'Administration Reports of the Persian Gulf, 1945 [-1946]' [‎157r] (326/414)

On the 29th October, 1946, a local country craft
with 400 bags of cement from the B.I.S.N. Company's ship
"Vasna" capsized, and was wrecked opposite the customs
pier at Manama. The cargo was later recovered.
On the 2nd November, 1946, a local country craft
with a cargo of 350 bags of cement was sunk near Chas Chose
shoal. The cargo was lost but the craft was salvaged and
repaired.
15. THE PORT OF BAHRAIN .
(i) Extension of R.E. System .
Early this year it was suggested to the Bahrain
Government that Bahrain might be made a free port. It
was thought that the Aden bonded warehouse system could
be applied to Bahrain, but on further examination of the
Aden regulations it was found that before the system
could be introduced a considerable revision of import
and export duties would be necessary. It was decided
instead to extend facilities under the existing R.E. system.
As soon as the new customs sheds have been completed the
R.E. period is to be increased from 20 to 90 days, and the
system extended to all Gulf ports.
(ii) Survey of Manama Anchorage .
Masters of vessels calling at Bahrain have long
considered it unsafe to use the inner anchorage at Manama
if they drew more than 22 feet. In December, however, the
S.S. "Saminver" arrived from Canada with 9,000 tons of
wheat and though drawing 27 feet came right into the
anchorage. Her master reported that for the length of the
course he had never less than 32 feet under him and had
ample water at his anchorage.
Messrs. Gray Mackenzie thereupon raised the question
of a further survey of the Manama anchorage. The Bahrain
Government expressed their willingness to contribute to»vards
the expenses of a survey.
(iii) Loading and Unloading Arrangements .
During the year the Bahrain General Merchants'
Association expressed their dissatisfaction with the
loading and unloading arrangements of Messrs. Gray Mackenzie.
They complained that cargo was badly stowed and roughly
handled," and that no discrimination was made between the
different kinds of cargo. The Company have taken notice
of this complaint and have instructed their stevedores to
exercise more care. At the same time they poin-ed ?
iustly enough, that the Manama pier did not possess the
modern equipment necessary for off-loading cargo. Tnere
was only one hand crane, a slow and antique piece of
mechanism. The Bahrain Government confirmed that they
had asked for quotations for a new crane but that no firm
offer had been received by them. New landing craft and
equipment are badly needed and Messrs. Gray Mackenzie have
taken up the matter with their Bombay Oxfice.
(iv) Lighting; & Buoying .
L T. "Nearchus'' made her usual visits of inspection
/during