Tick box marine survey reporting is becoming far more common than it used to be. That is the view of Peter Broad, President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS). But are tick box marine survey reports fit for purpose, or are they lazy reporting?
Concerns about tick box surveysNews Hound
Draft survey practical guidance published by Britannia P&I Club
This essential practical guidance issued by Britannia P&I Club provides an overview of the key concepts and considerations involved in conducting a draft survey for ships.
Draft surveys play a crucial role in determining the quantity of cargo loaded onto a ship. While based on the simple principle of Archimedes’ law of floatation, the calculation process can be complex due to the ship’s shape, non-linear changes in draft due to hog and sag, and external weather conditions. Continue reading “Draft survey practical guidance published by Britannia P&I Club”
Enclosed spaces on ships claim the lives of eight people in one week
With eight deaths in a week as a result of enclosed spaces on ships, InterManager has called on the shipping industry to work together to improve safety in these challenging onboard areas.
Three seafarers and five shore workers died over one week in accidents in enclosed spaces on ships, bringing this year’s known deaths to a total of 31, although the reporting process can be slow. InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector, keeps records of these incidents on behalf of the wider shipping community, sharing them with regulators in its role as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Continue reading “Enclosed spaces on ships claim the lives of eight people in one week”
Coal cargoes: Safety protocols for managing methane emission risks
According to Gitana Røyset, Claims Executive, Arendal, global coal consumption climbed to an all-time high in 2022 and is on track for a record-breaking 2023 and 2024.
This article refers to the safety measures needed to reduce the risk of fire and explosion when dealing with coal cargoes.
Gard highlights that coal is a fossil fuel with varying properties, depending on its source and handling before it is loaded aboard ship. Some coals can self-heat, and some emit methane – characteristics that can create fire and explosion risks to the crew, vessel and cargo. Gard has had several cases involving problematic coal cargoes, particularly those originating in Indonesia. Continue reading “Coal cargoes: Safety protocols for managing methane emission risks”
Seadogz report – An accident waiting to happen is MAIB finding into fatal RIB crash
The Seadogz report into an accident on the morning of 22 August 2020 when the commercially operated rigid inflatable boat (RIB) crashed into a 4.5m high, 5-ton channel marker in Southampton Water at a speed of 38.4 knots has been published. The RIB’s engine stopped abruptly and two of the passengers were catapulted overboard into the water, where their lifejackets inflated.
All eleven passengers and the skipper were treated in hospital, most for substantial impact injuries. One, a 15-year-old passenger, had sustained severe injuries when she was thrown against the handhold directly in front of the bench seat. She died in hospital that afternoon.
World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation
World Boating Day, an initiative from The Superyacht Life Foundation, has unveiled further details of the project following its launch at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023.
With the aim of opening the doors of introducing and educating the wider public on what boating is, The Superyacht Life Foundation says World Boating Day is a unique, global experience which will bring industry professionals and the public together on an unprecedented scale in a celebration of everything boating and everything that the industry behind it offers.
To date 15 superyacht builders and one marina have pre-registered for the inaugural event, which will take place on the weekend of 25-26 May 2024. Continue reading “World Boating Day initiative unveiled by The Superyacht Life Foundation”
IMO Maritime Safety Committee set to commence a thorough STCW review
To align seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping with evolving trends in the shipping industry and to tackle various challenges encountered by seafarers, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has decided to initiate a thorough STCW review and update of the Convention and Code.
The STCW review will go through several phases, with a view to be completed and adopted by the autumn of 2027.
IMO has announced a roadmap for the comprehensive review that will start in February 2024. The Organization, as part of the 2010 Manila Amendments, Continue reading “IMO Maritime Safety Committee set to commence a thorough STCW review”
Accidental discharge of condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system on beam trawler Resurgam report issued
On 15 November 2019, an apprentice engineer died when a FirePro condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system was inadvertently activated in the engine room of the fishing vessel Resurgam (PZ1001) as it was being installed. The apprentice engineer together with a shore engineer and two installation technicians were working in the engine room when the system activated, filling the engine room with the fire-extinguishing aerosol.
Safety issues
– The fire-extinguishing aerosol was hazardous to health when inhaled in significant quantities and these hazards were not identified in the manufacturer’s safety related information Continue reading “Accidental discharge of condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system on beam trawler Resurgam report issued”
100 ships found with deficiencies with Pilot Transfer Arrangements
Between 10 July and 9 August 2023 the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control conducted a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Pilot Transfer Arrangements. According to Paris MoU, a total of 1,262 Port State Control inspections were carried out, during which 100 ships were found with one or more deficiencies with their aarrangements.
The Paris MoU is trialling an alternative approach to the regular Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) by conducting several short targeted inspection campaigns referred to as Focused Inspection Campaigns (FICs). In the coming months more such FICs are scheduled. Continue reading “100 ships found with deficiencies with Pilot Transfer Arrangements”
Fire and explosion risks posed by carriage of scrap metal
The NorthStandard P&I Club presents the risk involved with the carriage of scrap metal, as explained by Dr Neil Sanders of Burgoynes Consulting Scientists and Engineers.
According to NorthStandard, bulk carriage of scrap metal (iron and steel) bring risks involving heating, flammable gas production and fires. Dr Neil Sanders of Burgoynes Consulting Scientists and Engineers shares the potential problems with all types of scrap ferrous metals in this article. Continue reading “Fire and explosion risks posed by carriage of scrap metal”
Addressing the surge in engine room fires on container ships
According to DNV, statistics show that between 2019 and 2021, there was a sharp increase in engine room fires on container ships. Preliminary data gathered from public sources indicate that this trend applies to the global fleet – and that for 2022 to 2023, the number of engine room fires remains at the same level as in 2021.
The increase in engine room fires on container ships cannot be seen separately from the increasing number of findings related to dirty engine rooms, missing insulation and screening of oil piping being reported by class surveyors. This is also reflected in the number of PSC detentions related to these issues. Continue reading “Addressing the surge in engine room fires on container ships”
Sticky diesel is causing multiple fuel problems on the UK inland waterways
By Darrell Broscomb.
In my work as a marine engineer at Tooley’s boatyard in Banbury, I see many different mechanical issues throughout the year, but during 2023 we have been seeing a massive increase in diesel fuel related breakdowns due to sticky diesel. At present, we have four boats requiring attention because of fuel issues. This is not ‘diesel bug’ but something else entirely. With this particular sticky diesel scenario, the fuel goes dark, smells different and leaves sticky tar-like deposits in the fuel system. Continue reading “Sticky diesel is causing multiple fuel problems on the UK inland waterways”