We have obtained information from Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd. on the ongoing risks of collision between merchant vessels and fishing vessels in China’s coastal waters. According to their circular, while the number of such collision accidents has shown a yearly downward trend, the casualty rate per accident remains notably high.

A recent accident involving a Panamanian-flagged merchant vessel and a fishing vessel approximately 110 nautical miles east of Tianjin Port resulted in the sinking of the fishing vessel and 10 fatalities or missing persons, again highlighting the need for effective preventive measures.

According to the circular, high-risk areas for collisions are mainly concentrated in waters where customary routes of merchant vessels overlap with fishing grounds, port anchorages and approach/departure channels, waters with concentrated fishing activities during fishing seasons, and inshore waters with complex ocean currents and tides. Accident investigations also revealed that the vast majority of collisions occurred at night, particularly between 23:00 and 04:00.

The circular analyses both merchant and fishing vessel aspects, noting that officers on watch sometimes fail to maintain a proper look-out, or over-rely on navigation equipment. It also highlights that fishing vessels often fail to maintain proper look-out, with bridge watchkeepers participating in fishing operations on deck, and that some fail to display lights and shapes in accordance with COLREGS.

It is suggested that shipowners and bridge teams familiarize themselves with the “Guideline for the Prevention of Collisions between Merchant Vessels and Fishing Vessels in Coastal Waters of China” issued by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China (China MSA). Also, the China MSA has identified 38 high-risk areas for merchant-fishing vessel collisions and advises vessels to familiarize themselves with the geographical distribution of these areas, enhance vigilance and navigate in caution.

For more information, please see the attached circular issued by Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd.