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16 May 2012 Maximum Operational Load Test of Gangways As per IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1331 every gangway or accommodation ladder should be tested with its specified maximum operational load during the five-yearly survey. In case the gangway is not fitted with plates where the maximum load values are stated, the maximum operational load has to be nominated by the shipowner or operator. 07 May 2012 California Air Resource Board - Sulphur Content of Marine Fuels With date effective 1 August 2012 the fuel requirements within 24 nm of California Shore will be raised. All machinery (main engines, auxiliaries, boilers) has to be operated with destillates where MGO must not exceed a sulphur content of 1.0 % while MDO must not exceed a sulphur content of 0.5 %. Heavy Fuel Oils are prohibited from burning except the operator has obtained an excemption from CARB. By the way, also the North American ECA is coming into force on 1 August 2012 where the sulphur limit is partially differing from CARB's requirements. In such case the more strictly requirement is to be observed. For more details refer to our Summary Table on Marine Fuel Limitation. Further please keep in mind that a Fuel Change-over Procedure has to be on board when switching any machinery from High Sulphur Fuel (e.g. HFO) to Low Sulphur Fuel. Please request an offer with us to create that manual for you. 12 April 2012 Rest Time Calculation by MARSIG The new Rest Time Regulations of the amended STCW Code, Chapter VIII, Section A-VIII/1, are in force since 1 January 2012. The different "minimum hours of rest" requirements are difficult to control for watchkeepers on board. Especially the term "any 24 h period" is not easy to understand. Presently different companies offer their software solutions in this regard. MARSIG has developed its own rest time calculation which based on Microsoft's Excel. Please feel free and request an alternative offer with us in case other solutions seems to be too expensive. 02 April 2012 Updated IMO SOPEP Contact List 'March 2012' available IMO has released a revised MSC-MEPC.6/CIRC.10 (ANNEX 2 for SOPEP), issued 31 March 2012. This contact list has to be distributed on board each vessel. You can download this pdf file at IMO's website or here (250 kB). 12 March 2012 Brazil Trade: Air Quality Control Certificate for A/C Plants and Ship Sanitation Control Certificate The Brazilian National Sanitation Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) will enforce local health regulations to ships arriving Brazilian Ports more rigorously! Especially ANVISA Resolution RDC 72 has to be observed. It requires maintenance records and an Air Quality Control Certificate to prove the good condition of A/C units in respect of maintenance, operation, control and cleaning. Further RDC 72 requires a valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate. Note that Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates will not be accepted! For more details refer to: - Gard Summary (26 kB, Source: http://www.gard.no). 11 March 2012 US Trade: California No Discharge Zone for Sewage established Beginning in March 2012 seagoing vessels over 300 gt are prohibited from discharging of sewage, irrespective whether treated or not, while in California Marine Waters. For more details refer to: - EPA Fact Sheet (90 kB, Source: http://www.epa.gov). 04 January 2012 China Trade: Marine Pollution Emergency Preparation and Response Management The regulations require owners/operators of ships carrying polluting or hazardous cargoes in bulk or any other ships above 10,000 gt to conclude an "Agreement for Ship Pollution Response" with an MSA approved OSRO (Oil Spill Response Organization)in China. Such an agreement has to be contracted before vessels enter a PRC port. For more details refer to: - Internet Source "West of England" - Member Notice 28/2011 - Maritime Safety Administration of the PRC - Announcement (26 kB) - Maritime Safety Administration of the PRC - Sample Agreement (3,560 kB) 24 August 2011 New MARPOL - Consolidated Edition 2011 available IMO has launched a new publications catalogue where the MARPOL - Consolitade Edition 2011 as well as other important publications are available for purchasing. Ask you nautical publications dealer for ordering details. 29 July 2011 Paris / Tokyo MOU - Concentrated Inspection Campain on Structural Safety and the International Convention on Load Lines The 45 Maritime Authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda on Port State Control will begin a joint concentrated inspection campaign with the purpose to ensure compliance with structural safety and the Load Line Convention. This inspection campaign will be held for 3 months, ending on 30 November 2011. The States party of the Viña del Mar Agreement, the Indian Ocean MOU, the Mediterranean MOU and the Black Sea MOU will follow the same routine during the campaign. (Source: Tokyo MOU) For more details refer to: Press Release of Paris MOU" 27 July 2011 Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI - Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan IMO's MEPC has adopted an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI (new chapter 4) regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emmisions by ships. The aim of the amendment is to improve the energy effeciency performance of ships. To reach this goal an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new buildings will be established. Further a ship-specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) has to be developed by shipowners or operators for all of their ships. Presently the date effective is expected for the 1 January 2013. In this connection MARSIG offers the development of SEEMPs for its clients. For more details refer to: IMO Website - "EEDI - rational, safe and effective" 6 July 2011 STCW Manila Amendments enter into force on 1 January 2012 The Manila Amendments of STCW include a lot of changes e.g.: adaptation of rest time hours to ILO-180 and MLC, approved Bridge Resource Management knowledges for navigational watch officers, new ECDIS approved training requirements for navigational watch officers, ... Although the amendments enter into force at the beginning of next year there is a big transitional period until 31 December 2016. But finally any endorsement of training certificats as well as the issuance of new Certificates of Competency (CoC) is a matter of Flagstates. Owners/Operators should observe corresponding flagstate circulars in this regard where national rules will be laid down or should contact their flagstate administrations for national action dates. For more details refer to: STCW Code - Manila Conference 2010 (997 kB). 