IIMS February 2025 News Bulletin
As always, this month's detailed new bulletin can be downloaded in pdf and/or eReader magazine formats. Additionally, there are two podcast versions of the bulletin to listen to.
Below are a few stories taken from the much longer main 38-page News Bulletin.
Click to download the 38-page February news bulletin in pdf format. Or if you prefer, you can select the online eReader magazine version, click here.
Two 'Lite' podcast versions are also available. Click to listen to the podcast for small craft surveyors (run time 18 minutes). To listen to the commercial ship surveyor podcast, click here (run time 24 minutes).
Announcing an essential one-day hybrid IIMS London Conference on 13 May 2025
After a few years' absence from London, IIMS is delighted to announce a return to the UK capital for an important one-day Conference The event will be held at the Thomas Miller building, 90 Fenchurch Street, London, but online delegates are encouraged to attend. The event is open to IIMS members and all comers who have an interest in the marine surveying sector.
Boldly titled "Marine Surveyors, P&I Clubs, and Loss Prevention: Collaboration for Safer Seas", a heavyweight group of well-known authoritative speakers has been lined up including Guy Platten (Key Note speaker), Stuart Edmonston (UK P&I Club), Nick Sloane, John Lloyd (Nautical Institute), Jeremy Russell KC, Karley Smith (Brookes Bell) and Amelia Dunn (ITIC).
CA Orca Project releases update to Skippers’ Comments Library and Interaction Location Data?
Orca attacks remain a constant threat. The CA orca project team has released a significant update to the ‘Skippers’ Comments Library’, featuring over 40 new entries. A new category, ‘stopping the boat’, details the experience of skippers who stopped their vessel during an orca interaction.?
2024 was the fifth season of orca interactions and the ‘Interaction Location Data’ shows there has been some consistency in the location and time of interactions along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal. However, compared to previous seasons, 2024 saw fewer interactions before April, and a notable decline from June to August.?
The ‘Skippers’ Comments Library’ - go to https://bit.ly/3OQuXFM and ‘‘Interaction Location Data’ table - go to https://bit.ly/3BpdGjU are useful resources for anyone planning to sail through the affected waters.?
INTERCARGO Annual Review 2024?
Dry bulk ships are at the very heart of global trade, transporting iron ore, steel, coal, cement and grains. As the statistics of the INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2024 demonstrate, there is a clear trend of improved safety?and declining ship losses at a time of fleet growth. Improved safety is largely thanks to constant learning, better crew training, improved ship design, new technology and stronger regulatory compliance. However, very sadly, major incidents involving loss of life have occurred and we must pay close attention to the causes explained in this report - there is no room for complacency.?
As the voice of the dry bulk sector, INTERCARGO is determined to help lead the response to these events. They are working with their members, including ship owners and industry stakeholders, to do all we can to learn and protect the lives of the brave men and women who crew bulk carriers. Dry bulk ships are at the very heart of global trade, transporting?iron ore, steel, coal, cement and grains. It is important to learn how best to protect the safety of seafarers, and the vessels and their cargo, from damage and loss.?
USCG releases Lithium-ion Battery Guide for Shippers?
The United States Coast Guard has published a helpful compliance resource, Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers.?
The publication aims to assist shippers to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes, including vessel shipments, with new regulatory requirements based on cell or battery configuration as well as Watt-hour (Wh) rating.?
As described in the guide, the transport of lithium cells and batteries via vessel can be subject to both the domestic regulations and the International Code for the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) that may require additional actions. Both publications should be consulted based on shipment route.?
Irish Coast Guard responded to 2,554 incidents in 2024?
The 44 Coast Guard Units were mobilised on 1,154 separate occasions. Coast Guard Helicopters conducted 752 missions. Critical assistance was provided to 537 people (preventing loss of life, and/or delivery to appropriate medical care). Coast Guard helicopters conducted 134 air ambulance flights in support of the offshore island communities. Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats were launched on 699 occasions, and Community inshore rescue service was launched for 73 taskings in 2024.?
Throughout the year, the Coast Guard coordinated 2,554 incidents which included search and rescue, maritime casualty responses and pollution and preparedness responses. The 44 Irish Coast Guard Units were mobilised on 1,154 occasions over the past 12 months. The Irish Coast Guard continued to support communities across the country by providing 134 air ambulance flights in support of the offshore island communities.?
In December 2024, the first two of the AW189 helicopters provided by Bristow Ireland Limited under the new aviation service contract, commenced operation in Shannon. The other four helicopters are scheduled for delivery early in 2025.?
USCG issues alert for counterfeit pilot ladders?
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a safety alert regarding the discovery of counterfeit pilot ladders during a Port State Control examination at the Port of Baltimore.?
Marine inspectors from Sector Maryland-National Capital Region (NCR) discovered counterfeit pilot ladders during a PSC examination at the Port of Baltimore. The identification plate on the ladder contained several errors, including referencing ISO 779-1 instead of the correct standard, ISO 799-1, and lacking the ISO 799-1 designation type.?
Additionally, while the serial number on the ladder matched the accompanying certificate, the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate. The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder was produced by “QINGDAO GOOD BROTHER MARINE LIFE SAVING APPLIANCE Co. LTD.,” a company that manufactures SOLAS-approved pilot ladders.?
However, in March 2019, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority identified counterfeit pilot ladders falsely bearing this company’s name and SOLAS certification.?
The Coast Guard strongly recommends ship owners and operators:?
