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  FLASHLIGHT - May 2005            Edition No: 41

(Past editions can be viewed on http://www.asiaconference.biz)

Quote of the month ...
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
Walter Bagehot (1826 - 1877)

(Ed: Perhaps this is why many of us get so  much job satisfaction from marine surveying!)

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The 2005 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum will be held at the Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday/Friday 24/25 November.
CPD Certificates, accepted by all Marine Surveying Professional Institutes, will be issued upon request
Those interested in attending should contact Ms Astor Tsang at Asia Conferences: marine@asiaconference.biz
Those interested in giving a paper at the conference should contact Mike Wall at mikewall@pacific.net.hk

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Marine Surveyor wanted

Individual will preferably have:

•  At least 10 years international sea-going experience
•  Minimum five years experience as chief or second engineer on ocean going ships
•  Degree or certification in nautical studies, marine or mechanical engineering.
•  Diploma in marine surveying or enrolment in same.
•  Must be able to conduct Hull & Machinery, Condition and Evaluation Surveys and other Technical Investigations and Surveys on many types of vessels.
•  Familiar with International Maritime Organisation codes and standards and procedures/ International Shipping regulations.
•  Experience in implementation of ISO/ISM Standards.
•  Computer Literacy in word processing and spreadsheets.
•  Good communication skills in English.
•  Should be self motivated with some managerial skills and a hands-on attitude.

This is an opportunity for a committed marine surveyor to grow within a well established company in Hong Kong with the ultimate objective of taking over the company operations when the current principals retire in 4-5 years.  Candidates who do not completely fufil of the above requirements will be considered as training will be provided.  Reply to the Editor's email address.


CONTENTS (for full stories, select a headline)

At the Bow

FLASHLIGHT is a free monthly emailed newsletter circulated to more than 4,000 people involved in marine surveying around the world.  It is circulated to anybody who wishes to receive a copy, eg, Marine Surveyors, P&I Clubs, their correspondents, Underwriters, Professional Institutes, Admiralty Lawyers, etc.  Please pass it on to any of your contacts who you feel might be interested in receiving it.  If you do not wish to be included in the circulation list, please contact the Editor at the email address below.  Letters, opinions and articles relating to our profession are welcomed for the newsletter.

New Members:
Peter Bruce, Tonand Marine (Aust) Pty Ltd, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
Sunil Jaitly, Cleghorn, wilton & Associates Ltd., Dubai
Geoff Bowker, United Kingdom.

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Spindrift

Officer jailed

A Filipino chief engineer officer was sentenced to eight months in prison in the US last month after admitting that he allowed oily waste to be pumped overboard. Edgardo Guinto, who served onboard the Malteseflagged bulk carrier Katerina, was convicted of obstructing justice arising from instructions he gave the crew to conceal a bypass pipe.

Mourning Ruling

Alstom, the owner of the Chantiers de I'Atlantique shipyard, must pay for the day of mourning taken by workers following the Queen Mary 2 gangway tragedy, an industrial tribunal has ruled. The hearing said the staff had been right not to work on the first working day after the collapse of the gangway, which killed 15 people and injured 29.

Collision blame!

A privatelycommissioned report on the sinking of the French fishing vessel Bugaled Breizh in January 2004 has concluded that the casualty was caused by contact with a submarine. The report, by four experts, was ordered by the families of the vessel's five crew whose bodies have never been recovered.

Chemical concern.

A series of explosions onboard chemical tankers has prompted the launch of an industry wide working group. Owners, operators and classification societies are cooperating in a study to investigate the reasons behind the accidents and a report is expected in the autumn.

Spain static:

The number of ships on Spain's mainland and Canary Islands registers dropped by 10 to 200 vessels last year. New figures show that Spanish interests controlled 300 vessels of a total 4.18m gt at the start of 2005 eight down but 500,000 gt up from the same time last year.

Seafarers killed:

Ten seafarers died last month after the North Koreanflagged general cargoship Lujin II ran aground and sank of the Algerian coast. The 8,900 dwt vessel was reported to have lost power in stormy weather before drifting towards the coast and breaking in two.

Ferry Flagout:

Spanish seafaring unions have been negotiating over costcutting plans by operator Euroferrys to flag out a ship running between Algiers and Tangiers and replace more than 60 Spanish crew with nonEU labour.

Finnish no

Finland's government has rejected calls for a tonnage tax scheme to reverse the decline of the country's merchant fleet.

Fatigue accident.

An officer has told Japanese accident investigators that his ship ran aground after he fell asleep off the country's coast last month. The tanker Takasago 2 suffered a damaged bow and engine room flooding when it came ashore in Higashiizu, west of Tokyo, but none of the nine crew were injured, Coast Guard officials said.

Greek cuts

Seafaring unions in Greece are opposing shipowners' calls for changes in nationality rules for crews on ships flying the country's flag. The owners have threatened to switch ships from the national register to Cyprus and Malta unless the government relaxes rules requiring set numbers of Greek seafarers on nationallyregistered tonnage.

Australian alarm

Former Australian transport minister Peter Morris has urged the country's government to overhaul its policies and revitalise the shipping industry. Speaking to graduates at the Australian Maritime College last month, he called for seafarer income tax concessions to help boost training and employment.

'Lepers' warning

Port operators have warned that European Commission plans to impose compulsory insurance rules for ships could create 'maritime lepers' refused access to ports across the EU. The European Sea Ports Organisation said the move would present safety risks to shipping and export the problems to other parts of the world.

Spills reduced

The amount of oil spilled by tankers last year was just 15,000 tonnes less than half the total of 2003 and less than onethird the amount lost in 2002, according to new figures published by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation last month.

Norwegian worry

Marine insurers in Norway have expressed concern at the rising level of compensation pay outs for shipping accidents warning that poor crew training lies behind many collisions and groundings.

Three killed

Three Indian seafarers onboard the Panama flagged containership MSC Roberta died last month when their vessel was in collision with the Greekregistered bulk carrier Aegean Wind in the Dardanelles.

Color opening

Norwegian ferry firm Color Line is set to create 250 new jobs when it opens a new service between Norway and Denmark next month.

Hong Kong clamp on fast ferries

Following a series of accidents in which more than 100 people were injured, Hong Kong has introduced tough new controls intended to ensure the safe operation of fast craft in its waters.  The HK Marine Department has warned that it will withdraw the licences of masters and operators of highspeed craft who fail to abide by the rules in restricted visibility.

The department is also making it mandatory for highspeed vessels to carry automatic identification systems, to improve monitoring and to identify errant operators.  The department has already withdrawn the speed restriction exemption certificates of two vessels for failing to operate at a safe speed when visibility was below 1 nm.  It has also introduced new controls over fast craft operations during periods of low visibility in response to a series of collisions which have resulted in more than 120 injuries since 2003.

Drink ban backed after Danish crash.

