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.
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.
China launches CIC for ageing bulk carriers
19/06/2017
The China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) announced the launch of a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focusing on large bulk carriers of more than 10,000 gross tonnage (GT).
The Clubs' Correspondents have issued advice on aspects of quality and conditions the vessel should pay attention to during loading of bulk agricultural products, as well as points to consider while arranging steel surveys in South Russian ports of the Black sea.
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'.
Port authorities may require evidence of insurance prior to the expiry of current documents. Ships without 2017 policy year documentation prior to 20th February may face trading delays.
The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) latest press release is on the downward trend in oil spills from tankers.
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.
China Ratifies the Wreck Removal Convention
12/01/2017
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.
Members are reminded that the IMSBC Code amendment 03-15 as incorporated in IMO resolution MSC.393(95) entered into force on 1st January 2017.
2017 Reinsurance rates announced
14/12/2016
The International Group today announced that it had concluded terms for 2017 in respect of the excess of loss reinsurance.
Circular 20/16: 2017 POLICY YEAR
13/12/2016
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.
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.
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.
Carrying solid bulk cargoes safely
28/10/2016
Lloyd's Register, UK P&I Club, and Intercargo have released an update to the popular International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code pocket guide, designed for ships' officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading.
In Vinnlustodin HFVatryggingaffelag Islands HF vs Sea Tank Shipping AS [2016], the English Commercial Court was required to determine a preliminary "Limitation Issue"
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.
On 4th October, 2016, the US Coast Guard issued a notice on its Coast Guard Maritime Commons Blog in which it provided a recap of a presentation delivered by Lt. Cmdr. Jason Kling, of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, at the 2016 BWMTech Conference in Miami 26th-28th September.
The Club has been recently advised of frequent rain in Surigao, Philippines and unsafe, wet nickel ore cargo being presented for loading.