(Past editions can be viewed on http://www.asiaconference.biz)
Quotes of the month
Outside the IMO building on the embankment in London there is a statue which is an international memorial to seafarers:
"Those inside often forget those outside."
Richard Clayton, News Editor, Fairplay
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Rob Grool, Group Managing Director, Wallem Group
CONTENTS (for full stories, select a headline)
- At the bow - Registration is free! New readers.
- Spindrift - Wind farm warning. Seatrade. IMO Warning. Row over blaze. Greenpeace accuses.
- Contributions - Shipmaster of the year.
- Comment - Life of a ship. Raising our profile.
- Scuttlebut - Donations
- Insurance News - Gas detection equipment.
- Wig & Gown - None this month.
- Education and Training - Warsash ship handling. Liverpool's martime history.
- Epistles - Responses from readers
- People - Sparks.
- Books - Cracking the Code. Mersey Shipping Remembered. Blue Funnel: Voyages and Voices.
- Useful web sites for marine surveyors.
- Conference reports - Summary of The 2003 Asian Marine Surveying and Loss Prevention Forum, 23/24 October 2003, Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Future events - Some upcoming events which might be of interest to marine surveyors.
- From the Poop Deck - Nostalgia - It ain't what it used to be.
FLASHLIGHT is a free monthly emailed newsletter for Marine Surveyors. 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 readers this month:
S.T. Lee, Maritime Consultants & Cargo Surveyors Sdn.Bhd., Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia.
Mike Bozier, (semi-retired) AIMS Administration, P.O.Box 53, Berowra,
NSW. 2081, Australia.
Wind farm warning
An offshore collision conference has been warned by various organisations about the potential navigational dangers of wind farms which are increasing in number around the coasts of various countries.
Seatrade
London's biggest maritime event for years was so successful that the organisers are planning a repeat in two years time. The Seatrade International Maritime Convention will be staged again from 18-25 October 2005, after more than 3,500 participants from 47 countries took part in the inaugural event in September.
IMO Warning
Shipping companies and ports have been warned by the IMO to act urgently to implement security measures ahead of next year's ISPS Code cut-off date. In a letter to Lloyd's List last month, IMO public information manager Lee Adamson stressed that there are 'no options' with regard to the 1 July 04 deadline and no extensions would be allowed to the implementation process. Ships found to be in breach of the ISPS and SOLAS requirements after the deadline will face control action, Mr Adamson warned.
Row over blaze
Maritime safety officials in South Africa have condemned the failure to declare hazardous cargoes following a fire onboard the former Bank Line vessel Willowbank last month. The SAMSA blamed the incident on board the Singaporean flagged Sea Elegance on the ignition of calcium hypochlorite being carried in a container. It appeared that the crew of the ship had no knowledge of the hazardous cargo which had reacted with a nearby cargo of Atrazin herbicide.
Greenpeace accuses
'Criminally little' has been done in hte year since the Prestige sank to prevent a similar accident from occurring in future, Greenpeace claimed last month.
Juan Lopez de Uralde, Exceutive Director of Greenpeace, Spain, commented, "There has been little change in the regulations which would help prevent further similar accidents. The only thing that will stop future accidents is a sea-change in the way liability and responsibilty for these disasters is assigned". The organisation is calling for an unlimited liabiltiy regime to be introduced in place of the existing system in which financial responsibility is limited to the shipowner and liability scales to the tonnage of the ship. The organisation has also suggested that Charterers should be included within the liability regime and the phase out of single hulled tankers should be accelerated worldwide.
(ED: None of which help Captain Mangouras under house arrest in Spain or Nilos Pappas languishing in a Karachi hotel.)
(With thanks to the NUMAST Shipping Telegraph)
Shipmaster of the year (The following is taken from Issue 21 of the Spinnaker Consulting Newsletter)
A good friend of ours, himself a master mariner, has asked us to support his nomination of Capt Apostolos Mangouras for the Lloyd's List & Nautical Institute Shipmaster of the Year Award. Albeit that nominations are officially closed, we are happy to oblige and set out in full below our friend's arguments for the good captain's nomination.
