Tag: yachts

In light of the Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 6) meeting conducted by IMO's Sub-Committee on 4-8 March 2019, the participants agreed to draft interim guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters, to ensure they meet the needs for survival in the harsh and specific conditions in Polar waters.

A German yachtsman was knocked overboard in bad weather seas off New Zealand, when he decided to use his jeans to save his life, Reuters reports. The yachtsman managed to transform his pair of jeans into a life jacket that kept him afloat for more than three hours before being rescued by the coast guard.

IMO's Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 6), which took place on 4-8 February 2019, considered a first set of draft recommendations for fishing vessels and pleasure yachts operating in Polar waters, but are not already covered by the mandatory Polar Code, the so-called 'non-SOLAS' ships.

Asian governments are trying to improve the facilities and ease the regulations to attract more super yachts to cruise in the region and spend time in their marinas. In fact, in Thailand this has led to an increase in visiting super yachts, reaching an all time high in Phuket.  Namely, during February, the Yacht Haven Marina accommodated 36 super yachts.

The Maritime Authority of Cayman Islands issued a guidance note reminding of the Red Ensign Group Large Yacht Code requirements (up to 12 passengers) which will be applied retrospectively to existing yachts at the first annual survey after 1st January 2019. 

The US Coast Guard terminated the voyage of the 45-foot pleasure craft 'Sea You Twerk' with 14 passengers aboard Sunday in Biscayne Bay, Miami, after discovering multiple safety violations. With this respect, USCG reiterated potential fines for illegal charter vessel operations. 

The Danish Maritime Authority informed that it no longer issues nationality certificates to recreational sailors with vessels below 20 bt. Instead, it has prepared a letter that recreational sailors can bring abroad as a replacement for the nationality certificate. The Danish Maritime Authority also confirmed that Danish owners of pleasure crafts have the right to sail under the Danish flag, subject to the Danish Maritime Shipping Act.

Twelve marine companies issued at the Port of Rotterdam a plan concerning the construction of 'Rijnhaven Marina' on the west side of the Rotterdam South Bank; it will be a port to accommodate luxury super yachts and become a tourist attraction. The construction will create 200 to 1000 jobs. The market itself wants to cover the investment of 12 million euros.

IMO is working to prevent accidents that occur when ships are being moored at their berth in a port. A SOLAS regulation that focuses on better protecting seafarers and shore-based mooring staff from injuries during mooring operations, is set to be finalized by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction.

While Frontier Jacaranda was navigating for Rotterdam, Netherlands, it received a call from the UK’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. The ship immediately headed to the instructed area and rescued a British yachtsman. The individual was in good health and delivered to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of the Republic of Cabo Verde on January 20.