Health & Safety

Non-compliant wood packaging puts shipments at risk

Posted on by News Hound
Non-compliant wood packaging puts shipments at risk
Non-compliant wood packaging puts shipments at risk

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has drawn attention to the often-overlooked risks that non-compliant wood packaging material (WPM) can pose to international cargo shipments. In a new guidance paper, IUMI examines the insurance implications of failing to comply with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15), the international standard governing the use of wood packaging such as pallets, crates and dunnage in global trade. Continue reading “Non-compliant wood packaging puts shipments at risk”

USCG urges checks of the material condition of ageing fiberglass lifeboats

Posted on by News Hound
USCG urges checks of the material condition of ageing fiberglass lifeboats
USCG urges checks of the material condition of ageing fiberglass lifeboats

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert to check the material condition of ageing fiberglass lifeboats and the need for thorough inspections of hook release systems and load-bearing components.

The safety alert addresses the importance of verifying the material condition of lifeboat fibreglass structures, metal components, and the hook release systems that secure lifeboats to ship davits. The Coast Guard is investigating a marine casualty in which a lifeboat suffered a fibreglass failure at the base of the hook release during launch, causing it to fall into the water and resulting in a total loss. This failure occurred despite regular, manufacturer-recommended inspections. Continue reading “USCG urges checks of the material condition of ageing fiberglass lifeboats”

Lifejackets set to become compulsory on small craft in New Zealand

Posted on by News Hound
Lifejackets set to become compulsory on small craft in New Zealand
Lifejackets set to become compulsory on small craft in New Zealand

Parliament has passed the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill. Everyone aboard a recreational vessel of six metres or under will need to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, or another approved personal flotation device, whenever the boat is moving as lifejackets set to become compulsory on all small craft. The rule becomes law 28 days after the Bill receives Royal Assent, the final formality before it takes effect.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager is behind the push, citing 17 deaths in recreational boating incidents last year, 12 of them people who weren’t wearing a lifejacket. He’s called the deaths preventable and the new rule a common-sense fix that’s been a long time coming. Continue reading “Lifejackets set to become compulsory on small craft in New Zealand”

India tightens loading rules for iron ore fines and Group A cargoes

Posted on by News Hound
India tightens loading rules for iron ore fines and Group A cargoes
India tightens loading rules for iron ore fines and Group A cargoes

Vessels heading to Indian ports to load iron ore fines and other Group A cargoes should note the revised procedure for loading, sailing clearance and surveys according to London P&I Club’s correspondent James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Following the very recent loss of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Winner, the Principal Officer, MMD Kolkata has, with immediate effect, imposed additional controls on the loading and sailing of vessels carrying iron ore fines, sand and other Group A (liquefiable) cargoes from ports under Kolkata Port jurisdiction, this would include Kolkata, Haldia, Budge Budge, Diamond Harbour, Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur and Port Blair. Continue reading “India tightens loading rules for iron ore fines and Group A cargoes”

Updated EU marine equipment directive requirements now in force

Posted on by News Hound
Credit: DNV
Credit: DNV

The 10th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1434 that amended the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU came into force on 31 August 2026.

And DNV has explained what this update means.

DNV’s essential points:

  • No new MED equipment was introduced, but the 10th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1434 updates requirements and test standards for a wide range of existing equipment.
  • Transition period: Marine equipment already compliant with national type-approval requirements before 23 September 2025 may continue to be placed on the market and installed on EU ships until 23 September 2028.
  • Manufacturers must ensure products comply with the updated regulation from 31 August 2026. Any Declarations of Conformity (DoC) issued after this date must reference the 10th Implementing Regulation, and some products may require new or additional testing before DNV can issue updated MED certificates.

Continue reading “Updated EU marine equipment directive requirements now in force”

AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook

Posted on by News Hound
AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook
AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued an updated edition of its Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Handbook, providing revised operational guidance for vessels operating within Australia’s maritime area of responsibility.

