IIMS News

Cargo handling and safety in the carriage of woodchips

Posted on by News Hound
Cargo handling and safety in the carriage of woodchips
Cargo handling and safety in the carriage of woodchips

Trevor Fernandes, Senior Loss Prevention Executive at NorthStandard P&I Club, highlights the key risks and best practices for safety in the carriage of woodchips, as he says woodchip cargoes present unique safety challenges at sea.

Woodchips are a commonly carried bulk cargo that are derived from natural timber and are mechanically processed. Woodchips present safety challenges due to their organic nature, moisture sensitivity, potential for oxygen depletion in the hold and fire hazards. Continue reading “Cargo handling and safety in the carriage of woodchips”

Gard warns of deadly hydrogen sulphide risks beyond enclosed spaces on ships

Posted on by News Hound
Gard warns of deadly hydrogen sulphide risks beyond enclosed spaces on ships
Gard warns of deadly hydrogen sulphide risks beyond enclosed spaces on ships

Deadly hydrogen sulphide risks (H2S) are widely recognised as one of the most serious hazards associated with enclosed spaces aboard ships. However, recent casualty investigations indicate that the danger can arise even before anyone enters a space, according to Gard Club as Hiroka Suzuki, Loss Prevention Executive explains.

A review of fatal incidents reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) found that many seafarers were overcome by H₂S while carrying out routine maintenance and inspection work outside enclosed spaces. Continue reading “Gard warns of deadly hydrogen sulphide risks beyond enclosed spaces on ships”

MLC 2026: What shipping needs to know about the latest amendments and obligations

Posted on by News Hound
MLC 2026: What shipping needs to know about the latest amendments and obligations
MLC 2026: What shipping needs to know about the latest amendments and obligations

The ILO’s updated Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2026) guidance clarifies existing requirements and forthcoming amendments covering harassment, shore leave, key worker recognition and fair treatment. With further changes expected to enter into force in December 2027, shipowners and maritime authorities have an important regulatory milestone ahead.

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) is entering its third decade with further amendments approaching implementation. For shipowners and managers, the immediate priority is understanding which requirements are already in force, what will change in 2027 and how the latest provisions affect responsibilities across maritime operations. Continue reading “MLC 2026: What shipping needs to know about the latest amendments and obligations”

EMSA releases Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2026

Posted on by News Hound
EMSA releases Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2026
EMSA releases Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2026

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents for 2026.

Presented in the context of a ten-year period between 2016-2025, this publication contains statistics of marine casualties and incidents recorded in the European Marine Casualty Information Platform (EMCIP) as reported by 27 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway. Continue reading “EMSA releases Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2026”

IMCA, IIMS, and the Workboat Association join forces to launch the International Workboat Code of Practice

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Working with good industry friends, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Workboat Association, IIMS is pleased to announce the publication of the International Workboat Code of Practice, extending to 122 pages. The publication is designed to assist those involved in operating, building and surveying workboats with some best-practice industry guidance.

The International Workboat Code of Practice is a Good Practice Guide, created in collaboration between the International Marine Contractors Association, the International Institute of Marine Surveying and the Workboat Association. Continue reading “IMCA, IIMS, and the Workboat Association join forces to launch the International Workboat Code of Practice”

IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology

Posted on by News Hound
IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology
IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has raised concerns on the new Paris MoU RO methodology, which is due to come into effect on 6 July 2027.

Under the new system, the performance of Recognized Organizations (Ros) will be assessed using a formula based on inspection and detention records over a three-year period, the same as that used for Flag State Administrations, which focuses on the number of inspections and detentions. Continue reading “IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology”

IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers

Posted on by News Hound
IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers
IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new framework during remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers, introducing standardized requirements by governing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT).

The amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Survey of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (2011 ESP Code) will enter into force on January 1, 2028, under IMO Resolution MSC.584(111). They are supported by new guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys, set out in MSC.1/Circ.1700. Continue reading “IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers”

Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO

Posted on by News Hound
Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO
Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO

The Tokyo MOU is to change the method of calculation of performance of flag State (flag) and Recognized Organization (RO), which are produced in the Annual Report and used to identify ship risk profile based on New Inspection Regime (NIR), as follows.

Performance of flag or RO is to be determined by comparing the detention rate of each flag or RO with the regional average detention rate as shown below:

  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is smaller than the regional average detention rate is ‘high’;
  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is greater than or equal to the regional detention rate and less than twice of the regional average detention rate is ‘medium’; or
  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is greater than or equal to twice of the regional average detention rate is ‘low’.

Continue reading “Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO”

Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship

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Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship. Source: MAIB
Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship. Source: MAIB

An electrical technician was crushed to death during lift inspection on a cruise ship last year.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report into the incident that took place on Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia.

What happened

At about 0552 on 26 October 2025, a crew member on board the Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia was fatally injured while inspecting a passenger lift following overnight repairs. Continue reading “Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship”

Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

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Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems
Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

A hidden chemical interaction in a vessel’s bilge system can turn routine cargo and cleaning operations into a serious toxic-gas hazard. According to an IMCA Safety Flash, hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) was detected by portable gas detectors in an open area of the main deck during a vessel’s transit back to port. The gas was traced to certain bilge vents with the suspected source linked to mud loaded for a rig. No personnel were injured or suffered ill health, but the incident exposed gaps in anaerobic conditions in bilge systems cleaning, chemical compatibility assessment and H₂S monitoring. Continue reading “Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems”

YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

Posted on by News Hound
YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance
YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

The Yacht Safety & Environmental Consortium (YSEC), a collaboration between leading classification societies including LR, RINA, ABS, Bureau Veritas and DNV, has published a new Guidance Note for yacht load line compliance, providing practical recommendations to support the consistent application of load line requirements across the sector.

Launched on the Lloyd’s Register stand at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, the guidance has been developed to help yacht designers, builders, owners, Flag Administrations and marine surveyors navigate areas where interpretation of load line requirements may vary between projects. Continue reading “YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance”

UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025

Posted on by News Hound
UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch logo
The UK MAIB has published its Annual Report 2025.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report 2025, recording 1,585 accident reports to UK vessels worldwide or any vessels within UK coastal waters during 2025.

The MAIB started 16 new investigations in 2025 and published 17 accident investigation reports.

It also made 50 recommendations that were issued to 26 distinct addressees in 2025 of which 90% were accepted – a 5% increase on the previous year.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rob Loder, said: “The reporting of marine casualties and incidents continues to increase year-on-year, although the growth of the reporting rate has slowed. Continue reading “UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025”

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