IIMS News

RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship launched

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The UK’s polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough was launched into the River Mersey, Birkenhead on Saturday July 14.

Once in the river, tugs towed the 129-meter (423-foot) 10,000 ton hull to Cammell Laird’s wet basin for the next stages of construction. The polar research ship is scheduled to commence operation in 2019.

More than 3,000 shipyard workers, engineers, scientists and maritime industry experts gathered with special guest speakers, including world-renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate.

Continue reading “RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship launched”

UK Government publishes Maritime Annual Report 2018

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Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport and Minister for Maritime, Nusrat Ghani MP, has written this foreword to the recently published Maritime Annual Report 2018.

The UK sits in the front rank of global maritime nations. Since my appointment as Minister for Maritime, I have experienced at first hand the full range and impact of the UK’s maritime sector. I am proud that we have one of the most vibrant and competitive maritime sectors in the world.

Over the past year, the Government has signalled its intention to be more ambitious in both leading and supporting the maritime sector. Continue reading “UK Government publishes Maritime Annual Report 2018”

The importance of kill cords reiterated by UK Coastguard following an incident

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The UK Coastguard has issued kill cord safety advice following a recent incident when two men were thrown from their speedboat in the afternoon of 12 July off the coast of Kent. The kill cord is designed to ‘kill’ a boat engine in case the driver goes overboard.

At around 2.25pm on 12 July, HM Coastguard received a number of 999 calls reporting that two men had been thrown from a speedboat, which then continued unmanned until it crashed into the sea wall at Minnis Bay Margate. The two men were rescued by the RNLI Lifeguards.

Continue reading “The importance of kill cords reiterated by UK Coastguard following an incident”

Electrical fault caused the fire on Best Revenge 5 says NTSB report

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Image credit: Sailing Directions
Image credit: Sailing Directions

The NTSB has issued its investigation report on the fire onboard sailing boat ‘Best Revenge 5’, while it was docked at a marina pier at Inner Harbor in Falmouth, Massachusetts, in July 2017.

At about 0130 on 11 July 2017, the ‘Best Revenge 5’ caught fire while docked at a marina pier in Falmouth Inner Harbor. The vessel’s two crew members escaped the burning vessel and attempted to fight the fire but could not contain it. Local firefighters later extinguished it.

One crew member sustained second and third degree burns to the arms, hands, and feet. An oil sheen was observed in the immediate Continue reading “Electrical fault caused the fire on Best Revenge 5 says NTSB report”

Australian Government extends Domestic Commercial Vessel scheme levy-free period in surprise move

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In an unexpected turn in the face of severe criticism from the local surveying profession and others associated with the maritime industry, the Australian Government government has announced an additional AUS$10 million in funding to support the launch of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (National System). The scheme, administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), officially started on 1 July.

Last year, in response to an industry backlash over new fees and charges associated with the National System, the government promised AUS$102 million in funding over ten years and announced that no levies would be charged during the first year of the scheme’s operation.

Continue reading “Australian Government extends Domestic Commercial Vessel scheme levy-free period in surprise move”

Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication

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There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.
There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

On the occasion of the launch of Maritime Safety Week by the UK government running this week, the Shipowners Club issued its fishing vessel safety booklet, summarizing key safety tips for one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

It is essential that the vessel’s skipper and all crew are fully familiarised with the vessel and its equipment, including any vessel-specific quirks, prior to departing a berth. A pre-sailing checklist should be completed, including:

– The operation and maintenance of the fishing equipment.
– The location and operation of safety equipment, ensuring it is free from obstruction
– The onboard layout of the spaces such as void spaces, engine room and cargo spaces.
– The location and operation of key Continue reading “Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication”

BPA calls for alcohol limits in UK recreational boating

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Professional mariners and fishermen in charge of commercial ships are covered by alcohol limits but there is a loophole for those in the leisure sector.
Professional mariners and fishermen in charge of commercial ships are covered by alcohol limits but there is a loophole for those in the leisure sector.

The British Ports Association (BPA) has called for new legislation to introduce alcohol limits for non-professional mariners, replicating the rules that already exist for commercial ships in British waters.

Commenting on the anomaly, the BPA’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne, said:
“As it is Maritime Safety Week its right that we revive the debate around the gap in legislation regarding alcohol limits for non-professional mariners. We understand there will be technical challenges to overcome and also that enforcement will not be easy but it cannot be right in this day and age that such a sizeable section of our maritime sector is exempt from drink-drive rules. There have been too many occasions when alcohol has endangered lives in the maritime environment, both within and outside ports and harbours.”

