Inventory of Hazardous Materials launched by RMI

From 31 December 2020 non-EU vessels calling at EU ports must carry an authorized Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and Statement of Compliance (SoC). The European Union (EU) Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR) is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health and safety, or to the environment, and to ensure the proper management of hazardous materials on board ships throughout their lifecycle. The EUSRR is an early implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the “Hong Kong Convention”), which has yet to meet the criteria for its entry into force.

To support shipowners in meeting the EUSRR requirements, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry has launched a new IHM verification service. Continue reading “Inventory of Hazardous Materials launched by RMI”

MAIB makes urgent call for information on styrene monomer near misses or accidents

Fireball viewed from the Ulsan Bridge
Fireball viewed from the Ulsan Bridge

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report into the explosion and fire on board the chemical tanker Stolt Groenland, but before concluding its investigation, MAIB is calling for information regarding any accidents or near-misses involving the carriage of styrene monomer, including any actions subsequently taken.

The fire on Stolt Groenland occurred in Ulsan, South Korea, on September 28, 2019. The Cayman Islands registered vessel had sailed from Houston on August 17 carrying 20 different chemical cargoes in 37 of her 39 cargo tanks. At about 0600 on September 28, the Singapore registered chemical/product tanker Bow Dalian secured alongside Stolt Groenland’s port side. The purging of Bow Dalian’s cargo tanks with nitrogen supplied from shoreside vehicles was then commenced in readiness for a ship-to-ship cargo transfer with Stolt Groenland. Continue reading “MAIB makes urgent call for information on styrene monomer near misses or accidents”

‘Tis the season to be jolly – Christmas special

The QE2 as you have never seen her before
The QE2 as you have never seen her before

Indeed it is the season to be jolly and if you are reading this blog as we approach the festive period, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas (if you celebrate the festivities) and best wishes for a progressive 2020.

Somebody recently asked me to tell them what were my personal highlights for 2019 and my reply was simply – too many to recount. It has been a momentous and memorable year, and one that will live long in the memory for many reasons. So, I will just focus on some recent events. But in essence, the run down towards the end of 2019 in readiness for a new decade has been anything but quiet and rather productive!

Continue reading “‘Tis the season to be jolly – Christmas special”

Hell on Water: Container fire on ships are becoming increasingly common

Fire engulfs the KMTC
Fire engulfs the KMTC

In the early hours of the morning on May 24, an explosion was heard and a fire identified on the South Korean-flagged, 1,585-TEU KMTC Hong Kong as she sat quayside in Laem Chabang, Thailand. The container fire spread throughout containers understood to be carrying noxious substances.

From across the river, a video was recorded and uploaded to YouTube showing a thick column of smoke becoming a sequence of plumes as devastating explosions occurred – apparently the result of tank containers carrying paraffin. Soon locals were reporting a burning sensation on their skin and breathing difficulties. A few hours later, 37 had been admitted to the hospital, poisoned or with fire or chemical burns. Some 143 were affected by chemicals in the smoke. Continue reading “Hell on Water: Container fire on ships are becoming increasingly common”

New IMO procedures for maintenance and inspection of lifeboats from January 2020

The IMO is amending the procedures for carrying out the periodic servicing of life-saving appliances, and is also amending the requirements for authorisation of service suppliers/providers carrying out the periodic servicing.

IMO Resolution MSC.404(96) amends SOLAS Regulation III/20.11, which contains requirements for periodic servicing of launching appliances and release gear, to mandate the requirements included in Resolution MSC.402(96) ‘Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear’.

IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) effectively supersedes and mandates the requirements previously included in MSC.1/Circular.1206/Rev.1 and also MSC.1/Circular 1277. Continue reading “New IMO procedures for maintenance and inspection of lifeboats from January 2020”

Combustible furnishings contributed to extent of fire on Grand Sun says accident brief

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a Marine Accident Brief about the fire on the offshore supply vessel Grand Sun, noting that substantial use of combustible wood paneling and drapery contributed to the extent of the fire.

The Grand Sun was transiting the Chandeleur Sound in the Gulf of Mexico, about 15 miles from the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, on October 8, 2018, when she caught on fire. The four crewmembers aboard attempted to fight the fire but were unsuccessful. They remained on the stern of the vessel until they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The fire burned itself out, and the vessel was later towed to port. No pollution or injuries were reported. The vessel, valued at $1.6 million, was deemed a constructive total loss.

Continue reading “Combustible furnishings contributed to extent of fire on Grand Sun says accident brief”

USCG warns of potential crushing hazard underneath retractable pilothouses

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued an alert to towboat operators about safety hazards associated with retractable pilothouses. These specialized hydraulic systems are sometimes used on towing vessels designed for low air draft restrictions.

