For the 2017 policy year, the Club retention will remain $10 million. The Group Pooling retention will remain unchanged at $80 million and continues to be insured by the Group captive, Hydra, and pre-funded by a premium contribution from each club. This premium is included in the reinsurance rates.
On 2 December, the USCG issued the first USCG Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Norwegian manufacturer, Optimarin AS, the attached ECM Maritime Services Client alert 24-2016 reports.
The UK Club has teamed up with experts in forensic investigation, Burgoynes, to produce the latest Risk Focus on Engine Room Fires. Engine room fires are one of the most common fires on ships owing to the presence of a wide range of sources of fuel, sources of ignition and running machinery. An extended period of time on board a ship without a fire incident can lead to complacency and a failure to prioritise fire prevention measures and simulated fire incident practices.
The US Coast Guard has published a booklet of FAQs titled "Nontank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRP) - Frequently Asked Questions - December 02, 2013". The FAQs are attached here in PDF format. They can also be viewed in the "
OUTLINE: This circular refers to Circular 18/13 United States Vessel Response Plans. Copies of the appropriate MSRC and NRC contracts are attached as PDFs to the website version of this circular. US Coast Guard has issued a set of FAQs on Non Tank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRP).
Owners of non-tank vessels calling at US ports will be required to submit their Vessel Response Plan (VRP) by 30th January 2014. This new requirement is being reviewed by the International Group and a more detailed circular will be issued in due course.
The European Union's PLR applies to all ships carrying more than 12 passengers and either registered in or trading to an EU or EEA Member State takes effect from 31 December 2012. This regulation implements the key provisions of the Athens Convention 1974 as amended by the 2002 Protocol and 2006 IMO Reservation and Guidelines. It requires certification of insurance for liabilities up to SDR 250,000 (approximately US$ 384,970) per passenger. Our
PLR takes effect from 31 December 2012. It applies to all ships carrying more than 12 passengers and either registered in or trading to an EU/EEA Member State. Certification of insurance for liabilities up to SDR 250,000 per passenger under the Athens Convention will be required by the PLR. The Club will be issuing non-war Blue Cards to facilitate owners' application for State certificates in advance of 31 December 2012. Group clubs do not provide primary war risks cover. Arrangements for alternative means of compliance with the PLR requirement for a war risks Blue Card are currently under discussion within the International Group. Further developments should be announced shortly.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act 2010, due to become US law very shortly, imposes substantial requirements on cruise ships carrying over 250 passengers on international voyages which embark or disembark passengers in any US port. They concern design and construction, medical facilities, passenger and crew information, training and measures to report and combat crime.
