Page 86 - Rules of Navigation2020

CHAPTER IV
ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE AND POLLUTION

Art. 59 - Accidents:

(1) Whenever a vessel is underway and accidentally going to stop, she must if other vessels are

following, attract their attention by giving five or six short blasts on the whistle or siren and
also contact movement control office by all means of connections (SUQ, VHF, Fax... etc.)
stating:

"I am reducing speed and may have to stop and make fast".
In addition, vessels stopping accidentally at night must immediately change their White

light astern by a Red light.
(2) In case of grounding, the Master must immediately hoist the signal shown in Part III, Art.91

of these Rules, and send a radio message whether a tug is required or not, whether or not
passage is clear for the tug and whether lightering is necessary, sounding, statement of fact

... etc.
(3) When a vessel runs aground, Suez Canal Officials are alone empowered to order and direct
all operations required to get the vessel afloat and if needed get the vessel unloaded and

towed. Nevertheless, Masters remain responsible for all damages or accidents of any kind
which may be the direct or indirect consequence of the grounding.

(4) All attempts on the part of other vessels to get off a vessel aground are strictly prohibited.
(5) Once afloat, and the Canal Officials find it necessary to tow or escort the vessels by one
tug or more tugs, the vessel must from that moment, pay towage charges as mentioned in

Part IV. p.185. Moreover, it is understood that the vessel bears all expenses necessary for
repairs of any damage or breakdown which might interfere with her getting underway,

regardless of the time when such damage or breakdown takes place.
(6) When a vessel grounds or stops outside the Canal itself or if the grounding or stoppage is

due to a collision, all charges for getting the vessel afloat, towing, unloading, etc..., are paid
by the vessel and must be settled as per statement drawn up by SCA before the vessel leaves

Port Said harbor, Port Said East harbor or Port of Suez.
(7) Whenever a collision appears probable, vessels must not hesitate to run aground should this
be necessary to avoid the collision.

(8) When a vessel or any floating units of any description runs aground or strands or sinks or
is left abandoned, either in the Canal itself or in one of its ports, Waiting and anchorage

Areas and CA deems it as an obstruction or a menace to navigation in Canal, the Authority

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