September news bulletin is available to read now

Welcome to the September 2024 News Bulletin compiled by IIMS, extending to 31 pages. Below are a handful of stories extracted from the much more detailed news bulletin.

Click here to read the news bulletin in pdf format, or if you prefer click for the eReader version.

Two 'Lite' podcast versions are also available. Click here to listen to the podcast for small craft surveyors (run time 21 minutes). For the commercial ship surveyor podcast, listen here (run time 22 minutes).

Safety alert following Staten Island ferry fire released?

In light of the recent investigation report into the Staten Island Sandy Ground ferry fire, which cited a design flaw as the probable cause, the National Transportation Safety Board has published a safety alert.??

The NTSB safety alert to vessel operators informs them about the importance of understanding diesel engine fuel oil system return design and operation to prevent overpressurization of fuel oil systems. This is the second fire in two years the NTSB investigated in which overpressurization of the main engine fuel return system, caused by closed valves, led to diesel fuel spraying and igniting a fire. The other was a 2021 engine room fire on a towing vessel transiting the Mississippi River in Missouri.?

Download the Safety Alert at https://bit.ly/3M1MKIN. ?

Morco water heaters issues urgent safety alert?

The UK based BSS (Boat Safety Scheme) is supporting Morco in its ongoing campaign to find and fix potentially dangerous models of its LPG water heaters that may leak gas with the risk of causing fires or explosions. Following concerns that appliance test-point screws may not have been correctly tightened at the time of commissioning or servicing, Morco has issued a safety alert and is offering free upgrades for the affected models.?

Morco’s concern is that un-rectified water heaters can potentially leak unburnt gas that could cause fires or explosions, that may result in burns and serious injuries.?

What is the hazard??

Morco has identified a potential fire risk on their Primo 6 (MP6), Primo 11 (MP11), EUP6 and EUP11 LPG open flued water heaters. Gas leaking from an installation test-point could ignite and causing the plastic bezel and control knobs at the front of the water heater to catch fire and melt. The models affected were sold between 2018 and 2023.?

What to do if you think one of the water heaters may be installed on your boat.?

Go to the Morco website at https://morcoproducts.co.uk to check if the appliance is one of the affected ones. It includes a guide on how to find the model number and serial number, Morco’s guide - see https://bit.ly/3WqfGjE. If confirmed as one needing an upgrade, then fill in a Safety Upgrade Form that will help Morco ratify the need to act and for them to organise an approved Gas Safe registered engineer to make the required safety upgrade to the water heater which will be free of charge.?

Water heaters that have already had the safety upgrade should have a Morco branded yellow service notice sticker applied to the front face of the appliance including these words ‘Notice to commissioning engineer’ and a reference in the bottom left: Cod. 80000353 – ed.1?

Morco stresses that if the LPG water heater is suspected to be leaking gas, the supply should be disconnected and Morco or a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer contacted straightaway.?

The Boat Safety Scheme urges anyone with a Morco water heater to check their model and year against the very clear information on the Morco website and get in touch with the company if they are at all unsure and need help. BSS Examiners have been asked to have a conversation with their customers and to ask whether it has had the free safety upgrade. If not, they will be encouraged to get in contact with Morco.?

InterManager issues call for industry-wide accident reporting?

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 on Implementation of IMO Instruments taking place from 22nd to 26th July in London.?

The Association’s submission provides information and analysis in support of InterManager’s information documents on enclosed space accidents (ranging from 1996 to 1 May 2024), fall accidents (from 2012 to 1 May 2024), and accidents involving rescue and survival craft (from 1980 to 1 May 2024).?

InterManager notes there remains a significant lag between accident occurrence, its investigation, and the report being uploaded into the Marine Casualties and Incidents (MCI) module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).?

“It would be markedly beneficial to all analyses if this unwelcome lag could be decreased, or indeed eliminated,” said InterManager.?

Industry statistics are undermined due to lack of transparency and hesitation in sharing accidents. This is causing problems with accident reporting.?

InterManager’s submission notes a number of accidents involving falls onboard ships are not being recorded within GISIS nor made available elsewhere, although these accidents are being openly reported and recorded on ship type-specific websites and within regional media. It also notes there have been a number of enclosed space accidents in ship repair yards which are not currently required to report to GISIS.?

Read the story in full at https://bit.ly/465JZz7.?

Paris MoU focused inspection campaign on fire doors underway?

The Panama Maritime Authority’s General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DCCM) has issued a Marine Notice to inform operators about the new Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on fire doors, which is now underway.?

