling of the vessel as she loads, or her proximity to the bank.
4. At night, the vessel , whether moored or manoeuvring, must show the lights prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea , in addition to the Suez Canal Light Signals.
5. Unless authorised, barges alongside a vessel must not be more than two abreast.
6. It is forbidden to try projectors , or to turn the propellers during the process of warming-up , in the absence of the Pilot, or without informing him when onboard.
7. Vessels must not put their engines out of working order for any reason whatsoever without permission from the Canal Authority.
8. The Master must always keep onboard sufficient crew to ensure efficient handling of the moorings, fire fighting and damage control.
9. The Harbour Master or his delegate should have free access onboard to ensure the carrying out of the Regulations, to verify the vessel's seaworthiness , and to ascertain that dangerous cargo on board complies with the Suez Canal Regulations.
10. Vessels cancelling berth booking at Port Said for commercial operations, bunkering,etc., must do so 6 hours prior to arrival , otherwise , an additional due of U.S.$300.00 will be charged.                              Top

Article 17: Change of Berth

1. If the Master wishes to change the berth oh his vessel, he should notify the Harbour Office stating the desired time when the shift should take lace. A tug or more will be imposed to assist in the manoeuvres .
2. The change of berth will take place at the time fixed by the Harbour Office . A Pilot will be sent to the vessel in due time.
3. Shifting at the Master's request and the tugs used are charged for as per rates set down by the Suez Canal Authority .
4. Charges for shifting due to erroneous or incomplete declarations by the Master must also be paid by the vessel.
5. When necessary, the Harbour Master may order a vessel to shift; when so ordered, it should be made as quickly as possible. In such a case it is free of charge .                                                                  Top

SECTION 11: Preparations for Transiting the Canal

Article 18: Measures taken before entering the Canal

All vessels ready to enter the Canal must have their ladders and jibbooms  run in, their boats swung in and any derricks or cranes obstructing the view forward, lowered.

Article 19: Mooring Ropes

1. At least 6 flexible floating mooring ropes of appropriate size for the vessel, in good condition, fitted with spliced eyes, must be in readiness for any emergency, at suitable points on deck. All arrangements must be made for their quick handling.
2. For vessels equipped with tension mooring wires, the number of floating ropes may be reduced to 4. It is to be noted, however, that any mooring lines, likely to produce sparks by their manipulation are absolutely forbidden on board petroleum tankers, LPG or LNG or any vessel carrying flammable substances
3. It is recommended that :
   (a)One of the ropes which is selected as "first Line ashore" must be of floating material            
    
4. (b)Wires should not exceed 5.5in. circumference to facilitate handling .
   (c)All vessels should have 2 fire ropes (wire) made fast, one forward and one aft, hung over the vessel's side ready for use in case of emergency.
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Article 20: Mooring Boats

1. Vessels transiting the Canal must have mooring boats as mentioned hereafter hired from the Suez Canal Mooring Company approved by the Suez Canal Authority.
   In case no mooring boats from the said company are available, ship's boats if suitable for mooring (open type lifeboat) in the Canal can be used and must be manned by shore crew, hired from the Suez Canal Mooring Company. Each boat is to be manned by three men.
2. One mooring boat or one motor boat for vessels under 2,500 tons gross, SCGT(SCGT = Suez Canal Gross Tonnage ).
3. One mooring boat for ships from 2,500 to 5,000 tons SCGT.
4. Two motor boats or one motor boat and one mooring boat for vessels from 5,000 tons SCGT to 30,000 tons SCGT.
5. Two motor boats for vessels over 30,000 tons SCGT .
6. Ships may ask for additional motor boats or mooring boats according to Master's request. These mooring boats must be in constant readiness for lowering to run the ropes to the mooring posts without any delay during the transit of the vessel .
7. Ships must be fitted with well maintained lifting appliances capable of lifting mooring boats of 4 tons weight (including crew members).
8. Ships may carry extra mooring boats as passengers for the interest of navigation. However , LPG, LNG and loaded Tankers are not allowed to carry any extra boats.
9. The handling of mooring boats must be carried out well clear from the ship's propellers .
10. Masters are requested to reduce speed during lifting or lowering operations of mooring boats. An officer must be in charge, to avoid accidents that may endanger the life of mooring men .
11. If the vessel has no means for lifting mooring boats and ship's boats are not suitable for mooring (closed type lifeboat ) in the Canal, the vessel shall not be allowed to transit the Canal.                                   Top

Article 21: Spreaders (Slings)

