UK P&I Club has released a video describing the dangers of refrigeration machinery and other improper maintenance procedures following an enclosed space casualty. During a third-party survey, the surveyor made a request to test the emergency fire pump, which was arranged with the assistance of the chief engineer. The emergency fire pump was located in a recessed well in the steering gear compartment, approximately 3 metres deep and accessed by an inclined stairway. Continue reading “Improper maintenance procedures can cost lives”
Shipping
Pre-load steel surveys – recommended only for finished steel products
For their mutual members, Gard P&I Club covers the cost of pre-load steel surveys (after any contribution from charterers). Only finished steel cargos justify the costs. In this short article, the Club highlights the type of cargo that is covered by the pre-load steel surveys recommendation.
As a general guideline, the Club will cover the costs involved in owners’ entries pre-loading survey on finished steel products. Accordingly, it is normally recommended that pre-loading surveys be carried out on the following products: Continue reading “Pre-load steel surveys – recommended only for finished steel products”
Conducting an oil tanker operational risk assessment
Oil tanker operations are extremely critical due to the significant impact they can have on life, property and the environment should anything go wrong, Shipowners Club has said. To assist in mitigating the risk involved with this trade, several measures are already in place including regulations governing the carriage of oil and the mandatory requirement for all crew to undergo specialised training courses prior to sailing on tankers and oil tanker operational risk assessment are necessary. Continue reading “Conducting an oil tanker operational risk assessment”
Tristar Safety at Sea Conference – Promoting welfare seafarers
Tristar Group will host its Third Annual “Safety At Sea” conference on 8th December 2021 (1330 UAE time) at the Dubai Expo Site in the India Pavilion. This continued initiative by Tristar, supported by IIMS, Nautical Institute, and IMarEST, is to draw industry and global attention to crew mental health issues and to improve the general well–being of all seafarers.
As business owners and leaders in the maritime industry, the onus is on us to take a leading role to ensure that the mental health of seafarers is no longer a taboo subject and that we create platforms to discuss and put in place an ecosystem that will enable seafarers to Continue reading “Tristar Safety at Sea Conference – Promoting welfare seafarers”
Hong Kong investigates fatality during steel pipe loading
The Hong Kong authorities have concluded and released details of an investigation into a fatality during a steel pipe loading that took place onboard a Hong Kong registered bulk carrier when loading its cargo of steel pipes in various sizes at a pier.
A Hong Kong registered bulk carrier was berthed at a pier to load its cargo of steel pipes in various sizes. During the crane operation, the stack of steel pipes below was displaced by lowering a heavy steel pipe. It caused the nearby stevedores to lose their balance and fall into the gaps between the steel pipes. Although the two injured workers were rushed into the port hospital for medical treatment, one of the stevedores responsible for unhooking the cargo was declared dead the day after the incident, and the other stevedore responsible for cargo securing was seriously injured. Continue reading “Hong Kong investigates fatality during steel pipe loading”
Need to knows about preventing fires onboard containerships
A collaboration between Standard Club and David Townsend, Principle Fire Investigator at Andrew Moore & Associates Ltd, has resulted in a helpful loss prevention alert for preventing fires onboard containerships while offering some suggestions for dealing with and improving the situation.
According to Mr. Moore, there has been an increasing number of fires onboard containerships in recent years, some with disastrous consequences, not only for the shipowner and the crew on board but also for the environment and the shipping industry’s reputation. Continue reading “Need to knows about preventing fires onboard containerships”
Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued
The Swedish Club has published helpful cargo guidelines, focusing on petroleum cargoes shipments. The Club said that they wanted to give advice on the shipment of petroleum cargo specifically. A variety of refined petroleum cargoes are transported via the shipping industry. These cargoes are classified by the hydrocarbon range of the products. As the club explains, a common contamination found in refined petroleum products is the presence of particulates. This often leads to a failure in the appearance parameter which states that the cargo should be ‘clear and bright’ and typically leads to further cargo processing operations.