According to the Notice, the focused inspection campaign period runs from 1st July to 30th September 2024, and targets Panamanian-flagged vessels operating within the Paris MoU area. Flag State Inspectors and Recognized Organizations are instructed to focus on these elements during their surveys. The Panama Maritime Authority encourages all relevant parties to review this notice and ensure compliance with the outlined inspection criteria.?

The following points are part of the scope of this FIC:?

- Verifying that fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional?

- Testing a sample of fire doors for local and remotely controlled operation?

- Checking if self-closing fire doors are improperly lashed in the open position?

- Checking that doors close and latch properly?

- Checking that doors fitted in boundary bulkheads of machinery spaces of Category A are reasonably gastight and self-closing?

- Checking that fire doors have the appropriate fire resistance for the bulkhead in which they are fitted – Class A or B.?

FICs are short, targeted inspection efforts. This approach mirrors that of AMSA, which conducts similar campaigns on specific topics and ship types. The Focused Inspection Campaigns serve as an alternative to the traditional Concentrated Inspection Campaigns.?

BIMCO makes the case for electronic bills of lading??

Photo credit: BIMCO?

BIMCO has presented a scenario that involves the loss of paper bills of lading to underscore the critical benefits of adopting electronic bills of lading (eBLs) in the shipping industry.?

According to BIMCO in a recent incident, the loss of paper bills of lading led to significant complications, costs and delays that could easily have been avoided if eBLs had been used.?

Typically, when paper bills are lost, parties accept a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) to reissue new bills. However, in this case, the shipowners insisted on a more stringent process. They required the bill of lading title holder to file an application in court at the port of destination to officially declare the original bills void and remove the title from the lost set.?

The cargo interests found themselves in a prolonged debate over who held the title and who was responsible for filing the court application. Furthermore, the legal process to void the original bills and issue new ones was expected to take up to two months. Given the high value of the cargo, they were understandably hesitant to land it without proper title documents.?

Although deemed “unreasonably cautious” by some, the owners’ stance was guided by their P&I club and was legally defensible to avoid a mis-delivery claim. However, their action resulted in the vessel being anchored off the port of destination for over two months, accruing a staggering $2 million in demurrage costs. There is currently no resolution in sight.?

According to BIMCO, this complex and costly scenario highlights the critical importance of safeguarding shipping documents and points to a more efficient solution: eBLs. Unlike paper bills, eBLs cannot be lost, damaged, or stolen, offering a secure and efficient alternative. By adopting eBLs, the shipping industry can reduce the risk of lengthy legal disputes, decrease the risk of fraud, and ensure the seamless transfer of cargo ownership.?

WISTA UK celebrates 50 years of championing diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry?

Members of the WISTA UK Executive Board pictured with the Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez?

The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) recently marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory event highlighting five decades of progress and ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry. The event, which included an insightful conference and a grand evening reception, brought together industry leaders, members, and supporters to honour achievements and set the stage for future advancements. The conference started with a welcome by Monica Kohli, President of WISTA UK, followed by a welcome address by His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).?

Fourth MB92 report highlights urgency for yachting industry to tackle social sustainability?

Superyacht refit management specialists MB92 Group published today its fourth report designed to drive sustainable development in the superyacht industry: “People and the ocean – How the yachting industry is addressing the sustainability challenge with top talent”. The report, which focuses on the social pillar of ESG, reveals a relatively high level of inertia in this area, yet underscores it as an indispensable engine for the industry’s transition.?

The report methodology combines insights from a panel of experts on social issues and sustainability in the yachting industry, alongside extensive research, including a quantitative survey of companies within the shipyard’s supplier network and a qualitative survey of yacht management representatives and captains. The panel analysed the sector’s social challenges, outlined recent progress, and identified key focus areas, driving factors, and obstacles to adopting sustainable social practices.?

“Unfortunately, social issues tend to be overlooked by industry members and the general public. That is partly due to the niche nature of the industry. But it needs to change if we want the transition to happen,” said Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of MB92 Group. “Change should take place at all levels: individuals, companies, and the industry as a whole. At the heart of the matter is how we promote awareness, understanding and sensitivity across the yachting community. We will not resolve the environmental issues confronting the sector without formal mechanisms to develop the skills of all our people.”?

Key findings from the MB92 report highlight the need for sustainable people management strategies, increased investment in talent engagement, and the development of essential skills. While progress has been made on environmental fronts, the industry’s approach to social issues remains fragmented.

