In a joint statement OCIMF and Intertanko commented that the sabotage act against four vessels in UAE territorial waters seems to be well-planned and coordinated. They both noted that it appears that each vessel was attacked by a sub-surface explosive device placed by either a remotely-operated vessel or diver. Both types of delivery method are more likely to happen when vessels are near stationary or in a very restricted waterway.
OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) informed that it has withdrawn a series of books and information papers, including a guide to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Regimes (2000) and EEDI (2001).
Intertanko launched new guidance on Mooring System Management Plans and Line Management Plans. The guidance is developed to assist operators ensure compliance with MEG4 and address the questions in Vessel Inspection Questionnaire. With this guide, Intertanko also aims to help operators manage the relevant equipment and lines from design to retirement.
OCIMF collaborated with defence company QinetiQ for a study on tanker hull vulnerability. This information paper highlights the results of the study in relation to the protection of crew and vessels. The results provide mitigating measures that can be applied to both existing and new build vessels.
OCIMF issued an information paper providing an update to section 3.4.10.3: Dynamic Test – Torsion Load in OCIMF’s Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings. The dynamic torsion test in that guide does not take into consideration the large differences in torsional stiffness of hoses from different manufacturers that have different hose constructions.
A new information paper by OCIMF presents the technologies and methods that are currently available for controlling or treating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from oil tanker loading and during vessel transit.
The last twenty years many dangerous events took place, showcasing the risk that offshore deck cargo operations present. To deal with this issue, OCIMF released a new information paper, Deck Cargo Management Onboard Offshore Vessels. The paper includes risk-based guidance as well as best practices on how to manage deck cargo in the offshore marine industry.
From 14 January 2019 OCIMF extended access to the TMSA reports to include non-OCIMF members who are registered as SIRE recipients. This move aims to ensure that more information is available to more users, and it will help to improve safety and marine assurance in the industry.
OCIMF published an information paper on ‘Transfer of Personnel by Crane Between Vessels’, focusing on the use of an onboard crane for personnel transfer, that has risks. This paper addresses those risks and provides guidance that should be used in the risk assessment process to determine the method of transfer, comparing transfers using a crane to transfers using a pilot ladder and transfers using an accommodation ladder.
When a ship is arriving in a port, it is considered as a high-risk activity. The dangers of this operation can be reduced by correct planning and making sure that the vessel’s crew knows about the port’s or terminal’s requirements. For this reason, OCIMF published the ‘Marine Terminal Information Booklet’.
