IIMS News

Following recent fires, IUMI urges improved firefighting systems on boxships

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A combination of ever larger container vessels, coupled with a number of recent fires on board boxships has caused the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) to call for better firefighting systems. IUMI is concerned that current provisions are inadequate. Consequently it and has published a paper calling for better onboard firefighting systems specifically for container vessels.

Whilst IUMI expressly welcomes the 2014 amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to increase the effectiveness of firefighting, the association believes more should be done.

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IIMS scoops Golden Shield award for its education programme

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The IIMS distance learning commercial ship and yacht and small craft education programmes were recently nominated for an Award in the International Maritime Club’s Golden Shield Excellence Awards 2017 in the ‘Leading Maritime Training Institute’ category. And at the ceremony itself on Friday 15 September 2017 at the Lloyd’s Old Library in London, IIMS was announced as the winner in this category.

Vice President, Capt Zarir Irani, accompanied by Allen Brink, stepped in for IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, to receive the award.

Commenting on this award, Mike said, “After more than 15 years as a leading provider of distance learning education programmes in the marine surveying sector, it is remarkable and humbling to be recognised for the work we have been doing. Whilst one’s motivation is never to seek awards, rather it is to ensure Continue reading “IIMS scoops Golden Shield award for its education programme”

IIMS London Conference 2017 Report

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Once again, the Institute returned to the splendid 1930s, art deco style, Regent’s University in the heart of Regent’s Park in central London for its Conference.

In his opening address, IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, said how saddened he was that numbers attending this year were significantly lower than the previous few years. Mike introduced a welcome video message delivered by President, Adam Brancher, who had been unavoidably detained in Australia on business. In his address, Adam challenged members to reach out and mentor one younger surveyor, bringing them into the Institute’s family. He said that “our cohort is stronger if we are more people”. He went on to declare the Conference open.

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Good news for the UK maritime sector as it boosts the economy by £22bn annually

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According to a recent report for Maritime UK, the sector reports strong growth with an increase of 12.7% in turnover, 6.6% in GVA and 3.9% in employment over a five-year period.

It also showed that productivity per worker stood well above the UK average at £77,897, compared to £50,830, and that the sector contributes nearly £40 billion to the UK economy.

“As the engine of British trade, the UK maritime sector supports nearly 1 million jobs, contributes tens of billions to the UK GDP and Continue reading “Good news for the UK maritime sector as it boosts the economy by £22bn annually”

Concerns about the hazards of bauxite as ship cargo highlighted by IMO

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Picture credit IMO
Picture credit IMO

According to a new warning issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it says that bauxite could become unstable when carried in bulk onboard a ship, potentially resulting in the vessel capsizing.

Bauxite is one of the world’s major sources of aluminium with around 100 million tonnes transported annually by sea. In 2015, a bulk carrier sank while transporting bauxite, with the loss of 18 seafarers. Research presented this week to an IMO Sub-Committee found that certain forms of bauxite with a large proportion of smaller particles could be subject to a newly-identified phenomenon of “dynamic separation” when there is excess moisture in the cargo.

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New IACS chairman looks to modernise survey methods during his term in office

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Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, new IACS Chairman plans to introduce a range of new initiatives
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, new IACS Chairman plans to introduce a range of new initiatives

New IACS Chairman, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL, speaking in London, has announced a series of initiatives designed to ensure that IACS provides the support its stakeholders need in a rapidly changing industry.

“As the digital transformation of the industry accelerates, IACS must continue to remain a synonym for quality. We must uphold the high standards we have set, but make sure that we are providing the support the industry needs to respond to the challenges of today and of the future”, Ørbeck-Nilssen said.

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New Static Letting Licence introduced for boat renting by the Canal & River Trust

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In response to changing market conditions, the Canal & River Trust has launched a Static Letting Licence
In response to changing market conditions, the Canal & River Trust has launched a Static Letting Licence

The Canal & River Trust has introduced a new static letting licence in the UK to ensure the safety of the increasing number of people living and staying on rented boats.

Canal & River Trust has responded to the numbers of boats for rent in London and further afield as people try to find alternatives to rising housing costs. A second market has sprung up with the advent website letting sites, which regularly feature listings of boats for rent, while anecdotal evidence from boaters shows that it’s becoming more common.

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MAIB report published on the grounding of Transocean Winner rig after the loss of tow

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At 0652 on 8 August 2016, the Marshall Islands registered semi-submersible rig Transocean Winner grounded on the Isle of Lewis following the loss of tow from the Dutch registered tug ALP Forward. The tug and tow was on passage from Stavanger, Norway to Valletta, Malta when it encountered severe weather west of the Hebrides. The effect of the wind and waves on Transocean Winner led to the loss of ALP Forward’s ability to control the direction and speed of the tug and tow. After being dragged backwards by the tow for over 24 hours, the tow line, weakened by the repeated sudden loadings, parted and the tug was unable to pick up the emergency towline.

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Concept multipurpose sea-going Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response time

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This bizarre looking Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response times
This bizarre looking Wing-in-Ground craft could cut search and rescue response times

Is it a bird, a plane, or a boat? This startling looking craft is being developed by a team of Russian developers that have been working on the creation of a multipurpose sea-going Wing-in-Ground or ekranoplan, which they believe could contribute significantly to the speed of seaborne traffic and Search and Rescue response times.

The unique project will be presented by MariNet, the National Technological Initiative (NTI) working group, on the sidelines of the International Exhibition NEVA-2017 in St Petersburg, September 19-21.

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MCA releases a bulletin about a quality issue with fire doors

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The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released a bulletin to notify vessel operators and surveyors that a quality issue has been discovered relating to fire doors manufactured by COSMO Co Ltd.

The MCA makes reference to an advice letter issued by the manufacturer, which urges particular attention of doors rated A-60, A-0 and B-15. Following an internal investigation, it was found that some delivered and installed doors have some insulation missing from part of the door fitment. As a result of the missing missing insulation, the doors do not comply with their type approval certification.

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Poor risk assessment contributed to the sinking of two Maersk supply ships says newly published DMAIB report

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On the night of 21 December 2016, the Danish offshore supply ships MÆRSK SEARCHER and MÆRSK SHIPPER capsized and sank in the Bay of Biscay, off the French coast, while being towed by another offshore supply ship, MÆRSK BATTLER, en route to Turkey. The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board has now published a report on the accident.

The incident
MÆRSK SEARCHER and MÆRSK SHIPPER were configured in a side-by-side towing setup during the voyage. During the passage of the English Channel, the fenders between the ships on tow failed, and the ships started to interact. This caused damage to the ships’ superstructure, which eventually compromised MÆRSK SEARCHER’s watertight integrity and led to water ingress. MÆRSK SEARCHER Continue reading “Poor risk assessment contributed to the sinking of two Maersk supply ships says newly published DMAIB report”

Bureau Veritas approves RIMS BV for use of drones during surveys

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David Knukkel, CEO of RIMS BV, whose company has been approved by Bureau Veritas
David Knukkel, CEO of RIMS BV, whose company has been approved by Bureau Veritas

RIMS BV (Robotics In Maintenance Strategies) are the first company to receive an attestation from Bureau Veritas (BV) Marine & Offshore, as an approved service supplier, allowing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (drones) during surveys of hull structure of ships and mobile offshore units classed with BV.

RIMS are a global provider of high tech, safe, autonomous and sustainable surveying and maintenance solutions. They supply and provide services which aid with the replacement of old and expensive, slower, high-risk and resource intensive maintenance activities, with new smarter drone and robotic technologies.

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