The UK Club has recieved the following update from our Correspondents Budd Group regarding a slight relaxation of SPRO requirements.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
05/03/2020
In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this Guidance has been produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to support all types of ships which operate in international waters. The purpose is to help shipping companies follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The coronavirus outbreak is causing concerns for the cruise industry, but this is of course not the first time the industry has been faced with a breakout of a viral infection onboard. Members may find our Victoria Brown's 2015 article, "People Claims - Norovirus on board" in which she discussed the Judge's decision in Nolan -v- TUI UK Ltd (2015), of particular interest.
We have put in place temporary flexible working arrangements for our staff to avoid the worst of the rush hour in compliance with the Japanese Government's recommendation for preventing spread of infection of Coronavirus.
Non-Compliant Fuel Carriage Ban
20/02/2020
From 1st March 2020, carriage ban on non-compliant fuel oil will enter into force. This means that ships can no longer carry non-compliant fuel on-board unless the same is carried as cargo. Any non-compliant fuel remaining on-board must be removed from the vessel's fuel tanks failing which there will be a de-facto non-compliance even if such fuel was not intended to be used for consumption. The Carriage Ban does not apply to vessels fitted with operational scrubbers.
The Club would like to draw Members' attention to recent increases in fines for ship-source pollution under Greek Environmental Law. These increases, which are substantial, have been introduced via Presidential Decrees 113/2019 and 108/2019 to bring Greek environmental legislation in line with EU Directives 2005/35 and 2009/123.
List of Correspondents 2020
18/02/2020
The 2020 List of Correspondents book is available to download as a PDF at the above link.
As there is a wide variety of liquid cargoes carried and many different types of ships involved, the subject of sampling is very wide. This article deals with the general principles of how to ascertain the apparent order and condition of liquid goods when they are shipped and, just as importantly, how to preserve the evidence.
Stress Happens!
12/02/2020
"Stress Happens!" is the brainchild of Crew Health partners Liz Baugh of Red Square Medical and Karen Passman of Impact Crew. The training workshop, developed in 2019 is a response to the increasing awareness of issues affecting crew mental wellbeing whilst onboard.
The Club would like to draw attention to a recent notice (safety alert 02-20) issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) on gas detection vulnerabilities on gas carriers.
South Korea - Coronavirus update
07/02/2020
The UK P&I Club have received the below advice from our local correspondents, HS Corporation, regarding the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and the affect on the region.
Coronavirus 2020 Resources
05/02/2020
The UK Club's correspondents, C. Fernie & Co, advise that the Panama Canal Authority has introduced fresh water conservation strategies, effective 15.02.20
The UK Club's Correspondents in Brazil, Representacoes Proinde Ltda, have prepared the attached Practical Guidance on Cargo Claims in Brazil. This detailed guidance provides an explanation of the Brazilian legal system in Brazil, the country's regulatory framework, how cargo claims in Brazil are handled, the applicable time bars, etc.. Members who trade to Brazil will no doubt find this guidance very helpful. If Members have any questions relating to the content of this guidance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact at the Club, or to contact the Correspondents directly.
QCR Winter 2019: Package holiday - negligence - personal injury - sometimes accidents happen
30/01/2020
Kellett v RCL Cruises and Others High Ct (Barr J) [2019] IEHC 408
With the IMO 2020 fuel regulations, and alongside that the Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations, currently at the forefront of everyone's mind, the California Air Resources Board(CARB) has felt it necessary to issue a reminder, Marine Notice 2020-1, to vessel operators that the California Fuel Regulations remain fully in force, and must be complied with. These regulations, applicable within 24 nautical miles of California's shore, require the use of distillate fuels with maximum 0.1% sulphur content and do not allow for the use of exhaust gas scrubbers or non-distillate fuels to meet compliance standards.
ECM Client Alert 01-2020 - USCG: Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI - Revised Guidance CVC-WI-022
17/01/2020
The USCG's Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has issued an updated guidance outlining how it will enforce Marpol Annex VI requirements, including the IMO 2020 Sulphur cap, within the two US
The UK Club have received the following update from our local correspondents Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd regarding guidelines for supervision and management of air pollutant emissions.
Herniated discs, strains, sprains, inflammation, stiffness and tenderness are just some of the back pain symptoms reported to the UK Club due to heavy lifting and day to day shipboard activities.