Capt Mangouras is a pawn in a political game being played on home ground by the Spanish authorities. His treatment has been disgraceful. His actions and demeanour throughout have been commendable. To support Capt Mangouras's nomination, please email sec@nautinst.org or visit www.lloydslistevents.com/nominations. The Prestige, loaded with 77,000 metric tonnes of fuel oil, took a list off the coast of Spain, in gale force winter Atlantic conditions, on 13 November 2002. Capt Mangouras, when faced with the most perilous and frightening moment of his career (42 years' experience on tankers) chose to stay on board and battle, in atrocious weather conditions, in order to save all his crew from injury and loss of life. Against all the odds (vessel listing as much as 25 degrees on the starboard side) Capt Mangouras managed to evacuate - without injury - all of the crew.
Capt Mangouras and two other officers elected to stay on board. They corrected the list and stabilised the vessel, stopping loss of oil that was spilling from the Butterworth covers onto the deck. Weather conditions became so bad that, due to the heavy rolling of the vessel and seas breaking over the deck, it took Capt Mangouras twenty minutes to make his way forward with two officers to try and connect a towline from attending tugs. This was only possible by taking a dangerous route along the port side of the main deck, grasping onto the ship's side railing for safety.
Capt Mangouras worked all night without rest in order to do all he could to attempt to make fast the tug. After tireless attempts to make fast the tow, and enduring the frustration of the tow lines continually parting, the tow line was successfully connected at mid-day on 14 November.
Fearing for the safety of the three remaining people on board, the ship and the environment, and knowing (from thirty years as a captain on tankers) what was best for his vessel, the master begged for a place of refuge. Smit Salvage (the salvors retained by the Prestige) also requested a place of refuge. Both these requests were refused by the Spanish authorities.
Had refuge been granted, the Prestige could have been safely tucked away in Corcubion Harbour within six hours, there would have been minimal and localised pollution in Spain, the vessel would have been saved and the coastline of France spared. Instead the authorities ordered the Prestige to proceed into the Atlantic in winter gale force weather. Some six days after the initial incident, the Prestige broke into two on 19 November 2002 and sank, causing substantial pollution along many hundreds of kilometres of coastline.
On the evening of 15 November, the master and the two other officers were evacuated from the vessel. Capt Mangouras was immediately handcuffed once on dry land. He was taken to the local police station and, despite having had no sleep for two days, was subjected to a six-hour interrogation from 8pm on 15 November until 2am on 16 November. He was treated like a criminal and forced to spend 83 days in a high-security jail, only being released once bail of Euros3,000,000 was put up.
It is a telling but depressing statistic that even Michael Jackson, with the gravity of his alleged crime and his billionaire status, had bail set at a lower level than Capt Mangouras. Even today the master is not able to return to the bosom of his family but has to remain in Spain in virtual captivity and to report daily (including weekends) to the local police station in Barcelona as part of his stringent bail conditions. In spite of numerous appeals to relax these conditions, this has not been granted. In fact the latest plea by the captain to be allowed to return home to Greece to spend Christmas with his family (and see his children for the first time since the incident) has been denied.
Many people in Galicia, Spain, call this man a hero - something of particular significance as it comes from the people of Galicia themselves. No doubt seafarers around the world will have equal if not more sympathy for this courageous man whose name continues to feature in the headlines of Lloyd's List more than twelve months after the incident. His heroic actions deserve recognition. I therefore nominate Capt Mangouras for the Lloyd's List and Nautical Institute Shipmaster of the Year Award.
ED: We hope you will agree and support the nomination.
[Top]
In the 1950s we built ships to last for 35 years or so by adding significant
material to the scantlings.
In the 1960s we built ships to last for 25 years or so by doing the same.
In the 1970s we were building ships to last for around 15 years and
in the 1980s building them to last for about 8 years ......
So how come we still have ships in operation that are well past their 'sell by date' of the mid 80s and what are the Classification Societies doing about the obvious diminution in scantlings of the above ships?