Container ships are advised to have their own spreaders (slings) to assist unloading and reloading containers in case of necessity. Those carrying different sizes of containers must have their on spreaders.                    Top

Article 22: Indicators

There must be a rudder angle indicator and an engine RPM indicator in the wheelhouse so located and illuminated as to be easily visible by the Pilot (erroneous indicators are considered defective ).                    Top

Article 23: Bow Anchors

1.Any transiting any vessel must be equipped with 2 classed anchor forward of the collision bulkhead. Each anchor must be fitted with its own chain or wire cable, and be capable of being released, and raised independently by means of a windlass or capstain (If only one Anchor Please refer to Article 57).
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2.In lieu of 1, vessels of less than 1,000 SCGT must be equipped with one working anchor.

Article 24: Accommodations and Pilot Ladders

A. Pilot Ladder:

1. In anchorage areas, outside the Canal, North or South, pilot ladders can be used to embark and disembark Pilots.
   The ladder shall be secured in such a  position that each step rests firmly against the vessel's side and so that the Pilot can have safe access to the vessel. Whenever the distance from sea level to the point of access to the vessel is more than 12ft.(or 3.65m.) access from the pilot ladder to the vessel shall be by means of an accommodation ladder or other equally safe and convenient means .
2. The treads of the pilot ladder shall not be less than 19in.long, 4.5 in. wide and 1 in. in thickness . Steps shall be joined in such a manner as will provide a ladder of adequate strength with treads maintained in a horizontal position and not less than 12 in. or more than 15 in. apart.
3. A man-rope properly secured , and a safety line shall be available and ready for use if required.
4. Handholds are to be provided to assist the Pilot to pass safely and conveniently from the head of the ladder into the vessel or on to the vessel's deck and vice versa.
5. If necessary , spreaders shall be provided at such distance as will prevent the ladder from twisting.
6. Arrangements shall be such as:
   (a)The rigging of the ladder , the embarkation and disembarkation of the Pilot is supervised by a responsible officer of the vessel.
   (b)A self igniting life buoy is to be available at hand         Top

1. Accommodation ladders are to be used in the Canal, harbours and lakes to embark and disembark Pilots
2. In case no accommodation ladder is available , or difficult to rig, the vessel has to inform S.C.A. before entering harbour or Canal. The change of Pilot which is originally carried out of Ismailia, will take place in the Bitter Lakes after anchoring. In such case, the vessel will be charged an extra U.S.$300.00 as pilotage dues for each relieving Pilot.
3. Ships with freeboard less than 10 ft. may use pilot ladder.

Article 25: Efficiency of vessel's Equipment                 

1. Before entering the Canal it must be ascertained that main engines , compasses, steering gear, engine room, telegraph, rudder angle and r.p.m. indicators, W/T, VHF and radar are in good working order.
2. Every vessel navigating in the Suez Canal Waters under the advice of the Suez Canal Pilot, should maintain bridge and engine bell books.
3. In the bridge bell book, each engine movement and the time of its transmission from the bridge to the engine room is to be recorded as well as in the engine room bell book .
4. No vessel is required to maintain any bell books if equipped with an automatic device which produces a permanent legible record of every engine movement.
5. The bell books and the automatic records must be handed, upon request, to the Suez Canal Officials for the purpose of investigation if necessary.
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Article 26: Deck Cargo

1. Deck cargo is to be stowed in a way so as to provide a clear view from the navigating bridge while transiting the Canal, as well as not to affect the vessel's stability .
2. The deck cargo should not protrude more than half the vessel's breadth on any side , with a maximum of 15m. on each side if breadth exceeds 30m ( A & B refers)
3. If the protrusion exceeds the maximum allowed, each case is to be studied separately, and an additional due of 2% of the transit dues is levied on each foot or fraction of foot in excess .
   A.-Containers on Containerships are not considered as Deck Cargo.
   B.-Special built Vessels and Barges carrying drillers or Bulky Deck Cargo to be studied each separately.                                        Top

Article 27: Water Ballast

Vessels in ballast must fill spaces intended to be used for carrying water ballast in such proportion as the Officials of the Suez Canal Authority may direct.
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Article 28: Searchlight

Before transiting the Canal, the vessel should be provided with a searchlight (projector) complying with the following conditions and specifications.

