Applications for the issue of certificates in accordance with article 7 of the Convention should be sent to the European Regional Office of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry along with the original evidence of insurance (or "Blue Card") issued by the insurer or other financial institution. Contact details are given in the Section 6 of this Shipping Notice. "Electronic Blue Cards", if issued directly by the P&I Club, will be accepted as "original".
"Blue Cards" issued by P&I Clubs which are not members of the "International Group of P&I Clubs" (www.igpandi.org) may be subject to detailed investigations in order to ensure the provider of financial security is approved by the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority (FSA). The Minimum period for conducting investigations is ten (10) working days, but may take longer.
The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry will then arrange for the issue the required certificates under the provisions of the Convention.
The issue of the certificate will attract an administration fee in line with current policy.
The Club has heard that the Cayman Islands have not been able to request the United Kingdom authority to extend ratification to them prior to the 20th February. The Cayman Islands have advised the International Group secretariat that they are thus unable to issue any certificates in their own name.
During the initial stages of the voyage, the vessel encountered heavy weather, with spray and seas shipped on deck and all hatch covers over a period of 8 days; this video explores how this affected the maize cargo.
The preparation of cargo holds for the next intended carriage is a critical operation which requires careful planning and execution; this article considers a number of legal issues which may arise, including terms commonly used in charterparties to describe the cleanliness of cargo holds, the consequences of failing to comply with such terms, potentially resulting in off-hire claims and damages, and the role of the independent surveyor.
Hold preparation is probably the most vital part of bulk carrier operations; if it is not undertaken properly, it can result in substantial cargo claims, delays, additional cleaning, survey costs and expensive off-hire disputes.