Pre-loading
The ‘HM 50 Guidelines for the cleaning of tanks and lines for marine tank vessels carrying petroleum and refined products’, published by the Energy Institute provide tank cleaning guidelines for switching between various dirty and clean/refined petroleum product grades. Continue reading “Guidelines for the shipment of petroleum cargoes issued”
Call for applications for appointment as MCIB Investigator
The MCIB (Marine Casualty Investigation Board) was established in 2002 under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000. The purpose of the MCIB is to investigate marine casualties with a view to learning lessons to prevent them from happening again. It is not the purpose of an investigation to attribute fault or blame. The MCIB invites applications from suitably qualified investigators to carry out contracted marine casualty investigations on behalf of the Board.
To date the MCIB has published approximately 243 accident investigation reports and now wishes to engage additional investigators to carry out accident investigations on its behalf and to develop reports for the MCIB. Continue reading “Call for applications for appointment as MCIB Investigator”
Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.
The container ship Zim Kingston that spilled 109 boxes off the Strait of Juan de Fuca on October 22 was at sea in a storm caused directly as a result of port congestion says a new report. Using satellite AIS data, Seattle public radio station KUOW found that the Zim Kingston loitered off the strait’s entrance in gale conditions, moving at three knots on a course beam to the prevailing winds for about six hours.
While she was off the Strait, significant wave heights of about 16 to 20 feet were noted and the sustained wind speeds were in the range of 35-40 knots. The Zim Kingston began to roll through 35 degrees, and with extreme forces acting on her stacked deck cargo, she lost more than 100 containers over the side. Continue reading “Loss of over one hundred containers from Zim Kingston due to heavy weather and port congestion says initial report.”
Consultation for the carriage and charging of electric vehicles on Ro Ro ferries is now open
The consultation seeks your views on the draft Marine Guidance Note MGN 653(M) Electric Vehicles Onboard Passenger Ro-Ro Ferries. The increase in electric vehicle (EV) numbers in the UK has led to increasing demand for transit of EV onboard passenger Ro-Ro ferries (Ro-Pax). Currently, there are limited requirements specific to the charging of electric vehicles onboard UK vessels. However, noting the increasing popularity of electric vehicles it has become apparent that there is a potential for users of these vehicles to expect charging to be available onboard, and for operators of such vessels to consider offering this facility. This marine notice provides guidance for the safe carriage and charging EVs. Continue reading “Consultation for the carriage and charging of electric vehicles on Ro Ro ferries is now open”
Practical aspects of the carriage of containers on dry bulk vessels
Mark Dunbar, Surveys Manager at West P&I Club, has highlighted practical aspects on the carriage of containers onboard dry bulk vessels. And as he says, individual cases will vary widely so the following should not be taken as exhaustive, but as an aide memoire for the major factors that need to be considered and addressed.
– Bridge visibility needs to meet SOLAS requirements.
– Vessel stability including bending moments and shear forces to be verified as within limits.
– Container stacking weights – check CSC plate for maximum allowable – US 53 foot containers are usually significantlylower than standard ISO containers.
– Strength of tanktop/hatch covers/deck plating – remember all the weight of a container is distributed Continue reading “Practical aspects of the carriage of containers on dry bulk vessels”
New shipbuilding acquaint course exclusive to IIMS announced
The new Shipbuilding Acquaint Course has been developed by Broadreach Marine Ltd and is presented exclusively in conjunction with the International Institute of Marine Surveying, the leading worldwide professional body for the marine surveying profession. The aim of this unique one-week online course starting from 7 February 2022 is to provide an opportunity for the student to gain an understanding of modern shipbuilding procedures, from placing a contract to delivering a completed ship.
The course content and objectives can be summed up as follows:
– The Shipbuilding Acquaint Course content follows the logical processes and timeline required to build a ship from scratch. Continue reading “New shipbuilding acquaint course exclusive to IIMS announced”