- To thoroughly inspect pilot ladders to ensure vessels are outfitted with genuine SOLAS approved equipment.?
- To verify certification details. Check for proper ISO approval numbers and ensure the specifications on the certificate match the actual ladder.?
IACS to study Common Structural Rules revisions?
The IACS Council met in London in mid-December (C90) scheduling new dates for the introduction of revised Common Structural Rules (CSR) and acknowledging the significant number of safety-related outputs successfully delivered in 2024.?
C90 reaffirmed IACS’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards to ensure safety, structural integrity, and environmental protection, and meet the Goal-Based Standards (GBS) requirement for continuous improvement set by the IMO. The basis for revisions to CSR (including new wave loads, and other subsequent rule changes) will be more transparent and accurate as they are based on more scientific and validated data and include a more comprehensive and technically sound background compared to the existing CSR.?
Collaborative process for CSR revisions?
IACS Council recognised that it is vital that CSR revisions are made with all stakeholders in mind, and as part of a truly collaborative process. Revisions to the CSR will undergo an extensive scrutiny process by all stakeholders which is intentionally designed to be inclusive and transparent, allowing for widespread consultation with flag states, shipowners, and shipyards. To facilitate this process and to smooth the subsequent introduction, C90 decided to allow additional time for the development and implementation of the new CSR to allow all concerned sufficient time to comment, engage, and adapt without undue pressure.?
Accordingly, the new CSRs are scheduled to be adopted by IACS Council on 1 July 2027 and to enter into force on 1 July 2029.?
AMSA’s guidance on upcoming changes to SMS requirements?
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released information on new safety management system (SMS) requirements for domestic commercial vessels, which comes into effect from 1 June this year.?
领英推荐
Key changes?
Merchants, mariners and mavericks Lloyd’s Agents, the first 200 years?
Extract of foreword provided by Dr Richard Ward?
Despite its value, the nature of insurance has also often been misunderstood. Insurance has always been based on analysis, research and the scientific study of risk. In other words, on information.?
By 1811, the complexity of the information used by the insurance industry had evolved significantly, but it was the creation of a network of Agents by Lloyd’s that year that profoundly accelerated both the reach and impact of that information.?
For the first time, a global network of individuals could act as the eyes and ears of the market, finding out the truth, detecting problems, and suggesting solutions. The flow of information they sent back to Lloyd’s was a vital component of the consolidation and growth of both Lloyd’s reputation and the added value and expertise it could offer its customers. In times of war and conflict, the value of this information went far beyond policyholders, the Royal Navy and Admiralty both relied heavily on its accuracy.?
As this book shows, Agents tended to be quite exceptional people. Courageous, curious, and often eccentric, their commitment to the role has shaped the culture of Lloyd’s. And perhaps in no area have they made their mark as strongly as in their contribution to ensuring Lloyd’s has always paid all valid claims.?
Throughout this time, our Agents have directly helped to give Lloyd’s the global presence and brand that it enjoys today. Over the last 200 years, the Lloyd’s community has had a great deal to thank its network of Agents for. I congratulate them on this important anniversary.?
February News Shorts
Morco gas water heaters subject to an urgent product recall
A safety issue has been identified with Morco open-flued gas water heaters which may be installed in canal and houseboats as well as in domestic and commercial settings.
Find out more
Water Revolution Foundation issues open letter urging superyacht owners to act on sustainability?
The Water Revolution Foundation has issued an open letter outlining four recommendations to help foster more sustainable practices in the superyacht sector. These recommendations – billed as ‘yachting resolutions’ for 2025 – are aimed at yacht owners and family offices.?
Proposal to amend gasket requirements in the FSS Code for IMO consideration?
The International Maritime Organization has issued document SSE 11/17/3, highlighting a proposal to amend paragraph 2.1.2.5 of Chapter 5 of the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code. This initiative aims to resolve inconsistencies in how gasket construction requirements are applied across different IMO instruments. The proposal, put forward by India, the United Kingdom, and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), seeks to clarify and align the requirements for gaskets used in fixed fire-extinguishing systems within protected spaces.?
MB92 Group acquires superyacht coatings specialist Pinmar
Leading superyacht refit, repair, and maintenance company MB92 Group has bought GYG Ltd., the superyacht coatings specialist, service and supply company that trades under the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply and Technocraft brands. MB92 reports that all brands will continue to operate independently across Europe and the US.
New bill proposes establishment of Nigerian coast guard?
Stakeholders and experts from Nigeria's maritime sector have expressed support for the Coast Guard Bill before the country's National Assembly, with many describing the proposed legislation as a boost to the federal government's efforts in securing the maritime space, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said via a press release.?
Turkey escalates inspections to verify the quantity of bunker oil?
Turkish Customs Authorities require vessels arriving at port in Turkey to declare the quantity of bunker oil onboard upon arrival; however, there has been an increase in cases where discrepancies are found between the declared quantity and the actual quantity, and authorities stepped up spot inspections in recent months, the Japan P&I Club warns.?
New guidance for smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels published?
New guidance on smaller Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs) has been released, published by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).?Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 705 (M) and came into force 31 December 2024 setting out a pathway for operation of the rapidly growing number of hi-tech ROUVs between 2.5-4.5 metres in length.?
Read the MGN.??
Pakistan shipyard to build country’s first commercial ship in 40 years?
Pakistan will be building its first cargo ship in four decades.?Karachi Shipyard will build the containership for Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) for $24.75m.??
That's all for this month. We will be back in March.
Team IIMS.