IIMS January 2025 News Bulletin
Happy New Year and best wishes from the IIMS head office team for a successful 2025.
Our aim this year is just the same - to bring you the latest marine news, industry commentary and safety guidance on a month by month basis as it happens.
We start the new year with a 34-page news bulletin which can be downloaded below or listened to in podcast format.
Further below are a few stories taken from the more extensive main news bulletin.
Click to download the January news bulletin in pdf format. If your preference is for 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 24 minutes). To listen to the commercial ship surveyor podcast, click here (run time 27 minutes).
Published today: 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 from today. This is an essential addition to every marine surveyor's online library. As you read the 172-page publication you will discover:
Be sure to get your free copy of the 2024 Compendium now.
Or scan the QR code below.
Consultation open for the UK merchant shipping (vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure) regulations 2025
The proposed new Sport & Pleasure Code is one of the most significant new pieces of legislation to hit the UK statute book for many years and is long overdue. Consultation is now open, and you are encouraged to review the proposals and to have your say.
The Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 (“the new Regulations”) will apply to vessels used commercially for Sport or Pleasure. The new Regulations will apply to seagoing United Kingdom vessels wherever they may be and to other seagoing vessels operating from United Kingdom ports whilst in United Kingdom waters.
The Consultation is open until 23.59 on 25 February 2025.
Incoming new regulations for 2025
Here's a round-up of some of the new regulations set to hit the statute book in 2025.
- STCW – Electronic Certificates
- IMSBC Code Amendments - Amendments 07-23 to the IMSBC Code, resolution MSC.539(107)
- MARPOL Annex I – Special Area Updates
- MARPOL Annex VI – Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3
- FuelEU Maritime - a new regulation that will be implemented from 1 January 2025.
- The EU-MRV comes into effect from 1 January 2025.
- Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) – Ballast Water Record Book
- MARPOL Annex VI: Emissions Control Area (ECA)
- Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling
AMSA update on weathertight and watertight integrity standard?
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has extended the deadline for vessels to comply with National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part 2 standard for weathertight and watertight integrity.?
From 1 September 2025, the NSCV C2 became mandatory for all new domestic commercial vessels that have a requirement to comply with Marine Order 503.?
This standard aims to enhance safety by setting clear standards for maintaining weathertight and watertight integrity. The date has been extended to provide industry additional time to transition to the standard.???
IMPA Safety Campaign annual results revealed?
The latest IMPA Safety Campaign has revealed that pilot ladders remain the leading source of non-compliant observations.?
The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) highlighted that 9% of non-compliant pilot ladders were not secured to a strongpoint.?
Held between 1 – 15 October every year, the 2024 survey stated that no significant change to historic non-compliance trends. This year it was supported for the first time by a native application which it is anticipated will help more maritime pilots actively participate in the future.?
IMPA also said retrieval line rigging and pilot ladder serviceability remain weaknesses.?
Regarding non-compliance by types of defect, the survey showed a total of 531 non-compliant reports with 85% of defects not reported to the appropriate authorities, including not limited to Port State Control.?
MCA publishes MGN for pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels?
The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released an MGN giving guidance on Pre-registration Survey process for fishing vessels.?The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall and the accompanying MSN 1871 Amendment 2 allow vessels of less than 15m Length Overall (LOA) built before 16 July 2007 to be considered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for Registration as fishing vessels.?
MGN 630 Amendment 4 (F) Fishing vessels: Pre-registration surveys for fishing vessels sets out the process in place to ensure the MCA is satisfied vessels are safe and suitable for commercial fishing.?
This note also states that existing vessels of 15m LOA to less than 24m Registered Length wishing to join the Register may also, on a case-by-case basis, undergo the Pre-Registration Survey and the Note sets out the processes in place for this.?
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Denmark bans scrubber discharge from ships to protect its territorial waters?
Denmark is set to ban the discharge of scrubber water from ships in its territorial waters starting July 1, 2025.?The new law, introduced in the Danish Parliament, aims to address marine pollution caused by harmful substances released during ship exhaust cleaning. Scrubber water is a by-product of “open scrubbers,” which use water to clean exhaust gasses before dumping them into the sea. This water contains heavy metals and tars like lead, cadmium, and anthracene, which may harm marine life and humans by gathering on the seafloor and entering the food chain.?
The Danish government also plans to tighten regulations for “closed-loop scrubbers,” which store the used water for disposal at port facilities. Ships will need to use low-sulphur fuel or manage scrubber waste more responsibly.?
The ban will be implemented up to 14 nautical miles off Denmark’s coast. While Denmark cannot enforce the law in international waters, the government is working for similar bans in the Baltic and North Seas through regional agreements and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).?
