Government

UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports

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UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implement recommendations from marine accident reports
UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports

In its 44th report of Session 24-26, the cross-party House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has criticised the length of time taken by the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to implement recommendations from marine accident reports, made by the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 (the Regulations). The Regulations set out various requirements for small and large vessels and introduce additional requirements arising from recommendations made in two reports by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Continue reading “UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports”

New regulations on load lines and tonnage started in Australia

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New regulations on load lines and tonnage started on 1 September in Australia
New regulations on load lines and tonnage started on 1 September in Australia

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced that the updated Marine Order 16 (Load Lines) 2025 (MO16) and Marine Order 19 (Tonnage Measurements) 2025 (MO19) have taken effect on 1 September 2025 as apart of its new regulations on load lines and tonnage. According to AMSA’s latest update, the revisions aim to align Australia’s maritime regulations with international standards, supporting safer and more effective operations in domestic and international waters. Continue reading “New regulations on load lines and tonnage started in Australia”

MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access

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MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access
MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has updated its guidance on safe access for small vessels and fishing boats with the release of MGN 591 (M+F) Amendment 3. While the amendment itself only updates references, the message is clear: unsafe boarding arrangements continue to cause serious – and sometimes fatal – accidents. Recent MAIB reports highlight falls from ladders, poorly lit pontoons, and gaps between vessels as recurring risks. Continue reading “MCA releases MGN 591 Amendment 3 to remind about safe access”

The Hague Rules: 100 years old and still standing

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The Hague Rules: 100 years old and still standing
The Hague Rules: 100 years old and still standing

Is simplicity a reason for the success of the Hague Rules? In this opinion piece, Mark Russell, Head of Cargo Claims in Gard, outlines the history – and looks to the future – in a world of competing cargo carriage regimes.

The Hague Rules came into being 100 years ago this year, becoming the first international convention governing the rights and obligations under bills of lading for the carriage of goods by sea. As the volume of internationally traded goods grew, the Hague Rules were born out of a need for uniformity in the allocation of risk between shipowners and cargo interests. Continue reading “The Hague Rules: 100 years old and still standing”

Bringing expertise to the UK Maritime Industry

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Bringing expertise to the UK Maritime Industry
Bringing expertise to the UK Maritime Industry

The UK’s top maritime professional organisations are working together to make their voice heard on key issues and bringing expertise to the UK Maritime Industry.

While the size of the British merchant fleet may have declined significantly over the past several decades the UK continues to be well endowed with maritime expertise.

For generations, professional organisations have provided a key source of expertise helping to maintain the right standards across industrial sectors ashore. However just over three years ago a number of maritime-linked bodies came to the view that this has not been happening within the maritime sector and, often, regulators and employers had been missing out on the years of experience leading professionals can bring to the table. Continue reading “Bringing expertise to the UK Maritime Industry”

Valve failures is the lead cause of ammonia-related maritime accidents

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EMSA has reviewed critical causes and patterns in ammonia-related maritime accidents
EMSA has reviewed critical causes and patterns in ammonia-related maritime accidents

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in its newest series of reports regarding the safety of ammonia use in ships has reviewed critical causes and patterns in ammonia-related maritime accidents. Among the alternative fuel options, anhydrous ammonia has drawn a lot of interest from the marine industry for its potential to become a long-term solution for decarbonisation. The comprehensive review of accidents however, highlighted on EMSA’s report “Safety of Ammonia for Use in Ships”, has underscored critical causes of these incidents that allow identifying recurring patterns and highlighting critical areas for preventive or corrective measures for application in the maritime sector. Continue reading “Valve failures is the lead cause of ammonia-related maritime accidents”

AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026 published

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The AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026 is published and is available to read   
The AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026 is published and is available to read

The AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026 has been published by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It outlines a number of key compliance activities that support welfare, safety and pollution prevention across domestic and foreign-flagged vessels.

According to the AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026, the authority outlines priority activities for the upcoming year, providing industry with a clear understanding of the regulatory focus and rationale. Continue reading “AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-2026 published”

How to develop a safety culture

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safety hazard pipes
safety hazard pipes

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published a section in their Leading for Safety guidance, looking at why accidents happen, what really causes them and what can be done to develop a safety culture in an organisation.

Safety culture describes the way in which safety is managed within an organisation. It relates to the beliefs and attitudes, values, and perceptions that employees share regarding safety in the organisation. According to the MCA, to reduce the rate of incidents, we need a good understanding of: Continue reading “How to develop a safety culture”

USCG issues alert on fire detection systems on towing vessels

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Fire detection systems on towing vessels alert issued
Fire detection systems on towing vessels alert issued

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a alert on fire detection systems on towing vessels that are not type-approved by the Coast Guard but are instead certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

According to the USCG, even though fire detection systems may be accompanied by Continue reading “USCG issues alert on fire detection systems on towing vessels”

Panama implements new Precheck for vessels joining its registry

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The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has implemented an additional safeguard called Precheck, a screening process that aims to ensure only compliant vessels join the Panama Ship Registry. The Precheck process involves a thorough risk assessment of various aspects related to the vessel, its owner, operator, and/or charterer before applying for the entry into the Panama Ship Registry to ensure that the vessel meets the international standards regarding safety, environmental protection, crew welfare, and to promote cooperation and best practices in the maritime industry.

According to the PMA, a key benefit of Precheck is its ability to prevent “flag-hopping”, a practice where vessels jump from one registry to another to avoid compliance, evade sanctions, or engage in illicit activities. Continue reading “Panama implements new Precheck for vessels joining its registry”

Inventory of Hazardous Materials

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Run aground ship
Run aground ship – Inventory of Hazardous Materials

The updated Hong Kong Convention will enter into force on 26 June 2025. It will require new ships and existing ships of 500 GT and above – no later than 5 years after the entry into force of the Convention, or before going for recycling, if this is earlier – to have onboard a valid International Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) certificate. Continue reading “Inventory of Hazardous Materials”

Updated Port Marine Safety Code extends reach to UK Marinas

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Department of Transport - Updated Port Marine Safety Code extends reach to UK Marinas
Department of Transport – Updated Port Marine Safety Code extends reach to UK Marinas

In a significant move to strengthen maritime safety across the UK, the Department for Transport has issued an updated version of the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) with clear expectations that marinas and other non-statutory marine facilities bring their safety practices in line with the national framework as the Port Marine Safety Code extends reach to UK Marinas.

Originally introduced in 2000, the PMSC has long applied to statutory harbour authorities. However, the latest revision now explicitly includes all marine facilities, including privately operated marinas, piers, jetties, and terminals, even when located outside of traditional harbour jurisdictions. Continue reading “Updated Port Marine Safety Code extends reach to UK Marinas”

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