Tag: AMSA

Ports of Australia and AMSA support the union's push for radiation testing The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) will this week screen cars arriving in Port Kembla from Japan.This batch test for radiation follows months of campaigning by the MUA to ensure Japanese cargo and cars were screened for radiation upon arrival in Australia."This is a win for workers, and also a win for the Australian public," said Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith."Any risk of radiation is too big a risk to take. Workers and consumers come into direct contact with these cars - the Government watchdog must ensure there is no health and safety risk."The Australian public has a right to know if there is a radiation threat."In early May, cars arriving in Chile from Japan were found to be contaminated with radiation. Despite this, ARPANSA refused to commit to scanning cargo until today, after long-running talks with Maritime Union officials."We know from the tragedy in Japan that people are feeling the effects of radiation hundreds of kilometers away from the destroyed nuclear plant. We can't take the risk of contaminating workers," said Mr Smith."All we have been asking is for cargo to be tested before ...

Marine Notice issued by AMSA The purpose of this Marine Notice is to update shipowners and operators on the application of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (the Bunkers Convention) in Australia.This Marine Notice supersedes Marine Notice 9 of 2009 and includes updated information on the application of the Bunkers Convention to oil tankers.The Bunkers Convention entered into force internationally on 21 November 2008 and the Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage) Act 2008 implements the Convention in Australia.Ships of more than 1000 gross tonnes entering an Australian port or offshore facility are required to carry a Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Security in Respect of Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (Bunkers Certificate), in accordance with the Conventions specified format. The term ship in the Convention is defined as any seagoing vessel and seaborne craft, of any type whatsoever. Vessels operating in inland waterways or solely within the limits of a port or harbour are therefore exempt.The Bunkers Certificate is issued by parties to the Bunkers Convention and attests that insurance or other financial security is in force with respect to the ship to cover the ...

For bunker oil pollution damage The purpose of this Marine Notice is to update shipowners and operators on the application of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (the Bunkers Convention) in Australia. This Marine Notice supersedes Marine Notice 9 of 2009 and includes updated information on the application of the Bunkers Convention to oil tankers.For more information, press here.Source: AMSA

Hosted by AMSA on May 3-6 AMSA hosted the Asia-Pacific- A Regional Dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention conference in Cairns from 3-6 May.The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 is an emerging international global maritime priority, setting minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship including conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, occupational health and safety protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection.The conference was opened by AMSA Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey who welcomed maritime regulators, shipowners, the International Transport Workers' Federation, seafarer welfare organisations, shipping agents and classification societies from 20 Asia-Pacific nations, noting that over 60 per cent of the worlds seafarers are from the region.Wednesdays keynote speaker, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO) spoke about the critical importance of the Asia-Pacific region to deliver decent working conditions and a level playing field in a global industry. She advised that the MLC was likely to be ratified in 2011 and come into effect 12 months later.Thursdays keynote speaker, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport described the MLC as the fourth pillar of ...

Bulker grounds off Australia A coal carrier that ran aground off Gladstone in central Queensland last week is still anchored off the harbour.The Panamanian-registered ship became stuck on a mud bank in the main shipping channel on Friday afternoon.Marine surveyors and divers have been inspecting the coal carrier.A spokesman from Marine Safety Queensland says it is waiting on Federal Government approvals before the ship is moved.The Australian Marine Safety Authority and Australian Transport Safety Bureau are compiling reports into the incident.Source: ABC News

Two large drifting nets recovered On 15 April a Coastwatch aircraft reported a large fishing net drifting to the west of Torres Strait, inside the Australian EEZ. A Customs Bay Class vessel attended the scene, however on inspection they found that there were two nets, both of which were far too large for them to recover.The nets contained a large number of turtles and sharks. Border Protection Command requested assistance from RCC Australia to recover the nets due to the potential risk posed to ships navigating the western approaches to Torres Strait. (Last month a large vessel was disabled in Torres Strait with propeller damage due to net entanglement.)AMSA tasked the Emergency Towage Vessel Pacific Responder to recover the nets and the crew spent two full days on the task.The nets had a combined length of 7 nautical miles (approx 13km). Marine life found in the net by the crew numbered 312 fish including whaler & hammerhead sharks, spotted, shark and Spanish mackerel, barracuda, tuna and sailfish. 3 Stokes sea snakes and 4 turtles were also caught up in the net (two of which we were able to be released).The nets were delivered to Weipa where they were received by ...

Changes to the administration of medical examinations The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice advising Australian seafarers, coastal pilots, and other stakeholders of changes to the administration of medical examinations leading to the issue of a Certificate of Medical Fitness.Commencing on 1 June, the administration of all AMSA medical examinations leading to the issue of a Certificate of Medical Fitness, including the booking of an appointment, will be administered by Health Services Australia.To view the Notice please click hereSource: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Australian plan against pollution The Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, issued a media release stating that the Government is undertaking a review of the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea.To view the media release please click hereSource: AMSA

Environmentally Hazardous Substances A recent submission by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to the IMO has highlighted that some metal sulphide concentrates can be classified as Environmentally Hazardous Substances (EHS) UN 3077 under the IMDG code, and that such classification is missing from the IMSBC Code at present.AMSA have issued an M-Notice explaining their position on such cargoes.Unfortunately Members have experienced difficulties in gaining approval for the carriage of cargoes described as UN3077. UN3077 cargoes will not be listed on the document of compliance due to their absence from the IMSBC Code.Despite the attached M-Notice appearing to suggest that carriage as per the nearest IMSBC Code schedule should be sufficient in the interim, approval for carriage from authorities has proved difficult to obtain.Significant delays to the vessel can occur whilst approval is sought from the authorities locally, those of the flag state and those at the port of discharge. Additionally, the authorities may not all see the situation in the same light which has the potential for further lengthy delays to occur.Members should check in advance with charterers which cargoes they intend for the vessel if directed to Australian ports. If the cargo is to be declared UN3077 then ...

Australia current AMSA Marine Notices The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a listing of its previous marine notices that remain in effect, as well as a list of those that have been recently cancelled.You may view the list of the Marine Notices.Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority