The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has released the results of a study that examined the effectiveness of its standards in enhancing boating safety. The research firms Industrial Economics and ITA International conducted the analysis, which used NMMA-certified boats to ensure compliance with ABYC standards through their inspection process. And although the results – voluntary standards (for marine safety) reduce the risk of involvement in a focused accident by 43 to 47 per cent – were reported at a recent seminar, it’s now ‘official’. Continue reading “Certified boats have lower chance of accidents”
Marine News
New British Marine Decarbonisation Hub provides guidance on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requires exporters to report greenhouse gas emissions for certain products entering the EU. As the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism gathers pace, UK trade association British Marine says it is witnessing a surge in enquiries seeking guidance on meeting these new border requirements and how UK businesses can provide the relevant data to their EU-based customers.
To assist members in navigating the complexities of the new EU regulations impacting exporters of key marine components, British Marine Continue reading “New British Marine Decarbonisation Hub provides guidance on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism”
‘Risk of drowning’ alert for some Jeanneau Yachts issued
IIMS has been contacted directly by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to alert us to potential issues surrounding Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490 models, which are equipped with Sleipner-Sidepower retractable bow thruster modules. These models were built in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The advice from Jeanneau is to immediately stop sailing. The company has issued a Continue reading “‘Risk of drowning’ alert for some Jeanneau Yachts issued”
IIMS President meets Sailors’ Society in Goa
Recently I was delighted to meet with Captain Manoj Joy and Johan Smith from Sailors’ Society, my chosen charity as President of the IIMS, for the next two years, at my offices in Goa. Sailors’ Society is a vital organization that provides comprehensive support to seafarers and their families around the world. Their work encompasses a wide range of services, from emotional and practical assistance to crisis response, Chaplaincy support, and so on. Captain Manoj, their representative in India, and Johan, Head of Wellness from South Africa, presented an overview of their work, highlighting their commitment to seafarers’ well-being. Continue reading “IIMS President meets Sailors’ Society in Goa”
What caught my eye: June 2024
Be aware (and beware) that some lithium battery safety cases are not fit for purpose
If you follow my scribblings on a semi regular basis, you will know that the subject of lithium battery fires is one that concerns me greatly and is a topic I have written a great deal about. A recent performance test conducted by Yachting Pages on some of the leading safety cases revealed some startling and concerning findings.
With more than 1,000 lithium battery fires reported around the world every week, lithium battery safety cases are of paramount Continue reading “What caught my eye: June 2024”
The Baltimore Bridge Black Swan Event and its effect on the insurance markets
Learning from this tragedy could prove an invaluable lesson in risk mitigation with complex maritime operations, writes John Butler. In the early morning of 26 March 2024 the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore forcing its dramatic collapse which was captured and circulated on television and social media across the world. This is a textbook example of a Black Swan Event, an unexpected incident that has disproportionately created a social and economic impact on a local area. This incident also shines a light on the offshore industry, maritime insurance, and the importance of Marine Warranty Surveyors. Continue reading “The Baltimore Bridge Black Swan Event and its effect on the insurance markets”
UK Office for Product Safety and Standards issues product recall alert for Honda Marine Outboards
The affected Honda Marine Outboard products present a risk of injuries as it has been identified that the actuator link rod may break during use due to a lack of durability. This can then result in a loss of shift operation, leading to a potential loss of control of the vessel. The product does not meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017. Due to this, the product has been recalled from end users. Continue reading “UK Office for Product Safety and Standards issues product recall alert for Honda Marine Outboards”
What caught my eye: April 2024
Floating art gallery to sail around the Mediterranean
I am rarely surprised by the ingenuity of people these days when most things seem possible, but this idea struck me as being visionary and worthy of a mention. An original concept, Art Explora is billed as the world’s first museum boat, which plans to sail across the world’s oceans with a self-stated mission to bring visitors innovative artistic and cultural experiences. It is the inspiration of its entrepreneurial founder and patron Frédéric Jousset. Art Explora is a large catamaran that can host up to 2,000 gallery visitors on board each day free of charge. Continue reading “What caught my eye: April 2024”
What caught my eye: March 2024
Floating sauna in Oslo fjord rescues occupants of sinking Tesla
This is a remarkable story, one of my favourites for ages, which fortunately had a happy ending. What caught my eye specifically were the details of the good Samaritan vessel – a floating sauna – which came to the aid of a sinking Tesla. I must have led a sheltered life as I was completely unaware that such craft existed and that they are indeed popular in Norway and can be hired by the hour! And being a skipper of a floating sauna sounds like a very cool job – never getting cold on the job either! Continue reading “What caught my eye: March 2024”
IMPA Safety Campaign: Securing pilot ladders at intermediate length is vital
The latest International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) Safety Campaign raises awareness of the need for pilot transfer arrangements to be procured, inspected, maintained and rigged in compliance with SOLAS regulation V/23, taking complete account of the ISO 799 standards. IMPA highlights the need for securing pilot ladders at intermediate length and conduct mandatory training, inspection and maintenance.
The results of the 2023 IMPA Safety Campaign show that historical trends in non-compliance continue. The headline non-compliance rate remains over sixteen percent, and the main determinant of noncompliance remains pilot ladders. Pilot ladder observations are included in more than fifty percent of reports of non-compliant arrangements. Continue reading “IMPA Safety Campaign: Securing pilot ladders at intermediate length is vital”
What caught my eye: February 2024
A fishing boat with a Second World War secret
Some reading this will know why this story struck a chord with me. A 34-foot wooden fishing boat named Thor, which was used to help Jews out of Denmark during World War II, will soon be on display at the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.
After Denmark was invaded by Germany in 1940, the Danish government resisted any anti-Jewish laws. But in the fall of 1943, the Germans announced that all Danish Jews would be deported. Over the next couple of days, the Danish resistance movement, with the help Continue reading “What caught my eye: February 2024”
CHIRP Annual Digest 2023 published
Recently published, the CHIRP Annual Digest 2023 is the ninth edition to be released by CHIRP Maritime. The publication covers the reports and cases that were published during 2023 along with additional articles on safety topics.
The Digest extends to 78 pages and celebrates CHIRP Maritime’s 20th anniversary. The publication presents a collection of safety-focused incident reports and insightful articles derived from real-life experiences in the maritime industry. The Digest is organized into themed sections, providing readers the flexibility to explore topics of interest. Continue reading “CHIRP Annual Digest 2023 published”