Professional mariners and fishermen in charge of commercial ships are covered by alcohol limits but there is a loophole for those in the leisure sector.

Laws to introduce drink driving offences for Continue reading “BPA calls for alcohol limits in UK recreational boating”

UK Government rolls out Maritime Safety Week

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Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Nusrat Ghani MP is undertaking a series of visits and making a number of announcements.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Nusrat Ghani MP is undertaking a series of visits and making a number of announcements.

The Department for Transport is delighted to announce the inaugural Maritime Safety Week is taking place from Monday 9 July to Friday 13 July.

Nusrat Ghani, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, said, “Safety is absolutely critical to underpinning success at every level and I want to raise awareness and highlight the excellent work which is already being done in this space by a diverse range of organisations and individuals. Maritime Safety Week has been created to do precisely that and provide a focal point to recognise contributions and celebrate success”.

Maritime Safety Week will provide an opportunity to share the wealth of knowledge, experience and best practice which you have and to increase understanding of what the sector is already doing to respond to the safety challenges it faces as well as plans for the future.

“As an island nation we have always depended on the seafarers, shipping and the wider maritime industry for our prosperity but safety isn’t just a concern for Continue reading “UK Government rolls out Maritime Safety Week”

Oceanco launches 90 metre superyacht Project Shark

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Previously known as Y717, she has been described by the shipyard as being “unlike any other superyacht afloat today”.
Previously known as Y717, she has been described by the shipyard as being “unlike any other superyacht afloat today”.

Dutch shipyard Oceanco has delivered its 90-metre (295-foot) motoryacht Project Shark making her one of the 100 largest superyachts in the world.

Previously known as Y717, she has been described by the shipyard as being “unlike any other superyacht afloat today”.

Exterior styling comes courtesy of DeBasto Design, with interiors by Nuvolari Lenard. She reflects the latest advances in glass technology and is the first yacht in the Netherlands to be given the official Lloyd’s Register Integrated Bridge System (IBS) notation and designation.

Project Sharks features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure completed with reflective glass. From the interior, the glass yields panoramic floor-to-ceiling views aft, port and starboard. Her design was crafted to maximise Continue reading “Oceanco launches 90 metre superyacht Project Shark”

British Marine appoints Lesley Robinson as new CEO

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Lesley has formerly worked with start-ups, turnarounds and organic and in the field of acquisition-driven diversification.
Lesley has formerly worked with start-ups, turnarounds and organic and in the field of acquisition-driven diversification.

Lesley Robinson has been appointed CEO of British Marine, taking up the position on July 16.

Lesley has held many high-level positions in public, non-marine and leisure marine sectors and is a qualified accountant with financial, commercial and general management roles to her credit.

“Lesley has the varied and extensive skill set that is needed to lead and guide British Marine forward through its continued navigation of change,” said David Pougher, interim MD. “I am extremely pleased that we were able to act swiftly in identifying what is required and to appoint someone who can clearly illustrate their capabilities through previous, successful roles.”

He added: “I am also confident that Continue reading “British Marine appoints Lesley Robinson as new CEO”

Empowering women in the maritime community is IMO theme for 2019 World Maritime Day

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The Council of the IMO, meeting for its 120th session at IMO Headquarters in London, endorsed the theme, following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.
The Council of the IMO, meeting for its 120th session at IMO Headquarters in London, endorsed the theme, following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

Empowering Women in the Maritime Community has been selected as the World Maritime Day theme for 2019.

This will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector.

The Council of the IMO, meeting for its 120th session at IMO Headquarters in London, endorsed the theme, following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

“IMO has a strong commitment to helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and continues to support Continue reading “Empowering women in the maritime community is IMO theme for 2019 World Maritime Day”

Seawork 2018 speeds to success

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Photo credit: Adventurer ‘Bear’ Grylls trialled Rafnar’s latest Leiftur 1100 RIB
Photo credit: Adventurer ‘Bear’ Grylls trialled Rafnar’s latest Leiftur 1100 RIB

At a time of political and economic uncertainty, the 21st annual Seawork exhibition was a clear demonstration that the UK and European commercial marine sector is open for business. With deals being struck, exhibitors showing confidence and visitor numbers up, Seawork was again successful at bringing together businesses, trading opportunities and new ideas.

The commercial marine sector is a vital facilitator to trade, security and maintenance of the world’s coastlines.
The UK Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, opened the 21st edition of Seawork International on Tuesday 3 July with her speech focusing on the importance of the maritime sector, seafarer training, women in maritime, and Maritime 2050; the long-term strategy for the future of the UK maritime industries. As the engine of British trade, the maritime sector supports nearly Continue reading “Seawork 2018 speeds to success”

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