European Boating Industry (EBI) and European Boating Association (EBA) welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Guidance Note for Pleasure Craft. The guidance provides much-needed clarification for recreational boat owners and business on the treatment of recreational craft under EU customs and VAT rules.
The publication follows continued engagement by EBA and EBI Continue reading “EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment”
The IMO has taken a new step forward towards the safety code for autonomous ships, including comprehensive regulation of unmanned shipping, building upon years of debate and detailed development work. At the latest meeting of the Marine Safety Committee, delegates approved a final text for the non-mandatory Maritime Continue reading “IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships”
The World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization have jointly published a new handbook focused on integrating gender perspectives into the maritime sector.
The handbook, titled the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, was released on 18 May to coincide with the International Day for Women in Maritime, according to the IMO. The document was written by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, who this year received the IMO Gender Equality Award. According to the source, Continue reading “New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO”
More than 12 million Canadian adults participate in recreational boating every year, but preventable accidents continue to result in injuries and fatalities on the water. To help improve safety, Transport Canada is supporting education and awareness initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours on the water.
As part of the Safe Boating Awareness Week, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced a call for proposals under the Boating Safety Contribution Program. The application period is open until 21st September 2026. Continue reading “Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada”
On 19 May, US lawmakers introduced the Clean Ferries Bill (A11303/S10381), a proposal aimed to eliminate diesel-powered ferries emissions across New York State. The bill requires publicly funded ferry operators to purchase only zero-emission vessels starting in 2028, with all public vessels in state waters required to be zero-emission by 2032. It also directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study charging infrastructure along major waterways, including the Hudson River.
Supporters say the measure targets a major source of pollution Continue reading “New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State”
Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale via the Cape Town Agreement.
The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combating of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels worldwide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures, and construction. Continue reading “UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety”
Finishing in under six hours, IIMS member Catherine Linley ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay in support of Sailors’ Society – IIMS’ chosen charity.
Catherine first contacted the maritime charity to take part in the event on their behalf after hearing about it via IIMS. She went on to complete the event with her sister, Hilary, by running along the Linear Trail and the beaches of Adelaide in “glorious weather”.
Despite managing injuries in the lead up to the day, the sisters supported each other to the finish line where they were swept up by family members.
Catherine said she was proud of their effort but was acutely aware of the privilege wrapped around it. Continue reading “Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society”
The Black Sea MoU said that in 2025 the average detention percentage rose to 6.78% — the highest level recorded since 2007.
In its Port State Control Annual Report 2025, the Black Sea MoU said its member authorities carried out a total of 5,117 inspections, representing an 11.6% increase compared to 2024. This remains approximately 3% below the ten-year average of 5,274 inspections under the New Inspection Regime, which began in 2016.
Continue reading “Black Sea MoU publishes Port State Control Annual Report 2025”
In response to the growing risks associated with the maritime transport and shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries, the following guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers has been published. Lithium-ion cells are the core components of batteries and come in various forms, as they are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles because they can efficiently store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes. However, due to their chemical properties, lithium-ion cells and batteries are classified as dangerous goods and must be handled with care. Released against a backdrop of rising concern, the guidance comes as battery-related incidents at sea become both more frequent and more severe. Continue reading “Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers”
Recently, I attended the annual Certifying Authority BCC meeting at the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) in Southampton, which drew about 40 attendees. All the UK Certifying Authorities and the Recognised Organisations were represented and present. We were joined by senior and key MCA personnel and others from the Jersey and Cayman Islands registries. For the large part, it was business as usual as the regulator announced new initiatives, interpretations and to give a general news update on a series of policies and ongoing work behind the scenes. Continue reading “CEO blog: May 2026”
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report into the grounding and loss of fishing vessel Crystal Stream last year. A safety warning was also issued after it was found that the watch alarm in the wheelhouse was not connected to the autopilot and was not operating at the time of the accident.
What happened
At just after midnight on 6 June 2025, the UK registered prawn trawler Crystal Stream (LH 147) struck an underwater obstruction near Barmore Island, Loch Fyne, Scotland. Shortly afterwards, the skipper intentionally beached the vessel on the rocky shore, where the crew abandoned to a liferaft. Continue reading “Dangers of lone watchkeeping and fatigue highlighted after loss of prawn trawler”
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has received reports of serious crushing accidents involving fish packaging machines in factories on board vessels.
An incident in which a person was caught in an automated palletising prompted the NMA to share an article highlighting the dangers involved. In the particular incident a vital safety barrier had been removed. Continue reading “NMA warns of serious crushing injuries in packaging machinery”
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