5 July 2011 US Trade: EPA's VGP Requirement on "One Time Permit Report" Owners/Operators of vessels in US Trade should keep in mind EPA's Vessels General Permit (VGP) coverage date of their vessels. Beside the creation/submission of annual non-compliance reports (only if non-compliances occur) a so called "One Time Permit Report" has to be submitted to EPA between 30 and 36 months after obtaining the permit coverage. For more details refer to EPA NPDES Website EPA's template of an One Time Permit Report could be downloaded here (87 kB). 1 March 2011 MARPOL Annex V - Wider Carribean Region becomes Special Area Since 1993 the "Wider Carribean Region" was designated as Special Area under MARPOL Annex V but this regulation has not taken effekt because of missing port reception facilities within this area. Now the local states meet the criteria of sufficient reception capacity and the date on which the Regulation shall take effekt has been set by MEPC60 to 1 May 2011. Ship Owners and Operators should advise their ship's crews about changed requirements on garbage disposal when sailing in that region. For more details refer to: IMO MEPC 60th Session 24 February 2011 MOU between USCG and EPA on VGP Monitoring The Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements under the NPDES program became effective in February 2009. Since then EPA had confidence on voluntary compliance to these mandatory requirements because of less own enforcement staff. Now USCG is also authorized to check vessel's compliance to this regulation. Operators and Captains should be aware and prepared about upcoming inspections in this regard. For more details refer to: MOU between USCG and EPA USCG VGP Checklist 12 January 2011 Turkish PSC starts Routine Inspections on Ballast Water Exchange Turkish PSC are starting routine inspections and will begin to collect water samples from the ballast tanks of vessels which could not, or did not, complete a ballast water exchange before entering port. It is said that these inspections will be conducted without causing any undue delay and it is expected that vessels will not be detained because of ballast water management deficiencies ... (source: BIMCO) For more details and recommendations for vessels arriving Turkish Waters refer to BIMCO News 22 December 2010 Pre Arrival / Departure Reporting Obligations in European Waters 2011 Simultaneously with the New Inspection Regine of Paris MOU new requirements for Pre-Arrival / Departe Notification enter into force. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) provides a list of reporting requirements of the different member states on its website. 14 December 2010 Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 Reg.19 - Carriage of Dangerous Goods Parts of Resolution MSC.269(85) (pdf - 221 kB) containing amendments of SOLAS II-2 Regulation 19 - Carriage of Dangerous Goods, enters into force on 1 January 2011. Especially changes in table 19.3 have to be observed. 26 November 2010 Mandatory Ship-to-Ship Transfer Plan for Oil Tankers Resolution MEPC.186(59) (pdf - 84 kB) contains 2009 amendments to MARPOL, where a new Chapter 8 "Prevention of Pollution during Transfer of Oil Cargo between oil Tankers at Sea" has been added to Annex I. The new Chapter 8 enters into force on 1 January 2011 and requires approved STS Plans to be available on board each Oil Tanker of about 150 gt. 11 November 2010 Amendments to the Oil Record Book enters into Force on 1 January 2011 Resolution MEPC.187(59) (pdf - 108 kB) contains the 2009 amendments to MARPOL Annex I which enter into force on 1 January 2011. Part of the revision is an amendment of Oil Record Books. Ship Owners and Operators are requested to provide their vessels with an updated ORB. 10 November 2010 New Paris MOU on Port State Control Inspection Regime in 2011 From 1 January 2011 the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control will change its inspecting regime from a "Target Factor" to a "Ship Risk Profile" where ships are getting devided into three classes: High Risk Ships (HRS), Standard Risk Ships (SRS) and Low Risk Ships (LRS). Depending on these risk profiles the new inspection frequencies will be settled. For more details refer to: - P.MOU Ship Risk Profile Scheme - Paris MOU - Description of the new Inspection Regime (pdf - 30 kB) - GL - Description of new Paris MOU Inspection Regime (pdf - 1,136 kB) 1 November 2010 Revised SOLAS Chapter III regarding Personal Life-saving Appliances Since 1 July 2010 the revised SOLAS Chapter III, Reg.7, Subparagraph 2.1.5 is in force where vessels which are fitted with adult lifejackets not designed to fit persons weighting up to 140 kg and with a chest girth of up to 1,750 mm, have to be provided with suitable accessories to allow them to be secured to such persons. Refer to MSC.201(81) (14 kB). 