Certifying Authority Archives - The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)

MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law

Posted on November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 by News Hound

The new edition of the code will be statutory from 13th December 2023

Following many months of protracted discussions and consultation earlier this year, Workboat Code edition 3 is set to become law from 13 December 2023. From this date onwards this Code must only be used for new workboats and pilot boats.

Existing vessels that are certificated under the Brown Code, its equivalent standard published in the technical Annex to MGN 280(M), or Workboat Code Edition 2, Amendment 1 shall meet the requirements of Workboat Code edition 3 by the vessel’s next renewal examination or three years after the date of entry into force of the Code, Continue reading “MCA Workboat Code edition 3 becomes law”

Angry response voiced at Seawork over proposed new MCA Workboat Code 3

Posted on June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 by News Hound

The proposed MCAs Workboat Code 3 has drawn angry responses

Anger erupted and spilled over at the MCAs handling of the Workboat Code 3 consultation process at the Seawork conference. Accusations were made that the MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) is not communicating new coding regulations that could have disastrous consequences for small workboats.

There was standing room only at the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Authority Workboat Code 3 update presentation at Seawork as the Workboat Association teetered close to expressing a vote of no confidence in the UK’s statutory body. Something of a showdown with Continue reading “Angry response voiced at Seawork over proposed new MCA Workboat Code 3”

Latest flag state performance table published by International Chamber of Shipping

Posted on January 27, 2021January 28, 2021 by News Hound

Latest flag state performance table published by ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published the latest flag state performance table (2020/2021) which finds that many of the largest flag states, including the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong (China), Singapore as well as the Bahamas and Cyprus, continue to perform to an exceptionally high standard, with traditional flags and open registers performing equally well.

ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, says: “The flag state performance table clearly indicates that distinctions between ‘traditional’ flags and open registers are no longer meaningful. Alongside several European registers, and flags such as Japan, we have seen many open registers amongst the very top performers”. Continue reading “Latest flag state performance table published by International Chamber of Shipping”

MCA releases the outcome of the review of the standards relating to older domestic passenger vessels

Posted on November 8, 2019November 8, 2019 by News Hound

MCA release results of second public consultation

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carried out a second public consultation, which ran from 29 May 2019 to 10 July 2019, on proposals resulting from a review of the standards relating to older domestic passenger vessels, which are currently less stringent in some areas than those which are applied to newbuild vessels. Some proposals had been revised in the light of comments received during the first consultation, which ran from 6 November 2018 to 29 January 2019.

In some cases, there is a safety gap between the standards for new ships and those for older vessels. The review seeks to bring the standards applied to existing vessels into line, wherever possible, with those which apply to new vessels in key safetyareas.

These proposals are to narrow the gap by means of new Regulations which amend Continue reading “MCA releases the outcome of the review of the standards relating to older domestic passenger vessels”

IMO increased efforts to fight fake flag registries

Posted on October 30, 2019October 30, 2019 by News Hound

In response to a spike in fake flag registrations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking to combat “rogue” national flag registries which are operating without the knowledge of governments they claim to represent, according to the insurer Standard Club.

In recent years, IMO has received reports that 73 vessels were unlawfully flying the flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 91 vessels were illegally registered under the flag of Fiji and 150 vessels were unlawfully registered under the flag of the Federated States of Micronesia. (Micronesian law doesn’t even allow international vessels to flag into its national registry.) The vessels involved are typically smaller, Continue reading “IMO increased efforts to fight fake flag registries”

Waterways Ombudsman issues Annual Report

Posted on July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 by News Hound

The Waterways Ombudsman and the Waterways Ombudsman Committee have issued their Annual Report for 2018/19.

This is the seventh and final annual report of the current Waterways Ombudsman, Andrew Walker, before he hands over to his successor, Sarah Daniel, on 26 July.

During the year the Waterways Ombudsman received 43 enquiries about the Trust, up from last year’s 35, although given the low numbers this is not a Continue reading “Waterways Ombudsman issues Annual Report”

Denmark cancels registration fee for Danish Register in attempt to boost fleet size

Posted on May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 by News Hound

The aim of this amendment is to increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag

The Danish Parliament adopted a legislative amendment on 26 of April, which cancels the registration fee for vessels in the Danish Registers of Shipping. The aim of this amendment is to increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag.

