International News

Do you know why a Ship Structural Access Manual is required onboard?

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The Ship Structural Access Manual is an essential document
The Ship Structural Access Manual is an essential document

Maintaining a ship’s structural condition requires regular surveys and inspections throughout its operational life and the Ship Structural Access Manual is an integral part of this process. These checks help ensure that structural components remain free from damage, such as cracks, buckling, deformation, corrosion, or thickness diminution beyond acceptable limits.

For this reason, suitable means of access to the hull structure are essential, enabling safe and effective overall and close-up inspections, as well as thickness measurements. Continue reading “Do you know why a Ship Structural Access Manual is required onboard?”

Responding to an engine high temperature alarm

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Responding to an engine high temperature alarm
Responding to an engine high temperature alarm

According to the U.S Coast Guard, a fire aboard a small passenger vessel resulted in the death of one passenger, injuries to multiple passengers, and the total loss of the vessel. The investigation into the cause of the fire yielded several findings that warrant immediate review by all vessel operators.

While underway, in response to a high jacket water-temperature alarm, the master shifted Continue reading “Responding to an engine high temperature alarm”

Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President

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Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President's medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM
Mike Proudlove (left) accepting the President’s medal from IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, at the 2026 AGM

At the IIMS Annual General Meeting, broadcast live from the Institute’s headquarters on Tuesday 2 June, long-standing member, Mike Proudlove FIIMS, took over as the next President. He will serve a two-year term.

In handing over the reins to Mike, the outgoing President, Capt Ruchin Dayal, gave a passionate final address from his Goa location as he spoke to an audience of nearly 100 members and other interested parties (in-person and online). He said how honoured he has been to have carried out the role of IIMS President and offered some highlights of his time in office, one being last year’s high-profile Goa Continue reading “Mike Proudlove takes over as IIMS President”

Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer report

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The Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer has been published
The Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer has been published

The maritime industry is set to undergo significant transformation over the coming decades, shaped by accelerating technology adoption, the global climate agenda, and intensifying geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts, according to the Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

The maritime and energy sectors are at a pivotal inflection point. While energy technologies continue to advance, progress remains too slow to meet net-zero targets. Data collection and reporting have increased significantly, but without stronger global cooperation, both the energy and Continue reading “Global Maritime Trends 2026 Barometer report”

World Boating Day marks third edition of global celebration

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Istion Yachting. Photo credit - World Boating Day
Istion Yachting. Photo credit – World Boating Day

World Boating Day 2026 has taken place, marking its third edition, bringing together 28 countries across 143 events in a global celebration of life on the water.

From shipyards and marinas to museums and vibrant waterfront destinations, the initiative welcomed industry leaders, families, students and first-time visitors into a shared experience of discovery, connection and adventure on and around the water. This year’s programme came to life through a series of hands-on experiences, collaborations and open access initiatives that brought audiences directly into the world of design, craftsmanship and life on the water. Continue reading “World Boating Day marks third edition of global celebration”

Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats

Posted on by News Hound
Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats
Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats

The European Commission has recently published an interpretation note on the VAT and customs on pleasure boats new rules. This document has been awaited for several years by pleasure boaters and yachting professionals. It provides a number of important clarifications on the customs status of vessels, controls and returns to the European Union. While the text is still incomplete, it nonetheless makes good progress on these thorny issues.

For boat owners sailing between several European countries, Continue reading “Brussels clarifies several rules on VAT and customs on pleasure boats”

Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice

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Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice. Photo credit: C.Olavo Vieira & Capt Jorge Gonzales
Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice. Photo credit: C.Olavo Vieira & Capt Jorge Gonzales

A single defective ladder step, improperly secured gangway, or poorly rigged pilot ladder can turn a routine transfer operation into a serious accident within seconds as embarkation and disembarkation regulations have been neglected.

Ship operators need to always remember that safe embarkation and disembarkation operations depend not only on compliant equipment, but also on a well-implemented Safety Management System (SMS), effective crew training, and a strong safety culture onboard.

Safe embarkation and disembarkation operations remain Continue reading “Turning embarkation and disembarkation regulations into safe practice”

Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers

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Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS
Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS

The International Safe Containerised Cargo Organisation (CINS) has published revised guidelines for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers, updating industry practices for one of the sector’s most temperature-sensitive cargoes.

Developed by a working group of CINS members, the updated guidance is aligned with the principles of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), which sets out international standards for the safe packing and handling of containerised cargo. Continue reading “Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers”

EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

Posted on by News Hound
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

European Boating Industry (EBI) and European Boating Association (EBA) welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Guidance Note for Pleasure Craft. The guidance provides much-needed clarification for recreational boat owners and business on the treatment of recreational craft under EU customs and VAT rules.

The publication follows continued engagement by EBA and EBI Continue reading “EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment”

IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships

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A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest
A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest

The IMO has taken a new step forward towards the safety code for autonomous ships, including comprehensive regulation of unmanned shipping, building upon years of debate and detailed development work. At the latest meeting of the Marine Safety Committee, delegates approved a final text for the non-mandatory Maritime Continue reading “IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships”

New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO

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Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO
Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO

The World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization have jointly published a new handbook focused on integrating gender perspectives into the maritime sector.

The handbook, titled the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, was released on 18 May to coincide with the International Day for Women in Maritime, according to the IMO. The document was written by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, who this year received the IMO Gender Equality Award. According to the source, Continue reading “New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO”

Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

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Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada
Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

More than 12 million Canadian adults participate in recreational boating every year, but preventable accidents continue to result in injuries and fatalities on the water. To help improve safety, Transport Canada is supporting education and awareness initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours on the water.

As part of the Safe Boating Awareness Week, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced a call for proposals under the Boating Safety Contribution Program. The application period is open until 21st September 2026. Continue reading “Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada”

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