A meeting of Owners, Builders and Classification Societies took place in October this year in Korea to develop goal based standards for newbuildings, covering such issues as extending design life, corrosion margins, fatigue life and relevant wave loads. The three organisations stated that they want to ensure new vessels are 'fit for purpose' and capable of transporting their cargo safely for the ship, crew and the environment of the life of the vessel'. But as stated above, what is the design life of the vessel and what should happen when they reach the end of their design life? Whilst some of the ships well in excess of their design age surveyed are found to be still in sound condition, there are those around the world which are clearly only suitable for the scrapyard. But who decides? As long operating these ships remains competitive because of cheaper crews, the use of poorer quality fuel and substandard Class surveyors they will continue to operate. They will only be scrapped when they become operationally uneconomical, ie, it is the Owner that makes the ultimate decision.
According to a recent Drewry Shippping Consutlants report the international shipping industry will need to spend US$450 billion (US$350 bn on new ships, US$10 bn on second hand tonnage) between now and 2010 to finance new and secondhand ships. It appears appropriate at a time when the shipping market is returning to a level where Owners can make a healthy return on their investments with rates being sustained.
Is it also time to give Port State Control more resources and more teeth?
In recent days I have been following the debate relating to the future of the shipping industry worldwide in various publications, some of which have been right on the mark as far as what is wrong with feasible solutions. In one worthy publication the accent has been on warnings to the UK shipping Minister with respect to the need for more cadets as, without qualified seafarers, 'London would lose whatever credibility it retains as a centre of excellence'. Has nobody in London yet realised yet that the centre of gravity of shipping has shifted markedly towards the East?
Richard Clayton of Fairplay summarises the problems with our industry very well in a recent edition. However, what I find frustrating in a lot of these worthy publications is the number of times that the shortage of seafarers means that there will be a shortage of key personnel in our industry in years to come, listing all the job functions, except that of the marine consultant and surveyor. We appear, yet again, to be the invisible and uknown minority, except of course when we are called upon by the other worthies to dig them out of the mire.
This might be seen as heresy by some but isn't it about time we thought of combining all of our professional institutes into one international institute for the benefit of all in our profession in a similar way to that of the Nautical Institute. The longer we remain fragmented, the less chance we have of any say in the future of our industry and particularly our profession.
Your feedback would be appreciated.
Donations
During the festive season, those of us more lucky people, often make donations to a charity of our choice. Why not let charity begin at home and give to a marine related charitable organisation? There are many such organisations that look after the welfare of those less fortunate in our industry.
There is the Marine Society which provides many services to seafarers.
One such example of their good heart is that of a young orphaned cadet
who when it came to the time for his sea service, did not have the money
to buy his first uniform. The Marine Society granted half of the cost
of the uniform and loaned him the other half. The cadet completed his
cadetship, paid back his loan, and is fulfilling a major role in our industry
40 years later. Like others who have benefitted from their kindness, he
has made a provision in his will.
Shipowners are being urged by the UK P&I Club to ensure that suitable gas detection equipment is provided on their vessels to help protect seafarers entering into enclosed spaces. A new technical bulletin issued by the Club warns that inspectors all too often visit ships were such equipment is not provided or is uncalibrated or not functioning properly.
'It cannot be stressed too strongly that entry into enclosed spaces is one of the most dangerous areas of seafaring' the bullet in stresses, reminding Owners that testing of atmosphere, together with ventilation of any space about to be entered are required safe working practices. The equipment should also be on board under the ISM certification system.
'A further safety measure would be to supply personal oxygen sensors for the crew entering or working in an enclosed space as gas pockets and oxygen deficient atmosphere can remain even though ventilation is provided.'
(Ed: You can lead a horse to water but ..... How often do we as surveyors visit a ship to find the equipment non-operational? The lack of any safe working practices on board often become apparent when we ask for it to be used on tanks we are about to enter.)
NOTE: IACS have recently published a pamphlet 'Confined Space Safe Practice' No. 72 (2000) Rev. 1 (October 2003)
The pamphlet was originally developed using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health publication “ A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces”, July 1987, as a model (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/otherpub.html).
Extensive revisions have been made to address situations commonly encountered by Surveyors. Comments made by Intertanko were adopted into this revision
It has been prepared to facilitate the safe entry into confined spaces and is intended to be used as a supplement to training programs provided to personnel.
None this month.
