Historic steam-driven tug set to return to service

Historic steam-driven tug set to return to service. Photo credit: Thorndon Bearings
Historic steam-driven tug set to return to service. Photo credit: Thorndon Bearings

One of the world’s oldest tugboats, the 117-year-old, steam-driven tug Daniel Adamson, is set to return to service offering short cruises along the River Weaver, a tributary of the Mersey River in England, after the completion of a project to install new propeller shaft bearings.

The 1903-built steamship, rescued from scrap merchants 15 years ago, was fully restored in 2016 at Birkenhead’s Cammell Laird yard, the original builder of the vessel. Thordon Bearings’ SXL water lubricated propeller shaft bearings were installed last year after competitor bearings failed.

Thordon SXL water lubricated bearings were supplied in April of 2020, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, the project was delayed until Continue reading “Historic steam-driven tug set to return to service”

New approval procedures published for in-water cleaning companies

New approval procedues published for in-water cleaning companies
New approval procedues published for in-water cleaning companies

The International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO have published an approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies, aiming to set minimum requirements for approval of cleaning companies for various types of operations.

The Approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies is one of two separate documents that outline performance-based requirements for in-water cleaning of ship’s hull, propeller and niche areas with the capture of the materials that are removed during the process:

– Approval procedure for in-water cleaning companies (Approval procedure) Continue reading “New approval procedures published for in-water cleaning companies”

Consultation about safe disposal of time expired flares opened by MCA

Consultation about safe disposal of time expired flares opened by MCA
Consultation about safe disposal of time expired flares opened by MCA

The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), has published a consultation about the safe disposal of time expired marine pyrotechnics (flares) from the pleasure boat sector. The consultation remains open until 15 March 2021.

The consultation seeks feedback to decide the next course of action when, in Dec 2021, the MCA’s current interim arrangements for the safe disposal of time expired flares are set to end. The consultation doesn’t hold back in assessing where the problem of who pays for the pollution has arisen, saying the industry has failed to organise itself effectively.

Continue reading “Consultation about safe disposal of time expired flares opened by MCA”

MCA targets uncoded race yachts

Action will be taken against uncoded commercially operated race yachts, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has warned, following the conclusion of legal proceedings against two vessels.

The MCA has agreed to discontinue prosecution against two boats on the condition both enter into a written agreement to ensure their vessels are coded when engaged in any commercial activity.

The outcome reaffirms the agency’s committed position to ensuring all vessels hold the correct documentation and that uncoded race yachts are punished. Continue reading “MCA targets uncoded race yachts”

ClassNK updates its Guidelines for Remote Surveys

ClassNK updates its Guidelines for Remote Surveys
ClassNK updates its Guidelines for Remote Surveys

Leading Classification Society ClassNK has released “Guidelines for Remote Surveys Ver. 2.0” including a class notation requirement for the ship with advance preparation for remote surveys.

ClassNK has been working on the advancement of surveys using digital technology in line with its R&D roadmap and Digital Grand Design 2030, and published the guide. Incorporating outcomes of investigation and examination for providing the standards in the application of remote surveys to ensure reliability equivalent to conventional witness surveys with transparency, the guidelines have described the types of surveys that can be applied, the types and amounts of information required for remote surveys, and the requirements for the use of ICT.

In the Ver. 2.0, ClassNK has made revision for the clarification of selection of equipment and communication infrastructure, and the class Continue reading “ClassNK updates its Guidelines for Remote Surveys”

First ever UKCA RCR certificate issued by HPi-CEproof

First ever UKCA RCR certificate issued by HPi-CEproof
First ever UKCA RCR certificate issued by HPi-CEproof

Oxfordshire-based company, HPi-CEproof has issued the Princess X95 with the first ever UKCA RCR certificate of conformity, following the new UK Recreational Craft Regulations which came into force on 1st January this year. HPi-CEproof is currently the only Approved Body empowered to issue ‘UKCA mark’ certificates, enabling compliance with the post-Brexit UK Recreational Craft Regulations.

Celebrating the significance of its appointment, HPi-CEproof auctioned the rights for a boatbuilder to be assessed for RCR certificate number one. Proceeds were split equally between the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Divers Marine Life Rescue. No fees were charged for the assessment.

Continue reading “First ever UKCA RCR certificate issued by HPi-CEproof”

Cargo snagging during lifting operations safety alert issued

Cargo snagging during lifting operations safety alert issued
Cargo snagging during lifting operations safety alert issued

The Marine Safety Forum has issued a safety alert in which it describes a case of cargo snagging during lifting operations. The incident has highlighted the need for improvement in deck space management and planning.

A vessel was engaged in deck cargo operations at an offshore location. A number of lifts had been successfully discharged and backloaded which led to limited space on deck. The crane operator advised the next lift would be the 25ft basket on the starboard side which was duly connected to the crane hook. The vessel deck crew moved to a safe place and confirmed to the crane operator that he was clear to hoist.

