Loss of propulsion of ro-ro cargo vessel Mazarine

The vessel Mazarine dramatically stuck on Wolf Rock
The vessel Mazarine dramatically stuck on Wolf Rock

Transport Malta’s Marine Safety Investigation Unit has published an investigation report into the loss of propulsion and subsequent grounding of the Maltese-registered ro-ro cargo vessel Mazarine, on Wolf Rock off Land’s End, UK on 10 July 2023.

At about 1040, the Maltese-registered, ro-ro cargo vessel, Mazarine ran aground on Wolf Rock, UK. The vessel sustained structural damage to the underwater section of the hull. In addition to the hull perforations, several deformations were observed, mostly on the port Continue reading “Loss of propulsion of ro-ro cargo vessel Mazarine”

InterManager issues call for industry-wide accident reporting

Captain Kuba Szymanski, InterManager Secretary General
Captain Kuba Szymanski, InterManager Secretary General

Accidents onboard ships are not decreasing, according to latest accident statistics submitted to the International Maritime Organization by InterManager.

The Association says the number of seafarers injured in falls has remained fairly consistent year on year, as has the number of injuries resulting from rescue and survival craft accidents. However, the Association warns that the casualty rate for enclosed space accidents has almost doubled. InterManager has submitted its figures, which span several decades, to the 10th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee Continue reading “InterManager issues call for industry-wide accident reporting”

What caught my eye: July 2024

An Englishman’s home is his fort

The three Palmerston forts in The Solent off the UK’s south coast are iconic structures known to many, dating back to 1859 when they were built to counter the threat of invasion by the French. For me they are a familiar sight, but I have never had the opportunity to land on these extraordinary structures – only admire them from afar with extreme curiosity.

But knowing they had been for sale for a number of years unsuccessfully, Continue reading “What caught my eye: July 2024”

How well do you know your lifeboat?

How well do you know your lifeboat?
How well do you know your lifeboat?

The American P&I Club has issued guidance highlighting the importance of in-depth training, robust familiarity with the specific lifeboat onboard each vessel, and rigorous maintenance routines to ensure the safety and reliability of lifeboats.

There are several types of lifeboats used aboard ships, each designed to meet specific safety requirements. Open lifeboats, lacking a roof, are the most basic and least safe, typically propelled by hand-operated oars. Closed lifeboats, either partially or fully enclosed, provide a Continue reading “How well do you know your lifeboat?”

Certified boats have lower chance of accidents

Certified boats have lower chance of accidents
Certified boats have lower chance of accidents

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’, suggesting that certified boats have a lower chance of accidents. Continue reading “Certified boats have lower chance of accidents”

New British Marine Decarbonisation Hub provides guidance on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

British Marine Decarbonisation Hub provides guidance on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
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

The MCA have alerted the IIMS about issues surrounding Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490 models, which are equipped with Sleipner-Sidepower retractable bow thruster modules.
The MCA have alerted the IIMS about issues surrounding Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490 models, which are equipped with Sleipner-Sidepower retractable bow thruster modules.

IIMS has been contacted directly by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to alert us to potential issues surrounding Jeanneau Yachts of the Sun Odyssey line 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

Capt Manoj Joy (left) and Johan Smith (right) from Sailors' Society with Capt Ruchin Dayal in the eDOT office in Goa, India
Capt Manoj Joy (left) and Johan Smith (right) from Sailors’ Society with Capt Ruchin Dayal in the eDOT office in Goa, India

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”

Collision between Kirkella and Shovette

UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella collided with tug Shovette
UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella collided with tug Shovette

On 24 June 2022, while alongside at King George Dock, Hull, England, the crew of the UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella lost control of its propulsion system and the vessel collided with the unmanned tug Shovette, which was moored ahead of Kirkella. During the collision Shovette’s hull and starboard fuel tank were breached by Kirkella’s bulbous bow. The tug partially sank, which resulted in pollution of about 7,000 litres of marine diesel oil being released into the dock. Kirkella was not significantly damaged and there were no injuries. Continue reading “Collision between Kirkella and Shovette”

Safety and Shipping Review 2024: Record low for fleet loses

Safety and Shipping Review for 2024 has been published PHOTO CREDIT: ALLIANZ COMMERCIAL
Safety and Shipping Review for 2024 has been published PHOTO CREDIT: ALLIANZ COMMERCIAL

Allianz Commercial’s Safety and Shipping Review for 2024 has been published, which finds that the sector will have its work cut out to maintain this status quo in future.

According to Allianz, the fact that shipping is increasingly subject to growing volatility and uncertainties from war and geopolitical events, the consequences of climate change, as well as ongoing risks resulting from the trend for larger vessels, means the industry will have to face significant challenges. Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting, Allianz Commercial said: “The speed and extent of the way the industry’s risk profile is changing is unprecedented Continue reading “Safety and Shipping Review 2024: Record low for fleet loses”

The Francis Scott Key Bridge ‘Black Swan Event’

Photo credit: US Coastguard/Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles
Photo credit: US Coastguard/Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles

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 Francis Scott Key Bridge ‘Black Swan Event’”

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