DANISH shipowners and unions say they are ready to consider the introduction of a blanket dry ship policy after an incident in which the multipurpose containership Karen Danielsen crashed into the 18 km Great Belt bridge.  A post mortem revealed that the deck officer operating the ship was drunk at the lime of the crash in which he was killed. The Danish Shipowners' Association and two officers' unions are reportedly open to discussing whether the alcohol limit at sea should be reduced to zero.  The navigators' union, which represents members working in the Great Belt's vessel traffic service, issued a stern statement denying media reports that the three officers on duty had been neglecting their work.  The reports stated that at the time of the incident one had been asleep, another was watching television and the third was washing up.

Union spokesman Fritz Ganzhoyn said the reports had portrayed the VTS service as a simple operation, while in fact it is highly demanding. He also called for certain factors to be re-evaluated:

- the quality of the extent, structure and organisation of the VTS
- VTS procedures and rules
- use of new technology to support human monitoring staff
- relocation of the VTS station.

Inertia threat to UK's maritime sector

BRITAIN needs to 'snap out' of inertia if it is to remain a major maritime power, the head of the UK's third biggest shipping company warned last month.  In a conference speech to industry leaders, Michael Hassing, chief executive of Maersk UK, called for more measures to cut the costs of training British officers and cadets.

Mr Hassing told the conference in Greenwich that other governments had set clear targets for becoming the centre of the world's maritime business. 'Where is ours? he asked.  'The world is passing us by.'  Mr Hassing had scathing words for the tonnage tax, asking why, for all the claimed success of the scheme, the UK flag still only represented 1% of the world fleet a figure which had not increased in 10 years and was a far cry from the 20% of 50 years ago.

He argued that this decline in British influence is starting to affect the City of London's preeminence in maritime services which could be lost within 10 to 20 years without effective action.

Mr Hassing noted that Britain still had much to offer the shipping industry, with a longestablished seafaring tradition, good maritime training centres and a commitment to the safety and quality of the red ensign.

He stressed Maersk's regard for British expertise, pointing out that the company is one of the largest British flag ship owners. Some 57% of its seafarers are UK nationals, he added, with 130 cadets presently under training.

He also identified NUMAST as a major asset to the British shipping industry, describing the Union as forward thinking, and highlighting the effectiveness of the Partnership at Work scheme in producing constructive employerunion relationships.

However, he accused the broader maritime sector of failing to fight for a strong future arguing that while the SeaVision UK initiative was 'well meaning and well intentioned' it lacked clear targets and goals for meeting challenges and threats.

Mr Hassing said the UK government should become 'much more maritime focused' and should bear more of the cost of training cadets noting that 'in comparison with several other EU countries, where most of the cost of academic training even to senior officer level is met by the state, our cost of training cadets is high even with the assistance of SMART grants'.

He also argued that the salaries expected by British junior officers are uncompetitive for shipowners and undermine the desire for professional development. He suggested that 'we need to put the hunger back in UK youth to aim for senior officer positions by reducing the financial rewards at junior officer level',

ITF denial

The International Transport Workers' Federation has denied reports that it is facing a £1m 'hit' following a court ruling on compensation for the incident in which the former campaign ship Global Mariner sank after a collision with the cargoship Atlantic Crusader in 2000. General secretary David Cockroft said the vessel was bareboat chartered at the time and liability for claims and counterclaims was the ultimate responsibility of the bareboat charterers and/or insurers.

Emission control

Italian classification society RINA has typeapproved a device which it claims as a significant step towards the 'almost zeroemission engine' for passenger and cruise ships. Known as Turbotransducer, the system applies micro-emulsion technology to marine diesel engines to deliver significant reductions in smoke visibility and NOx emission without increased fuel consumption.

Audits harmonised

The Liberian registry says it will be cutting costs and cutting time by harmonising International Safety Management and Intemational Ship & Port Facility Security Code audits and certification procedures. it claims the move will ease seafarer workloads by cutting inspection time to a single ship visit lasting no more than 12 hours.

Senior services

Maritime officials in India are considering raising the retirement age for ships'officers ftom 60 to 70 years in a bid to reduce a domestic skills shortage caused by recent expansion in the country's merchant fleet.

Defence pledge

Armed forces minister Adam Ingram told MPs last month that the government is conducting reoar studies to ensure that there are sufficient suitable UK merchant ships to meet strategic needs.

QE2 arrests

Three crew members from the Cunard vessel QE2 were arrested by police in Southampton last month following allegations that paint was thrown around the ship and tapestries were damaged.

Benchmark Rise

The ITWF has agreed a new benchmark wage rate of US$1,550 per month for ABs from 1 Jan 06.

Master is facing jail threat in French Spill blitz

THE SCALE of the French crackdown on maritime pollution has been underlined by figures showing that 17 vessels were escorted into ports by the French navy and charged with voluntary pollution last year, compared with only one in 2003.  The hardline policy continued last month with cases including one in which a French public prosecutor is seeking a suspended jail sentence and a fine to be imposed on a ferry master to act as a warning for others not to pollute French waters.

A E500,000 (£340,000) fine E20,000 of which would be paid by the master is hanging over Corsica Ferries following accusations of pollution off the French Mediterranean coast. The Mega Express ferry is accused of creating a 12mile long oil slick in an ecological zone.

The Corsica based ferry operator said the incident was accidental, but if the court finds for the prosecution next month, the fine would be one of the biggest imposed in the crackdown.

In another case, the owner of the Philippinesflagged reefer Neptunic had to pay a £250,000 (£170,000) bond to the Brest court, and on the same day the court imposed a E450,000 (£306,000) bond on the Italianflagged tanker Enrico levoli, which was spotted by a naval aircraft trailing a slick off the Atlantic coast.

However, the court released Captain Srdjan Ljustina, the Croatian master of the Japaneseowned tanker Atlantic Hero after ruhng that his explanation that ballast tanks were being cleaned when a slick was spotted by a navy surveillance helicopter was 'plausible'.  The master had argued that mud in the ballast water could have been mistaken for oil and the cour.t said this scenario was indeed possible.

'Near-miss' Master fined

THE UKRAINIAN master of a Malteseflagged ship was fined £2,000 last month following a Ineaxmiss' incident in the Dover traffic separation scheme.  Aberdeen Sheriff's court heard that Captain Andriy Naumenko had admitted breaching the collision prevention regulations when he crossed the SW lane of the TSS in the 10,100gt containership Safinarine Bata on 12 April.

This prosecution followed an investigation by the MCA into the incident, which occurred as the ship was sailing from Portugal to Aberdeen and moved from the NE lane of the TSS to the SW lane.  Capt Naumenko was approximately halfway across the lane when he realised he was on a collision course with another vessel that was correctly following the SW lane. He managed to avoid the vessel and, after passing another ship, he resumed his northerly course and exited the lane.

Mike Toogood, manager of the Channel Navigation Information Service, stated: 'This was a serious breach witnessed by several vessels using the scheme. The MCA regards full compliance with Rule 10 of the collision regulations as very important and a major factor in maintaining safety in the Dover Strait. The MCA will not hesitate to bring breaches of Rule lo to the notice of the courts, even when vessels only stay iin a UK port for a short period of time.'

