The National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding (Nirdesh) has issued an advisory for shipyards and shipbuilders to avoid flooding risks during the rains.
Nirdesh project director Ramesh Babu says shipbuilders face the risk of flooding, especially during monsoon. “This can be avoided if seaborne and waterfront assets are secured such as ensuring that dock gates, caisson gates, cofferdams and underwater valves and openings are closed when not in use.”
Allow only essentially required personnel to board vessels afloat and work in waterfront areas. “Ensure that such personnel wear protection gear like life vest and non-skid shoes,” says Captain Babu. “Tugs, barges and other assets in water should be secured with double ropes, springs and hurricane hawsers. Inspection should be done at the quay side de-watering openings so that there is no reverse flooding in high water,” he says.
Harbourers should keep de-flooding pumps, hoses, extension plugs, cement or sand bags and other items such as lifeboats, life rafts and lifebuoys on standby. Areas prone to flooding and vessels in water need to be provided with secure guard rails and safety gears.
Power availability
Captain Babu says steps should be taken to ensure that electricity supply is readily available in waterfront areas. Measures should be adopted to ensure that switch boards, meter rooms, and pump houses are not flooded. Nirdesh has also issued guidelines for workshops, offices and other buildings to prevent water stagnation during rain9.
