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  FLASHLIGHT - November & December 2007            Edition No: 69

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

Complements of the Season to all our readers.  May you have a prosperous new year.

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Our thanks to the sponsors, speakers and delagates at the 2007 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum who helped to make it such a success.

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Quote of the month ...

You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there.
George Burns (1896 - 1996)

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CONTENTS (for full stories, select a headline)

 

At the Bow

FLASHLIGHT is a free monthly emailed newsletter circulated to more than 5,000 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.  It is a collation of articles relevant to our profession taken from various publications together with contributions from readers.  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 readers this month:

Capt. Michael Dong, Pancare Marine Survey Ltd, China
Branson Bean, Isle of Man, United Kingdom.

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Spindrift

Below is a selection of articles gleaned from various publications over the last month which we believe will be of interest to our readers:

Chinese LNG ‘spy’ arrested in Korea

BUSAN 08 November – The Changwon prosecutor in South Korea has arrested a Mr Wang, a Chinese site manager at a Busan-based shipbuilder. He has been accused of trying to leak the basic design of an LNG cargo hold and smuggle a photo of the shipbuilding process. Wang was arrested at Busan on November 5, one day before leaving for China. If China gets its hands on the technology, Korean shipbuilders believe that their rivals will get be able to narrow the technology gap in the lucrative LNG business. According to the prosecutor, Wang got the information from another Chinese classification inspector who had already left Korea.

Spill as Hanjin hits Frisco bridge

SAN FRANCISCO 08 November – A 5,500TEU container ship hit the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland yesterday morning, spilling about 200 tonnes of oil. The Cosco Busan, on charter to Hanjin since 2001, was leaving the port of San Francisco and heading for Busan. The collision, which took place in dense fog while the vessel was under pilotage, left a 50m gash in the hull. The bridge was largely undamaged and there were no casualties. A Hanjin spokesman told Fairplay that the ship is owned and operated by Synergy Maritime. All crew on board are employed by the shipowner.

Congress rebuffs Bush, OKs dredging

WASHINGTON, DC 08 November – Badly needed dredging and port development projects across the US were assured today when the US Senate followed the House of Representatives in over-riding President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act. The bi-partisan vote of 79-14 in favour – far more than the two-thirds majority needed – came after a day and a half of debate, during which time Republican senators praised Bush while decrying his decision to veto the $23bn bill. “I have complete respect for the president, but he was just wrong to veto this bill,” Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson said from the Senate floor this morning. Isakson, who is ranking member of the Transportation & Infrastructure subcommittee, pointed out that this bill, which contains over 900 projects, is only an authorisation, not an appropriation, so it does not, as Bush asserted, bust the budget by overspending on water-related projects. Port bosses across the US also applauded the vote. Miami port director Bill Johnson told Fairplay that the vote was “like winning the World’s Series” for him, as one of the bill’s authorisations is the Miami Harbor Project. Praise also came from Kurt Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities, who lauded congressional leaders for passing the “critical” legislation – the first successful dredging bill in seven years.

Study warns on ship emission deaths

IOWA CITY 08 November – Ship emissions are responsible for 60,000 deaths per year worldwide, according to a new study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal. Shipping-related cardiopulmonary and lung-cancer deaths are concentrated along the coastlines of Europe, East Asia and South Asia, claimed the study. “Under current regulations and with the expected growth in shipping activity, we estimate annual mortalities could increase by 40% by 2012,” warned the authors, a group of researchers from US and German universities. They calculated that shipping emits 1.2-1.6M tonnes of particulate matter (PM) per year, 4.7-6.5M tonnes of sulphur oxides and 5-6.9M tonnes of nitrogen oxides. The study, ‘Mortality from Ship Emissions: A Global Assessment’, also claimed that previous estimates had undercounted shipping-related deaths and do not “properly inform international policy decision-making”. The authors argued that “previous assessments of regional shipping-related health impacts focused on European or Western US regions, and ignore long-range and hemispheric pollutant transport”. The ES&T report urged policy action to “mitigate ship emission of primary PM formed during engine combustion and secondary PM aerosols formed from gaseous exhaust pollutants”.

Safety: Canada cuts out courts

OTTAWA 08 November – Canada’s transport minister is proposing speeding up sanctions for safety violations by the country’s marine industry, allowing the government to issue fines without going through the criminal court system. The new Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations, put forward by minister Lawrence Cannon yesterday, would save time and money for everyone. The minister said changes in the way penalties are assessed against individuals, corporations and vessels are necessary because of revisions to the Canada Shipping Act that came into effect in July. Ottawa is reviewing over 100 regulations, he said, to reflect changes to the Act. The government’s new approach, Cannon said, will "help the marine community operate in a manner that is safer, more efficient, and environmentally sound."