(With thanks to the NUMAST Shipping Telegraph)

IMO's fire safety rules questioned

The IMO needs to re-examine its standards for preventing and controlling fires on board ships, says the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The TSB wants the IMO and the International Association of Classification Societies to review the requirements for structural fire protection and fire extinguishing systems to ensure that the fire risks associated with compartments containing high levels of electrical energy are adequately assessed. In its final report on a fire onboard the cruise ship Statendam near Vancouver in August 2002, the TSB says there are “deficiencies in the requirements for providing fire-retardant insulation on the deck between the engine control room and the main switchboard room. The lack of insulation allowed cables above the engine control room deck to ignite and start secondary fires.” The fire started when the main circuit breaker for one of the diesel generators failed. This started fires in the main switchboard room and the adjacent engine control room. The crew successfully extinguished both fires, and the vessel returned to Vancouver under tow. The TSB said it was also concerned that neither the IMO nor the international shipping community “have specified internationally applicable minimum standards of competency or knowledge for ship's electrical officers.”

Seafarer update: final call

BIMCO and ISF have made a final call for data on demand for and supply of seafarers. The information will be included in the 4th Manpower Update, which follows studies conducted in 1990, 1995 and 2000. These have been regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive tool of its kind available to the shipping industry. Responses are especially encouraged, with a 12 June deadline, from maritime administrations and shipping companies to ensure that the report is as comprehensive as possible. Results are expected to be published in the final quarter of this year. The aim of the survey is to identify sources of supply as well as current shortfalls of different categories of seafarers and to make recommendations based on the data collected to the benefit of all parties within the industry. Questionnaires can either be completed on line or returned as a paper copy and downloaded from the following website http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ier/research/current/bimco/ or forwarded upon request from Dr Robert Wilson at: r.a.wilson@warwick.ac.uk. Further details from Natalie Wiseman at ISF (natalie.wiseman@marisec.org) or Niels-Bjorn Mortensen at BIMCO (nbm@bimco.dk).

Fairplay Daily News: news@fairplay.co.uk

Seafarer ID Convention enters into force

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Seafarer's Identity Documents Convention 2003 entered into force on 9 February 2005.  The issue of seafarer's biometric IDs is now mandatory in all countries that ratified the Convention.  This requires a seafarer's fingerprints to be converted into a two dimensional barcode and printed on and ID card whch can then be read by appropriate equipment then compared with the holder's fingerprint.

See:  www.ilo.org/ilolex/cgi-lex/convde.pl?C185

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Contributions

None this month.

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Midships

John Lillie sticks his neck out .......

On page 6 of the IMarEST News, April 05 issue John Lillie, Managing Director of the Salvage Association (SA) has published his thoughts on surveying standards.  I quote from his article to set the stage for the ensuing debate:

"....  In the world of casualty surveying too, it is becoming increasingly difficult for clients to sift through the deluge of advertising to find surveyors able to represent their interests with integrity, make suitable recommendations, and then write a sufficiently coherent report to allow legitimate claims to be paid or to support litigation if required.

In the world of international commerce, there are ex-deck officers surveying boilers and ex-coast guard inspectors approving ocean tows.  There are people with no seagoing experience at all commenting on the activities of shipmasters.  There are naval architects surveying cargo and ex-second mates quizzing chief engineers on main engine operating systems.  All in all, this paints a picture of unprofessional marketing of inappropriate skills.  I do not have a ready made solution to the skills crisis,  except that companies must invest in more and better training.  But I would urge all marine insurance companies, P&I Clubs and shipowners to make sure that the surveyor they engage is suitably qualified, suitably insured and where appropriate, that the surveyor belongs to a professional society to which he is obligated by reason of his membership, to act with integrity, honesty and to the highest standards of ethics.  Surveying is no different from other professional skills:  You get what you pay for!"

ED:  I sympathise with Lillie in respect of the poor quality of some surveyors as we see many of such surveyors in Asia.  I also agree with him that clients should be careful in choosing their surveyors and that members of reputable professional institutes are more likely to be appropriate.  But needs must as needs be.  In some areas there is such a shortage of appropriately qualified surveyors that they have to make do with what is available.  There is also good and bad in everything and there is the possibility of getting a bad surveyor who is still a member of an association.  My paper at the IIMS/IMarEST conference recently in London said just that and stressed the need for appropriate codes of conduct and penalties.  Until we have one umbrella organisation and all surveyors are compelled to join such a professional institute, there will still be the rubbish out there.  Of course, the bottom line is always price and many of our clients only see this, not the years of work, experience and qualifications that many of us have put in.

Recruitment and training are key issues here.  We are going to have a significant shortage of qualified surveyors in the next ten years with a dearth of developed country nationals going to sea as engineers.  I believe that IIMS is working towards ensuring that more of our surveyors are qualified and, with a structured career path before full membership, experienced.  SCMS has taken the view that those who qualify and progress with experience will some day be the right material for membership.  There will always be the square pegs in the round holes and many are currently making invaluable contributions to our profession.

His comments appear to have stirred up a hornet's nest in some surveying quarters.  One ex-SA surveyor comments:

I agree with the majority of the points you and Mr. Lillie have raised.

I do however, disagree with Mr. Lillie or his organization pontificating on the quality of "Other Surveyors" particularly as S.A. has, by Lillie's standard, unqualified surveyors within their own organization. As the Managing Director of S.A., Mr. Lillie is not only aware of this, but, by his apparent lack of action, condones the very practice he now complains about in a public forum.  The S.A. should practice what they preach before pointing fingers at others.

Their are a number of SA surveyors who do not meet the most basic of requirements/experience set forth in the subject letter. Indeed, you only need to look up the CV's of the "surveyors" in the various offices of the S.A. to find numerous examples of non-sea going staff, and Master Mariner's, who in some cases list their expertise as machinery damage, fuel analysis, re-activation's etc.

Mr. Lillie and or the S.A. deserve censure for the tone of this letter, as it is arrogantly misleading, and possibly designed with the sole purpose of casting the SA as the savior of the industry, when in actual fact they are practicing exactly what Mr. Lillie and, by direct association, the S.A., are publicly condemning in others.

The penultimate paragraph of the letter states: "that the surveyor belongs to a professional society to which he is obligated by reason of his membership, to act with integrity, honesty and to the highest standards of ethics."  This statement, for the reasons stated above, raises the ugly question of the standard of integrity, etc, being practiced by the author and or the organization he represents.
 

ED:  It would appear that the general temperature of the water on eastern side of the Pacific is just short of boiling point when it comes to this article.  Our readers' views would be appreciated .....

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Scuttlebut

ISPS (affectionately referred to by many as the ISSPISS Code!)

Conflicts continue to develop with respect to the implementation of the ISPS Code.  From this month, we will be listing some of the ways that the code interferes with normal ship operations which in some cases could be considered as hazardous together with transgressions of interest.

