Wire failure results in fatality during routine cargo maintenance

Posted on by News Hound

The Marine Safety Investigation Unit has issued an investigation report on the fatality of a crew member on board the Maltese registered container ship, Sydney Trader, off Port Limits Anchorage, Hong Kong that occurred in September 2016. The report, (which can be downloaded below), provides a description of what happened and the safety conclusions and recommendations.

The incident
The Maltese registered container vessel Sydney Trader had been anchored OPL at Hong Kong, China since 19 June 2016, awaiting orders Continue reading →

Fairline seeks expansion with the development of a shore side production facility

Posted on by News Hound

Fairline Yachts is planning to build new shore side production facilities to keep up with global demand for plus size yachts.

The new shore side premises will enable Fairline to build yachts over 70ft which has not been possible at the firm’s existing Oundle, Northamptonshire location, because it is land-locked.

“This is the next big step in the upward journey of Fairline Yachts and proves our commitment to investing in British boatbuilding,” said Russell Currie, managing director of Fairline Yachts.

Continue reading →

Following recent fires, IUMI urges improved firefighting systems on boxships

Posted on by News Hound

A combination of ever larger container vessels, coupled with a number of recent fires on board boxships has caused the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) to call for better firefighting systems. IUMI is concerned that current provisions are inadequate. Consequently it and has published a paper calling for better onboard firefighting systems specifically for container vessels.

Whilst IUMI expressly welcomes the 2014 amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to increase the effectiveness of firefighting, the association believes more should be done.

Continue reading →

IIMS scoops Golden Shield award for its education programme

Posted on by News Hound

The IIMS distance learning commercial ship and yacht and small craft education programmes were recently nominated for an Award in the International Maritime Club’s Golden Shield Excellence Awards 2017 in the ‘Leading Maritime Training Institute’ category. And at the ceremony itself on Friday 15 September 2017 at the Lloyd’s Old Library in London, IIMS was announced as the winner in this category.

Vice President, Capt Zarir Irani, accompanied by Allen Brink, stepped in for IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, to receive the award.

Commenting on this award, Mike said, “After more than 15 years as a leading provider of distance learning education programmes in the marine surveying sector, it is remarkable and humbling to be recognised for the work we have been doing. Whilst one’s motivation is never to seek awards, rather it is to ensure Continue reading →

IIMS London Conference 2017 Report

Posted on by News Hound

Once again, the Institute returned to the splendid 1930s, art deco style, Regent’s University in the heart of Regent’s Park in central London for its Conference.

In his opening address, IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, said how saddened he was that numbers attending this year were significantly lower than the previous few years. Mike introduced a welcome video message delivered by President, Adam Brancher, who had been unavoidably detained in Australia on business. In his address, Adam challenged members to reach out and mentor one younger surveyor, bringing them into the Institute’s family. He said that “our cohort is stronger if we are more people”. He went on to declare the Conference open.

Continue reading →