DECEMBER 1999

CIRCULAR NO. 16/99

TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Dear Member:

MILLENNIUM – CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR PERIOD

OFFICE AVAILABILITY/CONTACT DETAILS

The purpose of this Circular is to make you aware of emergency contact details, as well as office staff assistance availability, during the upcoming holiday period commencing Thursday, December 23 through and inclusive of January 3, 2000. Should there be communication difficulties with the office(s) of the Manager on the available dates, please refer to the emergency numbers listed below:

Thursday, December 23– New York office closes at 1:00 p.m., contact London liaison office which will be open (Tel: + 44-171-709-1390, Fax: + 44-171-709-1399)

Friday, December 24 – New York office closed.* London liaison office closes at 1:00 p.m.

Mon. & Tues., December 27-28 New York office open both days. London liaison office closed both days.*

Wednesday, December 29 – New York and London liaison offices open.

Thursday, December 30 – New York office closes at 2:00 p.m. London liaison office open.

Friday, December 31 – New York and London liaison offices closed.*

Monday, January 3 – New York office open. London liaison office closed.*

* please contact either open office and/or after hours contact detail numbers below in this case.

NEW YORK OFFICE

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS:

Joseph E.M. Hughes (All matters): Home Tel: +1 (203) 656-1148

Home Fax: +1 (203) 656-2035

Gary F. Strevell (Claims matters): Home Tel: +1 (732) 656-0326

Mobile: +1 (732) 236-7152

Vincent J. Solarino (Financial matters): Home Tel: +1 (732) 206-1010

Home Fax: +1 (732) 206-1006

Edward J. Flynn (Underwriting matters) Home Tel: +1 (914) 737-7306

P.T.O.

LONDON OFFICE

Ian J. Farr (All matters): Home Tel: + 44-181-770-1328

Home Fax: + 44-181-642-6906

Mobile: + 44-7801-141525

Ian R. Cameron (Claims matters) Home Tel: + 44-1277-840872

Mobile: + 44-7808-771763

In any case, here’s hoping all communications go smoothly throughout this period and wishing you from the Managers a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Yours faithfully,

Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO

Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for

THE AMERICAN CLUB

VAPS X:\IGA\CIRCULR16.99