Health & Safety

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”

ClassNK has released its new Guidelines for Additional Fire-fighting Measures for Container Carrier (Edition 2.0).

The guidelines provide criteria for evaluating additional firefighting measures implemented on container carriers beyond the mandatory requirements of international conventions and regulations.

Edition 2.0 reflects operational experience gained from ships in service and the latest international developments. By complying with the guidelines, shipowners and operators can enhance fire safety in a practical and effective manner, while the corresponding notations enable the implementation of such measures to be demonstrated to external stakeholders. Continue reading “ClassNK releases Guidelines for Additional Fire-fighting Measures for Container Carrier Edition 2.0”

Boiler tubes play a critical role in both heat transfer and in maintaining the pressure integrity of marine boilers. When leaks occur, careful evaluation is required to prevent secondary damage.

And DNV has shared guidance on class acceptance criteria, including the assessment of repair feasibility and the follow-up of plug repairs on defective boiler tubes.

Boiler tubes are often exposed to high temperatures, corrosive environments and fluctuating operating conditions, making them susceptible to various forms of degradation. In case of leaks, plugging is often used as a rapid method to restore boiler integrity. Continue reading “DNV guidance on boiler tube plugging class requirements”

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued guidance for cargo ships equipped with rescue boat launching appliances that rely entirely on manual operation without stored mechanical power.

The guidance follows the adoption of IMO Resolution MSC.459(101), which introduced an exemption applicable only to rescue boats installed on or after 1 January 2024. The exemption does not apply to systems installed before that date, meaning existing arrangements remain subject to previous requirements. Continue reading “Manual rescue boat davits raise PSC compliance concerns”

The UK Maritime Safety Week 2026 took place from 6-10 July. To mark this occasion, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents at the UK MAIB, Rob Loder, writes Beyond the binder: making safety management systems work at sea.

Every year, Maritime Safety Week gives the industry a chance to pause and ask a difficult question: are we really doing enough to keep seafarers safe? This year, I want to focus on safety management systems (SMS) and the importance of closing the gap between safety in theory and safety in practice. Continue reading “Maritime Safety Week 2026”