Venezuela - Lake Maracaibo Restrictions

The Club has been advised by Matheus & Ulloa in Caracas that due to environmental concerns the Maracaibo Harbour Master has issued Circular No. AJZL003 12.010 dated 5 April 2010, which, from 12 April 2010, prohibits the following activities whilst vessels are operating or at anchor in Lake Maracaibo:

1. Hull cleaning or removal of hydrocarbon residues from vessels’ hulls.

2. Hull painting or the removal of hull paint coatings. However, vessel names and draft marks may be repainted subject to authorisation for the activity being received from the Maritime Authority.

Non compliance with the requirements of the Harbour Master’s Circular may result in the imposition of sanctions.