1. It should be placed on the bow in the axis of the vessel and show the Canal clearly.
2. Specifications are as follows :
   (a)Minimum range of radiation of single beam 1,800m. ahead (brightness of 1 Lux approximately, at the atmospheric transmission factor T= 0.85).
   (b)The power of the lamp must give a luminous intensity of single light beam not less than 3 million candela, which is equivalent to high efficiency incandescent lamp of :
        (i)2,000 Watts for vessels up to 30,000 S.C. gross tons
        (ii)3,000 Watts for vessels over 30,000 S.C. gross tons
   (c)The drum and stand should be of high corrosion resisting material and can be operated both horizontally and vertically.
   (d)The front glass must be of hardened type and can stand rapid cooling.
   (e)The reflector must be in two halves of precise ground glass mirror of highest quality or of polished aluminum having at least 95% the reflective capacity of the glass mirror.
   (f)The two halves of the reflector can be brought together (zero position) to make a single reflector light beam and can be parted to give to separate light beams each of 5¥ at least, on the horizontal level with adjustable dark sector from 0 to 10¥.
   (g)The searchlight drum must be water light (pressure test 0.25 Kg./sq.cm.) and gastight (according to the classification rules for the vessel's electric appliances within dangerous areas) and provided with a vent-out to which a flexible hose can be fitted on the drum to dissipate the heated air out of the searchlight in addition to a safety vent.
   On vessels carrying petroleum products, LPG or LNG or inflammable substances , or vessels Not Gas Free , exit of hot air must be effectuated in a place devoid of inflammable gas.
   (h)The searchlight must be equipped with 2 lamps carrier that can be turned into position to let the lamp exactly in the focus of the reflector, and the current must be switched on automatically.
   (i)The electric system (switches, plug, socket and cables) must be of first class marine type. The degree of protection IP 55 or similar standards.
   (j)The searchlights must have a certificate for the "Type Test" this type test must include illuminate test to fulfil the above specification issued by one of the Classification Societies (Lloyd's Register, etc…). The original to be submitted to Suez Canal Officials and thereby after test by S.C.A. inspection, the searchlight can be accepted.
3. On all vessels of whatever type, electric cable installations for searchlight and all electrical connections leading to it must be permanently fixed, insulated and gastight.
   At the end of the cables a fixed and gastight socket should be installed close to the searchlight .
4. On board vessels electrically propelled or having electrically driven gear(steering,winches,etc.), the number of generators and their individual power output must be sufficient to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the searchlight in the event of stoppage of one of the generators.
   No exception to this rule will be allowed except when there is an independent generator and circuit on board specifically set apart for the searchlight.
5. The portable projector can be hired locally from the Canal Mooring and Light Company and weighs about 22 kg.
6. For vessels fitted with their own projector 2 shore electricians should operate it during the transit .
7. Vessels with especial cases:
       (a)LPG and LNG vessels, without any exception, must be provided with their  own searchlight .
       (b)Vessels entering the Canal, direct from sea, must although be provided with their own searchlight.
8. If electrical connections and/or searchlight do not confirm, the vessel is liable to transit only in daylight and therefore subject to delay. An additional due of U.S.$4,300 will be impost when the searchlight and/or electrical connections do not confirm for the 3 rd and each following transit.
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Article 29: Overhead Lights(Deck Lights)

Overhead lights visible all round the horizon with a minimum range of 200m.(roughly 650ft.).

Article 30: Bridge Wing Projectors

Bridge wing projectors on either side of the bridge must be fitted to show the Canal banks clearly during the transit and mooring operations, and must have the following characteristics :
Power about 4 LUX at an atmospheric transmission factor (T=0.74) and minimum range 200m.

Article31: Funnels

Funnels must be let to facilitate the identification of the vessel by night.
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Article32: Bridge and Engine Room Communications

Communication system between engine room and bridge must be in good working condition.

Article33: Pumping-Draining Arrangements

The pumps and pumping arrangements including valves, pipes and strainers from holds as well as from the engine and boiler spaces must be in good working condition .

Article34: Watertight Bulkheads and Doors

All watertight bulkheads and doors and required to be in good efficient condition.
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Article35: Draft Marks

All vessels shall have the draft plainly marked and painted upon the stem, amidships(including Plimsoll Mark and Deck Line) and stern post or rudder post, according to Load Line Convention.

Article36: Whistles and/or Sirens

Whistles and sirens must be always ready for use, as prescribed in Part III, Art 92.

