The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released its Port State Control (PSC) Annual Report for 2021, which shows that detention and deficiency rates per inspection have continued to remain low. AMSA Executive Director of Operations, Michael Drake, said the authority’s reputation for having a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with internationally agreed standards, continued to have a positive influence on the quality of ships being brought to Australia. Continue reading “Port State Control Australia 2021 Report published”
Government
New laws to restrict the way ships release ballast water into UK seas
New laws have now come into force which will further protect United Kingdom coastlines by stopping international ships from discharging potentially harmful species into the sea.
The Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022 introduces legislation into UK law controlling the discharge of ships’ ballast water into UK waters. Ballast water can contain aquatic species that are harmful to native UK ones and the legislation will stop ships from potentially releasing them onto our coasts. Continue reading “New laws to restrict the way ships release ballast water into UK seas”
BEIS updates the list of designated standards for the Recreation Craft Regulations
The Department of Business Energy and Industrial strategy (BEIS) has published its amendments to the list of designated standards (the ISO standards which, if followed, give an automatic presumption of conformity). The notice is split into two annexes. Annex one has two parts. Part one shows the new standards which are now being designated (and part two gives the full list of all designated standards).
The new standards being designated for Recreation Craft Regulations are as follows: Continue reading “BEIS updates the list of designated standards for the Recreation Craft Regulations”
Brian Johnson to step down as CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Brian Johnson has announced his retirement and is to formally step down from his role as CEO of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in October 2022.
He has been in the role for the last four years.
In a statement, he explained that becoming the chief executive of the MCA was an absolute dream come true.
“Being able to work to make a difference in the world of maritime safety, leading a group of people whose Continue reading “Brian Johnson to step down as CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency”
Findings of consultation for marine guidance on electric vehicles onboard passenger RO-RO ferries released by MCA
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) carried out a public consultation on its proposed draft Marine Guidance into electric vehicles (EVs) onboard passenger Ro-Ro ferries, which ran from 25 October to 20 December 2021.
The proposal contained guidance on what is seen as a minimum standard required for the provision of charging systems Continue reading “Findings of consultation for marine guidance on electric vehicles onboard passenger RO-RO ferries released by MCA”
UK red diesel tax changes
The leisure boat industry is being urged to read up on new tax rules affecting red diesel coming into effect on 1 April 2022. Consequently, the leisure boat industry is being urged to read up on new tax rules affecting red diesel.
From 1 April 2022, diesel used for propelling private pleasure craft can no longer benefit from a reduced rate of duty and it’s subject to duty at the full rate.
In Great Britain, a private pleasure craft may continue to use rebated Continue reading “UK red diesel tax changes”
A Master’s Guide to the UK Flag – Large Yacht edition 4 published by the MCA
The MCA has published a document called ‘A Masters Guide to the UK Flag – Large Yacht’ and has just updated it and released edition 4. The purpose of the 34 page guide is to provide easy to use information regarding United Kingdom merchant shipping regulations and administrative procedures. UK regulations and procedures may differ from those of other Flag Administrations and this guide will help to comply with UK requirements.
The updates in edition 4 include the following: Continue reading “A Master’s Guide to the UK Flag – Large Yacht edition 4 published by the MCA”
Over 100 boats detained by customs and the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry for non-compliance
Customs and the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry have detained over 100 boats from the Moorings and Sunsail fleet leaving some charter customers stranded and the company scrambling to make alternative arrangements for incoming guests.
Over eight Customs officers accompanied by officials from the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry swooped down on The Moorings Marina, Wickhams Cay II on March 16 to conduct inspections on the vessels to ensure compliance with commercial licensing and safety certificate insurance.
In a statement, The Moorings Continue reading “Over 100 boats detained by customs and the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry for non-compliance”
UK government launches new national shipbuilding strategy
The UK’s shipbuilding industry will be revitalised through a refreshed national strategy, the UK government has announced.
First published in 2017, the National Shipbuilding Strategy outlined ambitions to transform naval procurement, securing export and design contracts for British naval ships. Building on that success, the new release outlines the government’s further ambitions to reinvigorate the whole British shipbuilding industry while contributing to its levelling up mission to boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards across the country.
Over £4bn of government investment aims to galvanise and support shipyards and suppliers across the UK, with new measures including Continue reading “UK government launches new national shipbuilding strategy”
Recent new and updated documents issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency
In recent weeks the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency has published a number of revised and amended documents, as well as announcing a new Statutory Instrument (SI).
Issued on 10 January 2022
MSIS 27 – Annex 1 – Under 15 m LOA FV Inspection Regime (Rev. 12/21)
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Issued on 12 January 2022
Safety Bulletin 024 – Non-SOLAS Lifejacket Servicing Requirements
Click for more details Continue reading “Recent new and updated documents issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency”
MCA approves the safe carriage of a greater number of workers in the offshore wind farm sector
New rules proposed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to support the UK offshore wind farm industry are coming into force. The change will mean that vessels transporting those who work on offshore wind farms will be able to carry greater numbers of workers while still meeting safety standards.
The legislative changes followed discussions between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the industry looking at how to solve the logistical problems of transporting workers. Vessels that transport workers to offshore wind farms are currently not legally allowed to carry more than 12 people, no matter the size of vessel. Continue reading “MCA approves the safe carriage of a greater number of workers in the offshore wind farm sector”
Public consultation of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation open until 30 March 2022
The Independent Review of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety Legislation and associated Costs and Charging Arrangements has commenced. Information about the review, including terms of reference and reviewer information can be viewed here.
The review will be conducted in two phases, with the first to focus on the National Law framework (Phase 1) and the second to consider national system delivery costs and future funding options (Phase 2).
Submissions for Phase 1 of the review are now being sought and a Consultation Aid has been published. To make a submission, please go Continue reading “Public consultation of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation open until 30 March 2022”