20 September 2010 Denial of entry to US waters for substandard vessels USCG may deny entry of foreign flagged vessels into US waters in case they are repeatedly detained (three detentions within 12 months) by USCG Port State Control Officers for significant safety and security non-compliances and substandard conditions ... For more details refer to Lloyd's Register Classification News No. 36/2010 28 July 2010 Requirement for Mandatory Carriage of ECDIS and BNWAS enters into force soon The latest SOLAS Amendment of Chapter V (Safety of Navigation) Regulation 19, regarding the mandatory carriage of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) as well as Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) comes into force on 1 January 2011 with transitional periods for existing ships. For more details refer to MARSIG's Table of Important New Regulations 22 June 2010 Norwegian Ballast Water Management Regulation From 1st July 2010 all ships are required to exchange, treat or deliver to a shore reception facility all ballast water taken up outside special areas. Further, ships are required to have an approved ballast water management plan on board and maintain a ballast water record book. For more details refer to: - Lloyd's Register News - Norwegian Ballast Water Regulation 10 June 2010 DIN EN ISO Certification of KLOSKA Group succeeded MARSIG has successfully accompanied the KLOSKA Group on its annual renewal of the DIN EN ISO 9001/14001 Certification. 04 June 2010 Requirement for VOC Management Plans on board Crude Oil Tankers comes into force soon! The revised MARPOL Annex VI enters into force on 01 July 2010. Regulation 15 requires that Tankers carrying crude oil shall have on board and implement a Volatile Organic Compounds Management Plan approved by the Administration. For more details please refer to our Table of Important New Regulations In this regard MARSIG has prepared a VOC Management Plan and offers the ship specific creation and submission until the dead line. 01 June 2010 ILO Maritime Labour Convention The ratification of ILO's Maritime Labour Convention is expected for early 2011. MARSIG is well prepared for accompanying its clients on the way to ILO certification of their vessels. Especially the creation and implementation of different MLC Procedures is a time-consumption process and should be started soon. For more details please refer to our Table of Important New Regulations 23 April 2010 ISM Certification of HOCHTIEF Construction AG Civil Engineering and Marine Works succeeded MARSIG has successfully accompanied Company HOCHTIEF Construction AG Civil Engineering and Marine Works on its way to an ISM Certification by Germanischer Lloyd. At present the brand-new Jack-up Barge "THOR" will be prepared for certification, too. 30 March 2010 EU Directive on Port State Control The European Parliament and the Council have issued the Directive 2009/16/EC (1,048 kB) which gives a legal basis for Port State Controls in Community Ports. Beside others the Directive defines: Ship Risk Profiles, Selection of Ships for Inspection, Rectification and Detentions, Follow-up Inspections, Banning and Refusal of Access to Ports, Penalties, Elements of the PSC System, List of Certificates and Documents to be on board, Examples of Clear Grounds, and others .... 29 March 2010 UK MCA Inspection Campain regarding unsafe manning level on UK and Non-UK Ships Both UK and non-UK ships will be subject to inspection, with ships operating busy schedules with small crews being targeted. On board schedules and work records will be checked, and compared to the operating pattern of the ship to verify their accuracy. As well as hours of rest, surveyors will be checking for compliance with the requirement for a dedicated lookout at night ... For more details refer to MCA's Press Release 06 January 2010 China - Requirement to contract with a local clean up contractor Until 1 March 2010 all operators of ships carrying polluting and hazardous liquid in bulk, and other ships of above 10,000 GT, must conclude a pollution cleanup operation contract with an approved pollution cleanup company before entering a port of the People's Republic of China. Details are stated on different P&I Websites like SKULD or Swedish Club 04 January 2010 Two separate controls for CO2 Fire Extinguishing Systems required Ships built before 1 July 2002 and fitted with a fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system for the protection of machinery spaces and cargo pump rooms shall be provided with 2 separate controls for releasing CO2 into a protected space by the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 January 2010. (FSS Code Ch. 5, § 2.2.2) 03 January 2010 Updated IMO SOPEP Contact List 'December 2009' available IMO has released a revised MSC-MEPC.6/CIRC.6 (ANNEX 2 for SOPEP), issued 31 December 2009. This contact list has to be distributed on board each vessel. You can download this pdf file at IMO's website or here (149 kB). 16 December 2009 Max. 0.1% Sulphur Content by Weight for Marine Fuels for Ships at berth in EU Community Ports from 1 January 2010 As per EU Directive 2005/33 from the 1 January 2010 the maximum sulphur content is limited to 0.1% by weight for any marine fuels used by inland waterway vessels and ships at berth in EU Community ports. 15 December 2009 New SOLAS Consolidated Edition 2009 available The new SOLAS Consolidated Edition 2009 has been published by IMO since a few days. This main publication of the International Maritime Organization should be available on board each ship. 14 December 2009 IMDG Code Amendment 34-08 enters into force on 1 January 2010 On 1 January 2010 the revised IMDG Code Amendment 34-08 becomes mandatory for all ships involved in the transport of Dangerous Goods. Those ships have to be provided with the latest IMDG Code issue. Different changes have been made e.g. a revised symbol for "Marine Pollutant" called "Fish and Tree". One possible purchasing source is the Storck Verlag. 