US House of Representatives passes new safety regulations for DUKW boats

DUKW boats subject to new regulations. Photo (USCG)
DUKW boats subject to new regulations. Photo (USCG)

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation requiring new safety measures for DUKW boats, the amphibious landing craft commonly repurposed for tourist trips.

DUKW boats, also known as duck boats, were designed and built in WWII for military use. A number were later converted for commercial service, carrying tourists on brief land and water itineraries. DUKW boats have been implicated in several fatal accidents, including two tragic sinkings. Continue reading “US House of Representatives passes new safety regulations for DUKW boats”

USCG safety alert issues about dangerous gas build-up in fish holds

Image used for illustrative purposes only
Image used for illustrative purposes only

Following an incident, the US Coast Guard (USCG) had released a Safety Alert which addresses the importance of verifying atmospheric conditions in fish holds on commercial fishing vessels, that can lead to a dangerous build-up of gases.

Four crew members onboard a commercial fishing vessel noticed an unusual odor coming from the fish hold while conducting shrimping operations. While under the assumption that the odor was due to a leaking refrigerant line, the crew hauled in their nets and began transiting back to port to have their system inspected by a service technician. Continue reading “USCG safety alert issues about dangerous gas build-up in fish holds”

Determining the cargo quantity for bulk cargoes in Argentina – are shore figures mandatory?

Argentina has ratified the Hague Rules and the country’s Maritime Law has incorporated most of the principles of the Hague-Visby Rules. Prior to 2013, importers and exporters had the benefit of selecting the method to be used to establish the weight of dry bulk cargoes. In June 2013 the Argentine Customs Authorities issued General Resolution No. 3506 on Determination of weight by draft and tanks’ sounding for operations with solid goods in bulk according to which Customs will decide the method of determining the cargo weight between the shore scale and draft survey figures. Continue reading “Determining the cargo quantity for bulk cargoes in Argentina – are shore figures mandatory?”

Canadian Government releases draft legislative proposals to implement luxury tax on new boats

The Canadian government have proposed the introduction of a tax on the sale of new luxury cars and aircraft
The Canadian government have proposed the introduction of a tax on the sale of new luxury cars and aircraft

In Budget 2021, the government proposed the introduction of a tax on the sale of new luxury cars and aircraft with a retail sale price over $100,000, and new boats over $250,000. The tax would be calculated at the lesser of 20 per cent of the value above these price thresholds or 10 per cent of the full value of the luxury vehicle, aircraft or vessel.

To implement this commitment, the government released for public comment draft legislative proposals. These proposals reflect, and respond to, input received during consultations with stakeholders. You have until 11 April to have your say. Continue reading “Canadian Government releases draft legislative proposals to implement luxury tax on new boats”

National Cargo Bureau to launch a remote container inspection service

remote container inspection service to be launched
Remote container inspection service to be launched

National Cargo Bureau, a not-for-profit container inspection company, has launched a remote container inspection service based on the Hazcheck Inspections web-based container inspections database and access portal developed with their software division, Exis Technologies.

The new service from the National Cargo Bureau uses mobile devices to connect customers with Continue reading “National Cargo Bureau to launch a remote container inspection service”

CHIRP Maritime Feedback edition 66 published

Edition 66 of the CHIRP Maritime Feedback is available
Edition 66 of the CHIRP Maritime Feedback is available

CHIRP Maritime Feedback, an independent and confidential reporting system for the maritime industry, has published its latest ‘Feedback Maritime’ publication (February 2022) to provide lessons learned and raising awareness of safety issues. Among others in this edition, CHIRP Maritime Feedback highlights an accommodation ladder failure whilst the ladder was being recovered after a pilot had boarded and discusses important issues related to maintenance, design and human factors.

In addition, this issue of CHIRP Maritime Feedback demonstrates poor safety standards upon a floating armoury vessel – many issues, both regulatory and good practice are focused upon. There are also reports concerning a near-fatal fall from a quayside, unsafe lifting Continue reading “CHIRP Maritime Feedback edition 66 published”

Status update on biofouling regulations around the world

As new requirements for managing biofouling on international vessels arriving in Australia will begin on 15 June 2022, more countries around the world have already established similar biofouling regulations to address the effects.

