Maritime Services - Off Limits
More flexibility

Ships transiting the Strait of Gibraltar but not wishing to come off charter or leave international waters can take advantage of the significant off-port limit operations undertaken by local companies. These services include receiving stores, spares, provisions and even a change of crew while still offshore, thus avoiding the time and expense of putting into port. Tugs and other vessels can bring the required stores and personnel out from Gibraltar and effect a transfer while the ship is still on the high seas.

Three areas are set aside for off-limits operations and have been chosen to minimise interference with regular shipping traffic:

Area 1 - Northwards of a line drawn east of Europa Point

Area 2 - Within two and a half nautical miles of 36û02'N, 5û15'W (about seven miles south-east of Europa Point)

Area 3 - Gibraltar Eastern Anchorage.

Various companies in Gibraltar provide an off-limits service. Spare parts and other special items not in stock can be obtained quickly and efficiently by aeroplane or truck.

Until 2000 there was a limit on the amount of provisions and number of crew that could be delivered by a single supply vessel. Following a change in the rules, however, the limit is now determined purely by the size of the supply vessel, with each vessel being surveyed to determine its maximum capacity.

Off limits operations

1. Owners of authorised vessels must obtain Port Authority permission to attend a vessel off limits. Appropriate forms should be submitted to the Port Authority on return to the port.

2. Unless the Captain of the Port provides otherwise on safety grounds, there is no limit on the supply of provisions, stores and supplies or on the number of crew changed.

3. Any unusual task or operation must be authorised by the Captain of the Port.

4. All off-limits supply vessels are surveyed annually by a marine surveyor, who will set a limit on the amount of stores, spares or provisions and maximum number of passengers and minimum crew that can be carried by each vessel.

5. Vessels will be surveyed and certified for structural strength and W/T integrity, loading capabilities, life-saving requirements, fire-fighting equipment and GMDSS/VHF equipment as required.

The IMO STCW 95 and MCA UK Workboat Code of Practice will be used as a basis for the survey.

6. The Captain of the Port will issue a certificate after the owners intending to provide an off-limits service have applied to the port surveyor for survey and manning requirements. A weather limit will also be imposed on each vessel and all craft will have to be slipped annually prior to survey, although underwater photographic evidence may be accepted instead.

7. Coxswains of vessels used for off-limits operations must have passed an examination set by the Captain of the Port and will have been granted a certificate of competency before they can be employed for such work. A qualified coxswain must be 20 years or older, have at least two years' experience afloat in Gibraltar Bay and must have met requirements for eyesight, employment registration, STCW 95 regulations for personal survival, fire-fighting, first aid, VHF or GMDSS and must have passed a seamanship exam set by the port authority.