After the loss of power leading up to the MV Dali Francis Scott Key Bridge strike, marine casualty investigators noted an extended delay in the automatic start-up of the ship’s emergency generator. While the small generator was not sufficient in itself to run most major systems, it could provide low-speed hydraulic power to turn the rudder slowly – and could have provided that vital capability much sooner if it had started within standard time parameters, illustrating the importance of automated emergency power start-up. Continue reading “IACS finds common failure modes in emergency generator systems”
The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (
This month, I want to address the matter of recurring safety issues in our industry, and I pose the simple question, to which there is no easy answer: “What are the barriers to progress?” Of course, I don’t have the answers, but as a joined up, interconnected industry, perhaps we could do as we seek to make incisive inroads into ship, crew and vessel safety. Over the years, the realisation for enhanced safety training and mechanisms has grown and is now accepted as the norm, as has their implementation, but still, we see the same old type of incidents and accidents recurring. 
Of course, the sea, ships and boats have inspired artists for centuries – as well as me, although my artistic skills are not at the level of Joey Blazek! The original work of art (pictured right), entitled Matagorda Pilot Transfer, was painted by US artist Joey Blazek and measures 30 by 48 inches. It depicts a dramatic scene of a pilot transfer underway, and his expressive style of painting really caught my eye.