Article37: Fire Fighting Equipment on Vessels

1. Vessels transiting the Canal should be equipped with the fire fighting equipment in accordance with the requirements of S.O.L.A.S. and its amendments . All equipment should be in a good and efficient condition.
2. Fire hoses with suitable nozzles attached shall be connection to the outlets of fire lines at all times while in Canal waters. Sufficient hoses shall be connected to reach all parts of the vessel.
3. When approaching Canal waters , as precautionary measures, all vessels must have fire wires hanging over the side ready for use fore and aft, before entering Canal waters.                                               Top

Article 38: Side Doors

When side doors are used for boarding , and the minimum vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the side door is less than 6ft., they should be closed immediately after embarking and disembarking of Pilot and during transit through the Canal

Article 39: Manning Vessels

The crew of vessels intending to transit the Canal should have efficient and good knowledge of their vessel and be sufficient in number to permit safe handling of the vessel during transit.                                                    Top

Article40: Deck Watch & Engine Room

When underway in Canal Waters the vessels shall keep a full watch on the bridge and in the engine room, as well as anchor watch.

Article41: Special Arrangements for VLCCs

(See Article 58)

Article42: Accommodation

1. A suitable (Officer Class) accommodation is to be put at the Pilot's disposal while anchoring in the Bitter Lakes or made fast in mooring places alongside the Canal. In case of no suitable accommodation available, the vessel will pay extra dues of U.S.$.300.00 for each relieving Pilot. She may be delayed if no relieving Pilot is available.
2. A sheltered place is to be provided for the mooring boatmen (3 to 6 men according to the size of the vessel) and 2 shore electricians for the projector, during transit.

Article 43: Vessels Carrying Timber

1. The timber deck cargo shall be compactly stowed, lashed and secured in a way that it shall not hinder navigation and allow safe access on deck.
2. The loading must not exceed the Tropical Timber Load Line (LT).
   The height of the deck cargo above the weather deck shall not exceed one third of the extreme breadth of the vessel.                    Top

Article 44: Life Saving Appliances

Life saving appliances for vessels navigating in the Canal Waters should meet with the requirements of SOLAS and amendments.

Article45: Anchor Watch

An anchor watch is to be established during bad weather or poor visibility and when advised by the Pilot.

Article 46: Stoppage in Canal

When anchored in the Bitter Lakes, Lake Timsah or stopped in the Canal , the engines should always be ready for use.

Note : In case of failure to comply with any of the previous requirements , a vessel may be delayed from joining the convoy and /or may be subject to special arrangements for her transit. This includes imposing convoying tug boats. Access to the Canal may also be refused.

SECTION III: Interdiction to Enter Canal

Article 47: Vessel not allowed to Transit

1. vessel will not be allowed to transit the Canal in any of the following cases:
   1st. Any vessel whose Tropical Load Line is submerged, or Plimsoll Marks not plainly visible (Overloaded).
2. Any vessel considered by the Suez Canal Officials, dangerous for navigation.
3. If carrying dangerous cargo and not confirming to the Part V of these Rules or carrying prohibited cargoes.
4. If having a list more than 3 degrees.
5. If trimmed in a way causing bad manoeuvrability.
6. If having deck loads protruding from vessel's sides in a manner endangering the safety of transit (See Article 26)
7. If the vessel is so tender or loaded in a manner that dangerously affects her stability.
8. If her draft in excess of the maximum permitted according to these Rules.
9. For VLCCs and ULCCs , if there is bad weather.
10. The Suez Canal Authority may consider delaying the entry to the Canal in cases of bad weather.
11. Any vessel without anchors.                                        Top

Article 47 Bis:

1. The Suez Canal Authority reserves the right to refuse access to Canal Waters to any vessel in case of carrying prohibited cargoes, and in case of non or erroneous declaration of the presence of dangerous cargo on board, such as ammunition , explosives, radioactive substances, etc.
2. If the dangerous cargo mentioned in para(1) is discovered during the transit, the Suez Canal Authority reserves the right to refuse access to Canal Waters to this vessel for a period not exceeding two years. An additional due of U.S.$ 43,000 will be imposed for this violation.

SECTION IV: Proceeding to the Canal

Article 48: General

1. Masters shall ask for Pilots by clearly displaying "G" flag by day and 3 white lights at night, at least two hours before the time they expect their vessel to be ready to get underway.
2. Singling Up should not be before the Pilot is on board.
3. When several vessels are ready to get underway at the same time, the order of their sailing will be fixed by the Canal Authority.
4. All vessels must stop whenever the passage ahead is not clear.
5. They must slow down passing collapsed or under repair banks, as well as when passing all vessels in sidings, hoppers, dredgers and other floating plants made fast.
6. As soon as a vessel is made fast, she must hoist the signals pendant No.2 by day and red light aft at night. The vessel must be ready to slack down ropes or cut them if need be. Engines must always be ready for manoeuvring.                                                            Top

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