Oyster Yachts plumps for new safety certification process

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

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”

Hastily imposed retaliatory tariffs on US leisure boats are starting to hurt

The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.
The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.

All leisure boats imported to the UK from the US are now subject to additional duties of up to 25%, except those in transit prior to June 22. The extra duties are part of the European Commission’s retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminium tariffs with leisure craft just one area affected.

“We’ve identified some other products that are on the list and we’re asking members to contact us if they are affected,” said Andrew Harries British Marine senior external relations and communications executive.

“We’re making representations to the UK Government and trying to make a case that boats don’t fit in with the EU’s counter measures. The tariffs will have an adverse impact on small businesses – boats are a luxury item and we are reliant on consumer spending.”

He added: “Prior to the EU referendum Continue reading “Hastily imposed retaliatory tariffs on US leisure boats are starting to hurt”

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

Maritime 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”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch annual report for 2017 has been published

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its 112 page annual report for 2017 today.  the report in full can be downloaded in pdf format below. Writing in his introduction for the final time after eight years with the Branch, Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, says:

“2017 was a typically busy year for the Branch, not only in terms of its investigation workload but also in respect of its effort to promulgate the safety message, build relationships with stakeholders and train its staff. Included in this report is a selection of the diary entries for MAIB staff, which I hope will provide a flavour of the diverse nature of the work they have been involved with during the year.

Continue reading “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch annual report for 2017 has been published”

PLA place order for the first UK hybrid pilot boat

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”

Volvo aiming to have a new self-docking system ready by 2020

The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS)
The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS)

In a live demonstration of the self-docking system, which can be seen in the video below, a 20.7-metre (68-foot) motor yacht fitted with the technology was able to automatically and safely dock in a compact space between other vessels.

The self-docking system is centred around a joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), which is a comprehensive integrated propulsion system. The automated docking procedures are viable thanks to the on-board electronic vessel control system (EVC), which calculates steering power, speeds and the boat’s exact location. It also interacts with four sensors positioned in the berth for maximum accuracy.

As well as being able to safely secure a boat into a berthing space, the automated system can also help it depart with ease.

The pioneering new device is aligned perfectly with Continue reading “Volvo aiming to have a new self-docking system ready by 2020”

The appointment of a suitably experienced surveyor is vital to avoid steel cargo damage says North P&I

North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage
North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage

Several problems can arise when transporting steel cargoes by sea reports North P&I. The more common issues can be broadly categorised as mechanical damage, or rust-related problems. Indeed, in many cases the damage occurs before it is even loaded onto the carrying vessel. North of England P&I Club has elected to publish a briefing document providing best advice leading to the minimisation of the risk of cargo damage.

Common issues that can result in damage to the cargo include poor handling, substandard stowage and securing, water ingress into the hold and improper hold ventilation.

Key issues
Pre-shipment condition: It is not uncommon for steel cargoes to Continue reading “The appointment of a suitably experienced surveyor is vital to avoid steel cargo damage says North P&I”

New marina project set to provide major new jobs boost for Edinburgh

The latest details released by the developer show that phase one alone will now produce over 400 permanent employment opportunities for the local community
The latest details released by the developer show that phase one alone will now produce over 400 permanent employment opportunities for the local community

The developer of the new Edinburgh Marina development has confirmed that the number of new permanent jobs created, as a result of the £500 million waterside development, will exceed the figure previously estimated by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2016.

As a result of phase one alone, which includes the new marina and hotel, the number of permanent job opportunities available was previously expected to reach 300 in CEC projections. The latest details released by the developer show that phase one alone will now produce over 400 permanent employment opportunities for the local community. In addition to the increased number of new jobs provided by the Edinburgh Marina development, the percentage of affordable homes that will be delivered throughout the scheme is far in excess of original expectations and well timed to assist with Edinburgh’s desperate need for this type of accommodation.

Continue reading “New marina project set to provide major new jobs boost for Edinburgh”

Incorrect oxygen welding gas hose led to fire

The hose had been recently replaced, but the replacement hose was a hydraulic oil service hose with oxygen fittings.
The hose had been recently replaced, but the replacement hose was a hydraulic oil service hose with oxygen fittings.

In its latest Safety Flashes, IMCA presents a case of a fire due to incorrectly selected oxygen welding gas hose, during a routine cutting job onboard a ship. There were no injuries or ship damage, but investigation later revealed that the hose had been recently replaced with one that did not comply with ISO 14113 specification.

The incident
The ship’s welder opened the Oxygen and Acetylene gas bottle valves in order to do a cutting job on deck. These gas bottles were attached to the vessel’s integrated welding gas system. Opening the valve on the Oxygen bottle caused an explosion to a short, high pressure hose delivering oxygen from the bottle to the oxygen gas regulator. The end of the hose caught fire and was quickly extinguished by turning off the oxygen bottle. Nobody was injured and the only damage was to the hose that completely separated.

Findings
The hose had been recently replaced, but the replacement hose was a hydraulic oil service hose with oxygen fittings. The replacement hose was not Continue reading “Incorrect oxygen welding gas hose led to fire”

British Marine issues statement following cancellation of 2019 London Boat Show

British Marine, which organises and owns the London Boat Show, has announced that the 2019 Show, due to run at ExCeL London from 9-13 January 2019, will not take place.
British Marine, which organises and owns the London Boat Show, has announced that the 2019 Show, due to run at ExCeL London from 9-13 January 2019, will not take place.

British Marine, which organises and owns the London Boat Show, has announced that the 2019 Show, due to run at ExCeL London from 9-13 January 2019, will not take place.

This decision was made after independent research by exhibition experts, Zing Insights, showed there was insufficient support from a large proportion of the marine industry to the London Boat Show with its current format, duration and location.

In the last three weeks, Zing Insights has carried out personal interviews with over 67% of exhibitors. This revealed that whilst a number of marine companies supported the change to a five day Show, finding it preferable to a 10 day Show, a large number of key exhibitors were not prepared to commit to exhibiting to a five day Show at ExCeL in January 2019.

Continue reading “British Marine issues statement following cancellation of 2019 London Boat Show”

Sinking raises safety issues on bilge alarms

The failure of engine cooling system pipework is one of the most common causes of flooding on small fishing vessels
The failure of engine cooling system pipework is one of the most common causes of flooding on small fishing vessels

In its latest Safety Digest, the UK MAIB provides learnings about an 8.13m fibreglass fishing vessel that was engaged in picking up its fleets of creels when it began to take on water and subsequently sank. The skipper, who was working alone, managed to deploy the boat’s liferaft and climb into it as the boat was sinking and was later rescued without injuries.

The incident
The skipper went out to sea shortly after daybreak to recover his two fleets of creels. The weather was good. As soon as he arrived at the fishing grounds, he hauled in the first fleet of creels and stowed it on the aft end of the deck. He then headed at speed toward the second fleet of creels.

Continue reading “Sinking raises safety issues on bilge alarms”

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