10 December 2009 We are glad to welcome H & H Bereederungs GmbH & Co. KG, Reederei Hinsch GmbH & Co. KG as well as Shipping Company Coaster Services as new customers of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 13 October 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships adopted The Hong Kong International Convention was signed by different countries in May 2009 but the 'Entry into Force' criteria are complex and that's why the convention is not expected to enter into force until 2015. The convention covers the entire process from newbuilding to the ship recycling and contains requirements on Shipyards, Owners and Recycling Facilities. ... more details 24 September 2009 Amended Emergency Towing Procedures enter into force on 1 January 2010 On its 84th session the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has adopted different amendments to SOLAS, including changes on Emergency Towing of SOLAS Ch II-1, Reg. 3-4. Not only Tankers of not less than 20,000 t deadweight but Passenger Ships and Cargo Ships are requested to hold Emergency Towing Procedures after a transitional period for existing ships. For more details refer to IMO Resolution MSC.256(84). In this regard MARSIG has already prepared an Emergency Towing Booklet which fulfills the requirements of SOLAS and which will be offered to our clients. 19 September 2009 US "Vessel General Permit" Requirements enter into force Existing ships in US trade have to submit an electronic "Notice of Intent" to be covered by the "Vessel General Permit" until 19 September 2009. 8 September 2009 Amendments to the ISM Code The existing subparagraph .2 of paragraph 1.2.2 of the Code has been replaced by: "assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment and establish appropriate safeguards...". Experience has shown that Portstate, Flag and Classification Surveyors increasingly check such Risk Assessment which has to be added to Company's SMS. 15 July 2009 Material Safety Data Sheets for MARPOL I Cargoes and Marine Fuel Oils As per amendment to SOLAS Chapter VI (new regulation 4-1) ships are required to hold Material Safety Data Sheets for all MARPOL Annex I Cargoes as well as Marine Fuel Oils from 1 July 2009. The regulation refers to the recommendation for MSDAs adopted by the Organization through Resolution MSC.150(77) (20 kB). Fuel oil suppliers should be reminded of their obligation to provide the ship with the corresponding MSDS on bunkering. (edit: MSC.150(77) has been revoked and superseded by MSC.286(86). MSC.239(83) - Amendments to SOLAS take effect on 1 January 2011.) 23 June 2009 US Trade - "Notice of Intent" for Vessel's General Permit (NPDES) available The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched its "Notice of Intent" Application Form for obtaining a General Permit. Shipping Companies should apply for a General Permit for all of its vessels in US Trade until 19th September 2009. EPA has also arranged an online application. For more details refer to EPA's Website 3 June 2009 First shipping companies prepared for US EPA General Permit Marsig successfully prepared some customers´ vessels for the application of US EPA General Permit. Such permit requires the o/b implementation of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System). The NPDES describes technical and organizational measures to avoid unnecessary or excessive discharge of waste (gaseous, liquid, solid) by vessels sailing in US coastal waters. Since those environmental issues are similar to the targets of ISO 14001 standard, Marsig implemented NPDES in conjunction with an EMS (Environmental Management System). The implementation was accompanied by an o/b waste stream analysis and the final documentary expertise carried out by the responsible US qualified individual. 19 May 2009 Latest Update for California Regulation on Fuel Sulfur The regulation on fuel sulfur and operational requirements for ocean-going vessels within California Waters and 24 nautical miles of the California Baseline is presently undergoing the final administrative review and is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2009. Please find our updated summary table of all current and future sulfur regulations. 12 May 2009 PSC MOU's Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Lifeboat Launching Arrangements Paris and Tokyo MOU's on Port State Control will held a Concentrated Inspection Campain on Lifeboat Launching Arrangements as per SOLAS Chapter III from 1 September 2009 , ending on 30 November 2009. A questionaire which list over 20 selected items to verify will be published on the websites of Paris and Tokyo MOU in the first week of August 2009. 17 April 2009 Revised MARPOL Annex VI and NOx Technical Code 2008 - Edition 2009 available IMO has published a revised MARPOL Annex VI and NOx Technical Code 2008 - Edition 2009 booklet, IMO Sales Number IA664E. This contains the latest regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships. Especially the Regulation 13 about Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) contains a new classification of ships into different "Tier" categories as well as new regulations for diesel engines installed on ships constructed prior to 1 January 2000. 24 February 2009 Fuel Change-over Manual for Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) Since MARPOL Annex VI regulation of sulphur emission control became effective, more and more ships have been subjected to Port State Controls concerning sulphur emission in SECAs. Vessels have to show evidences for the fuel oil change-over in time prior entering SECAs. MARSIG has developed a Fuel Oil Change-over Manual which can be easily adjusted to vessel's fuel oil system and which helps to schedule the fuel-oil change-over to, and the consumption of low sulphur fuel. For better understanding please feel free and download our Example Manual (without calculation procedure) here (511 kB). For more information on current and future sulphur content regulations please refer to our summary table. 