Tony Goldsmith named as new Head of Marine & Trade by Hill Dickinson

Tony Goldsmith has been appointed as Head of Marine and Trade at UK headquartered international law firm Hill Dickinson. Tony Goldsmith is a former seagoing master mariner who joined Hill Dickinson in 1993 and became founder and managing partner of the firm’s Singapore office when it opened in 2009. He will succeed the firm’s current Head of Marine, David Wareing, who is due to retire in the autumn having held the position since 2017.

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the helm from David, with the full support of the team,” said Goldsmith. “Our Marine Group has benefited hugely from David’s wise stewardship, helping to reinforce our position as an industry leader in the many sectors for which we are known. There are exciting and challenging times ahead as the world emerges from lockdown, and it is a privilege that I have been entrusted to take over the baton.”

Hill Dickinson chief executive Peter Jackson said: “Tony Goldsmith is hugely respected as a maritime law specialist, Continue reading “Tony Goldsmith named as new Head of Marine & Trade by Hill Dickinson”

Mid pandemic and IIMS finally secures its new flagship head office, Murrills House

Murrills House is the new permanent flagship headquarters for IIMS
Murrills House is the new permanent flagship headquarters for IIMS

The news has been so downbeat and tragic for so many people in recent months for the reasons we all know, so it is a good feeling to be able to share a rather more positive news story.

Back in 2018, IIMS members at the AGM voted and mandated me to find office accommodation to purchase as an asset for the Institute when our rental term expired. Little did I know that a little over two years on, we would complete the purchase of Murrills House (offices we had rented for the past 10 years) and which we now own. Yes, on Friday 31st July 2020, we formally completed the deal and are now the proud owners of a delightful Grade II Continue reading “Mid pandemic and IIMS finally secures its new flagship head office, Murrills House”

Make your views on red diesel known to the UK Government by 1 October 2020

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is urging users of diesel propelled craft, particularly private pleasure craft, to have their say on the future of red diesel. It’s not about the colour, tax status or price, says the RYA, it’s about existing supply needs.

A consultation has been launched by HMRC about the proposed changes to the rules and you have until 1 October 2020 to read the proposals and make your views known.

At this year’s Spring Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak shared plans for the intended removal of entitlement to use red diesel from April 2022, except for the agriculture sector (including forestry, horticulture and fish farming), railways, and where red diesel is used to power Continue reading “Make your views on red diesel known to the UK Government by 1 October 2020”

Terror takes to the water: British research vessel cargo tender launched

Terror, research vessel, launched
Terror, research vessel cargo tender, launched

Terror, the new 22-tonne cargo tender for the upcoming British research vessel Sir David Attenborough, was recently launched on the Exeter Ship Canal for her maiden voyage and to undergo a series of technical and engineering tests to check sea-worthiness, stability and crane operations.

The cargo tender will play a critical role onboard the polar research ship, Sir David Attenborough, which, in addition to its scientific role, will support the resupply of the five Antarctic research stations operated by British Antarctic Survey.

Terror will transfer food, fuel and science equipment to any locations where the water is too shallow for the new polar ship to approach. Continue reading “Terror takes to the water: British research vessel cargo tender launched”

Report issued by MAIB into the fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II

Fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II
Fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II

At about 1550 on 23 September 2019, the 6.2m fishing vessel, Anna-Marie II, capsized as it entered the mouth of the Brora river while returning from its fishing grounds. The vessel broached and was capsized in unusually high waves, resulting in both its skipper and crewman entering the water. Neither was wearing a personal flotation device; the crewman managed to swim ashore but unfortunately the skipper drowned.

Our investigation determined that the skipper struck his head during the capsize, which may have affected his ability to swim. Had the skipper been wearing a lifejacket it would have helped keep his head out of the water and might have increased his likelihood of survival.

Safety issues
Crossing a river bar in a small boat can be extremely hazardous, particularly at low tide in large swells. The skipper’s extensive knowledge of the local Continue reading “Report issued by MAIB into the fatal capsize of fishing vessel Anna-Marie II”

IIMS is supporting UK Maritime Safety Week

My blog is long overdue for an update and what better time to scribble down a few words than at the start of UK Maritime Safety Week which runs from 6 to 10 July 2020. It seems appropriate to put the IIMS weight behind an awareness campaign of this kind, not least as one of the major roles of any marine surveyor, not just in the UK, is to help to keep lives safe at sea and to help protect vessels, cargoes and maritime assets.