Nigerian pirates up the ante

KUALA LUMPUR 11 December – The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre today warned the industry over two serious new incidents off Lagos in recent days. Late on 28 November 12 armed robbers dressed in military fatigues in what appeared to be a military launch approached a tanker at anchor. Nine of them boarded the tanker and ordered the master to disembark into their launch. The master refused and escaped towards the accommodation. The robbers shot at him but he escaped unhurt, thought the robbers took three other crew hostage while searching and looting the accommodation. They were released after 90 minutes in exchange for cash and cigarettes. The following day the master received a phone call threatening that the robbers would attack again in the next port. On 7 December, two pirates armed with guns and knives boarded a bulk carrier drifting at Lagos anchorage. The raiders tied up the aft watchmen, but they were spotted by the forward watchman who ran into the accommodation and locked all entrance doors. The Duty Officer was informed, the alarm raised and crew mustered. The pirates jumped overboard and fled in a waiting motor boat. All piracy incidents notified by the Piracy Centre are reported in LR-Fairplay’s maritime security news product, Sea Sentinel (www.sea-sentinel.com).

California adamant on cold ironing

SACRAMENTO 11 December – California’s air pollution watchdog has approved tough cold ironing regulations for container, passenger and reefer ships calling at the state’s six main ports from 2010. The Air Resources Board says that fleet operators have to reduce harmful smoke by at least 80% in a series of steps by 2016 or 2020. The time frame will depend on the method employed – mains electricity, alternative technology such as mobile generators or a combination of the two. Alternative technology users will be the first to be affected, needing to cut emissions 20% by 2010. The rules apply to fleets calling more than 25 times a year at any of the ports – Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego and Hueneme. Other types of vessels will be covered later. Industry insiders have described the rules as “wishful thinking” and “completely unjustified.” The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association strongly opposes the regulations, saying that a uniform national policy has to be formulated. It has also said that legal action is a possibility.

Captain was advised to move tanker
SEOUL 11 December – South Korean authorities are now saying that they had given notice to the captain of Hebei Spirit to lift anchor and move the VLCC to a safer place. The collision with crane barge Samsung No.1, which was under tow, resulted in a huge oil spill after the impact breached the cargo tanks of the crude carrier, which was anchored off Daesan port on the south-western coast. More than 10,000 tonnes of oil leaked into the Yellow Sea and the resulting oil slick has spread over 40 km polluting beaches and affecting marine life in the Taean region. Korean Coast Guard and the regional maritime affairs and fisheries have said the captain of the Hebei Spirit was informed “48 minutes” before the accident and was advised to move to a safer location “several times”. Shipping sources said the time was sufficient to lift anchor and move ther ship to a different location. The coast guard is investigating the accident, which occurred on 7 December.

(With thanks for Fairplay Daily News: news@fairplay.co.uk)

Prosecution sets out manslaughter case against ferry's OOW.

The controversial trial of a ferry officer accused of manslaughter through gross negligence got under way last month with claims that three yachtsmen were left to die in the Channel when their yacht was swamped by the P&O vessel Pride of Bilbao.

Winchester Crown Court heard that the ferry's second mate, Michael Hubble, had failed d to stop his ship, alert the master or call the coastguard after a close quarters incident with the 25 ft yacht Ouzo in August last year.

Prosecuting lawyer Christopher Parker QC said the yacht had not showed up on the Pride of Bilbao's radar display and neither Mr Rubble nor David Smith, the lookout, saw the yacht's navigation lights until it was very close on the starboard bow - 'too late to avert disaster'.

Mr Rubble told investigators that he saw a light behind the ferry and concluded that the yacht had come to no harm. But Mr Parker said he had no proper grounds for reaching that conclusion and must have known that there were 'obvious dangers to the lives of those on the yacht'.

The accident happened in the early hours of 21 August last year as Jason Downer, Rupert Saunders and James Meaby sailed from the Isle of Wight to a regatta in Dartmouth, Devon.

None of the yachtsmen suffered any serious injuries in the accident, Mr Parker stated, and all were wearing lifejackets. Postmortem tests showed that two had survived in the water for at least three hours and one for at least 12 before hypothermia set in, causing them to lose consciousness and drown.

Mr Parker suggested that Mr Rubble may have felt responsible for the near-miss and that 'led to him turning a blind eye and hoping for the best'.

The officer was not wicked or malicious - but he had been 'grossly irresponsible' and had made a terrible mistake, he added. 'Re owed all three yachtsmen a duty to take action and steps necessary to protect then from death or serious injury. He owed that duty as a fellow mariner.'

Mr Parker said it was undisputed that, as OOW on the Pride of Bilbao, it was Mr Rubble's responsibility to take appropriate steps after the incident. 'The responsibility for that rests absolutely on his shoulders; he added.

The prosecution argues that mobile phone records, evidence from the ferry's voyage data recorder and calculations using tides and sea conditions 'strongly suggest' that the Pride of Bilbao was responsible for the yacht's capsize.

Mr Rubble, of Capel-le-Ferne, Kent, denies manslaughter through gross negligence. Re also denies engaging in conduct likely to cause death or serious injury. The court heard that when interviewed by police, Mr Rubble who has more than 40 years of seagoing experience -described such a near-miss as 'comparatively commonplace'.

The court also heard evidence from the Pride of Bilbao's master and from the lookout, David Smith, who told how he had spotted a red light. 'It went past the bow and Iran as quickly as I could; he said. 'I thought "It was very, very close, we are going to hit it". Visibility was very poor, and I could not see anything at all?