How about this for a contradiction ....  The SOPEP locker is supposed to be readily accessed to use the equipment in an emergency but the ISPS code states that such spaces should be locked.

We would be pleased to hear from our readers of any such incidents.

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Insurance News

None this month.

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Wig & Gown

New China arbitration rules

THE China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), China's main international  arbitration body, has amended its arbitration rules, with effect from 1 May 2005.

The new rules introduce key changes to the earlier version of the CIETAC rules, which came into force on 1 October 2000. One unusual feature of CIETAC arbitrations was the requirement that arbitrators be chosen exclusively from the CIETAC panel of arbitrators.  But the new rules allow the parties to appoint arbitrators from outside the panel of arbitrators, provided that the parties agree to do so and that the appointment is confirmed by the chairman of CIETAC.

Under the 2000 rules, China was the seat of all arbitrations conducted by CIETAC. Therefore, Chinese procedural law applied to all arbitration proceedings. But, under the new rules, parties are now free to select the seat of arbitration.

Under the old rules, the parties to an arbitration administered by CIETAC were permitted to conduct  proceedings under arbitration rules other than CIETAC rules. But this discretionary power has been removed under the new rules, giving full effect to the parties' agreement - except where such agreement is incapable of performance or is in conflict with the mandatory law of the place of arbitration.

Writing on the International Law Office website, Michael J Moser of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, says,  "Foreign critics of CIETAC have frequently questioned the independence and impartiality of CIETAC  arbitrators. The new rules address these concerns by imposing a positive obligation on all arbitrators to treat the parties equally, fairly and independently. Moreover, new provisions require that: (i) arbitrators declare to CIETAC any matters which might raise reasonable doubts as to their independence and  impartiality, whether such matters arise before or during the arbitral proceedings; and (ii) the parties be  informed of these matters.

"The new rules seek to improve CIETAC's arbitration process. They contain features that are more in line  with accepted international practices. These features include the imposition of time limits on the exchange  of statements and supporting documents, and the granting of power to the tribunal to disallow any evidence  which is filed untimely.

"The new rules represent a leap forward in CIETAC's effort to establish itself as a global arbitration  institution. Although they do not address all the concerns frequently voiced by CIETAC's critics, the changes introduced in the new rules are a marked improvement over the 2000 rules, and clearly demonstrate  CIETAC's determination to improve its services and competitiveness. The new rules will enhance CIETAC's position as a leading player in the resolution of Chinese-foreign business disputes."

(With thanks to Maritime Advocate Online: maritimeadvocateonline@lb.bcentral.com

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Education and Training

None this month.

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Epistles

None this month.

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People

Our sincere apologies to Fred Cousins who we reported as being 85 years young in our last edition.  He informs us that, whilst he may look like 85 after many years of surveying, he is in fact only 70!

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Richard Wright, formerly of Billett and Wright, Fiji and latterly of R L Wright & Associates Pty Ltd, Australia, has retired from the marine surveying at the age of 61, whilst his former partner Bill Billett is still enjoying life in Aulbury NSW at 81!  Best wishes to both of them.

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Books and Videos

Seafarer's Rights, edited by Deirdre Fitzpatrick & Michael Anderson, published by Oxford University Press.  ISBN 0954653726.  Price GBP60 Contact OUP, Saxon Way West, Corby, Northands NN18  9ES, UK, T:  +44-208892-9905.  Email: bookorders.uk@oup.com  .  Recommended for legal practitioners, academics, reformers, insurers, shipowners and Government organisations, the book deals with how the legal system can protect seafarers by identifying which states have not jsut an interest, but also jurisdiction in respect to a particular ship and crew.  It analyses legal systems and how international treaties are interwoven with national laws, starting the a historical overvie of ancient laws regulating shipping.

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'Hatch cover maintenance and operation - a guide to good practice' written by David Byrne.  ISBN 0 954653726.  Available from Anchorage Press.  Email:  mail@anchoragepress.co.uk.  Price GBP30.

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Conference Reports

None this month.

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IMO Conventions

MARPOL Annex VI enters into force

MARPOL Annex VI enterd into force on 19 May 2005.  Ships will have to comply with a worldwide cap of fuel oil sulphur limits of 4.5% and, from next year, special requirements will apply in designated Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs).

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IMO regularly updates its web page with new and amended conventions:  http://www.imo.org/

Here you can browse through the various publications that are available and buy those which interest you. To navigate the publications you can either select one of the categories or use the advanced search.

For those of you who might also be interested, UK M Notices are available at:  www.mcagency.org.uk

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ED:  I have included the following to show our readers just how hard the MSC works on our behalf.  My apologies for the length of the text, but this is really what they get up to!

Briefing 24/2005
25 May 2005
Maritime Safety Committee - 80th session: 11-20 May 2005

Goal-based standards take shape at IMO's Maritime Safety Committee

Basic principles and goals for goal-based standards (GBS) for new ship construction were agreed in principle by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) when it met at the Organization's London Headquarters for its 80th session from 11 to 20 May 2005.

Other important issues on the MSC agenda included the adoption of revised provisions for subdivision and stability in SOLAS chapter II-1 Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations, continued work on passenger ship safety and consideration of issues surrounding the implementation of the maritime security measures adopted by IMO.

Goal-based new ship construction standards The five-tier system on which the development of GBS is being based consists of goals (Tier I), functional requirements (Tier II), verification of compliance criteria (Tier III), technical procedures and guidelines, classification rules and industry standards (Tier IV) and codes of practice and safety and quality systems for shipbuilding, ship operation, maintenance, training, manning, etc. (Tier V).

The MSC agreed in principle with the basic principles of goal-based standards and with the Tier I goals developed by the Working Group on Goal-based New Ship Construction Standards.

The agreed basic principles state that IMO goal-based standards are:

Broad, over-arching safety, environmental and/or security standards that ships are required to meet during their lifecycle; 2the required level to be achieved by the requirements applied by class societies and other recognized organizations, Administrations and IMO; 3clear, demonstrable, verifiable, long standing, implementable and achievable, irrespective of ship design and technology; and 4specific enough in order not to be open to differing interpretations.

The Tier 1 goals are based on the premise that - for all new ships - "ships are to be designed and constructed for a specified design life and to be safe and environmentally-friendly, when properly operated and maintained under the specified operating and environmental conditions, in intact and specified damage conditions, throughout their life".

The Working Group also made progress on developing the Tier II functional requirements, agreeing that for new oil tankers and bulk carriers in unrestricted navigation (the ship is not subject to any geographical restrictions (i.e. any oceans, any seasons) except as limited by the ship's capability for operation in ice); the specified design life is not to be less than 25 years and they should be designed in accordance with North Atlantic environmental conditions and relevant long-term sea state scatter diagrams. Other functional requirements for these ship types were agreed by the Working Group, including those relating to structural strength, fatigue life, residual strength, protection against corrosion and so on.

