IIMS News

Recent meeting of Fishing Industry Safety Group proposes development of a voluntary safety management system

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New SMS proposed by the Fishing Industry Safety Group
New SMS proposed by the Fishing Industry Safety Group

At a recent meeting of the Fishing Industry Safety Group in York, the group has proposed the development of a voluntary safety management system (SMS) to help co-ordinate the preparation of the ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention due early in 2018.

The Convention will apply to every fisherman and vessel owner in the UK with requirements for the first time on items such as medicals, crew agreements and safety management.

David Dickens, Chief Executive at the Fishermen’s Mission stated: “The Fishermen’s Mission welcomes ILO C188 particularly for the focus Continue reading “Recent meeting of Fishing Industry Safety Group proposes development of a voluntary safety management system”

ABS set to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance to advance autonomous shipping

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ABS to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance. Image credit Rolls-Royce.
ABS to join Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance. Image credit Rolls-Royce.

ABS has confirmed that it plans to join the Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance to work with industry partners, including class organisations, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, surveyors, designers and others to contribute to the advancement of autonomous shipping.

The design will integrate features of independent decision-making, autonomous navigation, environmental perception and remote control.

As ABS Greater China Division President Eric Kleess explains, the increasing connectivity and advanced technologies are changing the way the shipping industry operates:
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Effectiveness of lifejackets called into question by MAIB report on the foundering of fishing vessel Louisa

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Photograph of Louisa recovery
Photograph of Louisa recovery

Early on 9 April 2016, the fishing vessel Louisa foundered, with the loss of three lives, while anchored close to the shore in Mingulay Bay in the Outer Hebrides.

The skipper and crew, who had been working long hours before anchoring late the previous evening, had woken suddenly as the vessel was sinking rapidly by the bow. They were able to escape to the aft deck, activate the emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and to don lifejackets. However, they were unable to inflate the liferaft as they abandoned the vessel.

Continue reading “Effectiveness of lifejackets called into question by MAIB report on the foundering of fishing vessel Louisa”

Lack of surveyors at UK MCA highlighted as a programme of modernisation gets underway

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The UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is modernising the way the UK Ship Register operates with a number of new initiatives being rolled out as the Agency is also addressing the issue of a shortfall in surveyors on its books.

At the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Maritime and Ports, attendees were informed that the MCA is considering increasing the fee structure for the UK Ship Register to above 2016 levels.

The registry is working to improve the response time for enquiries to one working day, while for complex issues it will take three working days. Increasing ship registry fees would match the higher levels of service being offered, the MCA said. The register also plans to roll out a Continue reading “Lack of surveyors at UK MCA highlighted as a programme of modernisation gets underway”

USCG announces Subchapter M for towing vessels now opertational

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The US Coast Guard has confirmed that from 20 July 2017 a portion of Subchapter M is now fully operational for towing vessels with keels laid, or major conversions on or after July 20. These vessels are now required to meet 46 CFR Subchapter M and must obtain a Certificate of Inspection (COI) prior to operating.

Additionally, starting July 20, 2018, a portion of existing towing vessels will have one year to meet all of Subchapter M and obtain COIs. As discussed in Subchapter M, owners or managing operators of more than one existing towing vessel, required to have a COI, must ensure that each existing towing vessel under their ownership or control is issued a valid COI, according to the following schedule:
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Registration for Bart’s Bash the world’s biggest sailing event is now open

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Bart's Bash registration is now open for the 2017 sailing event on 16/17 September
Bart’s Bash registration is now open for the 2017 sailing event on 16/17 September

The Andrew Simpson Foundation, the UK-based Sailing Charity with a global reach, sits at the epicentre of the unique annual sailing event, the biggest sailing event in the world, Bart’s Bash, which this year takes place over the weekend of 16-17 September.

The Bart’s Bash team is already busy fine-tuning plans to promote Bart’s Bash at Lendy Cowes Week where on Monday 31st July, the Official Charity Day, they will be running the ‘Cowes Bash’, a race for all competitors. At registration they can get decals and buy their ‘Simpson Sunnies’ and everyone is encouraged to grab a pair and wear them on Charity Day. All the race results from the first race of the day will be pooled in the same way as for Bart’s Bash to identify an overall winner for the day.