21 January 2009 Update with regard to the US EPA General Permit After publishing the final US General Permit Regulations on 19 December 2008, applicable to nearly all discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, Shipping Companies should be aware about the dates where requirements come into effect. For more details refer to: MARSIG summary of important deadlines in this regard, EPA's Final General Permit Website 16 January 2009 Important Information on Piracy On account of current events MARSIG has linked two important Websites where Shipping Companies could obtain information on piracy including: Piracy Reports, Piracy Alerts, Advise to Masters, Transit Guidance ... and more. 31 December 2008 Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Regulation enters into force Vessels of 300 GT and upwards on international voyages have to be fitted with a LRIT system not later than the first radio survey after 31 December 2008. For more details refer to MSC 202(81) (22 kB) 21 November 2008 Bunker Convention enters into force The Bunker Convention requires to maintain insurance or other financial security, to cover the liability of the registered owner for pollution damages especially for bunker oil spillages. Only a few flag states have already ratified the convention but ships have to hold a Bunker Certificate when intending to call a port of a state party. 27 September 2008 Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulation enters into force MARPOL Annex IV as amended by Resolution MEPC.115(51) requires Ships of 400 gross tonnage and above to hold an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate. 26 September 2008 "Vessel General Permit" required for Ships in US Trade until 19 December 2008 Presently the Rules of the US National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) will be changed. All operational discharges of ships like (but not limited to): ballast water, engine cooling water, grey water, chain locker effluent, firemain system, cathodic protection, freshwater layup, ... need to be permitted and controlled. The new rules are presently available as a proposal only but should come into force until 19 December 2008. Vessel operators are required to submit a Notice of Intent on which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a Vessel General Permit. Further the rules require weekly, quarterly and annual inspections which have to be documented. For more details refer to following sources: EPA Website Information Sheet - Gallagher Marine (63 kB) Information Sheet - International Chamber of Shipping (392 kB) Information Sheet - ECM Maritime (65 kB) 17 September 2008 International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships enters into force Ships of 400 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages will be required to hold an International Anti-fouling System Certificate For more details please refer to the Anti-fouling Convention at IMO's website. 29 August 2008 Concentrated PSC Inspection Campaign on Navigation Equipment From 1 September until 30 November the PSC regions Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU, Black Sea MOU, Indian Ocean MOU and USCG intend to carry out a Concentrated Inspection Campaign on navigation equipment. Germanischer Lloyd provides a checklist on his website in this regard (40 kB). 10 July 2008 We are glad to welcome Reederei Eilbrecht GmbH & Co. KG as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 2 July 2008 Enforcement of the Requirements on Non Tank Vessel Response Plans for Vessels in US Trade The Coast Guard has issued a notice to inform U.S. and foreign flag nontank vessel owners and operators that effective August 22, 2008, they will begin enforcing the requirement to prepare and submit a nontank vessel response plan (NTVRP) for certain nontank vessels, as required by the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004. For more details please refer to: - US Code of Federal Regulation CFR Vol.73 No.121 (52 kB) - USCG Interim Guidance for the development of NTVRPs (2,866 kB) - News at Blank Rome Website. 24 June 2008 Bunkers Convention and Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems Be aware about IMO's Bunkers Convention which will enter into force on 21 November 2008 as well as IMO's Convention on Control of Harful Antifouling Systems on Ships which will enter into force on 17 Septermer 2008. Both conventions require additional shipboard certificates to be issued. Please refer also to our right hand Deadline Counters. 30 April 2008 New ARROW Release 3.3.2 available MARSIG has launched the new release 3.3.2 of its ARROW software (Avoidance of Roll Resonance Or Wave Impact). As one of our new customers we are glad to welcome Hapag-Lloyd, which has ordered 30 Licenses for 6 different type vessels. 21 February 2008 Ballast Water Management Regulation Brazil Brazilian PSC officers may take random samples of a vessel’s ballast water for testing with a Refractometer. If the test results indicate that the ballast water has a density of around 1025 kg/m3 the vessel will be deemed to have conducted its ballast exchange more than 200 nautical miles from the coast. However, occasions have arisen in the past where ballast water samples have been found to be 1020 kg/m3 or less. This has resulted in assuming that the ballast water exchange took place less than 200 miles from shore in breach of Brazilian environmental legislation ... Possible fines have ranged from US$ 600 to US$ 28,000,000. Source: West of England P&I News. 25 January 2008 Mandatory Electronic Pre-Arrival Notification for Hamburg Port Since 2007 ships on international trade have to submit their Pre-Arrival Notification to the Hamburg Port Security electronically and encrypted. The data have to be carried out as a xml-file in a required file format. Alternatively the local agent or any other representative of the ship may send this attachement via the online file transmission service "Elektronische Poststelle" of the e-Government Portal of Hamburg. Using this service requires a registration in advance. During a transitional period which duration is not clearly defined, the Authority still accept the traditional pre-arrival notification. For more details please refer to Polizei Hamburg Service. 