Warsash Maritime Centre is now offering scaled down shiphandling techniques using an unmanned radio controlled model tug at Marchwood alongside a fleet of other reduced format vessels, including 40,000 to 300,000 dwt tankers to help improve shiphandling for trainee and experience pilots and ship's officers.
The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the University of Liverpool's Centre for Port and Maritime History are joining forces on a three year project to explore a great black hole of historical understanding, the ways in which Liverpool's original merchant magnates worked, lived and operated.
The research project is hoping to establish a searchable website for use by researchers, schools and students when its findings are eventually collated. It is expected that a clearer picture of the mechanisms of maritime mercantile operations in 19th century Liverpool will emerge from the exercise.
The September Flashlight 2003 - Edition No. 24 was read with interest (as they all are) however as it is a forum for Marine Surveyors I found the article by Jon Gray of Inserve Ltd., London who was slagging-off other Surveyors, to be somewhat concerning. This is bad form, is usually expressed as 'pride before a fall' and you may wish to use your editorial blue ink from time to time.
Jim Walsh, Overseas Maritime
ED: I don't believe that JG slagged-off any specific surveyors, only 'class, flag and company surveys and audits'. We believe, and I hope others will agree, that praise/blame should be attibuted where appropriate and that being honest about the shortcomings in our industry can only serve to improve it.
I thought your article on "Attending Conferences" was right on the money! I really enjoyed the part about the capabilities of the expert giving a presentation without worrying about potential competition.
Peggy Feakes, AMS
Sparks Surveyors NV has moved to our new address:
29 Noorderlaan, 2003 Antwerpen, Belgium. Tel: +32-3-646-3560
Email: ph.waitel@sparks-surveyors.com
A Nautical Odyssey - A History of The Nautical Institute 1972-2002: its people, policies and presence. Michael J Plumridge FNI
This book tells the remarkable story of how a new organisation was created in 1972 to meet the needs of professional mariners. The chapters chronicle the development of the Institute and the author's inclusive style demonstrates how members fought to gain recognition of their profession against considerable opposition from established organisations. The author conveys most effectively how the voluntary efforts of so many members has contributed to a professional organisation, which is now respected throughout the maritime world.
Prices : £28.57 Standard
Postage: £3.00 UK and Sea Mail | £5.00 Air Mail Europe | £8.00
Air Mail World
(ED: The book also lists those who have been recognised for making a considerable contribution to the Nautical Institute and our industry in general)
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.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.
The Federation
of European Maritime Associations of Surveyors and Consultants
International Institute
of Marine Surveyors
General access
to the directory of the world network of Lloyd's Agents.
Merchant
Navy records on UK MN vessels and information merchant seamen, logs, agreements
and crew lists, MN apprentices and deaths at sea
Marine
Support On Line
Society of Accredited
Marine Surveyors
National Association
of Marine Surveyors
Safety at Sea International
Society of Consulting Marine
Engineers and Ship Surveyors
Society of Naval Architects
and Marine Engineers.
A summary of the papers presented at The 2003 Asian Marine Surveying and Loss Prevention Forum, Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 23 & 24 October 2003.
Keynote Speech Development of the Vietnamese Shipping Industry
Mr Trinh Quang Tuyen, Managing Director, Vietnam National Reinsurance
Company, (Vietnam)
The paper gave us an insight into how Vietnamese shipping is rapidly expanding using up to date statistics with Government policy on how the shipping sector will develop over the next ten years, including new ports. The increase in fleets will add to the need for associated services, particularly qualified and experienced marine surveyors.
A P&I Club's perspective on marine surveying in Vietnam
Mr Mark Borkett, West of England P&I, (Hong Kong)
The Club has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Vietnamese Shipowners and, in association with Matthews Daniel, Vung Tau, is currently providing training to marine survey companies in Vietnam. Mark showed how the increase in tonnage will result in the need for more local technically qualified, experienced marine surveyors with good reporting skills. However, there is a shortage of suitably qualified and experienced personnel with seagoing experience to fulfil the role.
Development of Classification Societies in Vietnam
Mr M.S. Alam, Senior Marine Surveyor, Lloyds Register, (Vietnam)
Mr Alam gave a history of the development of the Vietnam Register since its establishing in 1964 with statistics on the tonnage handled by the register and new construction due to be added in the near future. VR has cooperation agreements with all of the major IACS societies and is currently implementing all major conventions.
