The COVID-19 pandemic made people realize the severity and the power of technology, as well as how easy it is for a cyber-attack to happen; The pandemic led to a digitally connected world, with more and more people working from home, discovering what cyber risks are and how they can protect themselves and the organization they are working for.  

The Standard Club reports that according to the amended Pooling Agreement of the International Group, P&I cover in respect of fines for smuggling and breach of customs regulations will no longer provided as of right, but only on a discretionary basis.

The SG-STAR Fund, the first global tripartite initiative, launched a CrewSafe audit program that endeavors to assist crew source nations to bring a higher level of confidence and quality control checks into crew change processes such as quarantine/holding, medical and swabbing facilities.

UK MCA ran a consultation and concluded to a new method by which passenger numbers and passenger information is required to be transmitted; By December 20 2023, for vessels to which the regulations apply, passenger numbers must be reported digitally to the relevant authorities either via the National Single Window (‘NSW’) or via the ship’s Automatic Identification System (‘AIS’). 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) informs that they will test autonomous underwater vehicle off St John's Island, urging vessels sailing in the area to be extra cautious.

Steamship Mutual issued a circular issued by their correspondents, Huatai, which informs of the steps to be taken when reporting abnormal health condition of crewmembers when calling a Chinese port.

UK Club's Crew health director, Sophia Bullard, explains why hypothermia remains a challenging issue, the impact it has on seafarers, as well as proposes measures to prevent and treat this condition.

Proinde UK P&I Club reports that under Brazilian immigration regulations, a seafarer's identity document is accepted as a stand-alone travel document with the same standing as a passport, laissez-passer and other forms of personal identification.

The Panama Canal Authority announced that it is to modify its transit reservation fees and other maritime services (OMS) in order to better respond to evolving market changes and manage its capacity in the face of growing demand.

LOC, part of AqualisBraemar LOC Group, launched a new digital solution that aims to improve the safety during marine operations within harbours and ports. The company launched a digital service that is based on the development of a digitalized training library for port-based ship pilots, creating a structure for the retention of pilotage experience, and reducing risk of marine operations with 360-degree aerial views for pilot operations using drone technology.