Effectiveness of lifejackets called into question by MAIB report on the foundering of fishing vessel Louisa

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Photograph of Louisa recovery

Photograph of Louisa recovery

Early on 9 April 2016, the fishing vessel Louisa foundered, with the loss of three lives, while anchored close to the shore in Mingulay Bay in the Outer Hebrides.

The skipper and crew, who had been working long hours before anchoring late the previous evening, had woken suddenly as the vessel was sinking rapidly by the bow. They were able to escape to the aft deck, activate the emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and to don lifejackets. However, they were unable to inflate the liferaft as they abandoned the vessel.

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Lack of surveyors at UK MCA highlighted as a programme of modernisation gets underway

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The UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is modernising the way the UK Ship Register operates with a number of new initiatives being rolled out as the Agency is also addressing the issue of a shortfall in surveyors on its books.

At the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Maritime and Ports, attendees were informed that the MCA is considering increasing the fee structure for the UK Ship Register to above 2016 levels.

The registry is working to improve the response time for enquiries to one working day, while for complex issues it will take three working days. Increasing ship registry fees would match the higher levels of service being offered, the MCA said. The register also plans to roll out a Continue reading →

USCG announces Subchapter M for towing vessels now opertational

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The US Coast Guard has confirmed that from 20 July 2017 a portion of Subchapter M is now fully operational for towing vessels with keels laid, or major conversions on or after July 20. These vessels are now required to meet 46 CFR Subchapter M and must obtain a Certificate of Inspection (COI) prior to operating.

Additionally, starting July 20, 2018, a portion of existing towing vessels will have one year to meet all of Subchapter M and obtain COIs. As discussed in Subchapter M, owners or managing operators of more than one existing towing vessel, required to have a COI, must ensure that each existing towing vessel under their ownership or control is issued a valid COI, according to the following schedule:
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Registration for Bart’s Bash the world’s biggest sailing event is now open

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Bart's Bash registration is now open for the 2017 sailing event on 16/17 September

Bart’s Bash registration is now open for the 2017 sailing event on 16/17 September

The Andrew Simpson Foundation, the UK-based Sailing Charity with a global reach, sits at the epicentre of the unique annual sailing event, the biggest sailing event in the world, Bart’s Bash, which this year takes place over the weekend of 16-17 September.

The Bart’s Bash team is already busy fine-tuning plans to promote Bart’s Bash at Lendy Cowes Week where on Monday 31st July, the Official Charity Day, they will be running the ‘Cowes Bash’, a race for all competitors. At registration they can get decals and buy their ‘Simpson Sunnies’ and everyone is encouraged to grab a pair and wear them on Charity Day. All the race results from the first race of the day will be pooled in the same way as for Bart’s Bash to identify an overall winner for the day.

Following on after racing, everyone is invited to join in at The Big Bash, a huge party in Cowes Yacht Haven starting at 7pm and designed entirely around putting the FUN into FUNdraising with Olympic medallist and DJ Mark Covell on stage as Master of Ceremonies!

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Van Oord wins contract for iconic Dubai waterfront project

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Van Oord has been awarded the contract for Dubai Harbour marine works, a prestigious mega project in Dubai.

The project, which Van Oord carries out for Projects Link Contracting Co LLC, is the next step in achieving ‘Dubai Tourism Vision 2020’, Dubai’s strategy to attract 20 million visitors per year by 2020. A strategy to which Van Oord has contributed since 2001 by building amongst others Palm Jumeirah, The World and many other artificial islands.

Dubai Harbour is set to span 185 hectares, and will include berths for 1,400 boats and a cruise terminal. Execution will take place from September 2017 to May 2019.

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