A public consultation by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) on proposals to a clarified and improved set of BSS examination checking procedures has opened. The consultation will run until 31 May 2022.
A new maritime communications guide is free to download from GT Maritime
GTMaritime has issued a new guide entitled ‘The Maritime Communications – A look over the horizon guide’ that examines the different types of satellite systems and network configurations, regulatory requirements, commercial communications and crew connectivity, highlighting key considerations for future communications planning.
Updated IMO procedures for Port State Control reviewed
IMO has published updated guidance procedures for Port State Control (PSC) with IMO Resolution A.1155 (32), which was adopted on 15 December 2021. SQE MARINE explains what’s new in the revised resolution, which replaced the previous version Resolution A.1138 (31).
What are the IMO Procedures for PSC?
IMO procedures for PSC provide detailed guidance to Port State Authorities, featuring the following :
Over 100 boats from the Moorings and Sunsail fleet have been detained.
Customs and the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry have detained over 100 boats from the Moorings and Sunsail fleet leaving some charter customers stranded and the company scrambling to make alternative arrangements for incoming guests.
Over eight Customs officers accompanied by officials from the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry swooped down on The Moorings Marina, Wickhams Cay II on March 16 to conduct inspections on the vessels to ensure compliance with commercial licensing and safety certificate insurance.
Enclosed space entry guidance published by the MCA
Seafarers will be better protected as new UK rules come into force to tighten up safety for those involved in enclosed space entry onboard vessels. The updated legislation goes further than that currently required under international maritime law and is part of the ongoing commitment by the UK to seafarer welfare.
Enclosed spaces include chain lockers, cargo holds, duct keels and water tanks – or any area that has been left closed for any length of time without ventilation.
The Cruising Association has announced that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has followed through its proposed positive change to the application of Returned Goods Relief (RGR) for recreational craft resulting in many boat owners no longer becoming liable to pay VAT on the return of their boats to the UK.
The changes have considerable benefits for the UK based cruising community, says the association.
Autonomous vessel operations proposal outlined in ABS Autonomous Vessels whitepaper
The ABS Autonomous Vessels whitepaper is designed to support the industry’s increasing adoption of autonomous capabilities with a focus on safe implementation. It sets out 10 goals to create a framework for the design and operation of autonomous vessels and addresses key issues in implementation.
The ABS Autonomous Vessels whitepaper also includes an update on the outcome of the IMO’s Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Regulatory Scoping Exercise, an important step on the road toward the development of requirements governing autonomous operations.
Silent-Yachts rebrands as Silent-Group and is set to boost production
The electric catamaran builder Silent-Yachts has rebranded as Silent-Group and is boosting global production capacity to meet soaring demand, after forging a new partnership with VisionF Yachts. Last year the company sold a record 21 yachts, with 17 more in production this year.
“Our company has been growing at an incredible rate over the past couple of years,” a spokesman tells Superyacht Investor. “This growth was spurred by increasing demands of the market. As a result, it was a necessity for us to adapt our structures with a strong focus on the future.” Continue reading “Silent-Yachts rebrands as Silent-Group and is set to boost production”
Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft collided at high speed in the Menai Strait
On 8 August 2020, the rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft collided at high speed in the Menai Strait, Wales. A passenger onboard Rib Tickler was struck by the personal watercraft and fatally injured. The personal watercraft had been jumping across Rib Tickler’s wake when the rigid inflatable boat altered course across the personal watercraft’s path. The two craft were operating too closely to each other at high speed and neither Rib Tickler’s driver nor the personal watercraft rider understood the other’s intentions. Furthermore, the knowledge and skill levels of the persons in control or overseeing the two craft were not appropriate to the manoeuvres being undertaken. Continue reading “Report on fatal collision between rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft published”
Jeffrey Casciani-Wood pictured, who has sadly passed away
News reached the IIMS Head Office late in the evening on 16th February to inform us that Eur.Ing Jeffrey Casciani-Wood CEng, FRINA, HonMIIMS, FLLA, FIDiagE 1930-2022 (known simply to some as Mog) had passed away peacefully following a short illness.
Known to many in the marine surveying and diagnostic engineering fields, Jeffrey’s passing leaves a huge hole in the IIMS family. His longevity and desire to continue to contribute to Institute life into his 90s marks him out as a unique and inspirational character. He was IIMS President from 1997-2000. There are many superlative adjectives and words that could be used to describe Mog, and all would be appropriate. Words and phrases such as a heavyweight, a legend, a giant, a humourist, consummate author, ‘good bloke’ and gentleman all Continue reading “IIMS stalwart Jeffrey Casciani-Wood has passed away”
2022 Guidelines published by the Recreational Sectoral Group
The Recreational Sectoral Group (RSG) has published the new 2022 Guidelines for the general application of the conformity assessment procedures by Notified Bodies and Manufacturers. The aim is to prepare and assist with the conformity assessment procedures undertaken by Notified Bodies for recreational craft, personal watercraft, their components and their engines, in accordance with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) 2013/53/EU.
The Annual Lockage Report has been published by the Canal & River Trust
The Canal & River Trust says that waterways activity in 2021 surged in popularity post lockdown. The Canal & River Trust’s Annual Lockage Report for 2021 shows that as Covid-19 restrictions lifted in the spring, most places recorded counts that were close to pre-pandemic levels and a boom in lock use.
“The last two years have been like no other, with the lifting of pandemic restrictions resulting in increases in lock use that are unprecedented in the 21 years of preparing this report,” said Adam Comerford, national hydrology manager at the Canal & River Trust.