Denmark supports that this measure will indeed increase the attractiveness of the Danish Flag, as it now offers the same benefits as foreign Flags.

This amendment also provides increased economic activity and international influence, when the Danish Flag attracts more vessels from both national as foreign shipowners.

The amendment will enter into force on the Continue reading “Denmark cancels registration fee for Danish Register in attempt to boost fleet size”

ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys

Posted on April 10, 2018April 10, 2018 by News Hound

Leading classification society ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Use of Drones in Class Surveys. These guidelines incorporate the applicable range and procedures for use of drones in class surveys, the technical considerations for safe operation and the requirements for drone service suppliers.

Because drone-related technologies are improving at an extremely rapid pace, application in diverse fields is increasingly expected. In the maritime industry as well, efforts aimed at utilization in the field of inspections and surveys are being carried out.

At the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), discussions on the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) including drones in class surveys are already underway, and IACS Rec. 42 (Guidelines for Use of Remote Inspection Technics for Surveys) was revised in June of 2016. A revision of the related IACS Unified Requirements has also been completed and will take effect in January 2019.

On the other hand, when flying a drone in places such as Continue reading “ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys”

ABS launches digital e-certificates

Posted on April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 by News Hound

ABS has announced the launch of e-Certificates. Continuously available, tamper-proof, independently verifiable and secure digital equivalents of traditional ABS paper certificates, e-Certificates are now available to ABS’ entire classed-fleet, subject to individual Flag Administrations’ authorisation. Traditional paper certificates are always still available.

“E-Certificates are the latest product from ABS’ FutureClassTM program. Defining the future of class focuses on the utilization of data and digital technology to deliver benefits for our clients,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “ABS’ e-Certificates are a perfect example of how we strive to add value and operating efficiencies for our customers.”

Uniquely, ABS’ e-Certificate system allows a simultaneous, vessel-wide view of all applicable certificates, rather than requiring the user to look up each certificate individually.

Fully compliant with IMO Guidelines, ABS e-Certificates will reduce Continue reading “ABS launches digital e-certificates”

IIMS Certifying Authority two day training event in November set to focus on workboat coding

Posted on July 6, 2017November 9, 2017 by News Hound

The IIMS Certifying Authority has put together what promises to be an informative and valuable two day programme on 20/21 November 2017. The programme is relevant to coding surveyors who currently survey workboats, but is equally likely to appeal to those wanting more knowledge in this crucial and growing area. This event is a mix of hands on surveying coupled with classroom based training with informative presentations to conclude day two.

IIMS is especially grateful to Mike Proudlove MIIMS (and his colleagues), who have agreed to host this special workboat themed training event at his place of work, Offshore Turbine Services Ltd (OTS). The OTS yard is located at 3 Maypool Building, Dartside Quay, Galmpton, Nr Brixham TQ5 0GD. Continue reading “IIMS Certifying Authority two day training event in November set to focus on workboat coding”

IIMS Certifying Authority Training Day Spring 2016

Posted on April 12, 2016April 12, 2016 by News Hound

The details and agenda for the IIMS Certifying Authority Training Day Spring 2016 have been announced.

Date: Monday 16th May 2016
Venue: Portchester Sailing Club, Waterside Lane, Castle St, Portchester PO16 9QN

Timings:
09.00 Registration and Coffee
09.30 Morning session starts
13.00 Buffet lunch
14.00 Afternoon session starts
17.00 Training day concludes

Continue reading “IIMS Certifying Authority Training Day Spring 2016”

IIMS Western Med Certifying Authority and Small Craft Working Group training days

Posted on February 1, 2016February 1, 2016 by News Hound

Details have been announced for the next IIMS Western Med training event (28-29 April), which will take place in Palma, Majorca at the same time as the Palma Superyacht Show.

The event will take place over two days and follows a different theme to past events as it incorporates some Certifying Authority and tonnage education mixed with some small craft surveyor training.

Day One (Thursday 28 April) will be of interest to IIMS Certifying Authority members and any members wanting to become accredited to do tonnages. John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Small Craft Surveying and a member of the Certifying Authority committee, will lead the proceedings and training.

Continue reading “IIMS Western Med Certifying Authority and Small Craft Working Group training days”