The MSC approved the work plan for future work on GBS and agreed to establish a Correspondence Group to develop draft Tier III criteria for the verification of compliance.

The work plan for future work includes; consideration of the probabilistic risk-based methodology in the framework of GBS; completion of Tier II - functional requirements; development of Tier III - verification of compliance criteria; implementation of GBS; incorporation of GBS into IMO instruments; development of a ship construction file and consideration of the need for the development of a ship inspection and maintenance file; and consideration of the need to review consistency and adequacy of scope across the tiers.

Revised SOLAS chapter II-1 adopted
The revision of SOLAS chapter II-1 is intended to harmonize the provisions on subdivision and damage stability for passenger and cargo ships. The revised provisions in parts A, B and B-1 will be applicable to new ships built after the expected entry into force date of 1 January 2009.

The amendments, which have been intensively developed over the past decade, are based on the "probabilistic" method of determining damage stability, which is itself based on the detailed study of data collected by IMO relating to collisions. Because it is based on statistical evidence concerning what actually happens when ships collide, the probabilistic concept is believed to be far more realistic than the previously-used "deterministic" method.

The revision has taken into account the results of the HARDER (Harmonisation of Rules and Design Rational) research project: a project undertaken by a consortium of European industrial, research and academic institutions to study the probabilistic approach for assessing a ship's damage stability and to develop new criteria and indexes for subdivision based on probability of survival, taking into account effects from waves, heeling moments, cargo shift, transient effects and equalization arrangements.

Bulk carrier construction standards - interpretations

The Committee considered requests by Members for the preparation of interpretations to the revised SOLAS chapter XII, which was adopted by MSC 79 in December 2004 and is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2006, and agreed a circular giving unified interpretations relating to regulation XII/4.2 - Damage stability requirements applicable to bulk carriers and regulation XII/5.2 - Structural strength of bulk carriers. With respect to regulation XII/6 Structural and other requirements for bulk carriers, the Committee agreed to establish an intersessional working group, to meet in September 2005, in order to prepare a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulations XII/6.5.1 and 6.5.3. The working group will submit its report to the Technical Committee of the 24th Assembly in November-December 2005 for consideration and appropriate action.

Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme and draft Code for the implementation of mandatory IMO instruments

The Audit Scheme is designed to help promote maritime safety and environmental protection by assessing how effectively Member States implement and enforce relevant IMO Convention standards, and by providing them with feedback and advice on their current performance.  The MSC reviewed the report of the third session of the Joint MSC/MEPC/TCC Working Group on the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme and approved the draft Code for the implementation of mandatory IMO instruments, which was developed by the Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation (FSI) to be the audit standard under the Audit Scheme. The Audit Scheme and the Code will be considered by the IMO Council in June 2005 with a view to their formal adoption by the IMO Assembly in November 2005.

The MSC agreed to recommend to the Council that security issues be removed from the Audit Scheme and Code at this time, but agreed to develop, at an appropriate time, suitable provisions for the eventual inclusion of other safety- and security-related issues in the Audit Scheme and Code, taking into account the experience gained from the implementation of the Scheme and salient safety- and security-related issues.

The MSC endorsed Guidance to auditors on the STCW Convention areas to be covered by the Audit Scheme; the draft Pre-audit questionnaire; and the draft Assembly resolutions on the adoption of the Code for the implementation of mandatory IMO instruments and on the Framework and Procedures for the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme.

Other amendments to SOLAS

The MSC adopted other amendments to SOLAS, with an expected entry into
force date of 1 January 2007, including:

*New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-7 to require ship construction drawings to be maintained on board and ashore.
*New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 concerning towing and mooring equipment.
The regulation will require all ships to be provided with arrangements,
equipment and fittings of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of all towing and mooring operations associated with the normal operation of the ship.
*New SOLAS regulation II-1/23-3 concerning water level detectors in the cargo hold(s) on new single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers.
*Amendment to SOLAS regulation II-1/31 Machinery control to restrict the application of propulsion control automation systems to new ships only.
*(With expected entry into force of 1 January 2009) New SOLAS regulations XI-1/3-1 and amendments to regulation XI-1/5 on the mandatory company and registered owner identification number.
*Also (expected entry into force of 1 January 2009) amendments to add the IMO unique company and registered identification number to relevant certificates and documents in the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the ISM Code) and International ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)), as amended
The amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)), as amended, incorporate some elements of the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) required for certain single hull tankers under the revised MARPOL regulation I/13G and include re-organization of the guidelines to include a new section on survey guidelines for the inspection of double hull tankers. The date for entry into force is 1 January 2007.

Passenger ship safety

The MSC agreed a revised work plan for the on-going work by the relevant Sub-Committees on passenger ship safety, the guiding philosophy for which is based on the premise that the regulatory framework should place more emphasis on the prevention of a casualty from occurring in the first place and that future passenger ships should be designed for improved survivability so that, in the event of a casualty, persons can stay safely on board as the ship proceeds to port.

The MSC approved the definition for the time for orderly evacuation and abandonment as "the time, beginning when the casualty threshold is exceeded until all persons have safely abandoned the ship, in which the ship remains viable for this purpose". The MSC agreed that, in the event that the casualty exceeds the threshold for return to port, an additional casualty scenario, for design purposes, should be developed. The MSC instructed the Fire Protection (FP) and Stability, Load Lines and Fishing Vessel Safety (SLF) Sub-Committees to develop these scenarios to support the concept that a passenger ship should remain viable for at least three hours, to allow for safe, orderly evacuation and abandonment.

It was agreed that the casualty threshold is the amount of damage a ship is able to withstand, according to the design basis, and still safely return to port.  The aim is to complete the work on passenger ship safety by 2006.

The MSC also agreed that the World Maritime University (WMU) should begin a project to co-ordinate a search and rescue (SAR) research programme related to passenger ship safety. The first phase, to be implemented from May 2005 to April 2006, will include initial data collection and reporting on the state of the art and current research efforts and results in the subject area. The MSC requested the IMO Secretary-General to include in his budget proposal for the 2006-2007 biennium an amount equivalent to US$90,000 in order to implement phase 2 of the project, which would include further work in data collection from sources not identified by the Member States; development of an on-line database of current research; and the organization of a workshop/seminar on the subject area, to include the research community as well as other stakeholders.

Measures to enhance maritime security

The MSC considered issues relating to the implementation of the special measures to enhance maritime security which were adopted in 2002 and entered into force on 1 July 2004.

The MSC approved draft amendments to the STCW Convention on Requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers; draft amendments to part A of the STCW Code on Training requirements for issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers; and related draft amendments to part B of the STCW Code on Guidance regarding training for ship security officers. The drafts will be circulated with a view to adoption at MSC 81 in 2006.

