According to the "Notice of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Adjusting the System of Ocean Summer Fishing Ban", the 2023 summer fishing ban will be lifted gradually from 16th August. After the lift of fishing ban, a large number of fishing boats will flock to the sea, the traffic situation in coastal waters of China will become more complicated and the risk of collision between merchant vessels and fishing boats would be significantly increased.

Time of the End of Fishing Ban

i.The East China Sea and South China Sea area between 26°30’N and 12°N: 12:00 p.m. of 16th August 2023.
 

ii. The Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea area to the north of 35°N: 12:00 p.m. of 1st September 2023.
 

iii. The Yellow Sea and East China Sea area between 35°N and 26°30’N: 12:00 p.m. of 16th September 2023.

Recommendations for Prevention of Collision between Merchant Vessels and Fishing Boats

It is suggested that merchant vessels navigating in Chinese coastal waters should pay attention to the end date of the fishing ban and be alert to the risk of collision with fishing boats. According to the collision prevention guidelines issued by MSA, in addition to comply with the COLREG 1972, the following measures are suggested:

i.If the navigation officer of merchant vessel has doubts about the action of the fishing boat, he may call the fishing boat through the VHF 16 channel to coordinate the collision avoidance action. If there is no response from the fishing boat after several calls, give at least 5 short and rapid flashes by ALDIS lamp, or use a continuous sound signal to attract her attention.

ii. Merchant vessels shall take full account of the possibility of a fishing vessel not keeping clear in accordance with the COLREG 1972, and shall be alert to collisions caused by uncoordinated actions when approaching a fishing boat at close range. To avoid collision, crewmembers shall also consider reducing speed or stopping engine in addition to the alteration of course.
 

iii. The north-south customary route waters near 122°45'E-123°E is the area of high incidence of collisions between merchant vessels and fishing boats. It is recommended that merchant vessels keep high alert when navigating in the above waters.



Source: HUATAI

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