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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”

Code of practice for UK fishing vessel safety set for implementation from October 2019

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Enforced via Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification, the new code is called the Marine Safety Notice (MSN) 1871 Construction and stipulates the legal requirement for small fishing vessels with an overall length of over 10m to carry an automatic GNSS (GPS) EPIRB. It replaces the existing MSN 1813 on this subject.

The main changes from MSN 1813 in the new code MSN 1871 are:

– Liferafts required on open vessels of 7m registered length (L) to less than 15m (LOA) and decked vessels of 7m (L) to less than 10m (L), to Continue reading “Code of practice for UK fishing vessel safety set for implementation from October 2019”

Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process

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Oyster will secure quality control over the construction of its hulls through a new mould production facility in Norfolk
Oyster will secure quality control over the construction of its hulls through a new mould production facility in Norfolk

Oyster Yachts has formed a partnership with Lloyd’s Register EMEA (LR) to secure a safety certification process to be implemented on all its new built yachts.

LR will approve the design, materials and build quality of all hulls and decks on Oyster yachts. To ensure compliance with LR rules, an LR surveyor will inspect all yachts in production once per week. As a result, all newly built Oyster vessels will carry an LR moulding certificate immediately upon completion. Oyster will become the only British builder of sailing yachts sub 24m to carry out this level certification.

Richard Hadida, Oyster’s CEO, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an esteemed, globally recognised partner in LR, another great British brand. This third-party accreditation will assure Continue reading “Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process”

NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment

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A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.
A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.

Already well known in the market for rig management and survey projects on the world’s largest and most advanced sailing yachts, Marine Results is now using non-destructive testing to detect cracks and flaws in masts.

This testing uses non-invasive ultra-sonic screening with the company supporting the Grand Prix circuit, Americas Cup, GC32, TP52s and Open 60s.

“We frequently work as part of a larger team with other suppliers on major rig projects,” explained director Jon Morris.

“The data that we produce from the megayachts in collaboration with our regular partners trickles right down to the mass market enabling design standards to advance across the industry.”

A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about Continue reading “NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment”

Hastily imposed retaliatory tariffs on US leisure boats are starting to hurt

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The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.
The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.

All leisure boats imported to the UK from the US are now subject to additional duties of up to 25%, except those in transit prior to June 22. The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.

“We’ve identified some other products that are on the list and we’re asking members to contact us if they are affected,” said Andrew Harries British Marine senior external relations and communications executive.

“We’re making representations to the UK Government and trying to make a case that boats don’t fit in with the EU’s counter measures. The tariffs will have an adverse impact on small businesses – boats are a luxury item and we are reliant on consumer spending.”

He added: “Prior to the EU referendum Continue reading “Hastily imposed retaliatory tariffs on US leisure boats are starting to hurt”

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