IIMS News Archives - Page 9 of 229 - The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)

Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats

Posted on June 1, 2026June 8, 2026 by News Hound

The European Commission has recently published an interpretation note on the VAT and customs on pleasure boats new rules. This document has been awaited for several years by pleasure boaters and yachting professionals. It provides a number of important clarifications on the customs status of vessels, controls and returns to the European Union. While the text is still incomplete, it nonetheless makes good progress on these thorny issues.

For boat owners sailing between several European countries, Continue reading “Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats”

Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice

Posted on June 1, 2026June 8, 2026 by News Hound

A single defective ladder step, improperly secured gangway, or poorly rigged pilot ladder can turn a routine transfer operation into a serious accident within seconds as embarkation and disembarkation regulations have been neglected.

Ship operators need to always remember that safe embarkation and disembarkation operations depend not only on compliant equipment, but also on a well-implemented Safety Management System (SMS), effective crew training, and a strong safety culture onboard.

Safe embarkation and disembarkation operations remain Continue reading “Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice”

Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers

Posted on June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 by News Hound

Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS

The International Safe Containerised Cargo Organisation (CINS) has published revised guidelines for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers, updating industry practices for one of the sector’s most temperature-sensitive cargoes.

Developed by a working group of CINS members, the updated guidance is aligned with the principles of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), which sets out international standards for the safe packing and handling of containerised cargo. Continue reading “Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers”

What caught my eye: June 2026

Posted on May 30, 2026May 11, 2026 by CEO

Woof woof – The four-legged robotic welder has arrived

The world, it seems, is changing before our very eyes as AI continues to take hold. I read about the launch of a new robotic welder called Rove, or more precisely, a robotic welding system. At first glance, this invention looks strangely like my dog! But take a closer look, and you will understand why this innovative little fellow is making waves in shipyards.

Shipbuilding, heavy construction, and large-scale fabrication face a shared constraint: massive assemblies, inconsistent fit-up, and workpieces that cannot be moved, let alone fixtured inside of a welding cell, says Path Robotics, the company behind Rove. Continue reading “What caught my eye: June 2026”

Announcement of three IIMS honours

Posted on May 30, 2026June 9, 2026 by News Hound

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro awarded a Fellowship

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the marine industry over a career spanning nearly two decades, combining seagoing engineering experience with extensive professional practice as a marine surveyor and consultant.

Joel’s reports are recognised for their technical depth, clarity and impartiality. In addition, he has contributed to the industry through knowledge sharing, mentoring and speaking at IIMS and industry events, thereby enhancing professional standards and standards of Continue reading “Announcement of three IIMS honours”

Black Sea MoU releases results of 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management

Posted on May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 by News Hound

The Black Sea MoU has published the results of its 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management.

The Black Sea MoU has released a report into the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM).

The campaign was carried out from 1 September 2025 to 30 November 2025, and it was conducted in conjunction with the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda. It was also conducted under the campaign coordination of the Maritime Administration of Türkiye.

A total of 775 inspections were carried out covering 736 individual ships. Among these, 624 inspections were conducted using the CIC questionnaire.

Continue reading “Black Sea MoU releases results of 2025 CIC on Ballast Water Management”

CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

Posted on May 28, 2026June 1, 2026 by News Hound

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) has published a new guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers by sea.

CINS Guidelines for Shipping Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries in Containers provides shipping companies, operators and carriers with safety guidance for the transport of lithium-ion cells and batteries, classified under UN Nos. 3480 and 3481, in Cargo Transport Units (CTUs). Continue reading “CINS shares guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers”

Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya

Posted on May 28, 2026June 9, 2026 by News Hound

Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessels, Wilaya. Source: MAIB — Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya. Source: MAIB

An investigation found risk assessments were not being followed on Wilaya after a deckhand was dragged overboard a potting and died off the Welsh coast last year.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published a safety flyer along with the report saying potting is one of the most hazardous fishing methods. The accident on board Wilaya was the sixth fatality on board UK potting vessels in the 20 months from October 2023 to May 2025, highlighting the vulnerability of fishermen operating in the sector. Continue reading “Fisherman’s death highlights risk of entanglements on potting vessel Wilaya”

EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

Posted on May 22, 2026May 28, 2026 by News Hound

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”

IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships

Posted on May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 by News Hound

A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest

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”

New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO

Posted on May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 by News Hound

Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO

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”

Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

Posted on May 21, 2026May 27, 2026 by News Hound

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”

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