Tag: UK MCA

In its monthly update on ship detentions for April, the UK MCA announced that six foreign-flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during April 2018, after failing PSC inspection. There were two new detentions, while four vessels remained under detention from previous months. Three vessels remained under detention at the end of April.

The UK MCA and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution ran a special week-long event to test the use of drones, along a stretch of coastline at St Athan, Wales. A selection of drones were used in four different search and rescue scenarios to explore how they could be used to help save lives in the future.

UK MCA provides suggestions for operators to ensure the crew's safety and comply with Merchant Shipping Regulations. All structures, furniture and fittings & means of access to and egress from the crew accommodation should be situated and constructed as to minimise any risk of injury to the crew.

Official data from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency shows that gross tonnage on the UKSR has increased by 18% compared with the end of 2014, following three consecutive years of growth. Moreover, the UK registered merchant fleet grew by 7% in gross tonnage (GT) in the year to end December 2017, a third consecutive year of growth. Lastly, the UK share of the world trading fleet was 0.8% at the end of 2017, with the UK registered trading fleet the 18th largest in the world by deadweight tonnage.

The UK MCA issued a marine guidance note regarding the transport of items, which are classified as dangerous under the IMDG Code, when carried by individuals in a private vehicle -such as cars/caravans/trailers/mobile homes- or by foot passengers. It does not include vehicles in commercial use, ambulances or vehicles driven by contractors/employees.

Debris and some fuel from the damaged boats was released into the Marina, however most of the fuel was broken up during the bad weather. But considerable quantities of polystyrene from damaged floating pontoons is also adding to the waste disposal problem.

The UK MCA issued a Merchant Shipping Notice containing the detailed mandatory requirements specified by the Secretary of State under the Merchant Shipping (MLC) (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018, giving also guidance on the application of the Regulations.

The UK MCA announced that ten foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during January 2018 after failing Port State Control inspection. During January, there were six new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port, while four vessels remained under detention from previous months.

The UK MCA issued a Marine Note, summarizing the changes to current MCA education and training requirements for obtaining a UK Certificate of Competency. The publication introduces further changes to the SQA OOW written examinations requirement for Overseas Collaborative Programmes and revisions to the approved programme timescale for reduced seagoing service.

UK MCA released an updated version of the 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers' in late December 2017. The amendments advise on  improving health and safety of seafarers primarily on board UK registered ships.