The proposed amendments to the STCW Convention and to parts A and B of the STCW Code require candidates for a certificate of proficiency as a ship security officer to demonstrate the knowledge to complete a range of tasks, duties and responsibilities, including: maintenance and supervision of the implementation of a ship security plan; assessment of security risk, threat, and vulnerability; undertaking regular inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are implemented and maintained; ensuring that security equipment and systems, if any, are properly operated, tested and calibrated; and encouraging security awareness and vigilance.

The MSC also approved for circulation as MSC circulars:

Guidelines on the training and certification of Company Security Officers (CSOs); Guidance on the access of public authorities, emergency response services and pilots onboard ships to which SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code apply; Guidance on the priority and testing of ship security alert system; and Interim scheme for the compliance of certain cargo ships with the special measures to enhance maritime security.

The MSC also adopted amendments to resolution A.959(23) on Format and guidelines for the maintenance of the continuous synopsis record intended to update the CSR format to include the registered owner and the company identification numbers and to address a number of practical difficulties encountered during the transfer of ships between flags.

Long-range identification and tracking of ships

The Working Group on Maritime Security held extensive discussions relating to proposed draft amendments to SOLAS to include a new regulation on long-range identification and tracking of ships (LRIT). The purpose of the proposed draft regulation is to establish a mechanism for the collection from ships of LRIT information for security, search and rescue and any other purpose as determined by the Organization and also a scheme for the provision of LRIT information to Contracting Governments. The ships which are required to comply with SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code would be required to transmit LRIT information.

The Committee noted that there were still a number of outstanding technical issues to be resolved and agreed that an intersessional working group should meet ahead of the 10th session of the COMSAR Sub-Committee in early 2006 so that COMSAR 10 would be able to finalize the work. The COMSAR correspondence group on LRIT was also tasked with considering a number of technical issues, so as to enable COMSAR 10 to complete its own work on LRIT.

The Committee also authorized the convening of an MSC intersessional working group on LRIT, not later than seven months before MSC 81, for the purpose of developing draft SOLAS amendments on LRIT to be circulated with a view to consideration and adoption at MSC 81.

Formal safety assessment

The MSC reviewed the report of the Joint MSC/MEPC Working Group on Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) which met during the session.  The MSC approved, subject to MEPC concurrence, draft amendments to the Guidelines for Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) for use in the IMO rule-making process (MSC/Circ.1023 -MEPC/Circ.392) and a draft revised MSC/MEPC circular.

The amendments include revisions to section 3 Methodology, including the addition of a paragraph outlining the need for data on incident reports, near misses and operational failures to be reviewed objectively and their reliability, uncertainty and validity to be assessed and reported. The assumptions made and limitations of these data must also be reported.  The MSC agreed to establish a Correspondence Group to further consider unresolved issues in particular concerning inconsistent results of different FSAs on the same subject and clarifications of the technology used for particular FSAs.

The MSC also agreed on the establishment, when necessary, of an FSA Group of Experts for the purpose of reviewing an FSA study if the Committee plans to use the study for making a decision on a particular issue. A flow-chart for the FSA review process was agreed. The MSC agreed in principle that the proposed expert group would undertake to review FSA studies on specific subjects submitted to the Organization, as directed by the Committee(s) and prepare relevant reports for submission to the Committee(s). The structure of the group of experts was left open for future discussion, though the Committee agreed, in principle, that members participating in the expert group should have risk assessment experience; a maritime background; and knowledge/training in the application of the FSA Guidelines.

Implementation of the revised STCW Convention The list of Parties confirmed by the Committee as having communicated information demonstrating full and complete effect to the relevant provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, was updated.

The MSC also agreed an MSC circular on Promulgation of information related to reports of independent evaluation submitted by Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates that Parties are giving full and complete effect to the relevant provisions of the Convention. The circular provides information on the due date of the report of independent evaluation; the date of the report of the independent evaluation communicated to the Secretary General (if applicable); and the outcome of the process of evaluation of the reports of independent evaluation communicated by the STCW Parties demonstrating that they are continuing to give full and complete effect to the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention.

Training of crew in launching/recovering operations of fast rescue boats and means of rescue in adverse weather conditions The MSC approved draft amendments to part A of the STCW Code regarding additional training requirements for the launching and recovery operations of fast rescue boats, with a view to their adoption at MSC 81. It agreed an MSC circular on Guidance on training for fast rescue boats launch and recovery teams and boat crews.

Officers on Wing-in-Ground craft

The MSC approved general principles and recommendations for knowledge, skills and training for officers on Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft operating in both displacement and ground effect modes. They will be forwarded to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for consideration.
 

Revision of the Code for investigation of marine casualties and incidents

Noting that the Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation (FSI) had expressed overwhelming support for the idea of making the Code for the investigation of marine casualties and incidents mandatory, in full or in part, the MSC instructed the FSI Sub-Committee to develop a draft revised Code; to determine whether the revised Code itself or parts thereof should be made mandatory; and to provide recommendations as to how such a revised code should be made mandatory, in full or in part.

Study on incidents of explosions on chemical and product carriers The MSC strongly urged the relevant flag States to provide IMO with reports on the investigations into a number of incidents of explosions on chemical and product carriers, for analysis by the Inter Industry Working Group (IIWG) which was established to study the reported incidents of explosions on chemical and product carriers. The IIWG includes European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), International Association of Classification Societies(IACS), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Chamber of Shipping Limited (ICS), International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), International Group of P & I Clubs

Reports on marine casualties and incidents
The Committee approved, subject to MEPC's concurrent decision, a draft MSC/MEPC circular on Reports on marine casualties and incidents, superseding MSC/Circ.953 - MEPC/Circ.372.

Certificates and documentation

The Committee approved a draft amendment to the 1988 SOLAS Protocol, with a view to its adoption at MSC 81, relating to the extension of the five-year period of validity of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, in certain cases. In all cases, the interval between any two inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom shall not exceed 36 months.

The MSC also approved, subject to MEPC's concurrent decision, a draft MSC/MEPC circular on Recommended conditions for extending the period of validity of a certificate and a draft MSC/MEPC circular on Interpretations of the date of completion of the survey and verification on which the certificates are based.

Another draft MSC/MEPC circular, on Retention of original records/documents on board ships, was approved. It addresses the fact that because ships often travel between multiple jurisdictions, the retention of the original records/documents on board the ship is the primary method of attesting to their compliance. Only in exceptional circumstances, should the original records/documents be removed and replaced by certified copies. It was agreed to bring the draft circular to the attention of the IMO/ILO Joint Working Group on the Fair treatment of Seafarers.

Transfer of class-related matters

The MSC approved, subject to MEPC's concurrent decision, a draft MSC/MEPC circular on Guidelines for Administrations to ensure the adequacy of transfer of class-related matters between recognized organizations (ROs).

Deficiencies in hydrographic surveying and nautical charting worldwide The MSC agreed an MSC circular to include a note by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) highlighting deficiencies in hydrographic surveying and nautical charting worldwide and their impact on safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment. The circular reminds States of their obligations to establish hydrographic services in order to fulfil their obligations for surveying, charting and updating as specified in SOLAS chapter V. the MSC urged States to take action to remedy the situation.

