Tag: regulatory update

The Singapore Customs has updated the Fourth and Fifth Schedules of the Strategic Goods (Control) Regulations. The changes affect the list of items needing mandatory transhipment and transit permits. The changes will apply from 1 May 2019. Exemptions will apply to the transhipment of any goods listed in Parts 1 and 2 of the Schedule to the SG Order, other than those specified in the Fourth Schedule, under certain circumstances.

According to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (Polar Code), and further amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), Marshall Islands require deck officers on RMI-flagged vessels operating in Polar waters to be Polar certificated.

Transport Malta published a circular drawing the attention of all concerned to the reporting obligations contained in the Merchant Shipping (Taxation and Other Matters Relating to Shipping Organisations) Regulations. Shipping organizations falling within the scope of regulation 4(4) of these Regulations and approved as such, must submit an annual declaration to the Commissioner for Revenue.

Improving the regulatory landscape is an important step for the maritime industry to raise operational efficiency, thus, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens is identified as appropriate. In this light, IMO, along with other organizations as well, are taking actions to reduce the so called ‘red tape’ in the sector and its implications.

China announced that it will eliminate its shipbuilding white list. Currently, China's shipyard white list contains 70 approved shipyards, while the decision will be effective immediately. The white list was introduced  in 2014. The list had received critisism from several private shipyards in China, claiming that it had eliminated them from favourable policies and had made it difficult to receive financing.

The Canadian government is planning to introduce new legislation to modernize Canada’s pilotage service for commercial ships. The Government reported that the amendments will focus on strengthening the governance of pilotage authorities, strengthening enforcement provisions, streamlining fee-setting and increasing transparency.

Starting from 1st April 2019, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has applied changes to shipping registration laws, some of which may impact operators. Namely, the way of closing a registration—for ships not required to be registered has changed.

The International Group has recently published some further revised FAQs on the Maritime Labour Convention (2006). These FAQs reflect the experiences that Clubs have experienced in dealing with MLC matters. The entry into force of the 2014 amendments to MLC on 18 January 2017 raised a number of questions. These FAQs aim to provide help operators comply with the amendments.

ABS hosted its 2nd Ballast Water Management Workshop in Houston, where over 20 representatives from 13 shipping companies participated, sharing their experiences of the BWMS newbuilding and retrofit process, after completing a comprehensive questionnaire. The report aims to capture key discussion topics, lessons learned, and insight shared by the workshop attendees on the installation and operation of BWM systems.

Maritime Administrations are responsible of making sure that companies offering a GMDSS Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM) service are acceptable according to the IMO Resolution A.702 (17). If a ship owner has chosen the radio equipment to be maintained through a Shore-Based Maintenance Agreement, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has agreed with a series of requirements that must be met by a company that seeks registration as a SBM provider.