Marine surveying in Asia a charterer's requirements
Mr Jonathan Stoneley, Cargill Ocean Transportation, London & Geneva.
Cargill is an international marketer, processor and distributor of agricultural, food, financial and industrial products wiht 98,000 employees in 61 countries. It is also the largest charterer of ships around the world, having cararied in excess of 100 million tonnes of freight during 2002 on roughly 5,000 ships, most being bulk carriers. Cargill have recognised that substandard ships can cost them dearly and for a number of years have been using independent surveyors to assess vessels on their behalf, having recently introduced a risk based assessment system which was outlined by Jonathan. It was also stressed that professional marine surveyors are the key to the success of the scheme.
Tanker vetting in Vietnam
Mr Rob Grool, Group Managing Director, Wallem Group, (Hong Kong)
Rob outlined the history of oil spills with Exxon Valdez being the last politically acceptable oil spill. Since then other major oil spills have resulted in significant reactions, hence the need for a good quality tanker vetting scheme, Wallem's having a 264 question Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (VPQ) to show that all involved have tried to do the right thing. He stressed that a good inspector is pragmatic, with relevant experience and an auditor's attitude to check that the QA system is working, not being there as a policeman. First impressions are usually correct in the final assessment.
This was an interesting paper as it was given from the Owners'/Shipmanagers viewpoint, ie, it was good to hear from the person on the other side!
Gas Tanker Overview
Mr Mike Wall, Managing Director, Kiwi Marine Consultants Ltd, (Hong Kong)
Mike's presentation was an introduction to gas carriers in preparation for the ensuing paper. The presentation outlined the design and construction of the vessels with a brief look at cargo operations and safety features.
LPG Quantity Measurement and Disputes
Ted Harvey, Senior Consultant, PMMS Asia Pacific Ltd, Hong Kong
Asia is the fastest growing LPG market in the world with Vietnam in its growth infancy, illustrated by up to date statistics. Ted gave us an insight into some of the problems which can be experienced with floating storage facilities and quantity measurement, there being a need for an averaging of inturn and outturn results, similar to the VEF used on crude oil tankers.
On a Little Strait in Singapore
Capt Bruce Ewen, Senior Consultant, Maritime Claims, (Singapore)
Bruce related his experiences in Singapore over the last couple of years with particular reference to bunkering problems raised by dishonest surveyors, unreliable supply chains and a lack of controls. Recommended actions required by ships taking bunkers in Singapore were listed together with current developments in Singapore and Indonesia with respect to bunkering anchorages.
Standard sampling for loading rice
Mrs Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, Manager of Rice Inspection Department, Vinacontrol
Ho Chi Minh City, (Vietnam)
Mrs Nguyen gave us a statistical analysis of the world's current rice market with details of Vietnam's traditional markets. Her expertise in rice cargoes was then illustrated by her illustration of the problems associated with the carriage of rice and how surveyors go about their duties in loading surveys. One problem raised was that some voyages are of more than 30 days duration such that fumigation expires and the eggs of pests can hatch.
Minimising Claims on Bulk Cargoes
Mr Burnie Sinclair, Allied Marine Consultants Ltd
One of the problems that marine surveyors experience in their day to day duties on board ship is that the Master, Charterer, Stevedores and other parties do not listen to our advice, despite the wide and in depth knowledge obtained over the years. Burnie explained how damaged bulk cargoes might be handled to minimise claims. With slides from past cases, he showed how stalagmites and discoloured areas could be removed by additional personnel taken on to bag the damaged cargo instead of having it discharged by grab to contaminate the remainder of good cargo. The illustrations of white fertilizer contaminated by pink fertiliser was so well received that the phrase 'pink dots' became 'de rigour' during the conference! This was a hands on, well presented and extremely relevant paper.
Average adjustor's needs from surveyors
Mr Alex Pinto, Director, Charles Taylor Consulting, (Singapore)
Alex outlined the surveyor's role in General Average cases, the main aim being to come to a fair & reasonable agreement with the Owners/Adjusters as to cause, nature & extent of damage and RCOR. The surveyor is there to help the Owner and Underwriter to reach a proper and fair settlement of a claim, being there to provide Principals with sound techncial and financial advice not to dispense justice. Plenty of good advice for the inexperienced here!
Function of a Tier 3 Centre in an oil spill response
Mr Declan O'Driscoll, CEO, East Asia Response Pte Ltd, (Singapore)
The audience were treated to an excellent presentation showing some of the pollution incidents in which Declan and his company have been involved with an insight as to how the surveyor can help in different situations. This was an eye opener for all of us.
Legal ramification of marine surveyor's report in a salvage situation
Mr Jon Ray, Senior Marine Manager, Watson, Farley & Williams, (Singapore)
As Reported in the October 03 edition of FLASHLIGHT Jonathan listed the role of the surveyor and information required by various parties during a salvage incident, generally relating to the assessment of the cause, nature and extent of damage. It is understandable that surveyors, when instructed to conduct a damage survey, will for the benefit of those instructing him report upon all the background circumstances of the incident (often including a helpful and comprehensive analysis of the casualty in the salvage services) and it follows that his report may touch upon some of the above issues in the process of producing a comprehensive report.
It is, however, sometimes overlooked that survey reports, especially those commissioned by underwriters, do not enjoy the protection of privilege or confidentiality and are thus discloseable in any court or arbitration proceedings instituted for the purpose of assessing the salvage award.
Going that extra mile and complying with our duty of care
Capt Chris Spencer, President, International Institute of Marine Surveyor(IIMS),
(UK)
At every conference there are always one or two speakers who, by there presentations, show their love and passion for our profession. Last year it was Norman Finlay. This year I would have to nominate Chris Spencer in this category for the 'Oscar'. Not only did he show his expertise as a marine surveyor but also as a teacher and presenter.
The audience was subjected to enlightenment on our responsibility as surveyors to advise our clients correctly and truthfully. If we don't have the tools and information for the job in hand, don't be afraid to ask others for assistance. There is a lot of information out there, it is only a case of knowing where to find it. The need for appropriate training and continuing professional development were stressed. As the current President of IIMS and Vice President of SCMS, Chris stressed the need to belong to such organisations where information is readily available.
The human factor in liability claims
Mr Karl Lumbers, UK P&I, (UK)
The UK P&I Club is the largest and appoints the most marine surveyors in the world. It was not because of this fact that Karl got a little more time than others for his presentation, but because he brought along, hot off the press, the latest video: "No Room for Error". His powerpoint presentation was also received with interest. Good to report that his presentation was voted the best on the feedback forms.
Country Roundtable "Frankly speaking"
Panel discussion between the instructed and the instructing:
The panel: Karl Lumbers, Bruce Ewan, Mark Williams, Chris Spencer, Mike Wall (Chairman).
As at the previous three conferences in Asia, sensitive and relevant
topics were discussed with almost every member of the audience participating.
** IMO Conventions **
Regulations for ballast water management to prevent the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water (proposed adoption February 2004)
The Marine Environment Protection Committee has developed draft new regulations
for ballast water management to prevent the transfer of harmful aquatic
organisms in ballast water. It is planned to hold a diplomatic conference
in February 2004 to adopt the new measures.
If you have a marine related conference coming up, why not let us know so that we can mention it below?
2 - 4 March 2004, TOC Asia, Suntec Singapore, Singapore. Lloyd's List Events
26-30 April 2004, Fifteenth International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators,
London
See: www.icmaxv.org
3-5 May 2005 Cruise & Ferry 2005, Earls Court Two, London. Lloyd's List Events
18-20 May 2004, Logistics Hong Kong 2004, Hong Kong Convention &
Exhibition Centre
Lloyd's List Events
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/
Nostalgia - 'It ain't what it used to be'
The Red Ensign
On all the seas of all the world there passes to and fro
Where the ghostly iceberg travels or the spicy trade winds blow,
A gaudy piece of bunting, a royal, ruddy rag,
The blossom of the ocean lanes, Great Britain's merchant flag.
by H M Ayres
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@so-net.com.hk
Do not print this page unless absolutely necessary.