A 2013 survey conducted by Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) reveals why some seafarers cannot access shore leave while in the United States.Far from a luxury, shore leave significantly contributes to a mariners’ health and the safe and efficient operation of a vessel…
The Kingdom of Norway has become the first State to sign the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 on the Implementation of the Provisions of the 1993 Protocol relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977…
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued advice to shipowners to help them pre-empt port state control problems when the Convention enters in force on 20 August 2013.The advice – contained in a brochure which can be downloaded…
ICS issues free advice to shipowners. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), whose member national shipowners’ associations negotiated the text of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), has issued advice to shipowners to help…
Some 1,600 metric tonnes of fuel oil and 2,400 containers onboard the 'MOL Comfort' sank to the ocean floor when the remaining forward part of the container ship sank.'There is an oil film at the site, but no large volume of oil leakage has…
The ILO Maritime Labor Convention will enter into force on 20 August, 2013.The convention applies to all ships other than warships, naval auxiliaries, fishing vessels, vessels of traditional build such as dhows and junks and vessels operating solely in inland or sheltered waters…
The West African republic of São Tomé e Príncipe has wrongfully confiscated two ships chartered by the Swedish oil company Stena Oil, including the cargo. The captains have been sentenced to 3 years imprisonment and charged with 'smuggling' in a show trial…
The 'MV Albedo' sinks In rough seas after being held captive by Somali pirates for over two-and-a-half years.EU Naval Force confirms that the Malaysian flagged Motor Vessel MV Albedo, held by armed pirates at an anchorage close to the Somali Coast…
The Coast Guard has re-opened the Mississippi River above Head of Passes following clusure occasioned by a sunken tugboat.Survey operations are ongoing in an effort to locate the sunken 48-foot tug boat C-Pec between mile marker eight and Head of Passes…
In a contribution to the legal support of seafarers worldwide, SRI (Seafarers' Rights International) launched a Charter of Good Practice for the Provision of Legal Services to Seafarers. “For seafarers, seeking the advice of a lawyer can be one of the most stressful events of their career…
All vessels on the high seas should carry identification numbers and be trackable using satellite or other technology, says the Global Ocean Commission, an independent high-level initiative on the future of the ocean.Currently, passenger…
All shipowners and operators are advised of new speed and distance log requirements as followsSOLAS requires that speed and distance measuring devices are fitted on:1. cargo ships of 300 gt and over and passenger ships irrespective…
The California State Lands Commission's (SLC) report '2013 Assessment of the Efficacy, Availability, and Environmental Impacts of Ballast Water Treatment Systems for Use in California Waters' concludes that no shipboard ballast water treatment…
BIMCO believes that before governments can establish realistic targets for the reduction of CO2 as related to the shipping industry, governments must compile reliable data that supports such targets.In support of this undertaking, BIMCO will…
The Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports is requesting public comments on proposed revisions to Section 9 Pilotage Charges of the Rules and Regulations Governing Pilots and Pilotage on the Houston Ship Channel between the Galveston Bar and Turning Basin…
