An aid to risk identification and loss reduction.

During cargo operations, the duty deck officer noticed the presence of a large quantity of water within one of the holds. He immediately informed the master and arrangements were made to transfer the water into a holding tank using the hold bilge pumping system.

The International Group today announced that it had concluded terms for 2017 in respect of the excess of loss reinsurance.

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.

Thomas Miller Hellas' resident Risk Assessor David Nichol looks at the safe carriage of dangerous goods in containers.

The Association has been recently advised of an incident involving self-ignition of charcoals in a container shipped from Namibia.

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.

Advisory on Final Rule relating to Nontank Vessel Response Plan requirements confirms 30 January 2014 VRP submission date.

The UK P&I Club has revised and reissued the four booklets in its 'Book it Right and Pack it Tight' series. First produced eight years ago, these practical straightforward, well-illustrated, cross-referenced guides have been updated to embrace changes brought in by amendments to the Code.

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