ABS, provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, announced that has been awarded a Third Party Organization contract by Blessey Marine Services, Inc., owner and operator of a fleet of inland towing vessels and tank barges, to support compliance with US Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements. “Owners and operators are evaluating multiple options for Subchapter… Read more →
Author: ICS Class
DNV GL promotes the analytics platform Lumina
DNV GL announced that launched platform Lumina, which analyzes 1.6 million findings from management system audits around the world and, in this way, identifies weaknesses and improvement areas for companies, and benchmarks industries as a whole. The company explained that today’s organizations are facing a complex business environment. With increasing demands from stakeholders to operate sustainably, and with international standards… Read more →
ICS releases latest Flag State Performance Table
The International Chamber of Shipping has published its latest Flag State Performance which provides an annual overview of the performance of the world’s flag states against a number of criteria such as port state control records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings. The Table is mainly intended to encourage shipowners and operators to maintain an open… Read more →
RMI clarifies issues re MLC financial security certificates
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has issued a marine safety advisory to explain a recent case which occurred with respect to the entity named on the MLC certificates of financial security for death and long-term disability. A number of RMI vessels have been issued deficiencies by Port State Control PSC due to these certificates which were required to be… Read more →
IMO SDC Sub-Committee: What’s on the agenda?
The Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction meets for its fourth session from 13 through 17 February.The SDC Sub-Committee was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, and is being chaired by Kevin Hunter (United Kingdom) Key topics on the agenda include the expected finalization of draft explanatory notes to the SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and damage stability regulations and the… Read more →
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 →