UK News

River Canal Rescue reports a record number of emergency call-outs

Posted on by News Hound

River Canal Rescue has responded to a record number of emergency call-outs this summer.

From June 1 to July 31 the breakdown and emergency assistance firm responded to 902 call-outs and undertook 223 major rescues or repair jobs.

During the same period last year, there were 833 call-outs and 208 major rescues or repairs.

One of its recent major rescues – on July 20 – was to raise a 70ft narrowboat from Macclesfield Canal.

The boat sank in lock nine of Bosley’s 12 lock flight after appearing to have got caught on the lock gate cill. It was the owners first day out on their first boat.

Continue reading “River Canal Rescue reports a record number of emergency call-outs”

Warilda: The Hospital ship sinking that shocked the nation remembered 100 years on

Posted on by News Hound
His Majesty's Australian Transport (HMAT) Warilda was transporting hundreds of wounded soldiers from the French port of Le Havre to Southampton
His Majesty’s Australian Transport (HMAT) Warilda was transporting hundreds of wounded soldiers from the French port of Le Havre to Southampton

A Southampton-based maritime charity will lower its flag to half-mast today (3 August) to commemorate the sinking of hospital ship (HMAT) Warilda 100 years ago, which caused outrage across the nation when it was torpedoed in the English Channel, killing 123 people.

His Majesty’s Australian Transport (HMAT) Warilda was transporting hundreds of wounded soldiers from the French port of Le Havre to Southampton when, despite being clearly marked with the Red Cross, it was struck by a single torpedo from a German U-boat.
Upon impact the ship’s starboard propeller was disabled, the engine room flooded and the steering gear obliterated. Unable to steer, the Warilda continued moving in a circle at 15 knots – making it difficult for those on board to escape in lifeboats.

The ship remained afloat for almost two hours before sinking into the channel.

Survivors were taken to Continue reading “Warilda: The Hospital ship sinking that shocked the nation remembered 100 years on”

London P&I Club, first to declare their strategy in the event of a hard Brexit

Posted on by News Hound

A battle ship docked by London BridgeUK maritime insurer London P&I Club is taking out an insurance policy against the business risks of Brexit by opening a subsidiary in Cyprus. The European market accounts for nearly two-thirds of London P&I’s business, and a Cypriot entity would still be able to operate under EU rules with EU clients in the event that a “hard Brexit” impedes cross-channel transactions.

London P&I Club, which has been serving the UK’s maritime sector since the dawn of the steamship era, told Reuters that it is now obtaining the necessary licenses from Cypriot authorities and setting up its new operations in the island state. they are one of the first to openly declare their post Brexit strategy.

Continue reading “London P&I Club, first to declare their strategy in the event of a hard Brexit”

Choose the right CO alarm, but be aware of false claims warns BSS

Posted on by News Hound

The several signs of carbon monoxide poisoningFollowing recent media reports about non-working, imported carbon monoxide (CO) alarms sold on internet shopping sites, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is cautioning boaters that choosing the right CO alarm is an especially critical decision as boats can fill in minutes, sometimes seconds, with lethal levels of the highly toxic gas.

The BSS has teamed up with the CoGDEM (Council of Gas Detection & Environment Monitoring) to urge boaters to choose one from the list of CO alarms suitable for boats as recommended by the makers of independently certified products. Continue reading “Choose the right CO alarm, but be aware of false claims warns BSS”

RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship launched

Posted on by News Hound

David Attenborough launching the shipThe UK’s polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough was launched into the River Mersey, Birkenhead on Saturday July 14.

Once in the river, tugs towed the 129-meter (423-foot) 10,000 ton hull to Cammell Laird’s wet basin for the next stages of construction. The polar research ship is scheduled to commence operation in 2019.

More than 3,000 shipyard workers, engineers, scientists and maritime industry experts gathered with special guest speakers, including world-renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate.

Continue reading “RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship launched”

The importance of kill cords reiterated by UK Coastguard following an incident

Posted on by News Hound

A captain wearing a killcordThe UK Coastguard has issued kill cords safety advice following a recent incident when two men were thrown from their speedboat in the afternoon of 12 July off the coast of Kent. The kill cord is designed to ‘kill’ a boat engine in case the driver goes overboard.

At around 2.25pm on 12 July, HM Coastguard received a number of 999 calls reporting that two men had been thrown from a speedboat, which then continued unmanned until it crashed into the sea wall at Minnis Bay Margate. The two men were rescued by the RNLI Lifeguards.

