Tag: best practices

The Bahamas maritime Authority issued a guidance on the management of Port State Control inspections, to ensure that companies operating Bahamian ships comply with international Convention requirements and national regulations of the PSC process, and to maintain the position of Bahamian flag in the white performance list.

The American P&I Club issued a summarized overview of key regulations of which shipowners should be aware when trading to and from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The issues presented vary from maritime safety and security to marine environmental protection, and are unique to locations in Greater China. 

The Committee on the US Marine Transportation System issued the Maritime Transportation Extreme Weather Task Force report, providing recommendations and identified opportunities for improving industry response and policies in case of extreme weather events and preventing marine casualties from heavy weather.

The new regulations regarding enhanced supervision and controls on ship pollution came into force on 1st of May 2018 in Tianjin, Northern China's largest port. This set of regulations apply to pollution caused by vessels, as well as their relevant operations in the territory of Tianjin Port. It also includes navigation, berthing as well as operation. 

Since early April this year, issues beyond propulsion including significant reduction of firefighting water supply and deck water spray systems have been encountered during vessel examinations and have raised concern for these critical systems while moored in the port, the USCG informed.

IBIA’s "Best practice guidance for suppliers for assuring the quality of bunkers delivered to ships" was welcomed by the 72nd session of the IMO’s MEPC, where it was agreed that it can be a good basis for the development of IMO guidance. However, several member states raised concerns about the document.

OCIMF released a paper providing guidance on safety critical spare parts for companies to consider when preparing an SMS. The paper notes that the identification of safety critical equipment and the need for safety critical spare parts is a complicated subject and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

From 15 May, all commercial and recreational vessel operators will have to show they have managed biofouling on their vessels before they enter New Zealand waters. In view of this, NZ's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has released guidance on how international vessels can comply with strict new biofouling rules.

The Standard P&I Club issued a master’s guide to raise awareness of fire risks on ferries. This type of ship presents particular risks due to the cargo onboard: Cars, lorries and refrigerated containers, all of these have combustible material and their own fire hazards, something which a ship’s crew cannot easily control. 

In response to a call from IMO, IBIA has issued a 'Best practice guidance for suppliers for assuring the quality of bunkers delivered to ships'. The guidance represents the first time a concerted effort has been made to address procedures to safeguard and maintain bunker fuel quality control throughout the entire supply chain.