The transfer of invasive aquatic species to new environments via ships has been identified by the IMO as a major threat to the world’s oceans and to the conservation of biodiversity, hence the need for enhanced biofouling regulations. Continue reading “Status update on biofouling regulations around the world”

The Great Disconnect report finds shipowners pay an average of $3.1 million in ransoms due to cyber attacks

Cyber risk management is the subject of the Great Disconnect report
Cyber risk management is the subject of the Great Disconnect report

Recent research explores the maritime industry’s relationship with cyber security risks, and makes recommendations to shipowners and operators to improve how those risks are managed within their organisations.

The Great Disconnect report is a collaboration between produced by maritime cyber security company CyberOwl, maritime innovation agency Thetius and law firm HFW. After taking into account the views of more than 200 industry professionals through a combination of an industry survey and research interviews conducted Continue reading “The Great Disconnect report finds shipowners pay an average of $3.1 million in ransoms due to cyber attacks”

Maritime communications guide published by GT Marine

A new maritime communications guide is free to download from GT Maritime
A new maritime communications guide is free to download from GT Maritime

GTMaritime has issued a new guide entitled ‘The Maritime Communications – A look over the horizon guide’ that examines the different types of satellite systems and network configurations, regulatory requirements, commercial communications and crew connectivity, highlighting key considerations for future communications planning.

The maritime communications guide is split into three sections, covering Basics of Marine Communications, The Connected Ship and Special Services. “The GTMaritime guide to maritime Continue reading “Maritime communications guide published by GT Marine”

Updated IMO procedures for Port State Control: What’s new?

Updated IMO procedures for Port State Control reviewed
Updated IMO procedures for Port State Control reviewed

IMO has published updated guidance procedures for Port State Control (PSC) with IMO Resolution A.1155 (32), which was adopted on 15 December 2021. SQE MARINE explains what’s new in the revised resolution, which replaced the previous version Resolution A.1138 (31).

What are the IMO Procedures for PSC?

IMO procedures for PSC provide detailed guidance to Port State Authorities, featuring the following :

1. Chapter 1 – General
Includes provisions for PSC general information, ships of non-Parties, ships below convention size, definitions, professional profile of Continue reading “Updated IMO procedures for Port State Control: What’s new?”

Error in maintenance led to diesel engine failure reveals NTSB report

Left: EMD 710 cylinder arrangement showing the affected area in red. Center: EMD 710 connecting rod arrangement. (Photo credit: Dynamark Engineering)
Left: EMD 710 cylinder arrangement showing the affected area in red. Center: EMD 710 connecting rod arrangement. (Photo credit: Dynamark Engineering)

An improperly tightened fastener led to a diesel engine failure on a Washington State Ferries passenger and car ferry near Bainbridge Island, Washington are the findings of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report.

Marine Investigation Report 22/06 details the NTSB’s investigation into the April 22, 2021, catastrophic failure of the no. 3 main engine aboard the Wenatchee during a sea trial in Puget Sound. The failure led to the ejection of components from the engine and resulted in a fire in the no. 2 engine room. No injuries or pollution were reported, while damages were estimated at nearly $3.8 million. Continue reading “Error in maintenance led to diesel engine failure reveals NTSB report”

Merger plans announced by North P&I and Standard Club to create new global marine insurer

illustative purposes only

North P&I and Standard Club have entered formal discussions for a proposed merger to create a new global marine insurer and one of the largest providers of mutual cover in the maritime industries. With 300 years of shared P&I heritage, the combined mutual insurer would provide cover for vessels equivalent to 400M GT.

Combination would establish a global marine insurer positioned to thrive in the face of current and emerging challenges and opportunities posed Continue reading “Merger plans announced by North P&I and Standard Club to create new global marine insurer”

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