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UN adopts the historic new BBNJ agreement

UN adopts the historic new BBNJ agreement
UN adopts the historic new BBNJ agreement

On 19 June, the United Nations (UN) adopted the new oceans treaty on sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The UN’s 193 Member States adopted a landmark legally binding marine biodiversity agreement following nearly two decades of fierce negotiations over forging a common wave of conservation and sustainability in the high seas beyond national boundaries covering two-thirds of the planet’s oceans. Continue reading “UN adopts the historic new BBNJ agreement”

Angry response voiced at Seawork over proposed new MCA Workboat Code 3

The proposed MCAs Workboat Code 3 has drawn angry responses
The proposed MCAs Workboat Code 3 has drawn angry responses

Anger erupted and spilled over at the MCAs handling of the Workboat Code 3 consultation process at the Seawork conference. Accusations were made that the MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) is not communicating new coding regulations that could have disastrous consequences for small workboats.

There was standing room only at the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Authority Workboat Code 3 update presentation at Seawork as the Workboat Association teetered close to expressing a vote of no confidence in the UK’s statutory body. Something of a showdown with Continue reading “Angry response voiced at Seawork over proposed new MCA Workboat Code 3”

Fires in Lithium-ion batteries can be a challenge to extinguish

IMCA LogoA recent Safety Flash from IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) focuses on an incident in which water got into Lithium-ion batteries in equipment for use subsea causing an explosion.

Inspection of the equipment after a successful deployment identified a potential leak from one of the metal tubes. However, other work priorities meant that the technician in charge of the equipment decided to leave it in its storage area and delay the removal and further examination of the battery. Continue reading “Fires in Lithium-ion batteries can be a challenge to extinguish”

Preventing small passenger vessel fires

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a Safety Alert in response to ongoing investigations being conducted in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into fires onboard two certificated small passenger vessels.

Fortunately, USCG reports that there were no resulting injuries; however, both vessels sustained millions of dollars in structural damages. The USCG provides the following insights to provide industry personnel and safety managers with reminders of best practices which, when incorporated, can assist in the prevention of fires onboard vessels. Continue reading “Preventing small passenger vessel fires”

New SOLAS amendments on lifting appliances and anchor handling winches is just one of several new requirements

The 107th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 107) from 31 May to 9 June 2023 has adopted new requirements in order to improve safety, including mandatory requirements for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, and new mandatory requirements for ventilation of totally enclosed lifeboats.

In addition, a new Code of Safety for Diving Systems to enhance the safety of divers in fixed and portable diving systems was adopted. Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using LPG fuels were approved, as well as interim guidelines for the safe operation of onshore power supply services in ports. DNV has provided an analysis of the key issues discussed as follows: Continue reading “New SOLAS amendments on lifting appliances and anchor handling winches is just one of several new requirements”

MGN 681 (M) Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts

MCA LogoNotice to all shipowners, masters, deck and engineer officers, certifying authorities and surveyors involved with yachts. This MGN notice should be read with the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Parts A and B.

Small electrically powered craft and other vehicles (such as personal watercraft) are becoming more commonly used in place of similar petrol-powered craft or vehicles stowed on yachts. Whilst electric craft do not necessarily represent a greater fire risk than petrol craft, there are considerable differences Continue reading “MGN 681 (M) Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts”

The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further

Safety and Shipping Review 2023 in numbers graphCargo fires are a well known challenge amongst shipping industry stakeholders. Fire onboard can result in major casualties, including loss of life. Yet, fire safety remains the most common ship deficiency area.

According to the Allianz Safety Shipping Review 2023, misdiclared cargo as well as new dangerous goods, such as chemicals, lithium-ion batteries and charcoal have become increasingly documented. In addition, colossal container vessels, in which the risk multiplies, are gaining in popularity.

Even though fire is one of the biggest causes of general average claims on container vessels, and one of the main causes of total losses across all vessel types, Continue reading “The issue of cargo fires needs to be tackled further”

The Inland Waterways Association appoints CEO

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is an independent, national charity campaigning for Britain’s canals and rivers, and Niblock will have primary responsibility for the organisation’s long-term strategy.

She is an experienced narrowboater and a qualified helmsman and joins IWA from the UK Council for Psychotherapy, where she was chief executive.

“Supporting and regenerating our inland waterways is one of the top talking points in the UK,” she says. “It’s no wonder, given the well-documented role that our rivers, estuaries and canals play in our economy, ecology and wellbeing. Continue reading “The Inland Waterways Association appoints CEO”

EU proposes new measures for safe and green shipping

EU FlagThe European Commission has presented five legislative proposals to modernise EU rules on maritime safety and prevent water pollution from ships. The proposals will equip the EU with new tools to support clean and modern shipping. They will align EU rules with international regulations, securing a level-playing field for the sector while improving implementation and enforcement through digitalisation and more EU cooperation.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will play a prominent role in the implementation of the new requirements through the support it will offer Member States administration to enforce the new rules. Continue reading “EU proposes new measures for safe and green shipping”

Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative calls for fire detection solutions

Container ship on fireThe Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative is calling for innovators to come forward with solutions for early-stage fire detection, one of the most important issues in the drive to mitigate container loss.

Following extensive knowledge sharing among the group, the need for improved fire-detection systems in container cargo holds has been identified as the most pressing area of focus. The Initiative is therefore calling on technology companies to come forward with suitable solutions in early-stage fire detection for cargo holds. Continue reading “Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative calls for fire detection solutions”

Investigation report into mechanical failure due to wrong-sized bearing issued

Fire aftermathThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an investigation report regarding a diesel generator engine failure on board Offshore Supply Vessel Ocean Guardian. ​On May 27, 2022, about 1435, the offshore supply vessel Ocean Guardian was conducting sea trials in Shilshole Bay near Seattle, Washington, when its no. 3 main diesel generator engine suffered a mechanical failure that resulted in a fire in the engine room.

The crew extinguished the fire before it could spread throughout the vessel. There were no injuries reported for the 22 crewmembers and contractors on board, and there was no pollution reported. Damage to the Ocean Guardian totaled an estimated $1.1 million. Continue reading “Investigation report into mechanical failure due to wrong-sized bearing issued”

Deficiencies and non-conformities involving pilot ladders are on the increase

ladder on the side of a shipRightShip has presented four different case studies to highlight an alarming trend which has emerged from incident and inspection data over the last two years with regards pilot ladders and transfer arrangements. The organization has observed several deficiencies while the ladders are not in use. However, critically, it is when an inspector is not present, and ladders are being rigged or utilised, that those deficiencies with high-risk potential can result in incidents. RightShip notes offer the following cases: Continue reading “Deficiencies and non-conformities involving pilot ladders are on the increase”

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