UK Maritime Minister, Kelly Tolhurst MP outlined the objectives of the week:
– Recognise the excellent safety work that already goes on across the sector;
Continue reading “IIMS is supporting UK Maritime Safety Week”

Opportunity to purchase specialist survey equipment at auction following collapse of firm

The assets of a survey specialist that has gone into administration will be sold in an online auction on 16 July. Formerly known as Osiris Projects, Bibby HydroMap was established in 1997 and provide hydrographic, geophysical, UXO, ROV, and asset inspection surveys. Bibby HydroMap filed for administration in April, citing cashflow issues and seemingly unable to find a buyer or investor. As a result around 100 jobs were lost.

Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd (OSL) is providing exclusive vessel brokerage services for four vessels that form part of the assets of Bibby HydroMap Ltd, part of Bibby Marine. Continue reading “Opportunity to purchase specialist survey equipment at auction following collapse of firm”

Can UK waterways business be saved?

“The patient is being left to die.” Those were the stark words used by Paul Rodgers to describe how grave he sees the situation that UK holiday hire companies, boatyards, boatbuilders, training operations, marinas, boat clubs and other waterways businesses find themselves in thanks to the collapse in business following the COVID-19 related shutdown.

There are now fears among waterways bodies of the demise of much of the sector as a result of the loss of this summer’s business – unless an immediate rescue package is put together.

Continue reading “Can UK waterways business be saved?”

MAIB publishes its 2019 Annual Report

The MAIB has published its Annual Report for last year with details about its activities and safety investigation work undertaken. In an extract from his Foreword, Capt Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Accidents at MAIB, said, “I am pleased to introduce MAIB’s annual report 2019. It was a busy and successful year for the Branch improving safety at sea by our sustained output of safety investigation reports, safety digests, safety bulletins, and wider industry engagement. The Branch raised 1222 reports of marine accidents and incidents and commenced 22 investigations in 2019, compared with 1227 reports and 23 investigations started in 2018. Tragically, 13 investigations involved loss of life.

Continue reading “MAIB publishes its 2019 Annual Report”

Geoff Waddington takes over as President of IIMS

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Institute of Marine Surveying held at Murrills House, Portchester on 16th June 2020, Geoff Waddington took up the position of President of the Institute, a position he will hold for the next two years. Geoff replaces Dubai based Capt Zarir Irani who has held the position since 2018.

In normal times, a short ceremony would have taken place as the President’s medal was formally handed from the outgoing to the incoming President, but this year, for obvious reasons, the Annual General Meeting was held in an online only capacity. However, a short video had been pre-recorded showing Capt Zarir Irani seeming to hand the medal through a Zoom screen to Geoff Waddington who appeared to take delivery of it. The wonders of modern technology and a fun gesture not lost on the large online audience.

Continue reading “Geoff Waddington takes over as President of IIMS”

Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections move step closer after successful test

Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections
Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections

A drone has successfully inspected a 19.4 meter high oil tank on board a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel. The video shot by the drone was interpreted in real-time by an algorithm to detect cracks in the structure. It is the latest step in a technology qualification process that could lead to tank inspections becoming safer and more efficient. Scout Drone Inspection and DNV GL, the quality assurance and risk management company, have been working together to develop an autonomous drone system to overcome the common challenges of tank inspections. For the customer, costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars as the tank is taken out of service for days to ventilate and construct scaffolding. The tanks are also tough work environments, with Continue reading “Scout Drone Inspection: Autonomous drone inspections move step closer after successful test”

Inventory of Hazardous Materials compliance has new guide published by UK P&I Club

New guide for compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials
New guide for compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials

The UK P&I Club, a leading provider of protection and indemnity insurance to the international shipping community, has published a guide for ship-owners to ensure compliance with the Inventory of Hazardous Materials legislation.

The guide addresses the technical aspects, important concepts, processes and requirements of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, aiming to assist Members in ensuring compliance with the existing regulations and reduce the likelihood of reputational risks.

Over the last decade international and regional ship recycling legislation has been adopted, some of which is Continue reading “Inventory of Hazardous Materials compliance has new guide published by UK P&I Club”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine