News

Revised Marshall Islands Yacht Code 2021 published

The Marshall Islands have released their new Yacht Code 2021
The Marshall Islands have released their new Yacht Code 2021

The RMI Maritime Administrator has further revised the Marshall Islands Yacht Code 2021 to reflect changes in today’s yacht market, not only in terms of the increasing size and complexity of yachts being designed and built, but also to cover recent industry developments. The Code was first published in 2013 and this is the most significant update to the Code since then.

This new Code incorporates all Yacht Code Supplements issued as amendments to the previous Code, as well as additional technical and safety updates. These include structural fire protection for yachts of less than 500 gross tonnage (GT) assigned with Category 2 notation, rescue Continue reading “Revised Marshall Islands Yacht Code 2021 published”

Fire onboard stresses need for continuous monitoring of inactive vessels

Fire onboard stresses need for continuous monitoring of inactive vessels
Fire onboard stresses need for continuous monitoring of inactive vessels

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published an investigation report on the fire onboard the dive support vessel Iron Maiden, whilst docked at a shipyard in Louisiana, in April 2020. The investigation identified an electrical short from an unidentified source as the main reasons for the incident.

On April 16, 2020, about 0110 local time, a fire onboard the dive support vessel Iron Maiden occurred while the vessel was docked at the Allied Shipyard in Larose, Louisiana. Local firefighters extinguished the fire at 0225. There was no one aboard the vessel at the time of the fire.

Continue reading “Fire onboard stresses need for continuous monitoring of inactive vessels”

Post-Brexit boat certification requirements clarified

Following the successful cooperation on VAT and customs, the leading European, British, and international leisure marine associations continue to provide clarity on the new post-Brexit trade relationships, including the Post-Brexit boat certification.

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI), European Boating Association (EBA), British Marine (BM) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have now issued clarification on certification requirements for second-hand boats in trade between the EU and UK post-Brexit. Continue reading “Post-Brexit boat certification requirements clarified”

Ports of Entry: French government announces a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port

Ports of Entry: French government announces a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port
Ports of Entry: French government announces a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port

Since leaving the EU, boats arriving in France from the UK or Channel Islands are required to sail to one of a small number of “Ports of Entry” (mainly the ferry ports) and search out the relevant authorities – usually the Police aux Frontières – to register the arrival of their boat and crew.

This same process of going through Ports of Entry would also be necessary before departing France for the UK or Channel Islands (or indeed any non-Schengen country), presenting Cruising Association members, and other sailors coming from the UK to France, with a potential problem for many passages.

The Cruising Association, through its local representatives, has helped to make cruising to France easier, post-Brexit Continue reading “Ports of Entry: French government announces a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port”

Lubrication oil failure the most common cause of main engine damage

Lubrication oil failure the most common cause of main engine damage
Lubrication oil failure the most common cause of main engine damage

According to the Swedish Club reveals, lubrication oil failure is the most common cause of main engine damage and a major contributing factor to auxiliary engine breakdowns. The Club has released a new 12 page Engine Damage publication, featuring three case studies, which can be downloaded below.

Main engine damage is an expensive category of claims that occurs far too frequently. Statistically, a vessel will suffer between one and two incidences of main engine damage during its lifetime. The Swedish Club publication contains quick facts and case studies from real-life situations showcasing some of the most common causes of engine damage.

Quick facts Continue reading “Lubrication oil failure the most common cause of main engine damage”

Plans for the Genoa Superyacht Hub project launched

Genoa Superyacht Hub - Genova, cantieri Amico - Madame Gu
Genoa Superyacht Hub – Genova, cantieri Amico – Madame Gu

Two leading players active in the Italian superyacht market, Amico & Co and the Presto Sea Group, have jointly launched the Genoa Superyacht Hub project. A key aim of the project is to strengthen Genoa’s role as a year-round superyacht destination and home port for superyachts of all sizes and expand the city’s superyacht economy.

In a press statement the two partners said: “The Genoa Superyacht Hub project was created with the desire of promoting the excellence of the companies’ combined incoming, assistance, technical and hospitality services, specifically targeting these towards the international superyacht community in a synergic and efficient way, as well as valorising the cultural and environmental characteristics and the quality of life that the Genoese territory, Liguria and Northern Italy in general have to offer.” Continue reading “Plans for the Genoa Superyacht Hub project launched”

Revised UK Hire Boat Code for the design, construction and operation published

Revised UK Hire Boat Code for the design, construction and operation published
Revised UK Hire Boat Code for the design, construction and operation published

British Marine and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) are pleased to announce the launch of a revised Hire Boat Code to ensure the continued safe operation of hire boats for all.

