News

IMCA, IIMS, and the Workboat Association join forces to launch the International Workboat Code of Practice

Posted on by News Hound

Working with good industry friends, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Workboat Association, IIMS is pleased to announce the publication of the International Workboat Code of Practice, extending to 122 pages. The publication is designed to assist those involved in operating, building and surveying workboats with some best-practice industry guidance.

The International Workboat Code of Practice is a Good Practice Guide, created in collaboration between the International Marine Contractors Association, the International Institute of Marine Surveying and the Workboat Association. Continue reading “IMCA, IIMS, and the Workboat Association join forces to launch the International Workboat Code of Practice”

IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology

Posted on by News Hound
IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology
IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has raised concerns on the new Paris MoU RO methodology, which is due to come into effect on 6 July 2027.

Under the new system, the performance of Recognized Organizations (Ros) will be assessed using a formula based on inspection and detention records over a three-year period, the same as that used for Flag State Administrations, which focuses on the number of inspections and detentions. Continue reading “IACS positions on new Paris MoU RO methodology”

IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers

Posted on by News Hound
IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers
IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new framework during remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers, introducing standardized requirements by governing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT).

The amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Survey of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (2011 ESP Code) will enter into force on January 1, 2028, under IMO Resolution MSC.584(111). They are supported by new guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys, set out in MSC.1/Circ.1700. Continue reading “IMO adopts new framework for remote inspections of bulk carriers and oil tankers”

Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO

Posted on by News Hound
Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO
Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO

The Tokyo MOU is to change the method of calculation of performance of flag State (flag) and Recognized Organization (RO), which are produced in the Annual Report and used to identify ship risk profile based on New Inspection Regime (NIR), as follows.

Performance of flag or RO is to be determined by comparing the detention rate of each flag or RO with the regional average detention rate as shown below:

  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is smaller than the regional average detention rate is ‘high’;
  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is greater than or equal to the regional detention rate and less than twice of the regional average detention rate is ‘medium’; or
  • Flag or RO whose detention rate is greater than or equal to twice of the regional average detention rate is ‘low’.

Continue reading “Tokyo MOU’s changing the method of calculation of the performance on Flag and RO”

Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship

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Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship. Source: MAIB
Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship. Source: MAIB

An electrical technician was crushed to death during lift inspection on a cruise ship last year.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report into the incident that took place on Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia.

What happened

At about 0552 on 26 October 2025, a crew member on board the Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia was fatally injured while inspecting a passenger lift following overnight repairs. Continue reading “Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship”

Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

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Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems
Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems

A hidden chemical interaction in a vessel’s bilge system can turn routine cargo and cleaning operations into a serious toxic-gas hazard. According to an IMCA Safety Flash, hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) was detected by portable gas detectors in an open area of the main deck during a vessel’s transit back to port. The gas was traced to certain bilge vents with the suspected source linked to mud loaded for a rig. No personnel were injured or suffered ill health, but the incident exposed gaps in anaerobic conditions in bilge systems cleaning, chemical compatibility assessment and H₂S monitoring. Continue reading “Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems”

YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

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YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance
YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance

The Yacht Safety & Environmental Consortium (YSEC), a collaboration between leading classification societies including LR, RINA, ABS, Bureau Veritas and DNV, has published a new Guidance Note for yacht load line compliance, providing practical recommendations to support the consistent application of load line requirements across the sector.

Launched on the Lloyd’s Register stand at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, the guidance has been developed to help yacht designers, builders, owners, Flag Administrations and marine surveyors navigate areas where interpretation of load line requirements may vary between projects. Continue reading “YSEC launches new guidance to support consistency in yacht load line compliance”

UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025

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UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch logo
The UK MAIB has published its Annual Report 2025.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report 2025, recording 1,585 accident reports to UK vessels worldwide or any vessels within UK coastal waters during 2025.

The MAIB started 16 new investigations in 2025 and published 17 accident investigation reports.

It also made 50 recommendations that were issued to 26 distinct addressees in 2025 of which 90% were accepted – a 5% increase on the previous year.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rob Loder, said: “The reporting of marine casualties and incidents continues to increase year-on-year, although the growth of the reporting rate has slowed. Continue reading “UK MAIB Annual Report shows 1,585 accident reports in 2025”

Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report published

Posted on by News Hound
The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has been published and is available for download
The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has been published and is available for download

Canal & River Trust is the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales. The Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report has published and is available to read. The Report highlights a year in which extreme weather tested the resilience of the nation’s canal network while underlining the increasingly important role waterways play in supporting nature, communities and the management of water in a changing climate. The year 2025/26 was dominated by a summer of drought. Despite the UK’s warmest and sunniest year on record and the driest spring since 1974, the Trust was able to keep over 80% of the network fully open and operational. Colleagues and volunteers worked tirelessly to manage water supplies, keep boats afloat, and protect wildlife. Continue reading “Canal & River Trust 2025/6 Annual Report published”

U.S. Coast Guard addressing marine firefighting challenges, but worrying gaps remain

Posted on by News Hound
The disastrous fire aboard the ro/ro Grande Costa D'Avorio prompted a reevaluation of shoreside firefighter preparations for maritime casualty response - (NTSB file image)
The disastrous fire aboard the ro/ro Grande Costa D’Avorio prompted a reevaluation of shoreside firefighter preparations for maritime casualty response – (NTSB file image)

Fires on vessels present serious dangers to passengers, crew, and firefighters. They can have significant environmental impact and can affect billion-dollar commerce in busy ports. Marine fires present unique hazards that are incredibly dangerous and challenging incidents for marine firefighters to respond to, including vessel instability, tight onboard spaces, and the need for specialized resources that are not typically available in many ports.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the non-partisan, fact-based arm of Congress, recently published a report highlighting the prevalence of these fires and the Coast Guard’s efforts address them. Continue reading “U.S. Coast Guard addressing marine firefighting challenges, but worrying gaps remain”

Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry

Posted on by News Hound
Avra. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator
Avra. Source: RMI Maritime Administrator

The bosun died on bulk carrier Avra was found collapsed and later pronounced deceased after he entered a space that was part of a fully loaded cargo hold, according to the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.

What happened

On the morning of 25 July 2025, the geared five-hatch, bulk carrier Avra was berthed on the starboard side at MB5, Daesan Port, and was discharging the bulk cargo of wood pellets. Continue reading “Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry”

WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap

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WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap
WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap

The World Shipping Council (WSC) is urging governments to close a gap in international dangerous goods rules that allows containers carrying thousands of lithium batteries to be transported without carriers being informed of the hazard.

The call comes as battery transport grows rapidly and cargo fires remain a persistent risk at sea.

Global lithium-ion battery deployment in 2025 was six times higher than in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency, with battery demand expected to double by 2030. Latest statistics by insurer Allianz show that a container ship fire occurs every 17 days. Continue reading “WSC calls for governments to close battery cargo safety gap”

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