Mr Smith said he had not realised that Mr Rubble had changed course to avoid the yacht, but felt he had communicated his concern to the officer, who seemed satisfied when he saw a red light behind the ferry.

Mark Rodaway, the rescue coordination centre manager at Portland Coastguard, told the court that had the collision or near-miss been reported, the three yachtsmen would have had a 99% chance of survival. He said the search area was very small and could have been quickly covered by a coastguard helicopter.

The trial continues, and is expected to take between six to eight weeks to complete.

In Brief:

Criminalisation challenge: Europe's top court has issued a ruling challenging the controversial ship-source pollution directive that introduces tough new criminal penalties for seafarers and owners, annulling an associated EU Council framework decision to strengthen the criminal law framework A court judgement in a separate legal challenge to the directive, brought by a shipping industry coalition, is expected by the end of February.

Seafarer murdered: a seafarer from Goa was killed and a shipmate injured after they were attacked by a gang while returning to their ship, the Marshall Islands flagged tanker Garonne, at Fawley oil terminal. Seven youths aged between 13 and 17 were released on bail after being questioned by police on suspicion of murder, grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

Bullies ban: the TUC has urged employers to do more to protect staff from victimisation and harassment following new research revealing that one in 10 workers was bullied in the last six months. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said workplace bullying was a cost to companies because it lowers morale and adversely affects the health of staff.

Accident alarm: concern over the rate of fatigue-related accidents and at the number of seafarer deaths in enclosed spaces was raised by experts meeting at the Maritime Accident Investigators' Forum in Beijing. Chairman Doug Rabe said members had also expressed alarm at cases showing'disregard' for the collision prevention regulations.

Breaking win: a Teesside company has won a four-year battle for permission to dismantle four US Navy 'ghost ships'. Able Marine has also rejected claims from the Friends of the Earth environmental group that a 'toxic armada' of up to 150 ships will come to the UKto be broken up as a result of the decision.

RFA rescue: the RFA replenishment tanker Wave Knight last month joined an international relief effort following a devastating tropical storm in the Dominican Republic. The vessel spent a week helping to provide aviation support for the distribution of aid to the worst-affected areas.

Manx move: the Isle of Man ship registry has announced changes to its registration procedures and cuts in the cost of using the flag as part of a package intended to attract more owners -especially those in Asia.

GMDSS upgrade: Lairdside Maritime Centre has completed an upgrade of its GMDSS training suite - with new  'live' equipment giving students greater hands-on experience of a wider rangeof systems.

Welfare member: the Anglo-Eastern Group has become the first ship management company to be a corporate member of the International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare.

Pensions boost: the Spanish parliament is examining a bill to improve merchant navyseafarers' pensions arrangements so that the amount of time spent at sea away from the place ofresidence is reflected in the right to earlier retirement. The government hopes that theimproved arrangements will help attract more people to train as officers and ratings toovercome the growing demand for skilled seafarers.

Black death: five seafarers died and more than a dozen were missing last month after four cargo ships and a tanker sank in a severe storm in the Black Sea. Some 2,000 tonnes of oil was spilled when the tanker Volganeft-139 broke in two in the Kerch Strait - prompting calls from Euro-MPs for action to improve maritime safety in the region.

Cadet COUP: US operator SeaRiver Maritime has signed an agreement to train US cadets. Underthe private-public deal, the company - which operates tankers on behalf of Exxon Mobil - will provide seatime for cadets from six state maritime academies.

Spanish service: the Dutch ro-ro specialist Transfennica has opened a new link between Zeebrugge and Bilbao with the sisterships Friedrich Russ and Elizabeth Russ, offering three weekly return trips. Frequency could increase if the line is successful.

Philippines probe: the Philippines government has ordered an investigation into an incident last month in which nine Filipino seafarers seized control of a fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean,complaining of abuse by the Taiwanese master.

Splendid start: construction of the 135,000 gt MSC Splendida cruiseship has begun at the Aker Yards France yard at Saint Nazaire. The Italian operator's latest vessel is earmarked for delivery during the first half of 2009.

Fine upheld: a French court of appeal has upheld a €450,000 (US$300,000) pollution-related fine on a Malta flagged vessel. The owner and master of the Fast Independence were penalised by the special maritime court at Brest for an offence in May 2005 when the vessel was caught trailing an 8 km long oil slick off the Brittany coast. The judges did not apply the Montego Bay Convention as Malta did not provide a guarantee it would pursue the case.

Dredging threat: European shipowners have warned that as many as 150 dredgers could flag out from EU ship registers if they lose their entitlement to tax concessions. The European Community Shipowners' Association has criticised the European Commission's move to reassess whether dredgers and cable layers are covered by its state aid guidelines, and has called for more flexibility in their application.

Penalty plea: French prosecutors are calling for a record €lm (£660,000) fine to be imposed on the master and owner ofa vessel accused of pollution in France's Mediterranean ecological zone. The Turkish-owned tanker was spotted in April trailing a 10 km-long slick off Corsica. Judgement was expected at the end of November.

