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.

Continue reading “The importance of understanding enclosed space working”

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.

Continue reading “Report only what you know”

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.

Continue reading “The secret life of an electric launch by Scruffie Marine”

Debunking the myths of the safety management system

A key requirement of the ISM code is an effective safety management system
A key requirement of the ISM code is an effective safety management system

Article written by Nippin Anand PhD MSc Master Mariner FNI

In January 2015, the pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Hoegh Osaka developed a severe list on departing from Southampton, and was left stranded outside the port for more than 19 days. The official investigation revealed how decision making became the victim of production pressures. The vessel sailed from port without determining accurately the stability conditions upon completion of cargo. It was a routine practice to leave this task to be carried out once the vessel was out at sea; a practice that appears to be common within the PCTC industry. The weights of the cargoes declared at the time of loading were significantly different from the actual weights; a practice that extends even beyond the PCTC industry. The port captain never felt the need to involve the chief officer in the preparation of the stowage plan. The chief officer, on the other hand, did not feel he had the authority to question the pre-stowage plan.

Continue reading “Debunking the myths of the safety management system”

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

The 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.

Continue reading “The wreck of the Sewol ferry to be lifted by early April”

Registration for Seawork, the largest European commercial workboat show and conference, is open

Meet IIMS at Seawork, Europe's largest commercial workboat show
Meet IIMS at Seawork, Europe’s largest commercial workboat show

Seawork International, Europe’s largest commercial workboat show and conference, is a one-stop-shop for the commercial marine sector, providing a unique opportunity to see the latest solutions for businesses in the commercial marine industry all in one place, at one time, at one easy-to-access location.

Seawork International will return from 13-15 June 2017 at the prestigious Mayflower Park venue in Southampton, UK, for the second year running.

Continue reading “Registration for Seawork, the largest European commercial workboat show and conference, is open”

Gard publishes information on watertight doors

Gard has released a presentation and video about watertight doors
Gard has released a presentation and video about watertight doors

During day to day operations of a ship and particularly in situations where the ship has been damaged, it is usually assumed that all watertight doors are closed and that the vessel’s internal watertight subdivision is 100% effective. On board a ship, the safety of the crew and passengers depends on the safety of the ship and this includes the safe use of such doors so that they do not pose any danger when passengers and crew pass through the doors or operate them. However, Gard’s casualty statistics indicate that this is not always the case.

Root cause investigations after incidents involving power operated watertight doors have revealed that it has been common practice onboard ship to not to fully open them before passing through the doors. The door safety systems have also been found not to be in full Continue reading “Gard publishes information on watertight doors”

The hidden dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning afloat

Feature 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.

Continue reading “The hidden dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning afloat”

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

The 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).

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

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.

Continue reading “Wärtsilä launches SmartPredict to provide safer ship manoeuvring guidance”

New carriage requirements for all IBC code listed products is coming

In its March 2014 edition of its Technical & Regulatory news bulletin, DNVGL has taken the opportunity to update readers about the proposed changes specific to chemical tankers leading to a revision in the IBC code product list. It says that IMO is reassessing carriage requirements for products listed in the IBC Code. This means the current list of cargo with the Certificate of Fitness will change for chemical tankers. The amendments are expected to take effect 1 July 2020, subject to approval. This news helps owners consider early actions.

Continue reading “New carriage requirements for all IBC code listed products is coming”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details