Tag: safety measures

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) issued its yearly report analyzing the accidents that were published during 2019, informing of 134 accidents in 30 safety flashes between 10/10/18 and 12/12/19.

Singapore's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) issued a paper focusing on the increasing tensions and attacks taking place in the Singapore Strait concerning the timeframe between November to December 2019, providing recommendations for ships sailing in the area.

In its latest investigation report UK MAIB focuses on a fatal incident concerning a skipper onboard a UK-registered fishing vessel ‘Artemis’ who fell head-first through an access hatch between the vessel’s wheelhouse and its mess deck 2.1m below, resulting to severe head injuries and died. The report notes that a significant factor of the accident was that the skipper was under the influence of alcohol.

Operations at the Australian small seaport of Eden have been impacted by the major bush fires raging across the South Coast region of New South Wales. In fact, the Port of Eden is the southernmost deep-water harbor in NSW and is situated equidistant between Sydney and Melbourne. The port hosts three wharves including a privately owned woodchip terminal; multi-user Navy wharfs; as well as the breakwater wharf.

IMO launched a video focusing on its 2019 Awards, where the Organization awarded major personalities of the shipping industry, with each one of the winners playing a crucial part in the maritime world of today.

The European Transport Federation (ETF) is asking for changes on lashing operations concerning the people who take part in them; Now, European short-sea and feeder ship operators are challenging efforts by the ITF to redefine container lashing as a cargo handling activity in order to bring it under the control of unionized dockers.

Swire Pacific Offshore (SPO) reported that all seven abducted crew members have been released, and have met with the company's senior representatives, taken for health checks. After 31 days of being captive, the crew were taken for medical checks and other necessary arrangements were organised and all have now returned to their home countries and their families.

If we had to choose one - or maybe two - words to describe 2019 for the shipping industry, these would be: human-focused. Despite the fact that 2020 sulphur cap was on everyone’s mind this year, we saw many significant developments in key human areas. From mental health issues, to women in shipping and safety culture, the industry seems to be putting its people first, trying to boost equality and – most importantly – safety.

The Liberian-flagged cargo ship "Songa Iridium" experienced engine failure while voyaging south in the Bosphorus, which lead to the vessel running aground ashore in Istanbul, Turkey. Specifically, the incident took place on Friday, December 27. During that time, the vessel had 19 crewmembers onboard, as well as a pilot. 

The USCG issued an advisory bulletin providing guidance for vessels transiting through the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, considering the challenging weather conditions and the incidents that have taken place.