Kenya Maritime Authority: Adverse Weather Notice for Kenyan Coast

• The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) issued an adverse weather notice for the entire Kenyan coast, effective from June 11 to June 17, 2024.
• The advisory warns of strong winds up to 35 knots, high waves reaching 3.5 meters, and reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall and sea spray.
• Small vessels under 20 meters are strongly advised to avoid the open sea, while larger vessels must exercise extreme caution and secure cargo.
• Port operators are directed to implement heightened safety protocols for all operations.
• The notice highlights KMA's mandate under the Kenya Maritime Authority Act, 2006, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2009, to ensure maritime safety and prevent marine pollution.

Non-compliance with such advisories can lead to severe consequences, including potential loss of life, damage to vessels and cargo, and environmental pollution.

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has issued a significant public notice regarding anticipated adverse weather and sea conditions along the entire Kenyan coastline. This crucial KMA sea conditions warning, referenced as KMA/MSA/ADVISORY/2024/001, became effective at 00:00 hours East Africa Time on June 11, 2024, and is slated to remain in force until 23:59 hours EAT on June 17, 2024. The advisory covers all maritime zones under Kenyan jurisdiction, stretching from Kiunga in the north to Shimoni in the south.

Mariners are advised to prepare for strong to very strong southerly winds, with average speeds projected to range between 25 and 30 knots (46-56 km/h), and gusts potentially reaching up to 35 knots (65 km/h). These wind conditions are expected to generate high seas, with significant wave heights forecast to be between 2.5 and 3.5 meters (8.2 to 11.5 feet), accompanied by powerful swells. Furthermore, visibility is expected to be significantly reduced due to heavy rainfall and sea spray, particularly during squalls, posing additional navigation challenges.

In response to the forecasted conditions, the Kenya Maritime Authority adverse weather notice includes specific safety directives for various maritime stakeholders. Small vessels, encompassing fishing boats, pleasure craft, and dhows, particularly those under 20 meters in length, have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the open sea throughout the specified alert period. This measure aims to mitigate the heightened risks associated with the severe weather for smaller, more vulnerable craft.

For larger commercial shipping, cargo vessels, and passenger ships, the KMA has urged masters to exercise extreme caution. Recommendations include a thorough review and update of passage plans, ensuring all cargo is properly secured against heavy seas, and maintaining a continuous and vigilant watch to respond to sudden changes in weather. Port authorities and operators along the Kenyan coast have also been advised to implement heightened safety protocols for all berthing, unberthing, and cargo handling operations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of personnel and assets. This shipping advisory Kenya weather alert underscores the KMA's mandate under the Kenya Maritime Authority Act, 2006, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2009, which tasks the Authority with ensuring the safety of navigation and preventing marine pollution within Kenyan waters, aligning with international maritime law Kenya adverse conditions guidelines.

The current Kenyan coast maritime safety alert carries significant implications for all entities involved in maritime activities, from individual mariners to large shipping companies and marine insurers. Non-compliance with such advisories can lead to severe consequences, including potential loss of life, damage to vessels and cargo, and environmental pollution. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are substantial legal and financial ramifications for operators who fail to adhere to the KMA's directives, potentially affecting insurance claims and liability in the event of an incident.

This period of adverse weather necessitates a proactive approach to risk management across the maritime sector. Companies must ensure their operational procedures are robust enough to handle such conditions and that their crews are adequately trained and informed. The KMA's continuous monitoring of weather patterns and issuance of updates means that all stakeholders must remain vigilant and responsive, adapting their operations as new information becomes available to safeguard lives, property, and the marine environment.

Lawyers advising shipping companies, port operators, or marine insurers should be aware of this notice to assess potential impacts on contractual obligations, force majeure clauses, and insurance coverage. Compliance officers in maritime sectors must ensure adherence to safety protocols and adjust operations to mitigate risks and avoid liabilities arising from the adverse weather conditions.

Source: Original reporting via Kenya Maritime Authority advisory