Air Draft

 Air draft 

1. Air draft is to be considered when making port or in coastal waters before passing overhead bridges, cables or working under gantry. 

2. A minimum 2 meters of air draft clearance is to be maintained at all times. (Refer SMS)

3. Following parameters, as a minimum should be considered in determining the air draft; 

a. Ships draft 

b. Charted depth 

c. Tides, Sea swell conditions 

d. Any maintenance on bridges, gantries should be clarified with the pilot before transit. 

4. If it appears that the vessel may not be able to comply with the minimum air draft clearance 

requirements the Office is to be consulted and a copy of the air draft calculation submitted for review along with navigational risk assessment. 

5. Pilot card and Master Pilot exchange is to be filled with accurate information on air draft and same advised to the Pilot before transit.