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IMO agrees amendments and changes to SOLAS guidelines on ship systems and equipment

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International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has held the 7th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), held from 2 – 6 March 2020. ICOMIA has released a report from the meeting and the main items of interest to the superyacht and leisure marine industry are as follows:

On board lifting appliances and winches (OLAW)
During this session, minor modifications were made to the SOLAS amendments in order to align with the draft guidelines which were agreed to at this session. The guidelines address the testing, operation and maintenance of lifting equipment and are broadly in line with the guidance contained in the Code of Safe Working Continue reading “IMO agrees amendments and changes to SOLAS guidelines on ship systems and equipment”

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore complete first drone survey

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Bureau Veritas has completed its first survey by drone
Bureau Veritas has completed its first survey by drone

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has completed its first survey by drone, carried out in the holds of a bulk carrier in an Italian port. The scope was an intermediate survey on a bulk carrier and consisted of close-up inspections and ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM) conducted by the drone in two cargo hold spaces. The required prior agreement from the flag authority was confirmed – all the more necessary as the ship is subject to the IMO Code for the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP).

Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) were reflected in BV’s rules in 2019. The drone operator involved in this survey is certified by Bureau Veritas for both RIT and UTM.

Continue reading “Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore complete first drone survey”

Tips and advice for marine surveyors about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) is concerned for the health and well-being of its members as well as any marine surveyor, inspector or examiner travelling locally and/or internationally for work whilst Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally.

Already there is evidence that the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a profound effect on some areas of the marine surveying profession. But the picture is fluid, changing hourly and by the day, so you are advised to check the current status before you travel for work.

How Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads
Continue reading “Tips and advice for marine surveyors about Coronavirus (COVID-19)”

MAIB issues warning about sudden discharge of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system

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MAIB safety bulletin - sudden discharge of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system
MAIB safety bulletin – sudden discharge of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system

The UK MAIB has published a safety bulletin highlighting a potentially serious hazard associated with condensed aerosol firefighting suppressant particles. The warning comes after a fatal accident on the fishing vessel ‘Resurgam’ in November 2019 which is currently being investigated by the Branch.

On 15 November 2019, the UK registered fishing vessel Resurgam was in Newlyn, England undergoing maintenance. An engineer and an apprentice from the owner’s shore-based support team were working on the main engine in the engine room. Also working there were two contractors installing a new FirePro condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system.

Continue reading “MAIB issues warning about sudden discharge of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travelling marine surveyors

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The International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS) is concerned for the health and well-being of its members as well as any marine surveyor travelling locally and internationally for work.

Already there is evidence that the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a profound effect on some areas of the profession. But the picture is fluid, changing hourly and by the day, so you are advised to check the current status before you travel for work.

How Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads
When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales they release droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects, such as desks, tables or telephones. It is possible to catch Coronavirus (COVID-19) by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching the eyes, nose and/or mouth. If you are standing within one metre of a person with Coronavirus (COVID-19) it is possible to catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. In other words, Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads in a similar way to flu. Most persons infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) experience mild symptoms and recover in several days. However, some go on to experience more serious illness and may require hospital care. Risk of serious illness appears to rise with age – so far people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those under 40. People with weakened immune systems and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to serious illness.

Read the press release in full Coronavirus COVID-19 advice for travelling marine surveyors

Jet boat accident stresses need of proper maintenance of mechanical equipment highlights report

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TAIC report on the jet boat 'Discovery 2'
TAIC report on the jet boat ‘Discovery 2’

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has published its accident report on the contact of the jet boat ‘Discovery 2’ with Skippers Canyon wall while operating on the Shotover River in February 2019. Passengers onboard were injured. The incident highlighted that jet boating is a high-risk activity that leaves very little margin for error when navigating at high speeds in narrow channels and rivers.