17 January 2008 Sulphur Content of Marine Gas Oil used in EU Waters As per Directive 1999/32/EC member states shall take all necessary steps to ensure that Gas Oil, including Marine Gas Oil, are not used from 1 January 2008 if their sulfur content exceeds 0.1% by mass. As per Directive 2005/33/EC and with effect from 1 January 2010, all inland waterway vessels and ships berthing any Community ports must not use Marine Fuels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.1% per mass. 18 December 2007 Ballast Water Exchange - National Legislation Norway Norway recently passed national legislation which will ensure that the IMO’s International Convention for the Control and Management for Ships’ Ballast Water will be implemented for ships entering Norwegian waters by the end of 2007! For more details please refer to the news at MarineNorway.com. 17 December 2007 Ship Security Officer - Certificate of Proficiency German Flag All SSO certificates, which have been issued in Germany by those training establishments which have SSO courses approved by the BSH, are valid in accordance with the new regulation VI/5 of the STCW Convention until 30.06.2009. (Please refer also to MARSIG News of 12 November) For the whole text and more details please refer to BSH's website. 10 December 2007 US Trade - Restrictions on Crew Changes According to a CBP (Custom and Border Protection) Directive all off/on-signing crew members must depart the United States at the same day they are signed off/on the vessel. Crew that do not depart/arrive the same day they leave/join the ship will subject owners/crew managers with a fine of US$ 3,300 per crew member. Source: UK P&I Club Bulletin 553 20 November 2007 Ballast Water Legislation in Ukraine Since 2003 the Law #162/95 BP extends the Exclusive Marine Economic Zone of the Ukraine up to 200 miles. Even if a vessel exchange her ballast water outside the 12 miles zone she can be subjected for a fine in case polluted ballast water has been discharged. A first enforcement of this law has been observed recently. Estimated fines depend on the concentration of admixtures of e.g. oil products or metals (therefore avoid rusty BW Tanks!) as well as the quantity of the ballast water to be discharged. Fines could range from about $40,000 to $60,000. Marshall Island has issued the Marine Safety Advisory No. 32-07 (46 kB) which address this matter. 12 November 2007 STCW Requirements for Ship Security Officers A new regulation A-VI/5 has been added to the convention containing the mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers including the standard of competence, transitional provisions and the specification of minimum standards. In case no objections will be placed by the parties of the convention, the amendment will enter into force on 1 January 2008. For more details please refer to the Resolutions MSC.203(81) (158 KB) and MSC.209(81) (142 KB). 01 October 2007 IMO Publications for onboard Libraries IMO has released a few new publications which are recommended to be provided onboard each vessel, e.g.: - SOLAS 2006 Amendments - IMO Sales Number I173E - Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), 2007 Edition - IMO Sales Number IA155E - IAMSAR Manual Vol III, 2007 Edition - IMO Sales Number IE962E For more details refer to IMO's "just published" listing. 22 August 2007 Maritime Crew Visa required for Australian Trade Since 1 July 2007 all crew member of foreign merchant ships must hold the new Australian Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) irrespective of leaving the vessel in the port of call or not. A transitional period is in place until 31 December 2007. From 1 January 2008 every crew member must hold a national passport, a MCV granted for the same passport and another document which shows the crew member's employment (articles of agreement, crew list, seaman's book, ...). Crew who fail to meet the requirements may be restricted on board the vessel. Owner/operator/master/agent are liable for a fine of $5000 for each person who is refused immigration clearance. For more details refer to Australian Government Website). 25 July 2007 Concentrated Inspection Campain by PSC on the Implementation of ISM Several PSC regions have decided to carry out a Concentrated Inspection Campain on the effective implementation of Safety Management Systems on board. The campain will last from 1st September until 30th November 2007 (source: Germanischer Lloyd). The GL also provides a checklist about the scope of this campain on its website. Refer also to: Tokyo MOU Press Release CIC ISM Mediterranean MOU CIC ISM + Checklist 19 July 2007 North Sea and English Channel become SECA on 11 August 2007 Whilst MARPOL Annex VI regulation which designates the North Sea as SOx Emission Control Area becomes effective on 22 November 2007, 12 months after entry into force, the European Union Directive 2005/33/EC dealing with the sulphur content of marine fuels will come into force on 11 August 2007! The EU regulation designates the North Sea including English Channel as SECA and requires ships to burn fuel oil with less than 1.5% sulphur by mass. For more details refer to EU Directive 2005/33/EC (394 kB) 10 July 2007 After a 6 month preparation period steered by MARSIG mbH we congratulate the Kloska Group to the successful certification acc. to DIN EN ISO 9001/14001 and welcome them to our Safety and Security Consulting Service. 26 June 2007 New Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (supersedes Deratting Certificate) On 15 June 2007 the International Health Regulations 2005 came into force. Among others they require the issuance of a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate respectively) which supersedes the Deratting Certificate. Because Deratting Certificates are valid for six months only there is a transitional period until 14 December 2007 where both types of certificates are valid. After that period only the new SSCEC/SSCC becomes valid. For more details refer to UN Health Regulations 2005 (271 kB) 25 April 2007 Emission Limits for Auxiliary Diesel Engines in Californian Waters From 1 January 2007, either marine gas oil or marine diesel oil at or below 0.5% sulphur must use for any auxiliary diesel engines and dieselelectric engines. Furthermore the vessel has to complete records showing any switching operations of fuel when entering Californian Waters. Alternatively emission reduction measures may be used reaching the same level. Ships which are not able to fulfil the regulation may pay a non-compliance fee. For more details refer to Marine Notice 2006-3 (551 kB) of the California Environmental Protection Agency 30 March 2007 We are glad to welcome Kapitän Manfred Draxl Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG and Reederei Heinrich as a new customers of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 21 March 2007 Norway: New NOx Emission Tax from April 2007 The Norwegian Parliament have finalised details of a tax on nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions from ships sailing in Norwegian waters. Details of the tax are: - NOK 15 per kilo of NOx emitted by Engines of more than 750 kW - Only when sailing between Norwegian ports - Not to paid when sailing directly to or from a foreign port - To pay via Norwegian Agents Some additional information has been found here. 5 March 2007 After successfully steering of Heinrich Hirdes GmbH to a certification acc. to DIN EN ISO 9001/14001 and OHSAS 18001 we are glad to welcome them as new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 25 February 2007 We are glad to welcome the Motor Yacht "MOECCA" in our ISM Management.  16 January 2007 Water Level Detectors for Single Cargo Hold Vessels SOLAS II-1 as amended by Resolution MSC.194(80) (350 kB) requires Water Level Detectors on single hold cargo ships other than bulk carrier. Subject to this regulation are cargo ships which are constructed before 2007-01-01 with a registered length of less than 80 m or constructed before 1998-07-01 of less than 100 m with a single cargo hold below the freeboard deck which is not separated by watertight bulkheads or not enclosed by a double hull. Ships have to be in compliance with this regulation on the first intermediate or renewal survey after 1 January 2007. 1 January 2007 Oil Record Book According to MARPOL Annex I, 17.2.5, 17.5 as amended in Resolution MEPC.117(52) (520 kB) all vessels have to be provided with a new Oil Record Book which is in compliance with this regulation. 15 December 2006 Revised US eNOA/D Requirements for Vessels in Caribbean Trade The revised "Notice of Arrival/Departure" requirements come into force on 1 January 2007 with an interim period until 1 February 2007 and affects to all vessels in Caribbean Trade (CARICOM States). These states have asked the USCG to collect departure, arrival and crew/passenger data on their behalf for securing the Cricket World Cup 2007 held in the CARICOM States next year. From February 2007 all vessels have to submit eNOA/Ds to USCG also when calling CARICOM ports. 14 December 2006 Revised MARPOL Annex I enters into force on 1 January 2007 The 2004 Amendments on the revised Annex I which were adopted in October 2004 will enter into force on 1 January 2007. The revised Annex was incorporated in Resolution MEPC.117(52) (531 kB). 6 December 2006 Resubmission of Panama Canal SOPEPs ACP (Autoridad del Canal de Panama) has launched a new MR's Advisory To Shipping No. A-36-2006 (76 kB). All vessels intending to traverse the canal should check their PCSOPEP and corresponding Notice of Acknowledgement. Many of these Notices could expire in January 2007. In such case the PCSOPEP must be resubmitted to ACP and a new Notice of Acknowledgement will be issued, valid for 4 years. 24 November 2006 We are glad to welcome Reederei O. Marten GmbH & Co. KG as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 1 October 2006 We are glad to welcome Mega Chemicals Schiffahrt AG from Switzerland as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 16 August 2006 ILO's Maritime Labour Convention 2006 ILO has adopted the new Maritime Labour Convention 2006 on its session on 23rd February 2006. The convention comes into force 12 months after ratification by 30 member states wich hold at least 33% of world gross tonnage. Because the EU plans to ratify the convention in 2008 for all of its member states, the convention could enter into force world-wide in 2009. For more details including the convention text please use the following link to ILO's Maritime Convention site. 7 July 2006 BWMP - Brazil, Canada, Washington State Brazil has amended its national Ballast Water Management regulations: The deadline on which an approved Ballast Water Management plan shall be available onboard has been postponed for 6 months to December 30, 2006 provided that an owners plan is available on board. The regulation applies to all vessels entering Brazilian waters. The official announcement from Brazil can be found in the Brazilian Official Newspaper (Diario Oficial), decree no. 66, dated June 29, 2006. Source and more details: German Lloyd's Website 1 July 2006 "Daily Reporting" requirement enters into force Each ship of 500 gross tonnage and above, engaged on international voyages exceeding 48 hours, shall submit a daily report to its company, as defined in regulation IX/1, which shall retain it and all subsequent daily reports for the duration of the voyage ... The report shall contain the following: - ship's position - ship's course and speed - details of any external or internal conditions that are affecting the ship's voyage or the normal safe operation of the ship For more details please read the MSC.142(77) which you can download here (103 kB) "Immersion Suits for each crew" requirement enters into force As per amended SOLAS, Chapter III, Regulation 32 - one immersion suit per person on board all cargo ships, including bulk carriers are required from 1 July 2006. 