IIMS News

What caught my eye: November 2024

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San Francisco becomes the latest city to offer hot tub boat rides

Well, who wouldn’t want to take a trip down the river in their very own floating hot tub. Sounds like a great and rather cool idea to me. And now you can add San Francisco to the list of cities offering hot tub rides through its scenic waters. This seems to be part of a larger trend as last winter the City of Chicago made headlines by offering holiday hot tub tours down the Chicago River.

In an interview with ABC7 News, Adam Karpenske, the founder of Hot Tub Boats, said, Continue reading “What caught my eye: November 2024”

Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and Chapter V to go live in 2026

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SOLAS amendments to Chapter II-2 and Chapter V to go live in 2026
SOLAS amendments to Chapter II-2 and Chapter V to go live in 2026

The Marine Department of the Hong Kong SAR has published a information notice advising on changes to Chapter II-2 and Chapter V of International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
The amendments were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization at its 108th session. Main amendments to Chapter II-2 and Chapter V of SOLAS are summarised as follows, amongst others: Continue reading “Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and Chapter V to go live in 2026”

MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels

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MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released
MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels has been released

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released a MGN pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels.

The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall and the accompanying MSN 1871 Amendment 2 allow vessels of less than 15m Length Overall (LOA) built before 16 July 2007 to be considered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for Registration as fishing vessels.

MGN 630 Amendment 4 (F) Fishing vessels: Pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels sets out the process in place to ensure the MCA Continue reading “MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels”

MCA releases MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1(M) Pleasure vessels

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MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions has been released
MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions has been released

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has released a new MGN which provides guidance and best practice for pleasure vessels, and general exemptions for Class XI vessels.
MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1 (M) Pleasure vessels – regulations and exemptions provides guidance for pleasure vessels and has been developed in consultation with British Marine (BM), Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Association (YBDSA).

It introduces the concept of Intended Pleasure Vessels, includes a new Exemption from fire extinguishing regulations on close-down, Continue reading “MCA releases MGN 599 (M) Amendment 1(M) Pleasure vessels”

Hong Kong SAR note on amendments to LSA code

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Chapter II of the LSA Code has been amended to improve the minimum in-water performance standard
Chapter II of the LSA Code has been amended to improve the minimum in-water performance standard

The Marine Department of the Hong Kong SAR has published note on the amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code) and the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances.
The amendments, which will enter force on 1 January 2026, decisions made following the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee 108th session earlier this year. Continue reading “Hong Kong SAR note on amendments to LSA code”

UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2024 – Navigating maritime chokepoints

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UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2024 - Navigating maritime chokepoints
UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2024 – Navigating maritime chokepoints

UNCTAD has released its latest Review of Maritime Transport 2024, which aims to foster the transparency of maritime markets and analysing relevant developments.
This year’s report discusses the multifaceted challenges facing maritime transport today. It provides insights into current trends and the outlook for maritime transport and trade. It discusses how maritime trade is being upended by disruptions including in maritime chokepoints. It examines the implications for the shipping fleet which delivers international trade and is at the front line of vessel rerouting. It analyses the implications of soaring shipping rates on consumer prices, and how this particularly affects the GDP of SIDS and LDCs. Continue reading “UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2024 – Navigating maritime chokepoints”

IMPA study on remote pilotage reaches out to manufacturers and system integrators

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IMPA has partnered with the NCEMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to rigorously explore remote pilotage
IMPA has partnered with the NCEMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to rigorously explore remote pilotage

The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) has partnered with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard to rigorously explore remote pilotage to ground-truth its feasibility, readiness, and impacts on safe navigation practices and systems.
Launched this summer, the study is specifically designed to deliver unbiased, science-based and authoritative insights into pilotage as a socio-technical system and the readiness, risks, impacts, benefits, opportunities, and prerequisites of remote pilotage.
A crucial part of the work is to conduct trials which will take place over the next two years in three different ways to ensure Continue reading “IMPA study on remote pilotage reaches out to manufacturers and system integrators”