Resolutions adopted

Resolution MSC.194(80) - Adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended
Resolution MSC.195(80) - adoption of amendments to the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution
Prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Resolution MSC.196(80) - Adoption of amendments to the International
Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code)
Resolution MSC.197(80) - Adoption of amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers
and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18), as amended)
Resolution MSC.198(80) - Adoption of amendments to the format and guidelines for the maintenance of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) (resolution A.959(23))
Resolution MSC.199(80) - Adoption of amendments to provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) (resolution A.801(19))
Resolution MSC.200(80) - Adoption of amendments to the revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances

Circulars approved by MSC 80

MSC circulars

MSC/Circ.1002/Corr.1Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements
for fire safety

MSC/Circ.1154Guidelines on training and certification for company
security officers

MSC/Circ.1155Guidance on the message priority and the testing of ship
security alert systems

MSC/Circ.1156Guidance on the access of public authorities, emergency
response services and pilots onboard ships to which SOLAS chapter XI-2
and the ISPS Code apply

MSC/Circ.1157Interim scheme for the compliance of certain cargo ships
with the special measures to enhance maritime security

MSC/Circ.1158Unified interpretation of SOLAS chapter II-1

MSC/Circ.1159Guidelines on the provision of stability-related
information for bulk carriers

MSC/Circ.1160Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for
terminal representatives

MSC/Circ.1161Guidance on training for fast rescue boats launch and
recovery teams and boat crews

MSC/Circ.1162General principles and recommendations for knowledge,
skills and training for officers on wing-in-ground (WIG) craft operating
in both displacement and ground effect modes

MSC/Circ.1163Parties to the International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as
amended, confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated
information which demonstrates that full and complete effect is given to
the relevant provisions of the Convention

MSC/Circ.1164Promulgation of information related to reports of
independent evaluation submitted by Parties to the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime Safety
Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates that
Parties are giving full and complete effect to the relevant provisions
of the Convention

MSC/Circ.1165Revised guidelines for the approval of equivalent
water-based fire extinguishing systems for machinery spaces and cargo
pump rooms

MSC/Circ.1166Guidelines for a simplified evacuation analysis for
high-speed passenger craft

MSC/Circ.1167Functional requirements and performance standards for the
assessment of evacuation guidance systems

MSC/Circ.1168Interim guidelines for the testing, approval and
maintenance of evacuation guidance systems used as an alternative to
low-location lighting systems

MSC/Circ.1169 Unified interpretations to SOLAS chapter II-2
MSC/Circ.1170Application of SOLAS regulation II 2/15 for lubricating
oil and other flammable oil arrangements for ships built before 1 July
1998

MSC/Circ.1171Closure of Inmarsat-E services by Inmarsat Ltd.

MSC/Circ.1172Identification of passenger ships, other than ro-ro
passenger ships, which should benefit from being equipped with the
emergency medical kit/bag (EMK)

MSC/Circ.1173Adoption of amendments to the IAMSAR Manual

MSC/Circ.1174Basic safety guidance for oceanic voyages by non-regulated
craft

MSC/Circ.1175Guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment

MSC/Circ.1176Interpretations to SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII

MSC/Circ.1177Interpretations to the 2000 HSC Code

MSC/Circ.1178Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations XII/4.2 and
XII/5.2

MSC/Circ.1179Deficiencies in hydrographic surveying and nautical
charting worldwide and their impact on safety of navigation and
protection of the marine environment

Other circulars

CSC/Circ.134Guidance on serious structural deficiencies in containers

LL.3/Circ.162Unified interpretations of the International Convention on
Load Lines, 1966, and the 1988 LL Protocol and its amendments

SN/Circ.234/Corr.1 Routeing measures other than traffic separation
schemes

STCW.6/Circ.7 Amendments to Part B of the Seafarers' Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

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Future Events

If you have a marine related conference coming up, let us know so that we can mention it below,

7-10 June 2005, Norshipping, Oslo, Norway.

20 & 21 June 2005.  Ship Noise and Vibration Conference 2005.  Lloyds Maritime Academy Suite, London.  Info at:  www.lloydslistevents.com/lm1655

22 - 23 June 2005.  The Inaugural Forensic Engineering Seminar.  Lloyd's Maritime Academy, London EC2.  For further information please email: rachael.brough@informa.com

15 June 2005 'Introduction and experience to date of the Harmonised Code' at Seawork 2005, Canary Islands Fruit Terminal, ABP Port of Southampton.
Sponsored by the Small Craft Surveyors' Forum.
Info at:  RINA: hq@rina.org.uk   IMarEST: ssg@imarest.org  IIMS: iims@compuserve.com  SCMS: sec@scmshq.org  NI: djp@nautinst.org  YDSA: info@ybdsa.co.uk

24/25 November 2005.  The 2005 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum.  Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Information from: marine@asiaconference.biz

China Maritime, Exhibition and Conference, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong, 28 Feb - 2 March 2006.
Info:  Baird Publications, marinfo@baird.com.au

6-10 March 2006, World Maritime Technology Conference, IMarEST, London.

16 - 18 May 2006.  Roro 2006.  Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium.
Info:  www.roroex.com or email:  melissa.skinner@informa.com

 ******

 Some maritime conference web sites for you to keep up to date:

http://www.cconnection.org/
http://www.reedexpo.com/
http://www.grc.uri.edu/
http://www.wholelife.com/
http://www.ship-technology.com/exhibitions/
http://www.apmaritime.com/
http://www.lloydslistevents.com/
http://www.marineexpo.com/
http://www.seaworkexhibition.com
http://www.toc-events.com/

[Top]

Web Sites

If your (marine surveying) company has a web site, let us know and we will try to mention it.  Below are some web pages we believe might be useful to marine surveyors:

www.npl.co.uk/ncs/ National Physics Laboratory - National Corrosion Service

AIS information:
www.AISlive.com  (does not include SE Asian waters)

Canadian Coastguard:
http://www.cgc.gc.ca

International Bunker Industry Association
www.ibia.net
Good information and a good newsletter.


Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide
www.admiraltylawguide.com
Focus on US law, but still interesting


Houston Marine Insurance Seminars
www.houstonmarineseminar.com
Lots of papers and presentations to download


www.mastermarinesurveyor.com
Web site for Rob Scanlan, US Master Mariner Surveyor, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
Email:  yacht1ship@aol.com


IMO Country/Port/Terminal info and contact numbers:
http://www.tdconcepts.com/


Tactical Defense Concepts (TDC) - a good section on security alerts and analysis: Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

http://www.ds-osac.org/
(OSAC was established in 1985 by the US Department of State to foster the exchange of security related i nformation between the US Government and the Amercian private sector operating abroad.  Administered by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, OSAC has developed into an enormously successful joint venture for effective security cooperation.  Through OSAC, the American private sector, including colleges and universities, is provided timely information on which to make informed corporate decisions on how best to protect their investment, facilities,personnel and intellectual property abroad.)

