FEARS that a quirk of the calendar might trigger the millennium computer bug four months early are forcing the port of Southampton to introduce special safety rules.

There are concerns that computers might read Thursday, September 9 as 9/9/99 and cause problems and the failure of some electronic equipment.

Associated British Ports, the owners and operators of Southampton Docks, have issued a special notice to mariners warning of extra precautions which will be taken next month and over the new year period.

"Operators and masters of vessels will be aware of the electronic data recognition problems which may create failures of computer systems and embedded chips and that the potential failure in some critical systems, including those relating to safety of navigation and cargo management, does exist,'' said a spokesman for ABP.

"As a result the port's vessel traffic services centre will adopt a position of extra vigilance during the period 14 hours either side of midnight on September 8 and December 31,'' he added.

ABP says ships leaving and entering port will face greater periods of separation and that reduced numbers will be allowed to use the dock area at the same time.

"During the critical periods ship's crews will also be asked to confirm that the vessel has taken action to ensure that all on-board systems, which if they failed could threaten the safety of the vessel's navigation or the environment, have been scrutinised and are considered fully operational,'' said the ABP spokesman.

Those ships which can give this assurance or have returned a millennium questionnaire stating compliance with the Southampton Harbour Master's requirements, will be allowed to proceed with their voyage.

Vessels unable to make the declaration will be told either to stay at anchor or remain at sea or along-side.

The safety requirements also call for ships not to plan to enter or leave harbour during the period two hours either side of midnight.

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