US spillage: US Coast Guard officials were called to investigate the cause of a minor oil spillagefrom the UKflagged containership Ville D'Aquarius in the port of Los Angeles last month. A safety zone was set up around the 3,961TEU vessel after an estimated spillage of some 200 gallons of oil.

LD lines: the French operator LD Lines is contemplating plans to operate new services between St Nazaire, France to Vigo, Spain, and a route between Toulon and Rome's port of Civitavecchia. The company has also mooted a freight service between Le Havre and Rosslare.

NO halted: Saint Malo-based HD Ferries says it is stopping its services to Jersey and Guernsey until March. The company says it will use the break to 'vigorously pursue a level playing field that will allow us to compete on fair and equal terms when we return'.

Road route: an Italian operator has launched a new shortsea shipping service between the ports of Salerno and Messina to carry lorries during the construction of a new road between Salerno, near Naples and Reggio di Calabria.

(With thanks to the Shipping Telegraph, journal of NAUTILUS)

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Contributions


Keynote Speech by Sub.Lt. Preecha Phetwong, Deputy Director General, Marine Department at the 2007 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum, 15 November 2007, Bangkok, Thailand

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed my great honour and pleasure to deliver the Keynote Speech at the opening of the 2007 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum which will be held for two days, that is today and tomorrow. Please allow me to take this opportunity to welcome those who travelled a long way from outside Thailand in order to attend this Forum and hope that, despite a very short period, you will have a pleasant stay and have a chance to go around the City of Bangkok.

Before starting the first session today, I would like to say a few words about the role of marine surveyors and their contribution to the development of shipping industry in Thailand. As we know, Thailand's economy has mainly relied on international trade. In 2006, Thailand's international trade amounted to approximately 194.2 million tons, approximately 93.2 % of which is carried by sea. Unfortunately, this figure is mostly served by foreign vessels while the share of Thai flag vessels has been at a constant rate of 10 % for decades. Having realized the importance of international shipping to its national development, Thailand has a strong intention to develop its national fleet to be capable of serving its international trade to a greater extent as expressed in its national transport policy. One aspect of national fleet development is to enhance the seaworthiness of vessels in operation in order to ensure safe transportation of goods to various trade destinations, and here comes the role of marine surveyors whether they are from the government authority, classification societies or private sector.

Here, I would like to emphasize a little bit more on the role of marine surveyors in ensuring seaworthiness of vessels which is closely linked with the work of the Marine Department of Thailand in promoting national fleet development. As regards maritime safety, marine surveyors work towards ensuring technical readiness, or seaworthiness, of vessels for international' voyages and their work are governed by widely accepted international standards. On one hand, as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and party to certain IMO conventions, the flag State marine surveyors must comply with relevant IMO rules and regulations. On the other hand, the classification societies, particularly those which are members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) have their own standard rules and regulations which we know as "class rules" in short. It is fortunate that representatives of IACS are regular observers of most IMO meetings, making the two standards consistent with one another. The more effectively those standards are implemented by both flag State surveyors and classification societies, the less technical interruptions, unnecessary expenses and disputes among parties concerned will be resulted. This also has implications on the marine insurance business in the way that the adoption and effective implementation of such standards is likely to lead to less incidents of maritime casualties, resulting in lower marine insurance premium and vice versa.

To better comply with international standards and practices, the Marine Department has authorized six classification societies [as recognized organizations] to undertake ship surveys and inspection as well as to issue ship certificates relevant to IMO conventions on the Department's behalf. For further development, the Marine Department is now considering to develop a standard agreement in accordance with IMO's model agreement which will enable both parties to work more effectively with shared and clear responsibility. In addition, the Marine Department has given priority to development of close cooperation with classification societies in upgrading its ship survey and inspection systems with a view to enhancing the capabilities of flag State surveyors and improving the relevant Department's rules and regulations in line with international standards.

Apart from the role of flag Sate surveyors and classification societies in ensuring seaworthiness of vessels, I also would like to call for good efforts of the Thai shipowners in maintaining their vessels to always keep up with international standards, not just leaving such burden to the government or class or private marine surveyors. Maintaining ship conditions can also be done to a great extent through proper undertakings by well trained ship crews. Realizing the fact that Thai vessels manned with well trained crew members will not only reduce the undesirable marine casualties but also support the Thai shipping industry as well as the marine insurance business in terms of seaworthiness of ships, the Marine Department has endeavored through cooperation with relevant organizations and educational institutes, to increase the number of competent Thai ship crews to serve the shipping industry. Besides, the Marine Department also encourages Thai shipowners to acquire new vessels or secondhand vessels with fewer years of previous services for puffing into operation by introducing a tax incentive to those who wish to sell their existing oldaged vessel in order to acquire a new one. Moreover, the investment privileges will be granted to the requested shipowners/ship operators for the acquisition of new vessels on condition that the acquired vessel must be in a certain range of age as determined by the Marine Department.

