Tag: Danish Maritime Authority (DMA)

Information letter referring to yachtsmen and pleasure fishermen at sea The Danish Maritime Authority has issued an information letter to yachtsmen and pleasure fishermen at sea about the regulations on navigation in traffic separation systems.It may be dangerous if yachtsmen are not familiar with the regulations on the traffic separation systems intended to ensure safe navigation in waters with many ships. Many yachtsmen know and follow the regulations, but the Danish Maritime Authority sees a need for increased awareness about the regulations.The information letter describes the general regulations on navigation in traffic separation systems, but also focuses on the northern part of the Sound, which is one of the most densely trafficked waters and, at the same time, an area with much recreational navigation and ferry traffic.Consequently, an area of prohibition has been established, among other things, at the ferry berth in the Port of Elsinore where recreational craft are not permitted to sail. The Danish Maritime Authority co-operates with the North Zealand Police about the enforcement of the navigational regulations.Source: Danish Maritime Authority

FP held its 55th session in London from 25 to 29 July 2011 Seven years' work on the FSS Code was finalised at recently held session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Fire Protection (FP 55) The Sub-Committee on Fire Protection (FP 55) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finalised a comprehensive revision of the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code. The work has been in progress for the last seven years and has led to a comprehensive revision of the requirements for various types of fire-extinguishing systems and equipment fitted on board ships. At this session, agreement was, among other things, reached about the new requirements for car deck sprinkler systems. The new standards were submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for approval. On the basis hereof as well as previously approved amendments to the Code, a revised FSS Code will be published.The main issues considered at the meeting were the following:Updating of the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) CodeA working group of the Sub-Committee continued and finalized the comprehensive revision of the FSS Code with the purpose of the Code including the newest fire-extinguishing techniques. On the basis of the work of the working group, the Sub-Committee agreed to ...

A historic agreement on the energy efficiency of new ships On the basis of a Danish proposal, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has just succeeded in reaching a historic agreement on the energy efficiency of new ships no matter where they are built. The regulations will enter into force in 2013 and stipulate gradually increasing efficiency goals which, in 2025 when fully phased in, mean that new ships are to be 30 per cent more energy efficient than the ships built today. In addition, agreement was also reached on standards of how ships must develop and maintain an energy savings plan on board. Finally, a mechanism has been developed to support developing countries in their efforts to comply with the new requirements.Shipyards, shipping companies and other companies have already started globally using the new energy efficiency requirements in the development of new ship designs.At the beginning of the meeting, the IMO Secretary-General said that:"Ship energy efficiency is a topic that has been at the core of IMO's work". He also noted that the adoption of these regulations would help "ensure that international shipping remains the most environmentally sound mode of transport."Source: Danish Maritime Authority

A new version of Notice from the Danish Maritime Authority enters into force The revised version of the technical regulation contains the most recent amendments to regulations on passenger ships engaged in domestic voyages, primarily on the basis of the EU regulations on passenger ships as well as international regulations adopted by the IMO.The new regulations contain, among other things, requirements for immersion suits as well as requirements for lifejackets suitable for children and infants.The references to the relevant provisions and definitions regarding high-speed craft have been extended to include the International High Speed Craft Code of 2000 (the HSC Code 2000).A more detailed overview of the new regulations is available here.Source: Danish Maritime Authority

New guidelines on resuscitation on board have been summarized in an easily understandable poster In case of heart failure on board ships, it is important to be able to provide the right first aid. A new poster for all Danish ships provides the crew on board with all the information needed.New guidelines on resuscitation on board have been summarized in an easily understandable poster. You can place the poster in a central place on both merchant and passenger ships to provide information about what to do if an accident occurs and a person on board suffers, for example, a heart failure.At the European Resuscitation Councils congress in December 2010, the new recommendations were presented.The most important changes are the following:When to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which means that you are recommended to start CPR in case of unconsciousness and absence of or gasping breathing.Change of the depth of pressure. Now it is recommended that you press for a depth of at least five and a maximum of six cm in the centre of the chest.Change of frequency. It is recommended that you press with at least 100 and a maximum of 120 compressions per minute.CPR must be carried out with ...

