IIMS News

Office for Product Safety & Standards issues product recall on some life jacket sold via Amazon

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The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a product recall for 11 models of life jacket sold via the Amazon online platform. The products are being recalled from end users and the listings will be removed by the Amazon platform.

The products do not meet the requirements of the PPE Regulation 2016/425. The products were not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that they have been adequately conformity assessed. Mandatory third-party Continue reading “Office for Product Safety & Standards issues product recall on some life jacket sold via Amazon”

The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report

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A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping
A new report reveals the effect of Covid-19 on European shipping

Using data mainly from the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) and, in certain cases, combined with LRIT and MARINFO data, EMSA has been able to compile and publish a report providing figures on the impact of Covid-19 on European shipping traffic.

By analysing ship calls at EU ports it was found that the number declined by 10% in 2020 compared to 2019. When comparing 2021 with 2019, it was observed the number of ships calls at EU ports increased by 3%. The number of ship calls in June 2022 increased by 13% compared with the same month in 2019. The most significant decrease in the number of ship calls was detected for containerships, refrigerated cargo ships and vehicle carriers. Continue reading “The effects of Covid-19 on European shipping are revealed in a new report”

Fire, natural catastrophes and faulty workmanship top causes of insurance claims for business: Allianz

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Over recent years, the insurance sector around the word has faced unprecedented times, not just in the area of marine surveying where loses and insurance claims remain high. This review from Allianz may, in part, explain just why surveyors’ PI insurance premiums around the world have jumped.

A fire at a busy warehouse leaves a company struggling to replace its buffer stock; a ransomware attack paralyzes a company’s IT systems; the use of industrial adhesives in manufacturing results in a costly product recall: every day companies Continue reading “Fire, natural catastrophes and faulty workmanship top causes of insurance claims for business: Allianz”

Coast Guard releases 2021 boating safety statistics

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With the pandemic putting more people than ever on the water and consequent rise in boating accidents and fatalities, there’s some better news in the newly released 2021 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Statistics.

The latest Coast Guard report shows double-digit declines year-over-year across the board in the main boating safety indicators: Boating accidents dropped 15.7%, injuries decreased 17.2%, and fatalities dropped 14.2%. The 2021 fatality rate decreased to 5.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 15.4% reduction from 6.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2020. Continue reading “Coast Guard releases 2021 boating safety statistics”

Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business

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Established in 2002, Geo Therm Ltd celebrates its 20th year in business this August. The company is renowned for performing condition monitoring Thermographic and Ultrasonic inspections onboard offshore jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, drillship units, including fixed platforms.

The company has an impressive track record serving the majority of the world’s largest offshore energy operators – a testament to their experience, safe system of work, interpersonal manner, and business MO excellence. Their surveyors have frequented over 40 countries since its start up, supporting rig preventative maintenance programs, Classification audits, and the occasional emergency call-out, yet chiefly tasked to identify the early signs of electrical failure and flashpoint ignition sources in engine rooms. Continue reading “Geo Therm Ltd surveyor company celebrates 20 years in business”

New rules on ship safety and pollution proposed by Hong Kong

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Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations on ship safety and pollution
Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations on ship safety and pollution

Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance, and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance.

It intends to incorporate the latest requirements under three conventions of the United Nations’ IMO:
– the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code);
– the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships;
– the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti- Fouling Systems on Ships. Continue reading “New rules on ship safety and pollution proposed by Hong Kong”

IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys

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IACS says it will actively participate in the forthcoming 8th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 8), which will meet remotely from 25 to 29 July 2022, suggesting amendments to IMO resolutions to provide guidance on the use of remote audits and surveys.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted paper III 8/INF.19 and co-sponsored paper III 8/12/1. Continue reading “IACS highlights the need of guidance for remote audits and surveys”

Red Ensign Group Conference looks at challenges of maritime

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From left to right: Katy Ware, Sir John Lorimer and Cameron Mitchell
From left to right: Katy Ware, Sir John Lorimer and Cameron Mitchell

Dealing with the challenges of maritime and coastal state responsibilities are coming under the spotlight at the annual Red Ensign Group Conference. Challenges of the sector include recovery of maritime following the pandemic, environmental and coastal concerns, as well as commercial competition.

The conference which oversees and upholds maritime safety standards across the thirteen British Shipping Registers is meeting in the Isle of Man to discuss best practice and to look at ways of improving the performance of the British Registers internationally. It is the first time the conference has met in person since the global pandemic took a hold in 2020. Continue reading “Red Ensign Group Conference looks at challenges of maritime”

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Consultation on updates to fire protection regulations

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Plans to update UK law around rules governing the fire safety and protection of vessels are going out to public consultation as part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s commitment to ensuring seafarer safety.

The new regulations will implement updated international rules on fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction. This includes provision for improvements made to structural fire protection, escape from fire and operational requirements.

There are already stringent rules around protecting seafarers in the event of fire on board vessels and these amendments to the international regulations are in addition to those. Continue reading “Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Consultation on updates to fire protection regulations”

Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running

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Singapore has secured the top spot once again in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. It is the ninth consecutive year that the report, published jointly by Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and global maritime data provider, the Baltic Exchange, has ranked Singapore as the leading global maritime centre.

The city state scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, whilst second on the list was maritime professional services stronghold, London, with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world’s largest port, takes third place with 82.79 points. Continue reading “Singapore ranked number one shipping centre for ninth year running”

TT Club urges IMO Member States to increase container and cargo inspections and submit reports urgently

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A group of firemen are in the background, while blue plastic debris from the blast is in the foreground Photo credit: AFP
The blast at Chittagong left dozens dead. Photo credit: AFP

Past reporting of inspections carried out has been sparse. In welcoming the IMO’s revised guidelines for inspections, the international freight transport insurer TT Club exhorts governments to report findings to IMO on 2021 inspections, as well as to increase the volume of inspections carried out. This would helpfully inform the international maritime regulator and support industry players who are striving to ensure safety and reduce dangerous incidents.

Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) issued last month by the IMO are aimed at helping governments to implement a uniform and safe inspection programme. The IMO Circular (MSC.1/Circ.1649) seeks to broaden the inspections undertaken and Continue reading “TT Club urges IMO Member States to increase container and cargo inspections and submit reports urgently”

Keel failure results in capsize

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keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier
keel failure results in capsize during an overnight offshore qualifier

The crew of the first Farr X2 have been rescued after the boat lost its keel on an overnight offshore qualifier. Nexba Racing, a new 30ft grand prix racer aimed at the short-handed market, was sailing in a 100nm qualifier off the coast of New South Wales, Australia in a light to moderate breeze and 1-2m seas when the keel attachment failed resulting in the boat capsizing. The two female crew were rescued after spending 15 hours drifting. The 9.2-metre boat is the latest project from Farr Yacht Design. She was built in Singapore by XSP and launched in May.

“We are very thankful that the two crew were safely recovered and for the swift action of the Royal Australian Navy Destroyer Continue reading “Keel failure results in capsize”

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