Continue reading “The importance of kill cords reiterated by UK Coastguard following an incident”

Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication

Posted on by News Hound
There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.
There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

On the occasion of the launch of Maritime Safety Week by the UK government running this week, the Shipowners Club issued its fishing vessel safety booklet, summarizing key safety tips for one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. There have been many studies carried out over the years showing that fatalities on fishing vessels remain a real threat.

It is essential that the vessel’s skipper and all crew are fully familiarised with the vessel and its equipment, including any vessel-specific quirks, prior to departing a berth. A pre-sailing checklist should be completed, including:

– The operation and maintenance of the fishing equipment.
– The location and operation of safety equipment, ensuring it is free from obstruction
– The onboard layout of the spaces such as void spaces, engine room and cargo spaces.
– The location and operation of key Continue reading “Shipowners P&I Club issues loss prevention and fishing vessel safety publication”

British Marine appoints Lesley Robinson as new CEO

Posted on by News Hound
Lesley has formerly worked with start-ups, turnarounds and organic and in the field of acquisition-driven diversification.
Lesley has formerly worked with start-ups, turnarounds and organic and in the field of acquisition-driven diversification.

Lesley Robinson has been appointed CEO of British Marine, taking up the position on July 16.

Lesley has held many high-level positions in public, non-marine and leisure marine sectors and is a qualified accountant with financial, commercial and general management roles to her credit.

“Lesley has the varied and extensive skill set that is needed to lead and guide British Marine forward through its continued navigation of change,” said David Pougher, interim MD. “I am extremely pleased that we were able to act swiftly in identifying what is required and to appoint someone who can clearly illustrate their capabilities through previous, successful roles.”

He added: “I am also confident that Continue reading “British Marine appoints Lesley Robinson as new CEO”

Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process

Posted on by News Hound
Oyster will secure quality control over the construction of its hulls through a new mould production facility in Norfolk
Oyster will secure quality control over the construction of its hulls through a new mould production facility in Norfolk

Oyster Yachts has formed a partnership with Lloyd’s Register EMEA (LR) to secure a safety certification process to be implemented on all its new built yachts.

LR will approve the design, materials and build quality of all hulls and decks on Oyster yachts. To ensure compliance with LR rules, an LR surveyor will inspect all yachts in production once per week. As a result, all newly built Oyster vessels will carry an LR moulding certificate immediately upon completion. Oyster will become the only British builder of sailing yachts sub 24m to carry out this level certification.

Richard Hadida, Oyster’s CEO, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an esteemed, globally recognised partner in LR, another great British brand. This third-party accreditation will assure Continue reading “Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process”

NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment

Posted on by News Hound
A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.
A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about safe working loads of sheet and halyard systems, using Marine Results’ specialist destructive testing facility to evaluate the breaking loads.

Already well known in the market for rig management and survey projects on the world’s largest and most advanced sailing yachts, Marine Results is now using non-destructive testing to detect cracks and flaws in masts.

This testing uses non-invasive ultra-sonic screening with the company supporting the Grand Prix circuit, Americas Cup, GC32, TP52s and Open 60s.

“We frequently work as part of a larger team with other suppliers on major rig projects,” explained director Jon Morris.

“The data that we produce from the megayachts in collaboration with our regular partners trickles right down to the mass market enabling design standards to advance across the industry.”

A collaboration with rope supplier Marlow shares data about Continue reading “NDT increasingly used to detect cracks in large masts in a changing insurance environment”

Maritime Minister to open Seawork and give a key note address on women in the marine industry

Posted on by News Hound

Nusrat GhaniMaritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, the first Muslim woman to speak from the House of Commons despatch box, will make a keynote speech on a new initiative for women in the maritime sector at Seawork 2018.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State will also tour the show, meeting exhibitors and women in the commercial marine industry. The opening will take place at 1000 on the first day of Seawork (Tuesday 3 July) at the Golden Arrow Restaurant.

Continue reading “Maritime Minister to open Seawork and give a key note address on women in the marine industry”

PLA place order for the first UK hybrid pilot boat

Posted on by News Hound
The new hybrid vessel is due for delivery spring 2019
The new hybrid vessel is due for delivery spring 2019

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has ordered the UK’s first hybrid pilot boat from Goodchild Marine in bold move to help meet climate targets.

The ORC 136.HY is a parallel hybrid pilot boat, which will combine both diesel and electric power and has been designed to be completely emission-free when operating in electric mode.

The PLA has placed the order as it starts to deliver on the commitments in its recently published Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames – also the first of its kind for any UK Port.

Among the 18 proposals for action is a commitment to encourage the installation of green technology.

Goodchild Marine Services Limited, a family-run business in Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth – whose ORC flagship range lends itself to incorporating hybrid power – is partnering with Continue reading “PLA place order for the first UK hybrid pilot boat”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance