Transport Malta has issued safety investigation report into the grounding of the Maltese registered general cargo KATRE approaching Hvide Sande.

DNV GL accepts underwater examination of a ship’s bottom by means of remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) on a case by case basis.

The American Club issued an alert in order to provide general guidance on precautions that should be taken in the loading and carriage of coal cargoes.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands flag moved into the top position for the Greek merchant fleet in terms of number of vessels and is now the largest international flag overall in Greece in terms of DWT.

IMCA has issued new Safety Flash summarizing key safety matters and highlighting lessons learned from maritime incidents.

Mars Report - Lessons learned During the annual servicing of a KIDDE CO2 system on a passengerferry, it was discovered that an undetected discharge of the CO2 systemwithin the emergency generator room had taken place. Although thetime of the inadvertent discharge could not be determined, the causewas a worn internal mechanism within the control head.The crew was unaware of the discharge in the emergency generatorroom because the space did not require any indicators (eg alarm,smoke/heat detection) to alert them of the discharge and wasunoccupied during discharge. This circumstance presented three latentunsafe conditions:1 The failure could have occurred while someone was within the space;2 A person could have entered the space after the release, and; 3 The space remained unprotected for an unknown period of time.Identifying the status of a fixed CO2 system can easily be done by eye.The control head of the valve has a slot that lines up with either the setor the released position and the indicators are the same whether thecontrol head is electrically operated (left photograph) or pneumaticallyoperated (right photograph). The bottom photo is an example of asecond visual indicator for checking system status. It indicates thepressure switch position for the CO2 system. If the indicator...

How to comply with the EU Directive 2006/42/EC LR provides information on how to comply with the Machinery Directive (EU Directive 2006/42/EC) in order to curb equipment risks. The large number of accidents caused directly by the use of machinery can be reduced by inherently safe design and construction of machinery and by proper installation and maintenance.Although machinery can greatly increase efficiency and ease, it can also pose a significant threat of injury. Every day, all over the globe, people are injured and killed in accidents involving machinery. Accidents that could have been prevented, had the proper precautionary measures been taken.The EU Directive 2006/42/EC aims to ensure a high level of protection to workers and citizens by addressing the safety of machinery sold and operated within the EU and EEA Member States. Member States are obliged to transfer the Directive into national law. The Machinery Directive was first adopted in 1989; the latest revision was applied in 2009.The Directive stipulates that all machinery must meet certain safety requirements,covering every aspect of the machinery, from mechanical and electrical design to controls and safety. It defines machinery as "An assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, with...

On July 30, a ceremony was held at the port of Soma in Fukushima prefecture to commemorate the arrival of a new coal carrier, Shinchi Maru

UK MCA issues note on how to comply with the Audit and Self-Assessment requirements The UK Maritime Coastguard and Agency (MCA) has issued Marine Guidance Note to provide guidance to owners/ operators of Domestic Passenger Ships on how to comply with the Audit and Self- Assessment requirements of the Safety Management Code.Whilst the Code itself remains substantially unchanged the frequency of the audits are very different and are intended to more closely follow the ISM format, but applied in a more pragmatic way.Key points:There is a requirement for the MCA to carry out a company or office audit and that some preparation work is required for the same.The On board Audits, whilst less frequent, shall also be pre-planned and operators will be required to demonstrate compliance with the code including emergency preparedness.There is a requirement for Companies to carry out Self-Assessments to review their own systems.This Guidance also takes the opportunity to explain how companies should undertake the annual Self-Assessment and a review of the safety management system at intervals not exceeding three years

From 1 January 2015, crew is required to take part in enclosed space entry and rescue drillsInternational Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation III/19 which added a new requirement for mandatory enclosed space entry and rescue drills. From 1 January 2015 all persons involved in enclosed space entries, and / or assigned enclosed space rescue duties, is required to take part in enclosed space entry and rescue drills at intervals not exceeding two months. Enclosed space entry and rescue drills should be planned and conducted in a safe manner, taking into account, as appropriate, the guidance provided in the recommendations developed by the Organization. Each enclosed space entry and rescue drill shall include, checking and use of personal protective equipment required for entry, communication equipment and procedures, instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces, rescue equipment and procedures and instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.Paris, Tokyo, Black Sea and Indian MoUs will launch a CIC on Crew Familiarization for Enclosed Space Entry, during the period of September to November 2015.TrainingIn accordance with IMO Resolution A. 1050(27):The company should elaborate a procedural implementation scheme which provides for training in the use of atmospheric testing equipment in such...