Just a few more words on marine insurance, the marine insurance market in Thailand is still very small comparing to other types of insurance. However, all marine insurance policies used in Thailand have met international standards since all standard forms of Institute Clauses of the Institute of London Underwriters (ILU) have been well recognized and widely used in Thailand for several years. It can be said that the Thai insurers who underwrite marine risks do not have any problem to accept marine risks and reinsure with the reinsurers in foreign markets. In absence of domestic law governing marine insurance, most of the local marine underwriters are familiar with the principles and practices of marine insurance because of the incorporation of the English law and practice clause in the Institute Clauses and also due to technical assistance provided by foreign reinsurers through the claim control clause in their reinsurance contracts. On the contrary, the knowledge in marine insurance has not been extended to the local insured and, as a result, various disputes between the insured and the underwriters were caused by and originated from the lack of knowledge in marine insurance. Currently, several private organizations, e.g. the Thai Shipowners' Association in collaboration with the Transportation Institute of Chulalongkorn. University, the Thai National Shipper's Council and Thai Garment Exporters Association, have set up training courses in which marine insurance is included as part of the courses. The newly revised Maritime Promotion Commission chaired by the Prime Minister and the Marine Department acts as the secretariat will take care of development of marine insurance business which will take some time before the tangible outcomes can be realized.

In conclusion, I am confident that the collective efforts and close cooperation of all parties concerned, in particular shipowners/ship operators, private marine surveyors, classification societies and the Marine Department as the competent authority, will substantially contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Thai shipping industry as well as the world shipping community.

May I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the International Institute of Marine Surveying for supporting this invaluable event and wish the 2007 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum a fruitful one.    

Thank you.


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Midships

The need for a new Code of Practice for Container Stowage

The MAIB's report on the investigation of the collapse of cargo containers on ANNABELLA in the Baltic Sea on 26 February 2007, was published on 13 September 2007. During the evening of 25 February 2007, on passage in the Baltic Sea, MV Annabella encountered heavy seas, which caused the vessel to roll and pitch heavily. The master reduced speed and adjusted course to reduce the motion, and by the early hours of 26 February the vessel had resumed her normal passage. That morning it was discovered that a stack of seven 30 foot cargo containers in bay 12, number 3 hold, had collapsed against the forward part of the hold. This resulted in damage to the containers, the upper three of which contained hazardous cargo, viz: Butylene gas (IMDG Class 2.1).

The vessel was originally heading for Helsinki, and was redirected to the port of Kotka, where various emergency services attended and specialist contractors safely unloaded the damaged hazardous containers on 4 March. The collapse of cargo containers occurred as a result of downward compression and racking forces acting on the lower containers of the stack, which were not strong enough to support the stack, as their maximum allowable stack weight had been exceeded and no lashing bars had been applied to them.

As a result of its analysis of this accident and the ascertainment of its causes and circumstances, the MAIB considers that there are shortcomings in the flow of information relating to container stowage between the shippers, planners, the loading terminal and the vessel. While the industry recognizes that the Master must approve the final loading plan, in practice the pace of modern container operations is such that it is very difficult for ship’s staff to maintain control of the loading plan.

The MAIB also considers that the presence in the transport chain of containers that have an allowable stacking weight below the ISO standard should be highlighted by appropriate marking and coding.

The safety issues identified in this, and other published investigation reports, together with issues that are becoming apparent in the MAIB’s ongoing investigation into the structural failure and flooding of the container vessel MSC NAPOLI (January 2007), identify a compelling need for a Code of Practice for the container shipping industry.

As a marine surveyor who regularly carries out investigations into container lashing failures, your editor is encouraged that such a reputable body has now added its weight to the argument for the new code.

http://www.maib.gov.uk/latest_news/annabella_report_published.cfm .

(Courtesy AIMU Weekly Bulletin)

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Nautical Tales

Many of us have funny and interesting stories to tell about our experiences at sea.  These may cover our port visits or relationships with our fellow seamen.  As the baby boomer generation gets older and near to retirement I believe it is time to gather these stories together and to record them in a book to be possibly followed by a web page later.  Some examples are the nicknames given to our fellow officers, eg, The chief engineer nicknamed Cosimodo because every time he was asked what he was drinking he replied "The Bells, the Bells!"

If you have any interesting and funny, but not too risque stories, please send them to the editor.

Thanks in anticipation.

Mike Wall

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Scuttlebut

Hullthumpers has a new name

The old Hullthumpers Email forum has been renamed "The Surveyor Exchange". This Email Forum is available to all NAMS members (exclusively). There is a web site at http://www.surveyorexchange.com/ which explains everything about how it works, its purpose, rules of use, etc.

The annual subscription fee is $40.00 CAD (Canadian Dollars). Free trial subscriptions from now to the end of this year are available to any NAMS member in good standing. If you would like to try it out, just send your full name and the email address you want to use for the forum, and you will be set up right away. Be warned, there is a fee to join.

ISPS

Conflicts continue to develop with respect to the implementation of the ISPS Code.  Each 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 .....

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Insurance News

P&I get personal

THE reasons advanced for heavy P&I general call increases are becoming more personal. In announcing a hefty increase for 2008, the Japan P&I Club said, "The international shipping industry has been experiencing a buoyant period of growth. This has made more serious problems arising from crew shortages." It adds, "Every club in the International Group of P&I Clubs has had to deal with a substantial increase in high-value claims" which has been exacerbated, in part, by such shortages.

