THERE’S a feast of crustaceans attacking vessels in the Pilbara rather than finding their way to our Christmas plates.
A mass spawing of crustaceans are gathering under ships and being drawn into cooling water intakes, according to a marine notice from Port Hedland Ports Harbour Master, Mike Minogue.
Warnings have been issued for Varanus Island and Dampier Port.
“Mariners are advised that there is an upward trend of cooling related main engine slowdowns due to blockage of seawater strainers. Currently a mass spawning of crustaceans gathering under ships in the Western Anchorages are being drawn into ships cooling water intakes.” the release said.
“Masters are advised to ensure that their seawater strainers are inspected and cleared before commencing an inbound pilotage.
“Mariners and other port users are requested to notify the Harbour Master on the discovery of new dangers or suspected dangers to navigation within the port.”
Detailed procedure for cleaning seawater strainers including black flushing, changing and cleaning is available on the Pilbara Ports website.. Spare filters, all tools and equipment for opening the sea chest and cleaning is readily available.
The notice urged all engineering staff to be familiar with contingency plans and to monitor pressure at pumps and filters during the pilotage and to respond without delay.