Those of you who use Equasis may also be interested to hear of three other web pages with similar information:

www.parismou.org/
www.tokyo-mou.org/
www.uscg.com

www.shiptalk.com/
-  Designed by seafarers for seafarers. Deck, engine, catering, hotel or concession, seafarers past and present, all are welcome. Seafaring is a global profession and we extend the hand of friendship to seafarers of all nationalities.
-  Ever wondered where your old shipmates are now? Why not leave your details and search for your old shipmates. Shipmates, will keep you in contact with seagoing friends new and old.
-  Money Matters is inspired by those conversations you have at sea, in the bar, on the VHF and ashore, on the subject of money. What you get paid and where the best opportunities are for time onboard versus leave versus salary versus benefits. Make "money matters" work for you.
-  Blow your whistle, and warn other seafarers of the way it is when signing on with certain manning agents or ship owners. By sharing our experiences we can improve the life at sea for you and your fellow shipmates. Ship talk is always straight, honest and direct, so say it the way it is.  Deep Sea, Short Sea, Offshore and Cruise, check out these links for issues which affect you.
-  Crew List become your own agent and advertise your professional services on crew list.

www.shippingfacts.com
-  Provides basic information about the structure of the shipping industry, its contribution to the world economy and its safety/environmental performance.  The site also contains links with more detailed sourcdes of information about the industry.

www.imarest.org
-  Website of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology.

www.nepia.com
- A fully searchable,  and provides full details of the club and its ships. It also features a new service from  the club's risk management department, called , which summarises shipping industry developments and offers links to primary sources, including the Maritime Advocate. Newsnet is updated weekly, or sometimes more frequently.

www.numast.org
- Web site for the National Union of Marine Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers who publish the monthly NUMAST Telegraph.

www.aimsurveyors.com.au
- Web site for the Australian Institute of Marine Surveyors.

www.friendsreunited.co.uk/).
- Here you can register some personal information, together with your school/college and the year you left to go on to greater things.  You can also enter your nickname in school, which class you were in, your mates' names and what you've done since leaving.  You may be one day surprised to receive a message out of the blue from an old school chum.

www.marine-society.org
- The Marine Society is a worthy marine charity offering many services to mariners.

www.imo.org/ - International Maritime Organisation web page.  Keep up to date with new conventions.

www.lrfairplay.com
- Scroll down the home page until you see the heading 'Free Access' appear on the left hand side. Clicking on the words 'shipping sites' takes you to a search function. You can then search either by company name or by category (there is a 'consultants and surveyors' category, for example) or by country. Or by a combination - so you could search for consultants/surveyors in Australia beginning with the letter 'D', for example.  That pulls up a list; if you then click on the word 'free' in the right hand column you are linked through to the relevant website.

If your readers know of any companies with sites that we do not list (or that we have an out-of-date address for) we would like to have details to update the database.

http://www.acms-usa.com/
- The Association of Certified Marine Surveyors

www.equasis.org/
- Database containing safety-related information on the worlds merchant fleet from both public and private sources.  Gives ship's particulars, Class Soc, P&I Club and PSC inspection record.  Very useful for surveyors looking for vessel particulars before carrying out a survey.

www.femas.net/default.htm
- The Federation of European Maritime Associations of Surveyors and Consultants

www.iims.org.uk/ - International Institute of Marine Surveyors

http://www.lloydsagency.com
- General access to the directory of the world network of Lloyd's Agents.

www.mariners-l.freeserve.co.uk
- Merchant Navy records on UK MN vessels and information merchant seamen, logs, agreements and crew lists, MN apprentices and deaths at sea

www.marinesupportonline.com
- Marine Support On Line

www.marinesurvey.org/
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

www.nams-cms.org/
- National Association of Marine Surveyors

www.sas-intl.com
- Safety at Sea International

www.scmshq.org/
- Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors

www.sname.org/
- Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

[Top]

From the Poop Deck

Some thought provoking quotes:

1. "When I die, I want to die like my grandfather-who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car."  Author Unknown

2. Advice for the day: If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:  "Take two aspirin" and "Keep away from children"
Author Unknown

3. "Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they  meet at the bar."
Drew Carey

4. "Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house,"  Rod Stewart

5. "The problem with the designated driver program, it's not a desirable job, but if you ever get sucked into doing it, have  fun with it. At the end of the night, drop them off at the  wrong house."
Jeff Foxworthy

6. "See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time."  Robin Williams

7. "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's  life without even considering if there is a man on base."
Dave Barry

8. "What do people mean when they say the computer went down on them?"
Marilyn Pittman

9. "Relationships are hard. It's like a full time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants  to leave you, they should give you two weeks' notice. There  should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should  have to find you a temp."
Bob Ettinger

10. "My Mom said she learned how to swim when someone took her out in the lake and threw her off the boat. I said, 'Mom, they  weren't trying to teach you how to swim."
Paula Poundstone

11. "A study in the Washington Post says that women have better verbal skills than men. I just want to say to the authors of that  study: "Duh."
Conan O'Brien

12. "Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God.... I could be  eating a slow learner.."
Lynda Montgomery

13. "I think that's how Chicago got started. A bunch of people in New York said, 'Gee, I'm enjoying the crime and the poverty,  but it just isn't cold enough. Let's go west.'"
Richard Jeni

14. "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the Elvis impersonators would be dead."
Johnny Carson

15. "Sometimes I think war is God's way of teaching us geography."
Paul Rodriguez

16. "My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty, and that's the law."
Jerry Seinfeld

17. "Remember in elementary school, you were told that in case of fire you have to line up quietly in a single file line  from smallest to tallest. What is the logic in that? What,  do tall people burn slower?"
Warren Hutcherson

18. "Bigamy is having one spouse too many. Monogamy is the same."
Oscar Wilde

19. "Suppose you were an idiot . . . . And suppose you were a member of Congress . . . . But I repeat myself."
Mark Twain

20. "Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Afganistan."
A. Whitney Brown

21. "Ah, yes, divorce......., from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet."
Robin Williams

22. "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself."
Roseanne

23. "Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place."
Billy Crystal

24. "You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'"
Dave Barry

25. Do you know why they call it "PMS"? Because "Mad Cow Disease" was taken.
Irv Sachs

26. Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.
George Carlin

27. Anywhere is walking distance, if you've got the time.
Steven Wright
 

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Disclaimer:  Articles and reports reflect the views of the individuals who prepared them, and, unless indicated expressly in the text, do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.  Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, the editor makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or correctness of such information.  The editor accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any loss, damage or other liability arising from any use of this publication or the information which it contains.  The contents of the publication are the responsibility of the editor alone.

News, views, enquiries, suggestions, articles and letters for inclusion in future editions of FLASHLIGHT may be sent to:

Mike Wall
Tel:  +852 2259 3150
Fax: +852 2259 3151
Email: mikewall@pacific.net.hk

 
     
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