Health & Safety

These Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG) Guidelines, otherwise known as 2026 RSG guidelines, are primarily intended for use by the Notified Bodies, manufacturers of boats and equipment and Market Surveillance authorities and provide critical support in terms of compliance to the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive and the UK’s Recreational Craft Regulations essential requirements.

Given the scope of the RCD and the variety of different types of watercraft, PWC, and components, the RSG Guidelines make an assessment of the relevant harmonised standards which can be applied, identify where there are potential ‘gaps’ and provides support where no standards are available to ensure that compliance with the RCD essential requirements (which are mandatory) are met. Continue reading “New 2026 RSG guidelines published”

As the global shift toward electric mobility transforms our cargo into high-energy puzzles, the car carriers of the maritime world face a complex new chemistry of risk. The maritime industry has always been defined by its ability to adapt to the cargo it carries, but the rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) presents a fire-safety challenge that doesn’t play by the old rules. Whether it’s the stubborn heat of an internal combustion engine fire or the violent “thermal runaway” of a lithium-ion battery, the margins for error on RoRo and PCTC vessels are slimming. These Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum guidelines provide the essential scaffolding for vessel Continue reading “Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum Response Guidelines”

Britannia P&I has released updated guidance notes for condition surveys Forms on IG Ships.

Now available for both surveyors and masters, the revised documents have been developed to provide clearer direction on completing the International Group’s ship condition survey report forms, supporting more consistent reporting standards across the fleet. Continue reading “Britannia P&I updates guidance notes for condition surveys”

New Danish data, collected during real-world sailing, documents significant climate benefits from biofuel for the shipping industry as biofuel reduces black carbon emissions.

Soot particles – also known as black carbon – are among the most harmful emissions from shipping, both for the climate, where they contribute to global warming and melting of Arctic ice, and for public health through poor air quality.

Now, experts from the CLEANSHIP project document that using biodiesel, specifically B100 FAME, during normal operation can reduce black carbon emissions by up to 81 percent compared to traditional marine gas oil (MGO). Continue reading “Biofuel reduces black carbon emissions by 81% says Cleanship experts”

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has announced a landmark revision to its Unified Requirement UR M78, introducing comprehensive safety requirements for marine engines fuelled by ammonia.

The newly published Rev.4 of UR M78 expands its scope to include ammonia as an approved fuel for reciprocating internal combustion engines. This development reflects IACS’s commitment to enabling innovative propulsion technologies while maintaining the highest safety standards.

It will be uniformly applied by IACS Member Societies for engines with type approval applications dated on or after 1 July 2027. Continue reading “IACS updates safety requirements for ammonia-fuelled engines”