VIDEOTEL Calls for effective training and regulation to avoid tragedy when shipping dangerous bulk cargoes. Whatever the cause of the recent loss of the Vinalines Queen and crew, the message for the industry is a stark one – greater enforcement…
BIMCO has today published its Reflections 2012, which examines critical issues facing the shipping industry now and in the coming year. This concise but thought-provoking annual analysis of the world in which shipping operates considers…
Overview of week of 22-28 December 2011. During the reporting period of 22-28 December 2011 pirate activity against vessels was low. One vessel was hijacked on 27 December approximately 50NM off the coast of Oman in the vicinity of 1818N 05736E…
After taking office on 1 January 2012, the IMO Secretary-General Mr. Koji Sekimizu today announced a number of changes in the structure of the IMO Secretariat. Mr. Sekimizu said: “The biggest challenge I see in the coming years, in terms of management of the Organization…
New Calculator Tool Provides Return-on-Investment Estimates for Safety Automation. Free Safety ROI Tool from Rockwell Automation quantifies savings and productivity gains to help cost-justify safety investments Engineers, plant managers…
In recent years there have been a number of accidents caused by the failure of on-load release hooks during lifeboat drills, which have resulted in seafarers being seriously injured and even killed. IMO has therefore been developing measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats…
Peak Performance Continues.In recognition of superior performance, the New York State Canal Corporation today announced top honors for the operators of canal facilities that provide outstanding service to patrons. Among the Canal honorees are: Best Lock…
December marked the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard’s formal entry into the national intelligence community, although many had long perceived the Coast Guard as a de facto member.The Coast Guard began its long involvement with the work of intelligence in 1790…
The Coast Guard announced the publication of a policy letter that exempts a number of mariners from the requirement to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential when renewing or obtaining a Coast Guard-issued merchant mariner credential…
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has completed the first unannounced oil spill drill since the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service was completed on Oct. 1. The table-top drill, which took place last week…
Somalis Sentenced to Life in Prison on Charges Relating to Piracy of the S/V Quest. Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali, a/k/a Sanadaaq, 32, and Jilani Abdiali, a/k/a Ilkasse, 20, both of Somalia, were sentenced today in Norfolk federal court to life in prison for their acts of piracy against the S/V Quest…
Statutory alert: Changes to the requirements for the carriage of blends of petroleum oil and bio-fuels.Applicabilty: All owners, operators and charterers of vessels carrying MARPOL bio-fuels and bio-fuel blend cargoes in bulk The 62nd…
U.S.-Canada Arctic Ocean survey partnership saved costs, increased data; 2011 mission concludes joint seafloor survey operations. A recent mission marked the completion of a five-year collaboration between the United States and Canada to survey the Arctic Ocean…
U.S. Army Takes Delivery of New Fire/Rescue boat from Gladding-Hearn.Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation has delivered a new high-speed fire/rescue boat to the U.S. Army. The all-aluminum vessel, designed jointly by the Somerset…
The Maritime Security Council has accredited the on-demand trip threat reports. Piracy continues to be a major problem affecting large yachts and worldwide shipping concerns. Pirate attacks are spreading from the Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean east to Asia and to the west coast of Africa…