On 23 February 2019, the commercial jet boat Discovery 2 was operating on the Shotover River in the vicinity of Skippers Canyon with nine passengers onboard. The boat was on its return leg when the driver was required to negotiate a series of bends in a section of the river about 10 metres wide. Approaching a left-hand bend, Continue reading “Jet boat accident stresses need of proper maintenance of mechanical equipment highlights report”

Biofouling: a global challenge that needs rethinking

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Impact of biofouling
Impact of biofouling

The rapid pace of technological innovation has had a growing impact on the shipping industry. But as owners and fleet managers face increasing pressure to improve environmental performance, new technologies will be necessary to ensure a profitable and sustainable future. The impact of biofouling on ship fuel use and emissions has generated increasing attention. According to the Clean Shipping Coalition, fouled hulls cost the shipping industry as much as $30 billion per year.

Dr. Volker Bertram, Senior Project Manager at DNV GL, notes that a more proactive technology is needed to curb the build-up of marine Continue reading “Biofouling: a global challenge that needs rethinking”

SOLAS compliance poor – lifeboat release hook failure identified in TSB investigation report

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Poor compliance with SOLAS in 'Northern Ranger' incident
Poor compliance with SOLAS in ‘Northern Ranger’ incident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has published an incident report on a lifeboat release hook failure during a drill on the passenger ferry ‘Northern Ranger’ in October 2017, which led to minor injuries. The failure was linked to poor compliance with SOLAS and the operator’s safety manual.

On 11 October 2017, the starboard lifeboat of the passenger ferry Northern Ranger was undergoing operational testing at the dock in Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, when its forward release hook failed.

While the crew members were lifting the lifeboat to the vessel’s embarkation deck, the forward release hook suddenly released and the Continue reading “SOLAS compliance poor – lifeboat release hook failure identified in TSB investigation report”

Pacific 1: Poor decision to remain at sea during continuous flooding cited as main cause of sinking

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Pacific 1
Pacific 1

The NTSB has published its investigation report on the flooding and sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Pacific 1 while in the Bering Sea, Alaska in February 2019. The report identified the master’s decision to remain at sea with continuous flooding as key cause of the sinking.

About 0330 local time on 15 February 2019, Pacific 1 was engaged in cod fishing in the Bering Sea near Kashega Bay, Unalaska Island, Alaska, when the vessel began to take on water at the stern. The five crew members abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the nearby Good Samaritan vessel Kona Kai. There were no injuries, but there was an oil sheen. The vessel sank and was considered a total Continue reading “Pacific 1: Poor decision to remain at sea during continuous flooding cited as main cause of sinking”

North P&I Club publishes cargo care checklists for nickel ore, grain and coal cargoes

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The North P&I Club has published three helpful checklists
The North P&I Club has published three helpful checklists

The North P&I Club has published three different and helpful checklists about the care of nickel ore, grain and coal cargoes giving details of how to deal with these types of shipments.

North P&I Club Cargo Care Checklist for Nickel Ore

Prior to loading documentation received from shipper is needed.
Also, the Club advises that visual inspection should be conducted before it is loaded to ensure it is safe. Continue reading “North P&I Club publishes cargo care checklists for nickel ore, grain and coal cargoes”

Poor hull maintenance linked to flooding of towing vessel Tom Bussler says NTSB report

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Poor hull maintenance linked to flooding of towing vessel
Poor hull maintenance linked to flooding of towing vessel

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published an investigation report on the flooding and sinking of towing vessel ‘Tom Bussler’ on Tennessee River in January 2019. The incident stressed issues associated with poor hull maintenance and repair.

On January 7, 2019, about 2030 local time, the towing vessel Tom Bussler was transiting in light boat condition (no tow) upbound on the Tennessee River at mile 15 near Calvert City, Kentucky, when it began flooding and quickly sank in the channel. Both crew members aboard abandoned the Continue reading “Poor hull maintenance linked to flooding of towing vessel Tom Bussler says NTSB report”

MFV Suzanne II: MCIB publish report on the fire and loss

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MFV Suzanne II
MFV Suzanne II

Ireland’s Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has released its investigation report on the fire and loss of MFV Suzanne II, east of Arklow, in May 2019. While the exact source of the fire is unknown, the report highlights that the quick response of the crew and their knowledge on when to abandon ship was key to their successful rescue.

On 2 May 2019 the MFV Suzanne II, a fishing vessel, was stopped 30 nautical miles east of Arklow and the crew were taking a break between fishing activities when a crew member observed smoke coming from an engine room vent. The skipper went Continue reading “MFV Suzanne II: MCIB publish report on the fire and loss”

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