Lessons Learnt: Enclosed Space Fatality
20/09/2017
As discharge of a cargo of coal progressed, the level in one of the cargo holds had lowered to the point where stevedores needed to enter for cargo trimming operations using bulldozers.
Discover guidelines for the efficient carriage of cargo in Non-Operating Reefers (NOR) to reduce repositioning costs
The subject vessel was berthed on a NNE heading, port side to an exposed quay for cargo discharge operations. In the early morning, the wind was observed to increase in strength from the NW. The Master ordered the crew to deploy additional mooring ropes, with the final arrangement reported to be 4 head/stern lines, 2 breast lines and 2 spring lines forward and aft.
In October 2016 the U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") announced further amendments to the Cuban Asset Control Regulations ("CACR"), which restrict the scope of the application of the "180 day rule," by permitting ships to carry a wider range of cargos to be imported to Cuba from third countries without their being subject to the '180 day rule'.
China has ratified the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 and the Convention will enter into force in China from 11 February 2017. The Chinese MSA published a notice on the application procedure for WRC Certificates.
Risk Focus: Engine Room Fires
05/12/2016
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.
Risk Focus: Paint
27/10/2016
The UK Club has teamed up with coating consultants Safinah to produce the latest Risk Focus publication on paint.
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.
Members must notify the Club at the earliest opportunity if they intend to load nickel ore from Indonesian or Philippine ports, and may prejudice cover if they fail to do so; This circular details the information that needs to be advised to the Club; This information is being compiled to identify those areas, ports & shippers that present particular difficulties, e.g. inaccurate cargo declarations; It remains the Members responsibility to ensure full compliance with the IMSBC Code; Mandatory notification applies only to cargoes of Nickel Ore to be loaded in Indonesia and the Philippines, and not to any other bulk cargoes
The Managers have been made aware that legislation has been passed in Indonesia which purports to place a ban on the expert of minerals from Indonesian ports, unless the shipper has been granted a specific export permit. The cargoes which may be affected include nickel ore, bauxite and iron ore. Reports suggest that ships which are scheduled to load or are in the process of loading ore cargoes may be subject to delays where the exporters of the cargo do not possess the relevant permit.
The Club has published a checklist and guide to avoiding fires when carrying Indonesian coal cargoes in bulk. It is an 'aide memoire' for the guidance of shippers, shipowners, charterers, surveyors, ships' crews and other parties involved in the loading and carriage of cargoes of coal. Self-heating incidents involving coal cargoes loaded at Indonesian ports have become increasingly frequent in recent years. The problem appears to stem from the nature of these coals, possibly exacerbated by local handling loading.
The Club has despatched a copy of the Nautical Institute publication "Bulk Carrier Practice" (2nd edn.) to its dry bulk carrier operator Members. Also in the package are the "Bulk Matters" DVD which addresses the causes and prevention of dry bulk cargo claims and the latest iron ore fines "aide-memoire".
The Club would like to remind Members that this is an ongoing problem and is particularly relevant at this time as very heavy rains are being experienced during this current monsoon season.
Explore far-reaching implications of the "Giannis NK" case, which established a pivotal precedent in maritime law regarding classification of "dangerous goods."