Friday 15th March 2013 +3.0hrs GMT: Suez Canal Transit ­ Black Watch Leads a Convoy North

Black Watch was in fact leading a northbound convoy of 20 ships and we would pass a southbound convoy of 24 ships about 3 hours into our transit at the Bitter Lakes – one of three possible passing points in the canal (the other passing points being between Control Stations 1 & 2 at the northern end of the canal at the Bahrah el Tumsah Lake).   We were sailing at the mandatory speed of 8 knots with each ship in the convoy astern of us at 10-minute intervals.  Progress through the canal is very carefully monitored at a series of Control Stations that display detailed information about the time of the ship passing, the interval to the ship ahead and astern etc.

Transit through the Suez Canal is open to ships of all nations subject to their compliance with the following rules:

·      Every ship, other than a naval vessel, must have a shipping agent

·      Pilotage is compulsory although unlike the Panama where pilots assume control of the ship – the only place in the world where this happens – in the Suez Canal the Captain remains in overall command and is responsible for any damage that may occur – whereas for the Panama Canal the operating company assumes this responsibility

·      Before entering the canal the ship must prove that its main engines, compasses, steering gear, engine room telegraph, rudder angle and RPM indicators, VHF and radar are in good working order

·      Providing the ship’s documents are in order then dangerous loads – including bulk petroleum, radioactive substances and liquid gas are permitted to transit the canal

·      Vessels are not allowed to overtake unless authorised to do so.

Canal Fines

·      Unauthorised over taking: $750

·      Dropping anything over the side: $300

·      Welding or riveting whilst in transit: $750

·      Carrying out a boat drill whilst in transit: $300

·      Unauthorised disembarkations: $300

Transit Costs

·      Based upon a net tonnage measurement system laid down by the Constantinople International Commission in 1873.

·      Vessels calling at Egyptian Red Sea ports immediately before or after transit pay a reduced charge.