As the crane operator began to lift the basket off the deck, the vessel bridge team noticed a corner of the basket had Continue reading “Cargo snagging during lifting operations safety alert issued”

Limiting liquefaction

Limiting liquefaction - Photo credit: London P&I Club
Limiting liquefaction – Photo credit: London P&I Club

Although the IMO provides the official regulations and guidance notes on cargo liquefaction, P&I Clubs such as The London P&I Club offer complementary advice to ship’s masters to raise awareness of the issue and to suggest practical steps to reduce the danger.

IMO has identified 75 bulk cargoes that have the potential to liquefy under certain conditions – these are known as Group A cargoes. If the Moisture Content (MC) of a Group A cargo exceeds the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) then vibration and the motion of the vessel might cause that cargo to behave as a liquid rather than a solid when it is being transported in the hold. When in liquified form, and in a heavy sea, the cargo can easily flow from one side of the hold to the other. This affects the vessel’s stability and can lead to a vessel capsizing. Therefore it is vital that the crew are fully aware of this issue and are able to spot warning signs as early as possible.

Continue reading “Limiting liquefaction”

MAIB initial assessment after the explosion onboard the potting fishing vessel Galwad-Y-Mor

Detail of shell plating damage to Galwad-Y-Mor showing coating loss and indentation between internal frames
Detail of shell plating damage to Galwad-Y-Mor showing coating loss and indentation between internal frames

A preliminary assessment of the explosion resulting in damage and abandonment of the potting fishing vessel Galwad-Y-Mor (BRD116) 22 nautical miles north of Cromer, Norfolk on 15 December 2020 has been released by the MAIB.

On 15 December 2020, Galwad-Y-Mor was operating in potting fishing grounds east of the Wash. At about 1120, the crew was in the process of hauling in a string of crab pots; the skipper was in the wheelhouse with other crew members below decks working the pots. The hauler was being used to heave in the back rope, and the crew had let Continue reading “MAIB initial assessment after the explosion onboard the potting fishing vessel Galwad-Y-Mor”

Remembering the novelty of face-to-face training

Do you recall those days when we used to get together in a room to do some face-to-face training and networking? It seems an age ago already with Zoom and Teams taking over as the was to train. So, imagine my angst when the planned 7 day practical course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis, which had been under development for more than a year, was placed in jeopardy by the pandemic. It was unclear if we could run the event safely until just a couple of weeks prior. But I am delighted to say we managed to get the course away with a reduced number of 6 students.

I spent a day with the students – social distancing and other sensible pandemic measures were in place naturally. As I write, the course has just one more day to run, including the multiple choice testing for students to undergo. Over the week, students have had the chance to get their hands dirty learning skills in the workshops about vessel structure as well as undertaking some practical activities with GRP. Continue reading “Remembering the novelty of face-to-face training”

River Canal Rescue calls for ‘sticky fuel’ samples

River Canal Rescue calls for ‘sticky fuel’ samples
River Canal Rescue calls for ‘sticky fuel’ samples

After a spate of incidents in which River Canal Rescue (RCR) has seen up to 100 cases of ‘sticky fuel’ this year, MD Stephanie Horton is asking for similar fuel samples to be sent to her. RCR says it is the UK’s largest national 24/7, 365 days-a-year breakdown/emergency assistance service provider for inland waterway boaters. As such, with around 4,000 call outs each year, it says it can usually gauge when an issue is arising. Now with regions affected from York to London and Bristol to Lancaster, Horton says it’s time to act and work out what the cause of the sticky fuel is. She’s calling for samples – and locations – so she can try to identify common factors like treatments being used.

The situation came to light when River Canal Rescue had two identical jobs. Fuel injectors were diagnosed as needing an overhaul, yet their replacements stopped working within a week. The injection pumps were found to have failed even though the diesel was clear and bright. Continue reading “River Canal Rescue calls for ‘sticky fuel’ samples”

MAIB report published about capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect

Report on capsize and full inversion of RS Venture Connect
Report on capsize and full inversion of RS Venture Connect

MAIB has published a report about the capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect. On 12 June 2019, Blackwell Sailing’s self-righting RS Venture Connect keelboat sail number 307 (RSVC 307) suffered a capsize and full inversion while sailing on Windermere, England. The boat was crewed by an experienced disabled sailor at the helm and a local sailing instructor who was acting as crewman.

Having been knocked down by gusty winds, RSVC 307 initially lay on its starboard side with its two crew still in their seats. The boat’s liftable keel then slid back into the hull, following which the boat inverted completely, trapping the disabled helmsman under the hull. The crewman was able to swim clear, but with the keel retracted he was unable to right RSVC 307 unaided.

The boat was righted by the Windermere Lake Wardens working with the crew of the sailing centre’s safety boat, and the helmsman was Continue reading “MAIB report published about capsize and full inversion of self-righting keelboat RS Venture Connect”

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