Following on after racing, everyone is invited to join in at The Big Bash, a huge party in Cowes Yacht Haven starting at 7pm and designed entirely around putting the FUN into FUNdraising with Olympic medallist and DJ Mark Covell on stage as Master of Ceremonies!

Continue reading “Registration for Bart’s Bash the world’s biggest sailing event is now open”

Van Oord wins contract for iconic Dubai waterfront project

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Van Oord has been awarded the contract for Dubai Harbour marine works, a prestigious mega project in Dubai.

The project, which Van Oord carries out for Projects Link Contracting Co LLC, is the next step in achieving ‘Dubai Tourism Vision 2020’, Dubai’s strategy to attract 20 million visitors per year by 2020. A strategy to which Van Oord has contributed since 2001 by building amongst others Palm Jumeirah, The World and many other artificial islands.

Dubai Harbour is set to span 185 hectares, and will include berths for 1,400 boats and a cruise terminal. Execution will take place from September 2017 to May 2019.

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Uniesse poised to enter the superyacht market following acquisition

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Uniesse Marine Group, LLC, a Miami-based luxury motor yacht company, announced the acquisition of the assets of Uniesse Marine S.P.A. of Italy. Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Uniesse is at the upper echelon of the world’s leading semi-custom luxury motor yacht brands, with more than 500 yachts sold around the world for over a quarter-century. The acquisition was led by Miami based SMB Investor, David Schwedel. The company will be operated by both David Schwedel and Rafael Barca.

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Australian Senate finds flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security

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Flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security is the finding of the Australian Senate inquiry
Flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security is the finding of the Australian Senate inquiry

Strong words and opinions have resulted as a consequence of the Australian Senate inquiry, which finds flag of convenience shipping poses serious risks to national security. Flag of convenience shipping refers to international trading vessels that are registered in tax havens such as Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands and are renowned for their lax labour laws, poor investment controls and lack of ownership oversight.

The Australian border force submission noted that, while most of legitimate sea trade is conducted by ships with flag of convenience registration, there are features of flag of convenience registration, regulation and practice that organised crime syndicates or terrorist groups may seek to exploit. These features are:
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Autonomous Ships: Are regulations being left in their wake?

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Michael F. Merlie is a partner at the law firm Gawthrop Greenwood, PC
Michael F. Merlie is a partner at the law firm Gawthrop Greenwood, PC

The general public is well aware of the continuing development of autonomous vehicles. The media constantly provides stories on the advances of these self-driving cars, trucks and cabs. Autonomous vehicles are expected to increase safety while also resulting in significant cost savings in the transportation of goods.

While not receiving the same amount of media coverage, the technology for autonomous ships is also rapidly developing. Earlier this year, a Norwegian partnership announced plans to build the world’s first fully-autonomous containership. The goal is for manned voyages to begin in 2018, with unmanned voyages to begin in 2020.

Rolls Royce has been a leader regarding the technology developments for autonomous vessels. Earlier this year, it announced its collaboration with a Finnish ferry company in developing an intelligent awareness system for vessels. Rolls Royce expects to have the Continue reading “Autonomous Ships: Are regulations being left in their wake?”

Research demonstrates the ecological threat posed by biofouling

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Researchers at the Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology have published a new study recently demonstrating the ecological threat posed by biofouling. Their analysis found that half the ships passing along the Mediterranean coast of Israel are carrying potentially invasive ascidians on their hulls, among other organisms picked up from around the world.

“These ascidians are passing through the Suez Canal, latching onto ropes and the bottom of the ship. They’re filter feeders, so they cover and clog every surface they latch onto, creating a lot of drag for the ship and damaging marine biodiversity in their new environments. They’re a major threat to our coasts and are very costly to shipowners,” said TAU’s Dr. Noa Shenkar, who led the research.

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Superyachts and their interiors could be created by 3D printers says naval architect Greg Marshall

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Naval architect Greg Marshall predicts the technology for 3D printed yachts and superyachts could be available by 2030. Entire superyachts and their interiors could be created by 3D printers, using more efficient materials for stronger and more affordable designs.

Already used across many industries, 3D printing is currently used in the maritime industry on a relatively small scale, but could soon revolutionise and dominate the industry. Next generation 3D printers are due later this year, which will have the ability to print large scale parts.

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