BELTREP has become even more effective on Safety of Navigation At the recent session of the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV 57), the Organization mentions the reporting system BELTREP in the Great Belt as ground-breaking.Fewer administrative burdens for seafarers and improved navigational safety. The Danish ship reporting system BELTREP is popular in United Nations International Maritime Organization. The ship reporting system has become even more effective through a number of recent amendments that have just been considered by the Organizations Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation.The conclusion is clear: The Sub-Committee is very enthusiastic about the Danish system and would like other countries to develop similar ship reporting systems.Navigational safety in Danish waters must be second to none. Every day, many ships pass through our belts, straits and sounds and, consequently, it is important that we have an overview ensuring a high degree of safety. Naturally, I am proud that our ship reporting system for the Great Belt is mentioned as something special, but I am even more satisfied that the system makes it far easier for the seafarers on board who do not have to spend time and efforts on administrative difficulties and inconveniences, says Head of Centre Per ...

They are now given a higher tax deduction The new act strengthens the competitiveness of the shipping companies as well as the Danish seafarers employment possibilities on the global maritime labour market.Minister for Economic and Business Affairs Brian Mikkelsen says:I am extremely satisfied that a wide majority of the parties in the Danish Parliament are behind this growth package for the Blue Denmark. We are extending the Danish position of strength globally by improving the maritime framework conditions for both Danish shipping companies and Danish seafarers, and this means that we can compete with other major maritime nations also in the future.It is also very important to me that the shipping companies continue to choose the Danish flag for the ships. This presupposes that we retain a critical mass of maritime competences and that we improve the Danish seafarers possibilities of employment on the global maritime labour market.The competitiveness of the shipping companies is strengthened because the amendments will provide them with updated framework conditions that better match those of other major, competing maritime nations, such as Singapore.The fact that now the shipping companies will to a higher extent have a possibility of using masters (captains) from other non-EU countries ...

Circular by DMA The Danish Maritime Administration has issued the following Circular (provided free translation from the original document):PurposeBased on the indications after the fires on LISCO GLORIA and PEARL OF SCANDINAVIA in the fall of 2010, the DMA considers there is ground to recommend ship owners, operating passenger ships flying the Danish Flag, to go through and if necessary revise their internal procedures concerning:testing of sprinkler systems and P/A systems in passenger ships, charging on board of electrical cars' batteries.It is emphasized, that this recommendation is based on indications only, and there are until now no final conclusions concerning the mentioned accidents. Contents a. Concerning testing of sprinkler systems and P/A systems The following tests should be done and be included in the ship's ISM-procedures for the maintenance and testing of safety equipment:Sprinkler system in the accommodation: - Monthly auto-start of the sprinkler pumps by pressure-drop - Quarterly tests of all alarms in all sectionsSprinkler system on the car deck or ro-ro deck:- Monthly start of sprinkler pumps, including control of pump pressures, valve positions and free movement of valves - Quarterly test of at least 1 sprinkler sectionP/A system: - Weekly test, including the verification that all crew ...

Establishment of partnerships for strengthening innovation and growth The challenges and possibilities for developing greener shipping are key issues in a new report published by the Danish Maritime Authority. The report offers inspirationto both shipping companies and equipment manufacturers.The Danish marine equipment industry and Danish shipping companies have a strong standing in the international market as far as the development of new, green solutions for the shipping industry are concerned.In order to maintain and furtherdevelop this position, it will be necessary to establish various types of partnerships for strengthening innovation and growth. This message is found in a new report from the Danish Maritime Authority. It examines in more detail what possibilities the shipping companies and the Danish marine equipment industry have of continuously being some of the leading players in the field of green solutions.The report points out that the challenge faced by the shipping companies and the national equipment industry is complex. It is a special challenge that by far most shipping companies have their ships built in East Asia.Consequently, the equipment industry must be able to present solutions and involve itself in developments and productions that take place many thousand kilometres away.By establishing partnerships with, for example, ...

Nantucket East DMA established NOAA Fisheries Service announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area - DMA) has been established in the vicinity of eastern Nantucket to protect an aggregation of right whales sighted in this area on 14 March 2011. This DMA is in effect immediately through 29 March 2011. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.Nantucket East DMA (5 right whales sighted) -- active through 29 March 201141 36N40 53N069 56W068 60WSource: BIMCO