International News

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

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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

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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”

UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety

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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement

Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale via the Cape Town Agreement.

The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combating of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels worldwide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures, and construction. Continue reading “UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety”

Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society

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Finishing in under six hours, IIMS member Catherine Linley ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay in support of Sailors’ Society – IIMS’ chosen charity.

Two women in running gear smiling and holding a TCS London Marathon MyWay banner on a sunny, grassy area with blue skies.
Catherine Linley and her sister, Hilary, ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay 2026.

Catherine first contacted the maritime charity to take part in the event on their behalf after hearing about it via IIMS. She went on to complete the event with her sister, Hilary, by running along the Linear Trail and the beaches of Adelaide in “glorious weather”.

Despite managing injuries in the lead up to the day, the sisters supported each other to the finish line where they were swept up by family members.

Catherine said she was proud of their effort but was acutely aware of the privilege wrapped around it. Continue reading “Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society”

Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

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Guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers has been published
Guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers has been published

In response to the growing risks associated with the maritime transport and shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries, the following guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers has been published. Lithium-ion cells are the core components of batteries and come in various forms, as they are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles because they can efficiently store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes. However, due to their chemical properties, lithium-ion cells and batteries are classified as dangerous goods and must be handled with care. Released against a backdrop of rising concern, the guidance comes as battery-related incidents at sea become both more frequent and more severe. Continue reading “Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers”

NMA warns of serious crushing injuries in packaging machinery

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The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has received reports of serious crushing accidents involving fish packaging machines in factories on board vessels. Credit: Sjøfartsdirektoratet
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has received reports of serious crushing accidents involving fish packaging machines in factories on board vessels. Credit: Sjøfartsdirektoratet

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has received reports of serious crushing accidents involving fish packaging machines in factories on board vessels.

An incident in which a person was caught in an automated palletising prompted the NMA to share an article highlighting the dangers involved. In the particular incident a vital safety barrier had been removed. Continue reading “NMA warns of serious crushing injuries in packaging machinery”

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