Operating in conditions of heavy weather
12/05/2020
With reports of operators directing ships through the Straits of Magellan and round The Cape of Good Hope in order to save on canal dues and take advantage of the suppressed fuel prices, a reminder to Masters of the considerations that should be taken into account when operating in areas of adverse weather conditions.
Law firm Hai Tong & Partners have kindly provided the UK Club with their recent circular, with the latest updates on Chinese law to share with Members.
Japan office closures for Golden Week
30/04/2020
Please note that our Japan offices will be closing for three days to celebrate a collection of National holidays known as 'Golden Week'.
The Club would like to remind Members that commercial vessels calling at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will, in addition to complying with the U.S. federal government’s enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI and the California Air Resources Board’s enforcement of its low-sulphur and shore power connection (At-Berth) regulations, also have to ensure compliance with the rules of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“AQMD”).
IACS position on surveys
22/04/2020
IACS is committed to supporting the maritime industry through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic.
Further to their recent Circular Ref No: PNI [2020] 05 bringing to our attention China MSA’s version 2.0 of their “Guidance on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 on board”, the Club’s Correspondents, Messrs Huatai Marine, have now issued a new Circular Ref No: PNI [2020] 06 providing Members with the latest update on crew changes in Chinese ports.
On 29 March, China MSA issued their updated Guidance on the Prevention and Control of Covid-19 Onboard. This is an update on Version 1.0 issued on 17 March. The UK Club’s Correspondents, Messrs Huatai, have helpfully summarised the amendments in their Circular Ref No.: PNI [2020] 05. The main amendments are the introduction of guidance on crew change operations and precautionary measures to minimise an “overseas epidemic".
The USCG in its Marine Safety Information Bulletin (IMSB) dated 9 April 2020, notes that disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability in the current COVID-19 pandemic can lead to delays in the installation and the commissioning of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS). The Coast Guard is, therefore, adjusting its extension policy under the US Ballast Water Management Regulations for vessels which may be impacted by the pandemic, with BWTS compliance dates before 1 April 2021. In instances where the pandemic has made it impractical to perform necessary or scheduled work on a vessel;
New Lessons Learnt Video: Mooring Injury
16/04/2020
The animated video depicts a mooring accident that occurred when a bulk carrier was discharging cargo alongside a mineral terminal. While repositioning the vessel astern the terminal, using only mooring lines and with the engine on stand-by, the master became concerned the vessel was developing excessive sternway.
We gladly invite you to join us for our second live webinar in our newly launched webinar series. In this webinar we will explore the technical aspects of fuel quality claims, leaving plenty of time for questions at the end.
Michael Carroll and David Thompson of Signum Services, the in-house investigative arm of UK P&I Club issues this reminder to colleagues, Members and their staff to be extra vigilant, alert and cautious during this Covid-19 period when confinement orders in place in many countries are requiring staff to work from home from their personal laptops and computers.
Unique discount for UK Club Members
09/04/2020
Our Crew Health team are pleased to announce a unique, discounted rate for all UK Club Members to access a superb wellness package thanks to our newest partners, Tapiit Ltd.
Catering standards on cargo ships
09/04/2020
UK Club Risk Assessor, Captain Markus Westphal, takes a hard look at catering standards on-board cargo ships and provides useful advice on what crew members can do to keep themselves and their crewmates safe from illness, such as food poisoning.
Whether master presented by Shipper’s with clean BL to sign was provided with warranty that cargo shipped in good order and condition – Consideration of Article III rules 3 and 5 of the Hague Rules.
Failure to pass title in goods - Allocation of risks - Defence of common mistake – Status of a warehouse receipt – Bailment of goods – Limitation provisions in warehouse’s terms and conditions - Estoppel
When is a peril a piracy? Was there an attack on the vessel? Were there persons acting maliciously? Was there an act of vandalism? What there a “sabotage” of the vessel?
Parana River: Draft Restrictions
08/04/2020
The UK Club has received the following circular from correspondents, Pandi Liquiadores SRL, regarding draft restrictions in the Parana River.