News

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

Several domestic fishing vessels at harbourIn 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 scheme (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 Domestic Commercial Vessel scheme, 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

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”

British Marine appoints Lesley Robinson as new CEO

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”

Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process

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

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”

IIMS publishes what a marine surveyor needs to know about synthetic (composite) yacht rigging handy guide

IIMS Synthetic composite yacht rigging guideThe eighteenth IIMS handy guide has just been released for publication and is available in both paperback and eBook formats. ‘What a marine surveyor needs to know about synthetic (composite) yacht rigging’ runs to 112 pages and has been authored by Nick Parkyn.

Synthetic rigging (manmade fibers) was first introduced in the late 1980s with wider adoption and usage from around 2002. Synthetic rigging (also referred to as composite rigging) is regarded in the industry as disruptive technology that in time will replace stainless steel wire rigging totally.

Since marine surveyors will increasingly encounter this type of rigging, they need to understand this new technology to enable them to carry out surveys on craft and vessels which use it. In this fast growing and rapid-paced industry sector, Nicholas (Nick) Parkyn delves into standing and non-standing rigging as well as taking a brief look at next-generation fibers and the monitoring and load sensing of rigging. The handy guide is illustrated with many pictures and images to help the reader understand what they are looking at in more detail.

Continue reading “IIMS publishes what a marine surveyor needs to know about synthetic (composite) yacht rigging handy guide”

Maritime Minister to open Seawork and give a key note address on women in the marine industry

Nusrat GhaniMaritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, the first Muslim woman to speak from the House of Commons despatch box, will make a keynote speech on a new initiative for women in the maritime sector at Seawork 2018.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State will also tour the show, meeting exhibitors and women in the commercial marine industry. The opening will take place at 1000 on the first day of Seawork (Tuesday 3 July) at the Golden Arrow Restaurant.

Continue reading “Maritime Minister to open Seawork and give a key note address on women in the marine industry”

ClassNK publishes its annual report on port state control with illustrated deficiencies found

PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation.
PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation.

Leading classification society, ClassNK, has released its 2018 annual report on Port State Control (PSC). The report aims to assist ship operators and management companies in maintaining compliant operations by providing information about ships detained by PSC as well as deficiencies that were found on board from many port states in 2017. However, surveyors will find the examples and images of the deficiencies illustrated in the report of key interest too.

In line with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, PSC inspections ensure that vessels departing the port meet international standards and have proved to be highly effective in eliminating substandard ships that are in operation. They oversee not only the Continue reading “ClassNK publishes its annual report on port state control with illustrated deficiencies found”

Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF

ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.
ITF is repeating its call for ILO and other international maritime bodies and authorities to take steps to move towards a modern set of standards for the inland navigation industry.

Following two deadly and harrowing incidents involving inland navigation vessels in Russia and Indonesia in recent weeks that have claimed the lives of almost 200 people, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed its deep concern regarding the industry’s procedural and safety compliance, noting that these accidents could have been prevented.

In the first accident, a catamaran, carrying passengers over its capacity, capsized in the Volga River after colliding with another boat, killing 11 people. Russia’s Investigative Committee said the boat’s captain, who was also the owner of the vessel, was drunk and likely to blame for the crash.

The second incident involved the capsizing of a ferry carrying three times its passenger capacity on Lake Toba, Indonesia, leaving over 190 people dead or missing. The vessel was reportedly operating illegally with Continue reading “Fatal inland accidents in Russia and Indonesia were avoidable claims ITF”

Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study

Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club
Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club

In a recent study the Swedish Club has warned that vessels propelled by medium or high speed diesel engines have a claims frequency two and a half times higher than slow speed engines with an average claims cost of about $650,000.

Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its life time, according to the club. However, the incidence rate varies by vessel class (and engine type).

“Our research shows that bulkers and tankers are the best performers for claims cost,” said senior technical advisor Peter Stalberg. “Most of these vessels have slow speed engines. Conversely passenger vessels/ferries have the highest frequency of main engine claims – 0.066 claims per vessel and year. Often these vessels have multiple medium speed engine installations.”

Stalberg advises that when shipowners have Continue reading “Low speed diesel engines save on claims is the finding of a recent Swedish Club study”

Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying

IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.
IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years.

Capt Zarir Irani (pictured right) took over the role of IIMS President from Adam Brancher (pictured left) in a simple ceremony at the Annual General Meeting on 26th June held at Heathrow Airport, London, UK.

IIMS would like to express their thanks to Adam, who travelled to the event in London especially from Australia, for his sterling work over the past two years. He was presented with a miniature President’s medal as a memento and a tippling stick in recognition of his service.

In his final address as President, Adam reflected on how proud he was to have held the position for the past two years and as he looked Continue reading “Capt Zarir Irani takes over as President of the International Institute of Marine Surveying”

Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club

To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.
To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries.

To raise awareness, the Standard P&I Club has published a 36 page guide about fire risks on ferries. This type of ship presents particular risks due to the cargo onboard, including cars, lorries and refrigerated containers. All of these have combustible material and are fire hazards in their own right.

There are numerous causes of fire but the most relevant ones to ferries are:

– Electrical defects, such as overloaded electrical equipment, damaged cables and poorly formed connections. – Electrical faults in vehicles, especially when engines are hot/running. Reefer containers are major sources of fire.
– Mechanical failure, such as ignition from overheated bearings or a catastrophic engine failure.
– Uncontrolled release of oil or flammable liquid coming into contact with a hot surface, or the release of a low flashpoint fuel, such as petrol vapour, coming into contact with a source of ignition.
– Dry, readily combustible materials (such as wood, paper, textiles) coming into contact with an ignition source, – such as a lighted cigarette, sparks or conducted heat from burning or cutting, highintensity lights or defective electrical equipment.

Things to do Continue reading “Fire safety on ferries guide issued by the Standard P&I Club”

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