On November 27, 2024, approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia, a bulk carrier shipping a type of coal called “Bailey High Vol Coking Coal” experienced consecutive explosions in the two forward cargo holds. While still under investigation, the explosions are likely a result of the accumulation of methane gas that created an explosive atmosphere and resulted in significant damage to the two associated cargo holds. It was soon discovered that the other five cargo holds also had highly elevated levels of methane that were Continue reading “USCG Safety Alert: The explosion hazards of shipping coal”
Marine News
ABS Port State Control 2024 Q4 Report
ABS has released its latest Quarterly Port State Control (PSC) Report which provides information about deficiencies identified on ABS vessels during inspections carried out by the various PSC regimes globally during the last quarter of 2024.
There were 465 total detained vessels in the fourth quarter per Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU and USCG. Of those detained, only 22 vessels were ABS classed vessels. For period 1 October to 31 December 2024, the top categories for Port State Control (PSC) detentions on ABS vessels in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tokyo MoU and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) database are as follows: Continue reading “ABS Port State Control 2024 Q4 Report”
Ocean Business 2025 announces cutting-edge technology Training and Demonstration programme
With Ocean Business 2025 less than three months away, details can now be revealed about the Training and Demonstration programme, one of the main attractions of the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries
The three-day show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK, is open to all visitors for free.
This year’s Training and Demonstration programme, featuring the most exciting developments in the ocean sector, is bigger than ever, with 180-plus hours of new technologies demonstrated in the dockside waters, onboard vessels and in the classroom. Continue reading “Ocean Business 2025 announces cutting-edge technology Training and Demonstration programme”
Liberia Maritime Authority advice on ships using low-flashpoint fuels
The Liberia Maritime Authority has published guidance on compliance with the requirements for ships using low-flashpoint fuel.
Marine notice SAF-017 Rev. 1/25 applies to ships using low-flashpoint fuels:
• for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2017;
• in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2017; or
• the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2021.
It also applies to a ship, irrespective of the date of construction, which converts to using low-flashpoint fuels on or after 1 January 2017, or to a ship using low-flashpoint fuels, which, on or after 1 January 2017, undertakes to use low-flashpoint fuels different from those which it was originally approved to use before 1 January 2017. Continue reading “Liberia Maritime Authority advice on ships using low-flashpoint fuels”
IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has released a review of all the safety incidents and events reported last year.
The 24 Safety Flashes covered 88 individual incidents or events shared by IMCA members. A further 33 incidents or events from information already in the public domain, from different trade bodies and/or regulators, were shared as being of interest. It should be noted that Safety Flashes are intended to be read by IMCA’s members’ offshore crews, and by office-based safety professionals. Continue reading “IMCA publishes summary of safety incidents in 2024”
IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024
Edition IV of the IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium has been published and is available for download. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor’s online library. As you read and browse the 172-page publication you will discover:
– A wealth of safety briefing information.
– Detail of incident and accident reports from last year.
– Vital loss prevention guidance and advice from leading P&I Clubs. Continue reading “IIMS Safety & Loss Prevention Briefings Compendium 2024”
What caught my eye: December 2024
Fishing is world’s most dangerous occupation, says global survey
When I read this story in December 2024 despite the report coming out in October, it did not shock me, but it certainly saddened me. I guess we all know the inherent dangers that fishers the world over face. So, I read that a global safety charity is calling for urgent change and investment after its latest report named fishing as the world’s most dangerous occupation.
A quarter of fishers (26 per cent) have been harmed on the job in the last two years, according to Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s latest World Risk Poll report. Yet, data from the report shows that more than nearly three quarters (73 per cent) have never received any safety training. The figure makes fishing one of the industries with the lowest rates of training in the world. Continue reading “What caught my eye: December 2024”
What caught my eye: October 2024
Major new artwork unveiled on Sheffield & Tinsley Canal
The first artwork on water by Alex Chinneck, the sculpture celebrates Sheffield’s historic waterways and industrial heritage. It takes the form of a full-size canal boat, whose body behaves in an extraordinary way, performing a six metre-high, gravity-defying, loop-the-loop.
An artist renowned for the ambition and scale of his public artworks, Chinneck has previously made multi-storey buildings bend, melt, Continue reading “What caught my eye: October 2024”
Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code update
The Red Ensign Group has released an update for its revised Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code. The revised code, which came into force this July, marked the first major update since 2019 after extensive consultation in the industry. This Code of Practice outlines the essential safety standards and pollution prevention measures tailored to various yacht sizes and types. Now the REG has published further Continue reading “Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code update”
Pair trawlers collision results in flooding and sinking of vessel
At 1149 on 6 October 2022, the pair trawlers Guiding Light and Guiding Star have a collision during a routine fish transfer. Guiding Star’s stern was breached, and flooded. The crew unsuccessfully attempted to pump out the floodwater, and the vessel foundered about an hour later. The eight crew evacuated to a liferaft, which capsized during the accident; five were recovered to Guiding Light and the remaining three were winched to a coastguard rescue helicopter. All crew survived unharmed.
Safety issues
• The fish transfer had not been risk assessed and, during the operation, Guiding Light’s wheelhouse was left unattended, which meant the skipper was not at the navigational controls to prevent the collision. Continue reading “Pair trawlers collision results in flooding and sinking of vessel”
UK MAIB Safety Digest 2nd edition 2024
Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued its second Safety Digest of 2024 featuring a collection of lessons learned from a variety of the latest marine accidents involving vessels from the merchant, fishing and recreational sectors.
The sole purpose of the Safety Digest is to prevent similar accidents from happening again. The publication examines and investigates all types of marine accidents to or on board UK vessels worldwide, and other vessels in UK territorial waters. It aims to draw the attention of the marine community to some of the lessons arising from investigations into recent accidents and incidents. Continue reading “UK MAIB Safety Digest 2nd edition 2024”
What caught my eye: September 2024
Commercial sail power is back with a bang – who would have thought it?
It seems we have gone full circle. Cargo ships powered by sail were lost to us a century or more ago, and to the current generation such vessels are regarded as outmoded transportation from a bygone era. But now they are back, more sophisticated and sustainable than ever. Recently I read about the Anemos, which has claimed the title of the world’s largest sailing cargo ship as she made her inaugural voyage from Concarneau, South Brittany, France. Continue reading “What caught my eye: September 2024”