The dangers of overplating

Surveyors take note - overplating does not constitute a repair on a steel hull
Surveyors take note – overplating does not constitute a repair on a steel hull

Feature article written by Alan Broomfield MIIMS, who tackles the thorny subject of overplating on steel hulled vessels, in particular Dutch barges and Narrowboats.

It is common practice when in the field surveying steel vessels to find mild steel plates welded to the hull, a practice regularly carried out on leisure vessels as a permanent repair. If any defects are found on the shell of a metal boat during a survey, surveyors are all too quick to recommend that the area concerned be overplated. Marine surveyors who deal with steel vessels will find that very often – Dutch barges and canal boats in particular – are frequently heavily overplated and should remember at all times that such overplating does NOT constitute a repair. It merely hides the defect.

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An introduction to synthetic rigging for marine surveyors

Synthetic rigging will replace wire and marine surveyors need to understand this disruptive new technology
Synthetic rigging will replace wire and marine surveyors need to understand this disruptive new technology

Feature article written by Nick Parkyn

Synthetic rigging (also referred to as composite rigging) is disruptive technology that in time will replace stainless steel wire rigging. Since marine surveyors will increasingly come into contact with this type of rigging, they need to understand this new technology to enable them to carry out surveys on craft which use it.

Many new types of synthetic fibres have been discovered in recent years. Typically, they are initially used in aerospace applications and later become available for other application where high performance is required. Most of the high performance fibres are characterised by impressive tensile properties, which with the exception of carbon fibre significantly exceed their compressive strength. With yacht Continue reading “An introduction to synthetic rigging for marine surveyors”

The importance of understanding enclosed space working

Enclosed space working and entry in the marine environment is still costing too many lives
Enclosed space working and entry in the marine environment is still costing too many lives

Feature article written by Capt Michael Lloyd RD**, MNM, FNI

Enclosed space working and entry and the resulting deaths caused by poor procedures and/or lack of knowledge each year is a vexing subject and one that the International Institute of Marine Surveying has highlighted before. However, it seems insufficient progress is being made in this area and the number of casualties remains stubbornly high. Capt Michael Lloyd has become passionate about the subject of enclosed space working and is now something of an authority in the field. In this article, Michael shares his current thoughts on the matter and offers some practical tips and advice for surveyors.

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Report only what you know

Feature article written by Capt Barry Thompson HONFIIMS

Although the following account refers to a cargo survey the lessons to be learnt from it by a surveyor apply just as much to a yacht or small craft condition survey — indeed to any ‘fit for purpose’ survey.

In 1985 a New Zealand company ordered just over 22,000 tonnes of compound fertiliser at a C & F cost of US$4.2 million. It was part loaded into the geared bulk-carrier Adelina (26,687 dw, built 1977) in Sweden with the balance in Tampa, Florida. SGS, of worldwide reputation, were the appointed surveyors to certify the holds as clean, dry and fit to receive the fertilizer.

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The secret life of an electric launch by Scruffie Marine

An electric launch by Scruffie Marine takes to the water
An electric launch by Scruffie Marine takes to the water

Feature written by Derek Ellard of Scruffie Marine

Electric boats operate at a fraction of the cost of conventional fossil-fuel powered boats. They offer maximum torque through the whole rev range and ride in silence with no emissions. This means that marinas and waterways will be cleaner and quieter. No noise and no fumes from conventional engines to contend with. Are electric boats the thing of the future? Derek Ellard of Scruffie Marine, based in North Tamborine, Queensland, Australia thinks so and is involved in building them.

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The wreck of the Sewol ferry to be lifted by early April

The Capsized Sewol FerryThe wreck of the Sewol ferry, which sank almost three years ago with over 300 people on board, could emerge from the water by early april, says the South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The 6,825-ton Sewol tragically sank off Jindo Island on April 16, 2014, killing 304 people onboard, 250 of whom were high school students on a school trip.

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The hidden dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning afloat

Warning Sign of carbon monoxide poisoningFeature written by Susan Stockwell, Director, Nereus Alarms Ltd

Carbon monoxide poisoning is sometimes called death by stealth and there have been some high profile marine cases that have made unpleasant media headlines in recent times. Victims are unaware that they are being poisoned and the symptoms are hard to spot. In this specially commissioned feature, Susan Stockwell, Director of Nereus Alarms Ltd, discusses how CO is produced and offers readers some background to this hidden killer. She also gives essential advice that surveyors will surely find invaluable.

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Marine surveyors helping to save lives at sea… behind the scenes at the RNLI

One of the RNLI Shannon class vessels undergoing inspection
One of the RNLI Shannon class vessels undergoing inspection

The IIMS Small Craft Working Group joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) annual surveyor training conference. Following a detailed tour around the RNLI facility in Poole, the combined group of approaching 50 surveyors listened to a series of presentations and had the chance to network and share ideas amongst themselves. Both RNLI and IIMS felt the occasion was a great success and expressed a desire for the two organisations to work more closely together. As a direct result of that recent gathering, IIMS invited RNLI to write an article. Andrew Squibb MEng AMRINA AMIMarEST, Technical Surveyor RNLI picks up the story. Continue reading “Marine surveyors helping to save lives at sea… behind the scenes at the RNLI”

eDOT Marine Laboratories approved to use modified Proctor Fagerberg test for iron ore fines in India

IMSBC Code handguideThe West of England P&I Club has confirmed that India has now approved eDOT Marine Laboratories to use the modified Proctor Fagerberg test for iron ore fines. A table with up to date details of approved laboratories has been released. The table also includes the validity of their approval and the test methods which they are authorized to use.

For a number of years the Director General of Shipping (DGS) India has approved local laboratories to carry out tests as provided for in Appendix 2 of the IMSBC Code, to determine the TML of material which may liquefy.

Effective from January 1st, 2017, a new test procedure for determining Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), the modified Proctor Fagerberg test procedure for iron ore fines is mandated in accordance with SOLAS – Amendments to the IMSBC Code (Amendment 03-15).

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Wärtsilä launches SmartPredict to provide safer ship manoeuvring guidance

Wärtsilä is launching its latest innovation SmartPredict
Wärtsilä is launching its latest innovation SmartPredict

The technology group Wärtsilä is launching its latest innovation SmartPredict at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from March 13 to 16. Developed by the company’s Dynamic Positioning unit, SmartPredict is designed to provide safer and more efficient vessel operations by reducing the risks associated with manoeuvring.

The system displays the vessel’s predicted future position and heading, and uses proven dynamic positioning (DP) analysis algorithms to evaluate forces affecting the vessel, thereby providing advanced motion prediction. SmartPredict also features a configurable prediction time display.

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US Coast Guard issues a safety bulletin about vapor pressure relief valve testing on pneumatic systems

Pressure Relief Valve diagramDue to a mishap from improper testing of a vapor pressure relief valve on a compressed air system, the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) reminds all those concern of the risks and best practices in conducting or witnessing the testing of relief valves. While this information is based on testing compressed air systems using vapor relief valves, the guidance is also relevant to safety valves in other pressure systems, except boilers.

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China delivers the largest drilling rig in the world

China's largest drilling rigThe world’s most advanced and largest ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig has been delivered by China’s Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore shipyard.

The DP3 rig Bluewhale 1 has an operating depth of up to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) and a drilling depth to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), making it capable of drilling in any waters around the world. It is 387 feet (118 meters) high, equal to a 37-story building.

CIMC Raffles says the 42,000 ton vessel uses 10 percent less fuel than comparable rigs.

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