Meanwhile, Savraj Mehta, director of the North of England P&I club, says, "A significant proportion" of the increases in P&I premiums in February 2008 are "due to simple errors by overworked and under-trained officers, crews and shore staff."

According to Mehta, the record P&I claims facing the shipping industry have much to do with the lack of experience now often seen on today's ships. He adds that North of England's recent claims experience also suggests that the shortage of seafarers is having a detrimental knock-on effect on the availability, experience and competence of pilots, vessel superintendents and other shore staff vital to ship operations.

With most shipping sectors enjoying the best markets in living memory, it is disappointing - although not surprising - that too little of the profit generated appears to be being invested in training and recruitment.

www.piclub.org.jp

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Wig & Gown

None this month.

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Education and Training

Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself! 
(Don Robertson)

You can find more short courses in the USA in the Marine Surveyor's Web Site at http://www.marinesurveyor.com/educate.html

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Epistles

Mike

I appreciate not only the assistance on this particular problem, but the service the FLASHLIGHT itself provides.  I have yet to receive an issue that didn't provide me with some bit or information or insight that I wasn't able to apply.  Please keep up the good work!

Thanks again and regards,
Patrick Whitford
Senior Litigation Specialist
CRAIG/is Ltd.
225 Water Street
Jacskonville, Florida, USA

ED:  For those of you thinking of doing something similar to FLASHLIGHT I should warn you that, even with modern computer technology, many hours of work go into its preparation.  When you see the amount of content it may surprise you to learn that most of the time the hardest part is deciding what to leave out.  It is letters and feedback such as that above which make it worthwhile.

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People

Efthimios Mitropoulos has been elected to a further four-year term as secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation.

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Lars Rhodin is to succeed Frans Malmros as MD of the Swedish Club in July. He comes from the claims management side of the club, and has worked there since 1986. He has a masters degree in Law. Malmros took over from the late Lars Lindfelt in 1997.

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We report the death of Bob Matthews, fomerly of Vart Mathews & Co Ltd, in Hong Kong after a long illness.  Bob was a master mariner who had also worked for Perfect Lambert during his career.  Bob leaves behind his wife Judy and daughter Jacky.

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Albert Westerman, NAMS-CMS passed away December 13, 2007. Al joined NAMS in 1980, served the NAMS East Gulf Region for years and had represented the National Board of Directors as the East Gulf Regional Vice President. He was commended for his excellence. He was known to help out applicants along the way to becoming a NAMS CMS member. His service to the industry and the National Association of Marine Surveyors will be remembered for many years to come. Al was a great supporter of FLASHLIGHT, being a reader from its beginnings 6 years ago.  Our best wished to Al’s family.

(Wth thanks to NAMS News)

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Books and Videos

'The History of Seafaring' by Donald S Johnson and Juha Nurminen.  Published by John Nurminen Foundation in conjunction with Conway Maritime Press.  (ISBN 9781844860401)  Cost GBP40 hardback.  Not what you think the title would imply. 

It is of 'coffee table book' dimensions, which might suggest superficiality.  It is in fact a scholarly yet highly readable work about a fascinating subject that will appeal to most mariners, maritime academics and the layperson.

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'In Command - 200 things I wish I'd known before I was Captain' by Captain Michael Lloyd. (ISBN 978 1 85609 353 8)  Cost GBP25.  Jointly published by Witherbys and Seamanship International:  www.witherbys.com or www.seamanship.com. 

Aimed at aspiring or newly appointed masters but its contents make fascinating reading for anyone.

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'Titanic and the Californian' by Thomas Williams (ISBN 978 0 7524 4278 5)  Cost GBP17.99  Published by Tempus, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2QG. 

This is a deliberately contentious read, well written and persuasively argued, its underlying theme of individual seafarers suffering the blame for circumstances far beyond their control or influence is one that resonates strongly today.

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Conference Reports

The 2007 Asian Marine Insurance and Surveying Forum, Sofitel Hotel, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand, 15 & 16 November 2007.  A wide variety of papers were presented by speakers from all over the world.  I am also pleased to report that Robert Gordon was awarded 'The Peter Lambert 'There's no flies on me' award' for 2007, for making the most significant contribution to the forum, the second time he has done so.

Country Report, Thailand - Captain Richard Allen, Bangkok Marine Surveys, Bangkok, Thailand.
A very informative paper where we heard about the ports, trades, vessels and surveyors that use Thailand's ports.

Country Report, Philippines - Paul Thomas, Hendersons, Manila.
Not having had a forum in the Philippines yet, we were grateful to hear about the ports, trades, vessels and surveyors that use the Philippines' ports.

'Marine Surveyors - Adding value to the shipping industry'  Captain Allen Brink, President, IIMS.
The new IIMS President told us how the IIMS helps to develop quality surveyors who make a significant contribution to the shipping industry.

'Third Party Liabiltiy Insurance - The Role of Surveyors' Captain A K Singh, A K Services Ltd, London.
It is critical that the right surveyor should be appointed for a certain type of job.  This very experienced P&I consultant enlarged upon the problems associated with appointing the wrong surveyor.

