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”

EU proposes new measures for safe and green shipping

The 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”

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

RightShip 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”

Safety issues of ship engine cooling systems need to be addressed

Ship engine cooling systems safety issues need to be addressed

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has called on Maritime New Zealand to address critical safety issues with the maintenance and management of ship engine cooling systems. The call was detailed in a preliminary report as part of the Commission’s inquiry into the loss of power experienced by the KiwiRail Interislander passenger ferry Kaitaki, leaving it drifting close to the coast in Cook Strait on the night of 28 January 2023.

The Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, says TAIC has recommended that Continue reading “Safety issues of ship engine cooling systems need to be addressed”

Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Video Series available to view

The Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) and Arcsilea Ltd. have developed a series of videos on the latest major amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, adopted by the IMO, namely the Energy Efficiency eXisting Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

This 5 part video series on the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is based on the new regulation that came into effect 1 January 2023. The video series aims to provide an overview of CII as well as to raise awareness and increase understanding by providing explainers of what is in the regulation as well as how to apply, and where to look for more information about it. Continue reading “Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Video Series available to view”

Biosecurity: Insect infestation on ships

Image by Thomas V. Myers courtesy of the National Pest Management Association
Image by Thomas V. Myers courtesy of the National Pest Management Association

Insects infestations are one of the major concerns for ships as they can cause significant damage to the cargo being transported, and a ship can face severe penalties and delays from the authorities for breaches of biosecurity protocols. In addition, introducing pests into new environments can have severe ecological and economic consequences. Therefore, implementing biosecurity protocols for ships to prevent insect infestation is essential to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across borders. Continue reading “Biosecurity: Insect infestation on ships”

USCG PSC Report 2022: 63 ships detained for environmental protection, safety, and security deficiencies

The US Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has published the U.S. Port State Control Annual Report for 2022. USCG reported that the total number of ships detained in 2022 for environmental protection, safety, and security related deficiencies increased from 63 to 78.

The main findings:
– In 2022, the Coast Guard conducted 8,706 SOLAS safety exams with a total of 78 detentions. Continue reading “USCG PSC Report 2022: 63 ships detained for environmental protection, safety, and security deficiencies”

UK Chamber of Shipping to examine risks of lithium ion batteries

UK Chamber of Shipping to examine risks of lithium ion batteries
UK Chamber of Shipping to examine risks of lithium ion batteries

The UK Chamber of Shipping has established an ad hoc working group to gain a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The group is to examine various aspects of batteries, including how to guard against such batteries going into thermal runaway and catching fire.

The group has participants from the Chamber membership, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and expert specialists. It is aiming to develop:
– Proposals for regulations relating to the carriage of LIBs on ships
– Recommendations for training and information for ships’ crews Continue reading “UK Chamber of Shipping to examine risks of lithium ion batteries”

EMSA remotely piloted aircraft flying over North Sea

Photo credit: EMSA
Photo credit: EMSA

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) announced recently that a remotely piloted aircraft will be flying over North Sea for enhanced maritime surveillance in support of Danish Authorities. EMSA RPAS operational flights started in mid-April delivering enhanced maritime surveillance capabilities over the North Sea region in support of coast guard functions. Given the positive outcome of last year’s RPAS campaign in the region, EMSA has returned to the region following a request from the Royal Danish Navy in cooperation with the Danish Customs and Danish Fisheries Agency. Continue reading “EMSA remotely piloted aircraft flying over North Sea”

First Maersk methanol fuelled containership floated out in South Korea

Maersk continues the build toward the introduction of the world’s first methanol fuelled containership. The shipping company released a short video showing the float out of the vessel from the building dock in South Korea reporting that work remains on schedule for delivery this summer.

“The launching was successfully completed at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and the construction is continuing,” says Henrik Ekmann Head of Newbuilding & Retrofit at Maersk during the video. He notes that reaching this milestone has taken, “extensive product and design development from a large number of key suppliers and driven forward by our Procurement and Fleet Technology teams.” Continue reading “First Maersk methanol fuelled containership floated out in South Korea”

Key items to check for enhanced fire safety on small passenger vessels

Tambrey Laine/Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, via Associated Press
Tambrey Laine/Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, via Associated Press

Over the past year, fires on several small passenger vessels (SPVs) have highlighted the need for a renewed focus on fire safety, says the US Coast Guard (USCG) and consequently has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to address key areas of concern.

USCG has initiated a focused self-assessment by owners and operators of all small passenger vessels, and a Coast Guard-led concentrated inspection campaign. The Coast Guard’s concentrated inspection campaign will include additional inspections of some SPVs initially certificated prior to 1996 that carry 100 or more passengers.

The focus of the inspection aligns with the list below. Continue reading “Key items to check for enhanced fire safety on small passenger vessels”

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