Scrap metal fires and the IMSBC Code

Photo credit: Gard P&I club
Photo credit: Gard P&I Club

Gard P&I Club has highlighted the issue of serious scrap metal fires and questions if the IMSBC Code is adequately addressing the risks. According to Gard, most of its cases and those reported in accident investigations appear to concern scrap metal declared by shippers as Group C, which under the IMSBC Code is cargo which is neither liable to liquefy (Group A) nor to possess chemical hazards (Group B).

Images and accounts of scrap metal fires associated with such non-hazardous declarations paint a more concerning risk picture. Accident investigation reports speak of rapidly developing fires with intense heat and heavy smoke threatening harm to the crew, shore fire fighters as well as local residents. Continue reading “Scrap metal fires and the IMSBC Code”

Liberia Maritime Authority advice on ships using low-flashpoint fuels

Liberia Maritime Authority has published guidance on compliance with the requirements for ships using low-flashpoint fuel
Liberia Maritime Authority has published guidance on compliance with the requirements for ships using low-flashpoint fuel

The Liberia Maritime Authority has published guidance on compliance with the requirements for ships using low-flashpoint fuel.
Marine notice SAF-017 Rev. 1/25 applies to ships using low-flashpoint fuels:
• for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2017;
• in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2017; or
• the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2021.
It also applies to a ship, irrespective of the date of construction, which converts to using low-flashpoint fuels on or after 1 January 2017, or to a ship using low-flashpoint fuels, which, on or after 1 January 2017, undertakes to use low-flashpoint fuels different from those which it was originally approved to use before 1 January 2017. Continue reading “Liberia Maritime Authority advice on ships using low-flashpoint fuels”

IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee 11 summary

Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee
Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee

Lloyd’s Register has provided a summary report on the recent IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee (SDC).
The SDC is where many technical and operational requirements related to ship design and construction (including tonnage, load line and stability) are discussed. SDC reports to the Maritime Safety Committee.

2011 ESP Code amendments relating to Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT):
Draft amendments have now been finalised to permit the use of RIT in support to surveyors undertaking a close-up survey of vessels to which the code applies. They are expected to be applicable from 1 January 2028. Continue reading “IMO Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee 11 summary”

UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update

The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated
The MCA acceptable chart system has been updated

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amendment accepting electronic chart systems for commercial fishing and small vessels up to 24 metres in length.

The update goes under MGN 319 (M+F) Amendment 2 – Acceptance of electronic chart systems for fishing vessels and small vessels in commercial use (code boats) up to 24 metres in load line length (SV-ECS).

The MCA will accept electronic chart systems complying with the Small Vessel Electronic Chart System (SV-ECS) performance standard as satisfying the chart carriage requirements stipulated within SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 for applicable vessels. Continue reading “UK MCA publishes acceptable chart system update”

Fire damper location importance highlighted in circular

Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers
Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers

Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers, advises the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The recommendation comes following a fire on a Norwegian vessel.

During the incident, quick-closing valves were used to shut off the diesel supply to the auxiliary and main machinery. However, the control handles for the quick-closing valves for the emergency generator were located in the same cabinet, Continue reading “Fire damper location importance highlighted in circular”

MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels

MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released
MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released a MGN pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels.

The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall and the accompanying MSN 1871 Amendment 2 allow vessels of less than 15m Length Overall (LOA) built before 16 July 2007 to be considered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for Registration as fishing vessels.

MGN 630 Amendment 4 (F) Fishing vessels: Pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels sets out the process in place to ensure the MCA Continue reading “MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels”

Lithium Storage Solutions safety bulletin published by the MCA

MCA has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.
MCA has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.
It reads: “As the UK Market Surveillance Authority for marine equipment, [the MCA] is aware that Lithium Storage Solutions Ltd claim on their website https://www.lithiumstoragesolutions.com/ that their product, the Lithium Safety Store® is “Fully compliant with MGN 681 (M), Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts, section 4 storage and charging” and also claims “Fully certified for sea and air transport and storage” under MGN 681. Continue reading “Lithium Storage Solutions safety bulletin published by the MCA”

New biosecurity requirements by New Zealand authorities

New biosecurity requirements by New Zealand authorities
New biosecurity requirements by New Zealand authorities

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is introducing the Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) for all commercial vessels calling in New Zealand starting 31 October 2024, replacing the current Master’s Declaration (MD) and Biofouling and Ballast Water Declaration (BBWD).

According to NorthStandard P&I Club, the PAR will not be mandatory for the first six months, during which MPI will still accept the MD and BBWD, but from 1 May 2025, it will become mandatory, and the old documentation will no longer be accepted. The PAR must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand territorial waters. Continue reading “New biosecurity requirements by New Zealand authorities”

New Italian Nautical Code finally approved

The new Italian Nautical Code has been approved and published
The new Italian Nautical Code has been approved and published

After a lengthy wait of four-and-a-half years, the new Italian Nautical Code has been approved and published in the country’s Official Gazette. This new regulation implements the pleasure boating code and allows the legislative reforms of the sector code to become operational, starting with a series of important simplifications.

This Italian Nautical Code, and its significance, received consistent mentions in various meetings and conferences held as part of the 64th Genoa International Boat Show.

“It was not an easy path, which required the concerted signature of 14 ministers and saw the national trade association of the industry and the nautical supply Continue reading “New Italian Nautical Code finally approved”

IRClass releases updates to NDT service suppliers

IRClass releases updates to NDT service suppliers
IRClass releases updates to NDT service suppliers

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has published amendments to the Classification Notes: Requirements for NDT Service Suppliers

Revisions have been made to both sections of the document including:
Section 1: General – Amendments are made to provide better clarity in the scope. Definitions for terms such as ‘ANDT’, ‘AUT’, ‘ET’, ‘VT’, etc. have also been introduced while definitions for few other terms such as ‘NDT’, ‘NDT service suppliers’ have been amended. Finally, the list of references has been updated. Continue reading “IRClass releases updates to NDT service suppliers”

Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA on mitigating against the effects of shocks and impacts on small vessels

Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA
Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA

MGN 436 (M+F) Amendment 4 gives guidance for operators, managers, owners and builders of small vessels on mitigating the risk of injury from whole body vibration (WBV) on small vessels, and in particular severe and repeated shocks (RS) as a result of impacts.

There have been a number of incidents involving small craft, travelling at a wide range of speeds, receiving predominantly vertical shock impact when coming off a wave, resulting in injury to one or more persons on board. The effects of crossing seas and side-on waves can also cause injury. Incidents have occurred on inland waters and estuaries as well as at sea, Continue reading “Updated guidance for MGN 436 (M+F) issued by the MCA on mitigating against the effects of shocks and impacts on small vessels”

Key outcomes of the IMO III 10 Sub-Committee

The 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments has been held
The 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments has been held

The 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 10) was held from 22 to 26 July.
The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) brings together flag, port and coastal States to consider implementation issues, including the analysis of consolidated audit summary reports from the mandatory IMO Member state Audit Scheme. The Sub-Committee has a key role in casualty analysis and issuing lessons learned from marine incidents. Continue reading “Key outcomes of the IMO III 10 Sub-Committee”

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