'PI Insurance - Why do surveyors need it?'  Chris Childs, Managing Director Galatea.
We heard about some actual experiences involving professional neglicence cases and the results for marine surveyors - Frightening!

"P&I  and H&M Risk Assessment Surveys: are we looking at the wrong things?"  Robert Gordon, Seasia, Singapore.
Most accidents are due to human error and the current decline in crew competence.  So why are insurers not paying more attention to the assessment of crew capability ? Have they missed the obvious or might they prefer not to know?  Robert gave us his view of what is needed to help put right the current shortcomings.

'Pitfalls of tank inspections'  Peter Morgan, Lithgow & Associates, UK
The paper outlined the new IIMS Ballast Tank Coating Certification Training Programme and explain the implicaitons of maintaining tank coatings to comply with IMO Resolution A.744(18) in a 'good' condition for 15 years.

'The Surveyor's role in Charterers Surveys' - Glen Symonds, RightShip, Melbourne, Australia
We heard from the major service provider to Charterers around the world how we we help in assuring that quality tonnage is available for hire.  Interesting to learn that only the work we do contributes only 15% to the overall decision on the quality of a bulk carrier.

'Carrying out inspection of loading survey in China - The biggest steel manufacture and export country of the world.'  Jiang Meng, China Marine Surveys.
This was a 'coal face' paper on these frequently occurring surveys in China.  Much to learn from here.

'Hatch covers and hatch cover defects' Mike Wall, Kiwi Marine Consultants Ltd, Hong Kong
Some common and not so common hatch covers and defects were covered, generally occurring due to lack of maintenance.

'OCIMF and SIRE accreditation'.  Kapil Dev Bahl, Murray Fenton, India.
Kapil showed us how to become accredited for these two important survey services to the oil industry.  This has to be one of the most complex survey systems!

The morning of the second day was dedicated to an arbitration case study relating to a marine incident involving lawyers and expert witnesses, the aim being to familiarise marine surveyors with the court/arbitration process and to expose them to the type of cross examination which is likely during the process.  We were grateful to have the following experienced presenters:

The Arbitrator -   Captain Chris Spencer, C F Spencer & Co Ltd, UK
Whilst simulating the function of the arbitrator, Chris enlarged upon his function and responsibilities.

Expert witness - Claimant.  Peter Morgan, Lithgow & Associates, UK
Peter gave evidence on the technicalities and merits of the claim.

Expert witness - Defendant.  Mike Bozier.  AIMS, Australia.
Mike gavae evidence to counter the technicalities and merits of the claim.

Lawyer for the defence.  Robert Gordon.  Seasia, Singapore.
His objective is to discredit the evidence of the claimant's expert witness.  Robert showed that he has not lost his edge!

Lawyer for the Claimant.  Paul Barfield, Thomas Cooper Law, Singapore.
His objective was to discredit the evidence of the defence expert witness.

Panel discussion : Industry/Country Roundtable.  Summing up and questions.  We also discussed the intended format and location of the next conference.  It was decided that the first day should be dedicated to a single subject such as 'Steel cargoes' with experts in this field being asked to make presentations.  It was agreed that the next conference should be in Hong Kong in November 2008.

(ED: If you intend to attend a conference which you believe would be of interest to our readers, we would be grateful to receive a short synopsis.)

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IMO Conventions


International Convention on Wreck Removal

The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 was adopted during a diplomatic conference held in Nairobi in May 2007. The new convention:

-  empowers coastal states to remove wrecks that potentially endanger life and property at sea.
-  applies to shipwrecks beyond the territorial seas.
-  contains an opt-in clause allowing states to apply the convention to their own territorial waters
-  makes the ship owner liable for the cost of locating, marking and removing the wreck and requires him to buy compulsory insurance
-  enters in to force once 10 states have either signed without reservation or have deposited instruments of ratification.

(Courtesy AIMU Weekly Bulletin)

******

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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Future Events


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

SCMS holds a series of Buffet Lectures each year. The lectures cover a wide range of subjects that are of interest to Members and their guests.  They are held in London usually starting at 18:00 hrs. The winter programme will be published on the SCMS website http://www.scmshq.org  Those interested should send an email to sec@scmshq.org to be included on the announcement list.  CPD certificates are available for those attending.

29-31 January 2008, Pacific 2008 International Maritime Conference.  Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia.  (IIMS is proposing to hold a one day seminar in conjunction with this conference)
Phone: + 61 2 9265 0700
Fax: +61 2 9267 5443
Email: pacific2008imc@tourhosts.com.au

13 – 15 April 2008.  NAMS 46th Annual National Marine Conference East, The Monteleone Hotel, New Orleans, LA.
Info: www.nams-cms.org for details; NAMS Headquarters Ph: 800 822-6267or (757) 638-9638

16 & 17 January 2008: Knox Marine Claims Conference, New Orleans at the Sheraton Metairie, Metairie, Louisiana. Both NAMS and SAMS have previously awarded 12 CEU's for attending the conference. For more details, and to register, go to the Knox Marine web site -
http://www.knoxmarine.com/conference/conference.html where topics and speakers are listed. Course tuition is $450. Groups of four or more receive a discount. For details contact Steve Knox at sknox@knoxmarine.com or 804.364.8738. We look forward to seeing you there.

