IACS releases updated Blue Book for 2017

The International Association of Classification Societies is pleased to announce the release of the 2017 edition of its IACS Blue Book. The latest release of the Blue Book package continues to enhance IACS technical support to the shipping industry through our work and investment in technology, innovation, research and development both at the classification and statutory levels. The Blue Book… Read more →

New guide promotes better conditions for offshore personnel

ABS has published the ABS Guide for Habitability of Industrial Personnel on Accommodation Vessels, establishing criteria for improving the living environment and ambient environment on board accommodation vessels. “People are the most important resource for any organization,” says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “This Guide recognizes the importance of personnel living offshore for extended periods of time,… Read more →

Panama vessels urged to increase security while sailing in the GOG

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued circular encouraging all Panamanian flagged vessels transiting the Gulf of Guinea, to increase the security measures on board and to comply with any security regulations recommended, in territorial waters, by the Coastal and Port Authorities; taking into consideration the recent piracy attacks occurred in the region (hijacking, kidnapping and armed robbery). The Panama Maritime… Read more →

Paris MoU detains third vessel within the last 18 months

The Paris MoU organization detained the cargo vessel  “SORMOVSKIY 54”  in port of Rostov-on-Don (Russian Federation) on 4th January 2017. This is the third detention in the Paris MoU region within the last 18 months. Therefore under the provisions of section 4 of the Paris MoU – which allows access to a specific port and anchorage in the event of… Read more →

Amendments to the Code of Safe Working Practices issued

On October 2016, the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers amended to include additional issues the following sections: Entry into enclosed spaces; The operation of watertight doors; Working at height and over the side, in line with new legislation; Scaffolding; Means of access; Mooring, especially small vessels; Handling of chemicals and other substances that can be hazardous to… Read more →

First amendments to the MLC 2006 come into force

The first amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) which ensure better protection to seafarers and their families in case of abandonment, death and long-term disability entered into force on 18 January 2017. The amendments were approved by the International Labour Conference in 2014. The 2014 amendments require that a financial security system be put in place to… Read more →

IMO welcomes entry into force of financial security for seafarers

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has welcomed the entry into force of new obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) which require shipowners to have compulsory insurance to cover abandonment of seafarers, as well as claims for death or long-term disability of seafarers. The 2014 amendments to the MLC 2006, which comes under the auspices of the International Labour Organization… Read more →