Red Sea dive boat accidents
The MAIB has been notified of three accidents within the last 20 months affecting UK citizens on Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. These include: the capsize of Carlton Queen on 24 April 2023 resulting in abandonment of the vessel with all passengers and crew rescued; a fire on Hurricane on 11 June 2023 resulting in the deaths of 3 UK nationals; the capsize of Sea Story on 25 November 2024 resulting in up to 18 fatalities/people missing, including 2 UK nationals. Following the protocols in the IMO Casualty Investigation Code, the MAIB has formally registered the UK as a Substantially Interested State in the Egyptian safety investigations into these accidents.
From the evidence the MAIB has obtained so far, there is cause for serious concern about the safety of some of the Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety (EAMS) setting out his concerns and seeking full participation in the EAMS investigations. In the meantime, the MAIB is preparing a safety bulletin for publication setting out the areas of concern that individuals intending an afloat-based diving holiday in the region should take into account before booking.
ISO issues standard for methanol as marine fuel?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a new standard for methanol as fuel for marine applications.?
The document, prepared in cooperation with ship owners, ship operators, national standards bodies, classification societies, fuel testing services, engine and fuel cell designers, marine fuel suppliers, methanol producers, governmental organizations, and other technical organizations. It was created to meet the requirements for methanol supplied as marine fuel on a world-wide basis for consumption on board ships.?
It specifies three categories of methanol: marine methanol grade A (MMA), marine methanol grade B (MMB) and marine methanol grade C (MMC).?
Methanol has a low flash point product (typically 11 °C). As such it is the responsibility of the users to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations before use.?
AMSA publishes updated Surveyor Accreditation Guidance Manual Part 2?
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released its updated Surveyor Accreditation Guidance Manual Part 2 (SAGM2) which came into effect from 1 January 2025.?This manual outlines the standards and criteria required for the survey of domestic commercial vessels by accredited marine surveyors and recognised organisations, ensuring that accredited marine surveyors and recognised organisations adhere to consistent practices.?
Key changes in SAGM2:?
Surveyors and organisations are encouraged to review the manual thoroughly to ensure compliance with the latest standards and practices.?
Circular highlights importance of fire damper location?
Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers, advises the Norwegian Maritime Authority.?The recommendation comes following a fire on a Norwegian vessel.?
During the incident, quick-closing valves were used to shut off the diesel supply to the auxiliary and main machinery. However, the control handles for the quick-closing valves for the emergency generator were located in the same cabinet, leading to the unintended shutdown of the emergency generator.?
On the same vessel, handles for closing fire dampers were located within a partially enclosed area. As a result, crew members tasked with closing the dampers had to enter a smoke-filled area, exposing themselves to smoke and requiring medical attention.?
The Authority now recommends companies assess and improve the location and labelling of quick-closing valves. More specifically, quick-closing valves for the emergency generator should be positioned separately from those controlling the auxiliary and main machinery. Additionally, it is crucial that the crew members are familiar with the location and operation of these systems during inspections and drills.?
January News Shorts
Join us for the hybrid IIMS 2025 Canada Conference, Dinner and AGM on 27/28 February in Hamilton, Ontario
The IIMS Canada Branch committee has assembled some first-class speakers for your benefit at this high-profile event being held at the Hamilton Waterfront Centre, Ontario. You are welcome to join us as a face-to-face or online only delegate and the event is open to IIMS members and non-members.
Urgent Product Recall: Flogas Gold butane gas cylinder - 4.5kg, 7kg, 13kg?
Flogas in the UK has issued an immediate product recall for a small number of 'Flogas Gold Butane Gas Cylinders' purchased between 6 November and 22 November 2024. The recall affects all ‘Flogas Gold Butane Gas Cylinders’ purchased across East Anglia, East Midlands, the Home Counties and the South East of the UK during that time.
IACS interpretation on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high-level alarms?
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) published a new Unified Interpretation UI SC307 on hydrocarbon gas detection and bilge high level alarms in cargo pump-rooms.?The UI is set to be implemented by IACS societies on ships contracted to be built on or after 1 January 2026.?
New ABS Offshore Rules take effect next year?
Classification organisation American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has announced the release of its new ABS Offshore Rules.?The new rules provide the offshore industry with a comprehensive and clear framework for the design, construction and operation of offshore assets.?The ABS Offshore Rules will take effect on 1 January 2025.?
Canal & River Trust Boater Report 2024
The Boater Report gives an overview of how the Canal & River Trust generated income and their expenditure during 2023/24 to maintain navigation on the heritage network of over 10,000 individual structures including locks, bridges, aqueducts and reservoirs, many up to 250 years old.
IBEX acquires Professional BoatBuilder magazine
IBEX, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in the US, has acquired Professional BoatBuilder magazine (ProBoat) for an undisclosed sum. Professional BoatBuilder is a leading technical publication and online information source that focuses on materials, design, and construction techniques and repair solutions chosen by marine professionals. It has an audited circulation of 24,000 readers, worldwide.
Marine Surveyor
1 个月Happy New Year to you and all @ IIMS. Looking forward to a fantastic 2025.