The Hire Boat Code outlines the standards for boats let for hire on UK inland waterways and carrying 12 people or less. Developed by British Marine and AINA, it provides the framework for continued safe business operations of hire boats on inland waterways, and clarifies the responsibilities of operators, navigation authorities and users. It also helps businesses by the consistent application of licensing and registration requirements through inland navigation authority waterways in the UK. Importantly, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency has been actively involved throughout the development of the Hire Boat Code and is supportive of its purpose and Continue reading “Revised UK Hire Boat Code for the design, construction and operation published”

DNV awards AIP for new LNG fuel tank insulation with leak detection system

DNV awards AIP for new LNG fuel tank insulation with leak detection system
DNV awards AIP for new LNG fuel tank insulation with leak detection system

DNV has granted an Approval In Principle (AIP) to PASSER Marine for the development of a new LNG fuel tank insulation system. The new concept is designed for prismatic ‘type B’ LNG tanks – which according to IMO rules require a partial secondary barrier – and includes a leakage detection system capable of safely managing and containing fuel leaks.

“The system we have developed is cost-effective and production-friendly,” said Svein Konradsen, COO of PASSER Marine AS. “The pandemic has been challenging for many companies and for the development of this particular design. The required testing has been Continue reading “DNV awards AIP for new LNG fuel tank insulation with leak detection system”

New gate rudder technology claims to make a fuel saving of save up to 30%

New gate rudder technology claims to make a fuel saving of save up to 30%
New gate rudder technology claims to make a fuel saving of save up to 30%

A more efficient gate rudder system, designed at the University of Strathclyde, will be demonstrated as part of a €6 million EU-funded research project. The GATERS project led by the University of Strathclyde under the Horizon 2020 Fund, will see the gate rudder – a novel propulsion and steering system – retro-fitted to a commercial vessel as part of a trial.

Unlike a traditional rudder which sits behind a ship’s propellers to steer the vessel, the U-shaped gate rudder – essentially two separate rudders – sits astride the propeller which, as a result, acts like a nozzle around the propeller and generates additional thrust.

Both rudders can be independently controlled to provide better steering as well as providing additional crabbing ability when docking.

Continue reading “New gate rudder technology claims to make a fuel saving of save up to 30%”

Choose wisely: A deep dive into domestic passenger vessels Safety Management System proposed rulemaking

Safety Management System proposed - Photo credit: Lora Ratliff / U.S. Coast Guard
Safety Management System proposed – Photo credit: Lora Ratliff / U.S. Coast Guard

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for Safety Management System (SMS) requirements in the domestic passenger vessel industry. This requirement will have the largest implications on the domestic passenger vessel industry since the revisions of 46 CFR Subchapter T & K in the mid-90s. However, the question remains, is it necessary? Richard J. Paine, Jr. looks at the pros and the cons.

Over the last three decades, the effectiveness and need for Safety Management Systems (SMS) have been at the forefront of discussion by operators and regulators in all maritime sectors, both domestically and internationally. The most recent domestic regulatory requirement Continue reading “Choose wisely: A deep dive into domestic passenger vessels Safety Management System proposed rulemaking”

Lithium batteries withdrawn following boating fires in France

Lithium batteries withdrawn following boating fires in France
Lithium batteries withdrawn following boating fires in France

Reports in France say that after a series of explosions and fires, the Prefecture of Pyrénées-Orientales in the south-west of the country has ordered the suspension of sales and recall of all lithium batteries of the ‘Energy Cases’ brand, marketed by SAS P.C.E, based in Perpignan.

The batteries were suspected of causing several explosions and fires that occurred over the past 10 months throughout France.

To date, the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDTM) of the Pyrénées-Orientales has identified at least six incidents involving the batteries. Included in this list was a fire that ravaged three 8m boats in the port of Lavandou in July 2020. Continue reading “Lithium batteries withdrawn following boating fires in France”

Crew must be familiar with cargo safety information says new note

Crew must be familiar with cargo safety information says new note
Crew must be familiar with cargo safety information says new note

Hong Kong Marine Department has published a safety note regarding cargo safety following an incident where a cargo hold explosion was caused by hot work on the hatch coaming. A Hong Kong registered bulk carrier fully loaded with coal departed for its discharging port with all hatch covers of the cargo holds and ventilation flaps closed.

On the voyage, the crew carried out hot work in an attempt to dismantle the connection of a leaky hydraulic ram which was attached to the cargo hold forward hatch coaming. During the repair, an explosion in the cargo hold took place, injuring three crew members, who were later taken to the hospital by a helicopter. Amongst the three injured crew members, one of them was the fitter who died two days later. Continue reading “Crew must be familiar with cargo safety information says new note”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details