BIMCO on IMO CCC 10: safety in enclosed spaces

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BIMCO on IMO CCC 10: safety in enclosed spaces
BIMCO on IMO CCC 10: safety in enclosed spaces

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) held its 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers.
During the session, a working group reviewed draft revised recommendations for personnel entering enclosed spaces aboard ships. They incorporated various comments and proposals, resulting in a comprehensive and updated set of guidelines. BIMCO summarised the update below.
BIMCO said the revised recommendations emphasise several vital areas to enhance safety during enclosed space entry: Continue reading “BIMCO on IMO CCC 10: safety in enclosed spaces”

IACS guidance on CO2 fire extinguishing systems in alcohol-fuelled ships

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IACS guidance on CO2 fire extinguishing systems in alcohol-fuelled ships
IACS guidance on CO2 fire extinguishing systems in alcohol-fuelled ships

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has released a Unified Interpretation on CO2 fire extinguishing systems in alcohol-fuelled ships machinery spaces.
Within the update it states machinery space and fuel preparation space where methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled engines or fuel pumps are arranged should be protected by an approved fixed fire extinguishing system in accordance with SOLAS regulations. The system should also be able to extinguish methyl/ethyl alcohol fires.
The interpretation says that where CO2 is used to suppress Continue reading “IACS guidance on CO2 fire extinguishing systems in alcohol-fuelled ships”

Liberia: Updated guidelines for Marine Notice SAF-004

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Liberia Maritime Authority has updated Marine Notice SAF-004 on lifeboat and emergency drills
Liberia Maritime Authority has updated Marine Notice SAF-004 on lifeboat and emergency drills

The Liberia Maritime Authority has updated Marine Notice SAF-004 on lifeboat and emergency drills. The amended notice includes changes on drills and training sessions.
The notice provides guidelines for the safe conduct of abandon ship drills using lifeboats and alternative method for lifeboat drills on mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). It applies to owners, masters, ships officers, nautical inspectors, and recognized organization surveyors when performing drills and surveys on board Liberian flag ships and MODUs. It also addresses several SOLAS requirements established by the office of the deputy commissioner.

Training

Every crewmember should take part in at least one abandon ship, and one fire drill each month. This increases to at least each week for passenger ships, however, the entire does not have to be involved in every drill. Continue reading “Liberia: Updated guidelines for Marine Notice SAF-004”

DNV on upcoming expanded emissions regulations in California

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the DNV have expanded emissions regulations in Californian ports
the DNV have expanded emissions regulations in Californian ports

To reduce emissions from oceangoing vessels while in port, DNV have expanded emissions regulations. The 2020 CARB At-Berth Regulation will require tanker and Ro-Ro vessels to use a CARB Approved Emission Control Strategy (CAECS) while at berth in California ports starting from 1 January 2025.
And classification society DNV has released details on the forthcoming next phase of the regulation.
The 2020 At-Berth Regulation requires all oceangoing vessel operators and terminal operators to report each visit made to any California marine terminal. However, only container, refrigerated cargo and cruise vessels have emissions control requirements. Continue reading “DNV on upcoming expanded emissions regulations in California”

Lithium Storage Solutions safety bulletin published by the MCA

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MCA has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.
MCA has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published a safety bulletin regarding Lithium Storage Solutions.
It reads: “As the UK Market Surveillance Authority for marine equipment, [the MCA] is aware that Lithium Storage Solutions Ltd claim on their website https://www.lithiumstoragesolutions.com/ that their product, the Lithium Safety Store® is “Fully compliant with MGN 681 (M), Fire safety and storage of small electric powered craft on yachts, section 4 storage and charging” and also claims “Fully certified for sea and air transport and storage” under MGN 681. Continue reading “Lithium Storage Solutions safety bulletin published by the MCA”

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