Government

Australian Senate finds flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security

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Flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security is the finding of the Australian Senate inquiry
Flag of convenience shipping poses risks to national security is the finding of the Australian Senate inquiry

Strong words and opinions have resulted as a consequence of the Australian Senate inquiry, which finds flag of convenience shipping poses serious risks to national security. Flag of convenience shipping refers to international trading vessels that are registered in tax havens such as Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands and are renowned for their lax labour laws, poor investment controls and lack of ownership oversight.

The Australian border force submission noted that, while most of legitimate sea trade is conducted by ships with flag of convenience registration, there are features of flag of convenience registration, regulation and practice that organised crime syndicates or terrorist groups may seek to exploit. These features are:
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New biofouling requirements poised to enter force in New Zealand from May 2018

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The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has issued a notice announcing that all vessels arriving in New Zealand must have clean hulls from May 2018 as new biofouling regulations are set to become law. The Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) has been developed to provide guidance regarding compliance.

From May 2018, vessels must arrive in New Zealand with a clean hull. Vessels staying up to 20 days and only visiting designated ports (places of first arrival) will be allowed a slight amount of biofouling. Vessels staying longer and visiting other places will only be allowed a slime layer and goose barnacles.

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Innovation Quay launches in Dubai to capitalize on creative maritime sector development

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DMCA has launched a new initiative called Innovation Quay
DMCA has launched a new initiative called Innovation Quay

As part of its strategic initiatives to drive maritime innovation and creativity, the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) celebrated the launch of Innovation Quay, a new ambitious initiative designed to take advantage of technological innovations in support of the efforts to promote development in all aspects of the maritime sector and contribute to the country’s economic diversification in preparation for the UAE’s post-oil era. The project is part of the DMCA’s tireless efforts to support the country’s program to inculcate innovation in the domestic work culture and lifestyle and promote the UAE as one of the most innovative countries in the world.

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New Zealand set to implement the Maritime Labour Convention next month

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New Zealand’s maritime safety authority (NZ) has announced it will implement the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) by early next month, in order to protect local and international seafarers. The move is also expected to improve the safety and well being of seafarers on board both foreign-flagged and New Zealand ships.

MLC was established in 2006, and mandates ship owners to bear the expense of shore-based medical care for seafarers who need hospitalisation or medical care while overseas on a ship.

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AMSA to develop new safety standards for shipping liquid hydrogen

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Photo credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Photo credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Australia and Japan at the headquarters of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in Canberra which will allow liquid hydrogen to be shipped in bulk for the first time.

Ship containment systems are being developed in Japan that will be capable of safely transporting liquid hydrogen in bulk from Australia to Japan as part of a pilot project scheduled to commence in 2020.

Bulk gas cargoes are carried under the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) which is a mandatory code under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

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IMO Polar Code comes into force from 1 January 2017

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The IMO Polar Code regulations come into force in January 2017
The IMO Polar Code regulations come into force in January 2017

As the potential for marine traffic in Polar regions increases, there is a clear need for modern and effective regulation. With this in mind, a significant step towards that goal was achieved in May 2015 when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) formally adopted the remaining parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters – known colloquially as the “Polar Code.” The IMO Polar Code will come into force on 1 January 2017.

As part of the new directive, the IMO Polar Code is mandatory for all ships certificated under Chapter 1 of SOLAS, both new and existing, operating on international or domestic voyages within the IMO defined boundaries of Arctic waters and the Antarctic area. Polar waters generally cover the areas north of 60°N or south of 60°S, although there are slight deviations for Arctic waters intended to include the Continue reading “IMO Polar Code comes into force from 1 January 2017”

Isle of Man Registry launches consultation and a blueprint for the future

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The Isle of Man Ship registry has announced a new consultation and a timescale for delivery of major changes to the structure of its operating models and fees. The proposed changes are expected to exceed current and predicted expectations for a modern, progressive registry operation.

The proposed changes will provide full delegation of statutory surveys and inspections to Classification Societies as well as providing a new programme of Flag State Inspections to satisfy international Flag State obligations to the International Maritime Organisation. The Registry will also simplify its fees to provide a more competitive and predictable fee structure.

Dick Welsh, Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, commented:
“This is a change we have been planning for some time. It is the game changing final step in the delegation to Recognised Organisations which will place the Isle of Man in a more competitive position whilst improving the service levels for which it is renowned.”

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The shipping and maritime sector is absolutely central to the UK government’s future strategy

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Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon addressed the UK Chamber’s inaugural UK Shipping Summit, where leaders from across industry gathered to examine and discuss key issues facing the sector in the years ahead.

In his keynote address the Minister called on the shipping and maritime sectors to play it’s role in shaping the discussions ahead in light of the decision to leave the European Union;

“As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold and positive new role for ourselves in the world. We must look to economic and industrial strategy, global trade and social reform to ensure Britain’s place in the world and a strong future for its citizens.

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AMSA opens consultation on costs for commercial vessel operators

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The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is inviting commercial vessel owners, operators and other stakeholders and interested parties to provide feedback by 10 October 2016 on proposed levy models to recover costs associated with AMSA’s delivery of services under the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety.

In July 2013, AMSA became the sole regulator for Australia’s domestic commercial vessel fleet, providing a single set of safety standards across all states and territories. Since 2013, marine safety agencies in each state and in the Northern Territory have provided certification and compliance services on behalf of AMSA. AMSA will begin directly delivering these services under the National System from 1 July 2017.

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UK MAIB publishes its Annual Report for 2015

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maibThe Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report highlighting the work of the branch during 2015. In 2015, a total of 1,057 accidents to UK vessels, or in UK coastal waters were reported to MAIB, involving 1,194 vessels.

Of these accidents, 46 involved only non-commercial vessels and 447 were occupational accidents that did not involve any actual or potential casualty to a vessel. There were 646 accidents involving 744 commercial vessels that involved actual or potential casualties to vessels.

For the sixth year in succession no UK merchant vessels of >100gt were lost. The size of the UK fleet has increased and so the overall accident rate for UK merchant vessels >100gt has fallen to 85 per 1000 vessels from 88 per 1000 vessels in 2014. Two crew lost their lives on UK merchant vessels >100gt during 2015. Only one UK small vessel (<100gt) was lost in 2015 compared with six in 2014.

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AMSA notifies changes in its certification and accreditation services from 2017

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AMSA has issued new edition of its publication ‘ Working Boats’ including information regarding changes in its certification and accreditation services.

Currently, even though AMSA is responsible for regulating domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) across Australia, the way you get your services — such as certificates and vessel IDs, undertaking surveys and the fees associated with these services — is not the same around the country. Those services are currently delivered by each state and territory, which sets its own procedures and fees for these services.

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Danish ships to be issued with digital certificates

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Denmark is set to become an international frontrunner as ships flying the Danish flag are to be digitally certified. As one of the first countries in the world to make this move, Denmark has put an end to the 100 years old tradition of certifying ships by means of old-fashioned certificates on paper.

Until now, the certification has been carried out by printing, stamping and signing paper certificates and subsequently sending them around the world to be kept on board ships.Digital certification or electronic certification which is the term used internationally – will put an end to these cumbersome procedures, reduce administrative workloads and pave the way for further maritime digitalisation.

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