International News

MAIB safety bulletin into safety issues on Red Sea liveaboard dive boats

Posted on by News Hound
Yacht - Image courtesy of Ali Aref, President of Dive Pro Liveaboard. Source: MAIB
Image courtesy of Ali Aref, President of Dive Pro Liveaboard. Source: MAIB

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is aware that 16 Red Sea liveaboard dive boats have been lost over the last 5 years. Seven of these losses happened in the last 21 months, and three of these resulted in numerous fatalities including UK nationals.

In line with the principles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code, the UK has been registered as a substantially interested state in the Egyptian safety investigations into these accidents. Continue reading “MAIB safety bulletin into safety issues on Red Sea liveaboard dive boats”

Scrap metal fires and the IMSBC Code

Posted on by News Hound
Trash - 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”

IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems

Posted on by News Hound

IACS Logo

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released recommendation, Rec. 182 to support onshore power supply systems (OPS).
The new recommendation provides detailed guidance on integrating OPS systems into both newbuilds and retrofits, while addressing the technical and operational challenges associated with its implementation. Continue reading “IACS publishes new recommendation on onshore power supply systems”

Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter

Posted on by News Hound
An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam
An able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam

On 28 January 2024, an able bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam. The accident happened during cargo tank washing and steaming operations. Chemical Hunter had just left the port of Altamira, Mexico when the accident occurred. The vessel returned to port where the injured crew member was transferred to a hospital. Despite the first aid given on board, and the more specialised treatment in hospital, the injured crew member succumbed to his injuries about two weeks after the accident.
The safety investigation determined that the failure mechanism of the steam inlet valve to the cargo tank cleaning water heater was most Continue reading “Transport Malta: crewmember death after steam valve failure onboard Chemical Hunter”

IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024

Posted on by News Hound
A review of all IMCA Safety Flashes 2024 have been published
A review of all IMCA Safety Flashes 2024 have been published

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has released a review of all the safety incidents and events reported last year.
The 24 Safety Flashes covered 88 individual incidents or events shared by IMCA members. A further 33 incidents or events from information already in the public domain, from different trade bodies and/or regulators, were shared as being of interest. It should be noted that Safety Flashes are intended to be read by IMCA’s members’ offshore crews, and by office-based safety professionals. Continue reading “IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024”

IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors

Posted on by News Hound
IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
IACS has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced new recommendations to enhance safety standards for surveyors.
The new guidelines, Rec. 184, recognise that surveyors continue to face significant occupational health and safety (OHS) risks at work.
There is growing recognition that some of the safety challenges that surveyors’ face would benefit from improved collaboration and sharing of experience to establish a more consistent approach.
Designed to creating safer working conditions for surveyors and all personnel engaged in maritime operations, these guidelines outline critical measures to mitigate risks and addresses key areas such as risk assessments and situational awareness, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the hazards they may encounter. Continue reading “IACS releases new guidelines on safety standards for surveyors”

Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty

Posted on by News Hound
Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warrantyPhoto credit: Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty Photo credit: Volvo Penta

This new comprehensive marine warranty applies to products delivered from 2025 and onwards and underscores our commitment to premium protection, ease of ownership, and support. The 3-year marine warranty covers Volvo Penta branded transmissions, engines, control systems, and accessories – ensuring seamless protection throughout the entire ownership journey.

The new 3-year standard warranty replaces previous offerings, providing a unified and expanded solution. This warranty reflects Volvo Penta’s commitment to delivering premium protection and support for both marine leisure and commercial customers. It includes global Continue reading “Volvo Penta launches all-inclusive global 3-year marine warranty”

Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top

Posted on by News Hound

Cyber incidents are the top global risk for 2025 and by a higher margin than ever before – making it the fourth year in a row that cyber is ranked as the number one risk across industries, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025.

Top global risks overview
Cyber incidents consolidate their position as the most important risk – with 38% of responses, a record 7% points ahead. Notably, the risk impact of new technologies and developments in artificial intelligence (AI) is a new entrant in the top 10 global risks at #10. Closely interlinked to cyber, business interruption is ranked #2 (31%), just ahead of another related risk, natural catastrophes at #3 (29%). Continue reading “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025: Cyber risk climbs to the top”

New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)

Posted on by News Hound
IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).
IACS has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released a new unified requirement for monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86).

Marine air pollution regulations typically require the use of low-sulfur fuel to reduce SOx gaseous emissions. The use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) technology is generally permitted as an alternative means of compliance.

EGCS – SOx Scrubbers can be effective in complying with regulations that require the use of 0.5 percent sulfur fuel globally and 0.1 percent in Emission Control Areas (ECA). The following requirements apply to the arrangements intended for the safeguard of the ship in case of malfunction of the EGCS. Continue reading “New IACS requirement on monitoring and safety functions for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (M86)”

Lloyd’s Register: New directive 2023/946 for ro-ro passenger ships

Posted on by News Hound
The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946
The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946

The European Union has adopted Directive 2023/946, which amends the “water on deck” damage stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships in Directive 2003/25/EC.

This new directive is intended to align the EU’s stability requirements with the enhanced standards established by SOLAS 2020.

Since 5 December 2024, the new directive 2023/946 is applicable for new and existing ro-ro passenger ships engaged on international voyages that operate regularly to or from a port of an EU Member State, and which have never been certified in accordance with this directive or the previous Directive Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register: New directive 2023/946 for ro-ro passenger ships”

Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers

Posted on by News Hound
Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA
Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers has been issued by LMA

The Liberia Maritime Authority has sent out recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. These recommendations are the first step in a two-stage approach aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form by sea, pending IMO’s consideration of future mandatory measures for their carriage.

Summary of the Recommendations
1. Plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging should be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of content which may be caused under transport normal conditions.
2. Transport information should clearly identify those freight containers containing plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipper should supplement the cargo information with a special stowage request requiring stowage as outlined in item 3 below. Continue reading “Liberia: Carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers”

IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024

Posted on by CEO

Edition IV of the IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium has been published and is available for download. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor’s online library. As you read and browse the 172-page publication you will discover:

– A wealth of safety briefing information.

– Detail of incident and accident reports from last year.

– Vital loss prevention guidance and advice from leading P&I Clubs. Continue reading “IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024”

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