Tag: safety management systems

During Posidonia exhibition in Athens earlier this month, Rear Adm. John Nadeau from US Coast Guard shared his remarks to a group of young maritime professionals and junior seafarers on the next chapter of shipping and the impacts of digitalization and the role of safety management systems.

USCG published the latest additions and updates to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Subchapter M, inspected towing vessels, as of May 2018. The Subchapter M regulations provide minimum safety, lifesaving, construction, machinery, electrical, and operational requirements for US towing vessels. All applicable towing vessels must be in compliance with the Subchapter M by 20 July 2018.

USCG updated its Frequently Asked Questions regarding Subchapter M, inspected towing vessels, as of May 2018. Subchapter M provides minimum safety, lifesaving, construction, machinery, electrical, and operational requirements for US towing vessels. All applicable towing vessels must be in compliance with the Subchapter M by 20 July 2018. 

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 USCG initiated the Concentrated Inspection Campaign, that is running from 2 May 2018 – 1 May 2019, for all US-flag vessels fitted with open lifeboats. The purpose of the CIC is to ensure that these critical lifesaving appliances are maintained in working order and ready for immediate use. 

The US Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg has issued an initial Certificate of Inspection to the towing vessel 'Endeavor' of Marine Towing of Tampa. This marks the first COI to be issued in accordance with the Subchapter M towing vessel regulations, according to USCG Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance.

USCG released guidance for stakeholders when they are developing, implementing, and verifying SMSs, to ensure the ISM Code is effectively implemented on applicable vessels. This work instruction also includes specific provisions to assist in assessing risks and developing contingency plans for emergency shipboard situations.

Transport Malta's MSIU issued an investigation report on the fatal fall of a crew man onboard the Maltese-registered bulk carrier 'Pompano', in Port Hedland Anchorage, Australia, in April 2017. The investigation found that the crew member lost his footing and grip whilst carrying out repairs on the ladder. 

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.

The USCG released the US Port State Control Annual Report for 2017, revealing an annual detention rate of 0.99%, the lowest ever in the US. However, the report showed a rise in detentions related to fire fighting, for the fourth straight year. Similarly, MARPOL Annex I deficiencies, which had been on the decline over the past several years, rose slightly in 2017.