Tag: UK Club

The stability of a vessel is of paramount concern The stability of a vessel is of paramount concern in regard to the safety of the vessel. The earliest regulatory recognition of this can be traced to before Samuel Plimsoll in the 1860's. Times have moved on and stability regulations have come on a long way but the concern remains high.Only as recent as last year 44 seafarers lost their lives in three separate incidents where vessels carrying ore cargoes capsized and sank. In each case the vessels had loaded ore cargoes which were declared as Group "C""Group C consists of cargoes which are neither liable to Liquefy (Group A) nor posses chemical hazards (Group B)." IMSBC Code, 1.7.14.It is widely accepted that the cause of each accident was that the cargoes had in fact liquefied and caused a loss of stability resulting in total loss. Quite clearly these cargoes were Group A cargoes."Group A consists of cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit." IMSBC code, 1.7.12In order that ALL parties can make the correct decisions in regard to how best to handle, load and ship these cargoes it is imperative ...

Think like a stowaway when designating search areas and assigning search parties UK P&I Club issued Bulletin 766-05/11 for Stowaways as follows:The Association would like to bring to light a recent case of stowaways' boarding at Richards Bay, South Africa to the attention of Members. This case highlights the extreme risks stowaways are prepared to take in their means of boarding while attempting to remain undetected.The ship in question was a bulk carrier of 34,400grt, which loaded a cargo of steam coal for discharge at Sikka, India. Before arrival at the load port the crew had standing instructions to remain vigilant at all times for stowaways attempting to board. All doors remained closed and locked and all ladders from the main deck to the boat deck and from the boat deck to the next level had been blocked with razor wire.Extra precautions were in place as the ship was transiting the Indian Ocean High Risk Area. One door, shore side was in operation with two seamen constantly on watch. Periodical patrols took place with constant reporting to the watch officer and chief officer. Before departure from Richards Bay a stowaway search was performed and stowaway check list completed.Five days after ...

They cut off fuel supply to an engine in times of emergency UK P&I Club issued Bulletin 765-05/11 for fuel oil quick closing valves as follows:Quick closing valves are an essential safety component in a vessels power plant. They cut off fuel supply to an engine in times of emergency. These valves ensure that an engine room fire remains small and controllable and have saved many vessels in the past. It is then regrettable that due to poor maintenance or wilful neglect that these valves are being used incorrectly. InspectionAfter recognising an increase in the number of deficiencies on inspected vessels the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has increased its vigilance in its inspection regime in this area. The USCG had found numerous cases where Quick Closing Valves (QCV) were poorly maintained, modified in some way or intentionally blocked. The USCG is tasking a dim view in these circumstances and Members should expect their vessels to be rebuked either through the nomination of deficiencies or through fines. Also this may induce the USCG to closer scrutiny of the vessel.DeficienciesIntentionally blocked valves shows a wilful disregard to safety and is counter to any safety culture a company is trying to build.Modified ...

Guidance for all vessels engaged in transfers of persons at anchor or underway Ship to ship transfers of personnel are day to day occurrences in the shipping industry and have been for centuries. Therefore it is alarming that in this day and age of safety culture, regulation and inspection that catastrophic injuries and even fatalities still occur.Be it the embarkation of a pilot, crew changeover or stevedores gaining access to work the ship whilst in port these accidents are still common and are becoming increasingly costly to the Ship owner. First and foremost the safe access to a vessel is the responsibility of the Master and therefore the Shipowner is liable for all costs and expenses if such an accident should take place.From the Club's records we see that these occurrences are not the restricted to old vessels, substandard ports or maligned crew but occur on all vessel types of all age ranges and in ports both new and well established. Put simply the entire maritime sector is susceptible to these accidents but worryingly with increasing costs.The Club's records show that the average claim for incidents such as these regularly runs up to the 1$m markFollowing a recent highly publicised ...

Issues surrounding tanker fleets in the P&I world UK P&I Club aims to identify some of the most frequent causes of cargo claims incountered on Liquid bulk vessels and how to avoid them.Covering such topics as shortage, contamination, sampling, and a comprehensive glossary of terms it is hoped this document will help raise awaremess for ship owners, charterers and ships masters in order to prevent and limit liability.Also included are sections on Biofuels, liquid natural oils and other fatty products which are increasingly encountered in the industry.To view the booklet pease click hereSource: UK P&I Club