China: Yangtze River Penalties

Members and Assureds trading to ports along the Yangtze River should be aware of an increase in administrative penalties being imposed by local Maritime Safety Administrations for breaches of inland waterway navigation and environmental regulations. These penalties are being actively enforced through high-definition bridge cameras and drone surveillance.

The circular from Oasis P&I Services, a correspondent in China, outlines the scenarios where penalties are most often imposed for breaches of regulations, including:

• Exceeding speed limits which range from 15 knots to normal navigation areas, to 8 knots of upstream and 11 knots downstream vessel in restricted bridge water areas;

• Failure to maintain a proper lookout where required;

• Restricted vessels failing to keep both anchors ready for immediate use when navigating through complex sections, such as restricted bridge areas;

• Failure to maintain prescribed distances from vessels ahead – the Jiangsu MSA specifies a minimum distance of 1,500 meters or 1,000 meters applies for downstream/upstream; and

• Emission of visible black smoke while navigating in Yangtze River and Shanghai waters.

While the penalty amounts themselves are not substantial, vessels may be detained if documents are not provided in a timely manner and associated handling costs may exceed the amount of the fine. Members and assureds should ensure they have obtained up-to-date guidance on the navigational requirements and regulations from local agents before transiting the river.