Retractable pilothouses give towboat operators on waterways with fixed bridges the ability to lower the house and pass underneath, then raise the house to get a clearer view over their barge tows. While useful, when a pilothouse is being lowered, it presents a crushing hazard to personnel below. Some retractable pilothouses may also be operated in an “emergency mode” that increases the rate of descent and provides less time for workers to recognize the situation and get clear of the danger zone.

At present, there is no explicit requirement for the hydraulics systems operating these retractable pilothouses to be fitted with fail-safe features. Absent a fail-safe device, the failure of the hydraulic cylinder or other system component may not provide enough time for a crew member to recognize the hazard, exit the danger zone and avoid a catastrophe. Some retractable pilothouses may also lack any alarms that would warn of emergency mode operation, increasing the risk to personnel. Continue reading “USCG warns of potential crushing hazard underneath retractable pilothouses”

Canal & River Trust increases boat licence fee by 2.5%

The annual increase in boat licence fees for 2020 has been set by the Canal & River Trust at 2.5 percent, but other changes implemented at the same time will include the first stage of a phased introduction of higher charges for wider craft.

The boat license increase, based on a standard inflation index, will see the cost of an annual canals and rivers licence for a typical ‘go anywhere’ 57ft narrowboat rise on 1 April 2020 from £985.79 to £1,010.43. But at the same time, the first of a series of extra increases for widebeam craft (announced following the 2017 licensing review) means owners of craft more than 2.16m (7ft 1in) wide face an additional increase of 5%, bringing the price for a 57ft widebeam up to £1,060.96.

Continue reading “Canal & River Trust increases boat licence fee by 2.5%”

Cargo handling industry experts move to prevent port and terminal collisions

To minimize risk and improve port safety, three of the cargo handling industry experts have produced an information paper Collision Prevention At Ports & Terminals. Experts from international freight transport insurers, TT Club, together with cargo handling industry experts ICHCA and PEMA share the latest technologies to detect and prevent collisions to promote safety.

In an attempt to improve safety, reduce injuries and loss of life, equipment damage and minimize costly business disruption at ports and terminals worldwide, PEMA, TT Club, and ICHCA International have pooled resources to make available information to promote collision prevention. All relevant stakeholders have been involved in the development of this project. PEMA represents container crane and technology manufacturers, and TT Club and ICHCA International represent container terminals.

Continue reading “Cargo handling industry experts move to prevent port and terminal collisions”

USCG publishes guidance on how to comply with SOLAS amendments on life-saving appliances

The US Coast Guard issued a new circular providing guidance to the maritime industry and Coast Guard personnel on how vessel owners and operators may comply with amendments to SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 3 and 20 regarding life-saving appliances, that will enter into force from 1st January 2020.

The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-19, “Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul And Repair Of Lifeboats And Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances And Release Gear” dated Nov. 20, 2019, supersedes and cancels NVIC 04-07.

Amendments on life saving appliances were adopted during the 96th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 96) in May 2016, Continue reading “USCG publishes guidance on how to comply with SOLAS amendments on life-saving appliances”

NTSB report blames vessel fire on lack of hot work training and poor safety management

Photo credit: US Coast Guard
Photo credit: US Coast Guard

The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) has published an accident report on a vessel fire that took place on the fishing vessel Jeanette which at the time of the incident was pier side at the American Samoa Government (ASG) container facility in the Port of Pago Pago, Tutuila Island, American Samoa, with 18 crewmembers and one shoreside vessel representative on board.

At about 1130 local time on December 5, 2018, one of the duties the crewmembers had to conduct was to remove wasted sections of the overhead frames on the wet deck and weld in new sections. Three crewmembers were responsible of conducting this task; two who would conduct the welding, or “hot work,” and one who would serve as the fire watch. The welders reported to the assistant engineer, and the fire watch reported to the deck boss. Continue reading “NTSB report blames vessel fire on lack of hot work training and poor safety management”

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the IIMS UAE Branch

On the evening of 19 November, nearly 100 invited guests assembled in the Grand Lounge on the famous old ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, (now permanently moored at Port Rashid in Dubai), for a splendid cocktail party to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the IIMS UAE Branch. The event was kindly and generously sponsored by HFW, represented by Richard Strub, who said a few words.

Once the canapes had been finished, IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz thanked President, Capt Zarir Irani, the local UAE Branch Chairman, Capt Omprakash Marayil and his committee colleagues for their efforts, both in terms of securing such a prestigious and historic venue to mark this special celebration and for delivering a great event.

Continue reading “Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the IIMS UAE Branch”

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