Register to receive a full copy of the report at https://bit.ly/3xWdS8x.????

AMSA announces 2024-25 National Compliance Plan?

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released its National Compliance Plan (NCP) for the 2024-25 financial year, with inspection efforts a key focus area due to an increase in deficiency and detention rates.?

AMSA Acting Executive Director of Operations Chris Barber said NCP priorities were informed by data and trends to ensure resources were targeted where they were needed the most.???

“Port State control ship inspection data has shown an increase in both deficiency and detention rates from 2022 to 2023, so we will focus our inspection efforts on those vessels considered higher risk,” Mr Barber said.?

“There is room for improvement, and we will not tolerate sub-standard shipping. Poor planned maintenance and inadequate emergency preparedness have also been identified as issues.”?

Mr Barber said the NCP further detailed the key focus areas for compliance activities relevant to domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) and the marine environment.?

“On the domestic front, we’ll be focusing on changes to safety management system provisions, including simpler requirements for smaller vessels, which better reflect the risk profile of these operations. This will cover issues including fatigue management, dangerous goods, and emergency plans, to minimise the risk of injury to crew and passengers. It follows the consultation currently underway related to proposed changes to safety management systems. Our data suggests that there is also a need for continued compliance focus on lifejacket wear and risk assessment requirements. We’ll be addressing both emerging and ongoing issues to improve maritime safety and environmental outcomes.”?

Find out more about the NCP:2024-25 here: https://www.amsa.gov.au/national-compliance-plan-2024-25??

Even door hinges are intelligent on modern cruise ships?

The majestic Icon of the Seas entered service on January 2024, and she is the largest cruise ship ever built. There are a lot of features that make her iconic and innovative, including the door hinges. Antti Marine delivered over 3,200 e-hinges to certain types of stateroom doors onboard the Icon. The e-hinge and an online RFID lock connect the door to the ship’s Ethernet network. The lock is also supplied with electricity via the e-hinge (PoE). The cabin key can then be used as an identifier, for example when the passenger buys services onboard or in a partnered resort.?

Conventional systems leave the online cabling exposed when the door is open, making it vulnerable to accidental damage, and even vandalism. In the Antti Marine intelligent system, the cabling between the door leaf and the door frame is implemented with an e-hinge. In other words, the cable is invisible and protected all the way. Passengers will never even know it’s there.?

Antti Marine has thoroughly tested the functionality of the e-hinge. It is totally maintenance-free and corrosion-resistant. It has been tested according to the EN1935 standard for durability up to class 11, which is over 200,000 test cycles for an 80-kilogram door. The electronic operation of the e-hinge is tested in as many as three stages: first mechanically and for the electronic features at the hinge manufacturer, then the wiring is tested in a pre-cabled hinge with RJ45 connectors, and finally, the e-hinge is tested when installed in the finished door.?

September news shorts

Leading shipping organisations express concern over certain CII flaws

Six major shipping organisations (BIMCO, CLIA, INTERCARGO, INTERMANAGER, ICS, and INTERTANKO) have issued a joint statement expressing their concern over some flaws of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation.

BV GREEN PASSPORT: Regulatory framework for hazardous materials management

Classification Society Bureau Veritas (BV) has released a new edition of its rule note on the GREEN PASSPORT. The GREEN PASSPORT (NR528) outlines the principles and procedures for assigning, maintaining, and renewing the GREEN PASSPORT and GREEN PASSPORT EU notations for ships, ensuring proper inventory and management of hazardous materials.

IMRF celebrates 100 years as the leading global community of maritime SAR

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), the world’s leading non-governmental organisation for the development and improvement of maritime search and rescue (SAR) capacity and operational effectiveness, has celebrated its 100th anniversary since its founding in July 1924.

IMO issues revised guidance on anti-fouling coating removal

The International Maritime Organization has issued revised guidelines for the safe removal of anti-fouling coatings from ships, emphasizing the environmental risks associated with biocide release.

Global yachting market set to hit €33bn - an 11% increase

The global yachting market continues to grow, according to a new report and is set to hit €33bn over the most recent available year. More than €25bn of it comes from the superyacht sector.

MCA releases MGN 548 (M+F) Amendment 1 - Servicing Requirements for SOLAS Inflatable Life-Saving Appliances

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amended MGN 548 that details how SOLAS-certificated life-saving appliance servicing stations can gain the necessary approval from the UK Secretary of State to act as a UK Approved Service Station.