Tag: loss prevention

The Commissioners of Irish Lights informed that the General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland are conducting their regular review of marine aids to navigation services. Every five years, the General Lighthouse Authorities, comprising Irish Lights, Northern Lighthouse Board and Trinity House in the UK, conduct this review to assess AtoN requirements.

A Belize-flagged general cargo vessel was on fire off Italy, and its crew was evacuated as local sources state. The 18 crewmembers were saved and no injuries have been reported. Thus, authorities are investigating the incident to find out the exact cause.

As the civil unrest and political instability in Haiti continues, shipowners and operators are urged to exercise caution when calling at Port-Au-Prince and when negotiating fixtures towards the port. Protests gave griped Haiti since early February, as part of the demonstrations calling for President Jovenel Moise to resign.

The US Coast Guard is calling ice fishermen and the public to be very careful and be prepared while on Lake Champlain. Ice can be very dangerous, making people or heavy objects susceptible to falling through. In case this happens, every minute will count. For this reason, preparation may be crucial and be the difference between life and death.

The Swedish Club has previously advised that sanctions against Iran cause payment problems because banks have proven reluctant to make any payments having even a connection with Iran notwithstanding that the payment may be perfectly legitimate. In line with its previous announcement, the Club now informed that the problem is not isolated to Iran.

Maritime Safety Victoria has partnered with AMSA to urge boaters and paddlers to carry a distress beacon. Carrying a means of calling for help when out on the water is standard for most boaters and many paddlers, however many believe that a mobile phone and/or hand-held radio are enough. One of the greatest risks to boaters and paddlers is unexpectedly entering the water, and then not being able to get back onto their vessel or call for help.

Operators proceeding to ports in Gabon should note that all vessels are subject to PSC inspection and there is currently a long list of “deficiencies” which vessels should take care to try to rectify beforehand, or otherwise risk being fined, the London P&I Club warned citing information from correspondents TCI/Eltvedt & O’Sullivan. 

RIMS BV have received two certifications from DNV GL and the Indian Class Register, to use Remote Inspection Techniques (drones) during surveys of enclosed spaces. New regulations that IACS issued, want to ensure a certain quality standard to service suppliers who want to use drone technology during close surveys. RIMS can showcase that drone technology with skilled pilots, is able to reduce the safety risks.

The US National Transportation Safety Board announced its 2019 - 2020 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, during an event held at the National Press Club, on February 4. The list includes 10 improvements, of which two regard shipping as well: eliminate distractions; and reduce fatigue-related accidents.

Compared to other global industries, shipping is relatively insulated from the general public at large—surprisingly so given its global reach and indispensability. It is not a world where people understand that without shipping, “half the world would starve, while the other half would freeze.”