The new handbook has been substantially revised to focus on the practical information required for GMDSS operations in Australian waters, rather than serving as a textbook for GMDSS training courses. It replaces the previous, 11th edition published in January 2018. Continue reading “AMSA issues updated GMDSS Handbook”

Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection

Posted on by News Hound
Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection
Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection

Cargo fires and cargo loss remain major safety challenges for the maritime industry. Although vessel design, onboard safety systems and cargo-handling practices have improved, detecting a fire inside a container at an early stage remains difficult.

Fires can develop unnoticed within individual containers before conventional detection systems are able to identify them, potentially allowing an incident to escalate. The consequences can include loss of life, serious vessel damage, pollution, cargo losses and disruption to maritime trade. Continue reading “Cargo fire initiative examines technology for earlier detection”

Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published

Posted on by News Hound
Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published
Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published

The Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety Report is a special report by the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) Maritime GNSS Interference Working Group revealing the impacts of GNSS Interference in the Maritime sector. Survey data was compiled from over 100 sector experts and 300 vessel Captains, supported by interviews with dozens of people involved in the operations and supply chain of vessels that regularly encounter GNSS interference.

GNSS interference refers to anything that disrupts a ship’s satellite-based positioning signals usually caused by: Jamming: blocking or overwhelming the satellite signals with noise so the receiver can’t get a position at all; or spoofing: feeding the receiver false satellite signals so it reports a wrong position that looks legitimate. Continue reading “Report into the Impacts of GNSS Interference on Maritime Safety published”

Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers

Posted on by News Hound
Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers
Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers

Sea containers are a cornerstone of global trade, with millions of units transported across international supply chains each year. However, their movement also creates pathways for the spread of pests and diseases, posing risks to agriculture, biodiversity, food security and international commerce.

To address these risks, the Australian Government has developed a series of capacity-building videos aimed at helping industry participants and global stakeholders reduce pest contamination associated with sea container movements. Continue reading “Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers”

Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base report published

Posted on by News Hound
Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base report published
Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base report published

A new report by the UK Chamber of Shipping brings together expertise from across shipping, ports, fuel suppliers, academia and regulators to support the safe transition to net zero.

The UK Chamber of Shipping has published Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base, a landmark report that brings together industry expertise to identify and assess the safety considerations associated with the fuels expected to power shipping’s transition to net zero. Continue reading “Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base report published”

Second edition of Best Management Practices Maritime Security published

Posted on by News Hound
Major international shipping associations have combined to produce new Best Management Practices Maritime Security guidance
Major international shipping associations have combined to produce new Best Management Practices Maritime Security guidance

The recently published second edition of Best Management Practices Maritime Security continues to contribute to the security and safety of merchant shipping transiting the High Risk Areas around the world.

In an era defined by volatile geopolitical dynamics, evolving maritime piracy, and sophisticated state and non-state threats at sea, the global shipping industry has taken a definitive step forward. The major international shipping associations—including BIMCO, ICS, CLIA, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and OCIMF—have jointly published the comprehensive consolidated edition. Continue reading “Second edition of Best Management Practices Maritime Security published”

IMO concludes first mandatory audit cycle covering 168 Member States

Posted on by News Hound
IMO concludes first mandatory audit cycle covering 168 Member States
IMO concludes first mandatory audit cycle covering 168 Member States

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed the first mandatory audit cycle under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), with 168 Member States assessed on their implementation and enforcement of IMO regulations since the scheme became mandatory in 2016.

The first cycle covered 94% of IMO Member States and represents one of the most extensive assessments of global maritime governance undertaken to date. The audits aim to help countries strengthen compliance with IMO instruments and support safer, more secure and environmentally sustainable shipping. Continue reading “IMO concludes first mandatory audit cycle covering 168 Member States”

Instagram Posts from the IIMS @iimsmarine

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Show details Hide details
Performance & Marketing Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. This also helps us optimise our marketing campaigns. User data sent to Google Analytics may be used for ad personalization and measurement of our ad campaigns. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Show details Hide details
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance