The Caribbean MOU is carrying out a Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Safety of Navigation and Hours of Work or Rest from September until November 2015. This is the 2nd CIC launched by the Caribbean MoU on these subject.
Black Carbon Emissions from Shipping
August 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment
This past January, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made long-anticipated progress on the definition of black carbon from shipping. After four years of agonizing debate, the subcommittee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) recommended that the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) accept the definition used in this landmark paper by Tami Bond et al., and move forward with its work plan on black carbon. Next steps include developing a standardized way to measure black carbon and investigating potential control options.
UK P&I: Concerns Remain as Low Sulfur Fuel Rules Place Increasing Demands on Shipowners
August 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director at UK P&I Club (UK P&I) says the industry still has concerns over the use of low-sulfur fuels, and the need to comply with mandates regarding their use in ships is placing an increasing demand on shipowners.
The Human Element in Accidents
July 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Shipping industry statistics state that around 90% of world trade is carried by sea. Key sea lanes are already busy and as world economies expand, the number and size of ships trading internationally, currently 50,000 vessels, will increase. The natural hazards of being at sea remain the same, but the increased congestion will add to the risk of collision or grounding. Whilst technology, particularly in the form of electronic navigational aids, has done much to reduce incidents in recent years, they do continue to occur with predictable frequency.
Master’s Worst Nightmare
July 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The story of one Ship’s rescue of more than 500 immigrants in the Mediterranean during October 2014. A Campbell Shipping fleet ship recently plucked to safety three fishermen who were stranded on their capsized vessel in South Africa.
Use of Armed Security Guards in Indian Ports
July 21, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The issue of using armed security guards onboard merchant vessels used to be a matter that required particular attention in the past. However, during the recent years and due to the fact that the maritime security industry became more regulated (e.g. ISO/PAS 28007:2012) the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) onboard ships has become a routine.
PSC Report for Q2 2015
July 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The second quarter of 2015 PSC inspections in Black Sea and Mediterranean PSC MoU were slightly decreased compared to the numbers of the first quarter. The same occurred for Paris PSC MoU, whereas for Tokyo PSC MoU the total number of PSC inspections was increased. The PSC inspections that resulted in identifying deficiencies onboard vessels was decreased for the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Paris PSC MoU but was increased for the Tokyo PSC MoU.
Driving Operational Change with Data-Driven Analytics
July 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Real-time reporting and data analysis are key tools to understanding and improving complex operating environments of today’s companies where the overall effects of any individual action can be very difficult to identify without a proper tool set at hand.
Routing Optimization the Missing Part
July 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Optimal routing is an essential part of Voyage planning. Traditionally, optimal routing has been avoiding areas with high risk of cargo damage. With advanced weather forecasting, the forecast period has become longer. With advanced data communication, it is possible to deliver the updated forecasts onboard, and weather routing has become dynamic and adaptive to the real weather and is no longer merely avoidance of high risk areas.
Professional Development: A Lifelong Commitment
July 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The marine industry is dynamic and ever-changing. The need of the hour is to keep ourselves updated with changes affecting our work environment, primarily including new regulations and latest technology. In addition, the protection of the environment, concerns around global warming, sustainability and supply chain security all take a central role, so we need to remain aware of new scenarios in each of these areas.
Officer of the Watch 