APRIL 13 – 15 2008 NAMS 46th Annual National Marine Conference East, New Orleans, LA. Info: www.nams-cms.org for details; NAMS Headquarters Ph: 800 822-6267or (757) 638-9638

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Web Sites

FOR OUR REGULAR READERS, NO NEW WEB SITES THIS MONTH:

We are no longer publishing our list of useful web sites for marine surveyors due to the eventual size of the email being sent out.  If you wish to receive the list, please contact the editor at the email address below.

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:
 

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From the Poop Deck

Forrest arrives at the Pearly gates.
 
Upon his arrival, a concerned St Peter met Forrest at the Pearly Gates.

'I'm sorry Forrest' St Peter said; 'But Heaven is suffering from an overload of goodly souls and we have been forced to put up an Entrance Exam for new arrivals to ease the burden of Heavenly Arrivals.'

'That's Cool' said Forrest. 'What does the Entrance Exam consist of?'

'Just 3 Questions' said St Peter.

'Which are?' asked Forrest.

'The first' said St Peter, ' Is, which two days of the week start with the letter 'T'?

The second is: How many seconds are there in a year?

The third is: What was the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?

Now,' said St Peter, 'Go away and think about those questions and when I call upon you, I shall expect you to have those answers for me.'

So Forrest went away and gave those three questions some considerable thought (I expect you to do the same).

The following morning, St Peter called upon Forrest and asked if he had considered the questions, to which Forrest replied, 'I have.'

'Well then,'said St Peter, 'Which two days of the week start with the letter T?'

Forrest said, 'Today and Tomorrow.'

St. Peter pondered this answer for some time, and decided that indeed the answer can be applied to the question.

'Well then Forrest, could I have your answer to the second of the three questions?' St Peter went on, 'how many seconds in a year?'

Forrest replied, 'Just 12!'

'Only 12?' exclaimed St Peter, 'How did you arrive at that figure Forrest?'

'Easy' said Forest, 'there's the second of January, the second of February right through to the second of December, giving a total of twelve seconds.'

St Peter looked at Forrest and said, 'I need some time to consider your answer before I can give you a decision.' And he walked away shaking his head.

A short time later St Peter returned to Forrest. 'I'll allow the answer to stand Forrest, but you need to get the third and final question absolutely correct to be allowed into Heaven.

Now Forrest, can you tell me the answer to the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?'

Forrest replied: 'Of the three questions, I found this the easiest to answer.'

'Really!' exclaimed St Peter, 'And what is the answer, Forrest?'

'It's Andy.'

'Andy??'

'Yes, Andy' said Forrest.

This totally floored St Peter, and he paced this way and that, deliberating the answer. Finally, he could not stand the suspense any longer, and turning to Forrest, asked 'Forrest, how in God's name did you arrive at THAT answer?'

'Easy' said Forrest 'Andy sat, Andy watched, Andy waited til his billy
boiled.'

And Forrest entered Heaven...

******

Subject: Virus warning
 
There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, orally, and by hand. 

This virus is called Weary-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone  else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT.

This virus will wipe out your  private life completely. If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest grocery store.

Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolating-Neutralizer-Extract (WINE) or Bothersome-Employer-Elimination-Rebooter (BEER).

Take the antidote  repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should forward this warning to 5 friends. If you do not have 5 friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

******

On a  more topical note .....

Why not wander down to Woollies for a Christmas bargain.

They are selling bears off at half price - apparently they are not allowed to make a prophet out of teddy bears...

******

A woman decides to have a facelift for her 50 birthday. She spends $15,000 and feels pretty good about the results.

On her way home, she stops at a newsstand to buy a newspaper. Before leaving, she says to the clerk, "I hope you don't mind my asking, but how old do you think I am?"

"About 32," is the reply."

"Nope! I'm exactly 50, the woman says happily.

A little while later she goes into McDonald's and asks the counter girl the very same question.

The girl replies, "I'd guess about 29."

The woman replies with a big smile, "Nope, I'm 50."

Now she's feeling really good about herself. She stops in a drug store on her way down the street. She goes up to the counter to get some mints and asks the clerk this burning question.

The clerk responds, "Oh, I'd say 30."

Again she proudly responds, "I'm 50, but thank you!"

While waiting for the bus to go home, she asks an old man waiting next to her the same question.

He replies, "Lady, I'm 78 years old and my eyesight is going. Although, when I was young, there was a sure-fire way to tell how old a woman was. It sounds very forward, but it requires you to let me put my hands under your bra.

Then, and only then can I tell you EXACTLY how old you are."

They wait in silence on the empty street until her curiosity gets the best of her. She finally blurts out, "What the hell, go ahead."

He slips both of his hand under her blouse and begins to feel around very slowly and carefully. After a couple of minutes of this, she says, "Okay, okay....How old am I?"

He completes one last squeeze, removes his hands, and says, "Madam, you are 50."

Stunned and amazed, the woman says, "That was incredible, how could you tell?"

The old man says, "Promise you won't get mad?"

"I promise I won't" she says.

"I was standing behind you at McDonalds."

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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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