27 June 2006 Periodic Servicing of Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gears Amended SOLAS Regulation acc. Maintenance of Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gears will enter into force 1 July 2006. As described in MSC.152(78) the following alterations have been adopted: Launching Appliances: - period for examinations changed from 5 years to one year - dynamic load test of winch brake annually with empty boat - dynamic load test of winch brake every 5 years with 1.1x max. working load of the winch Lifeboat On-load Release Gear: - examination and operational tests during the annual survey - operational test under load of 1.1x max. mass of the lifeboat every 5 years For more details please read the MSC.152(78) which you can download here (94 kB) 12 June 2006 USCG MARPOL I Checklist USCG has been increased its efforts to identify ships that intentionally discharge oil-contaminated bilge water and sludge overboard in contradiction to the requirements of Marpol Annex I. To strengthen its detection capacity, the USCG has issued a Policy Letter to port state control inspectors that provides detailed guidance for determining violations of Marpol Annex l. The document addresses oil record books, IOPP Certificates, maintenance manuals, equipment manuals, SOPEP, equipment inspection, alarms, piping reviews, crewmember interviews, etc. The Policy Letter is required reading for sea staff and appropriate shore staff. You can download it here (1,435 kB) 11 June 2006 Panama Inspection of Boarding Facilities The Panama Canal Authority issued Advisory No. A-13-2006 to announce that its Safe Boarding Week inspection program will take place from 19 June to 23 June, at which time inspectors will board at Cristobal and Balboa Anchorages to inspect the vessel's embarking and disembarking facilities. Inspectors will utilize a specific checklist. Any vessel with boarding facilities determined to be below acceptable standards will have to correct the deficiencies prior to transit. You can download it here (102 kB) 10 June 2006 US Trade - CBP Vessel APIS Guide The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a guidance document for its Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). Vessels arriving from or departing to a foreign port must submit APIS manifests via the USCG electronic Notice of Arrival/Departure system. Members should note that if an APIS manifest is incomplete, untimely, or incorrect, the carrier/master may be fined $5,000 per manifest for each initial infraction and $10,000 for subsequent infractions. You can download this guide here (300 kB) In this connection MARSIG offers a software tool, which generates the required XML file including all necessary APIS information needed. Please feel free and request an offer. 2 June 2006 Concentrated PSC Inspection Campaigns Member States of the Black Sea MOU will conduct concentrated inspection campaign on Safety Radio Arrangements (GMDSS) onboard all visited ships from 1 June until 30 August. Member States of the Indian Ocean MOU will conduct a concentrated inspection campaign on lifeboats and lifeboat launching arrangements from 1 May until 32 Juli. Checklist used by PSC inspectors can be downloaded from GL's website here (60kB). 13 April 2006 Maintenance of Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gears During External ISM Audits Classification Societies pay presently special attention to proper maintenance of lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gears according MSC/Circ.1093. According these guidelines which refer to SOLAS III/20 and III/36, different regular inspections have to be carried out and documented up to thorough examinations including dynamical and overload tests which have to be carried out at intervals not exceeding 5 years. 10 April 2006 Ballast Water Management Plans Although the Ballast Water Management Convention is not yet in force ( IMO status of conventions ) many Port States have released their own national requirements which are to be observed when calling a port at their jurisdiction. Often special BWM-forms have to be completed prior arrival. Until end of June 2006 every vessel which intends to call Brasilia has to be provided with an Class Approved BWMP. Presently MARSIG prepares these booklets for different Shipping Companies. Please feel free and request an offer. 13 March 2006 Damage Control Booklet According to last changes in SOLAS there is a requirement to have a so called "Damage Control Booklet" on board. This regulation II-1 (23-1 / 25-8) is not the latest but has been lost in the present increase of safety and security relevant demands. It just comes up during PSC and Flag State Inspections as a deficiency. The Damage Control Booklet should not be mixed up with general damage stability calculation. It's a compendium but extended by information about subdivision, hull openings, pumps and outboard fittings, damage response actions for Masters and other. The booklet has to have an approval by classification society. Currently MARSIG is preparing that booklet for the fleet of two shipping companies. Don't hesitate to inquire an offer! 6 March 2006 We are glad to welcome Shipping Company Jens & Waller as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 3 March 2006 We are glad to welcome S&D Shipmanagement as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 28 February 2006 Important MarSec Level Information for vessels in US trade Some days ago a British-registered ship was refused entry into US. Inside her Notice of Arrival was stated that the ship had operated in MarSec Level 1 for Mauretania, the last but four harbours in the required port-of-call-list. Altough it had complied fully with the country specific ISPS Code requirements set by its flag (UK sets MarSec Level 1 for Mauretania), US requires Level 2 for Mauretania and several other West African Countries. To avoid a boarding and security assessing by US authorities the vessel made an unscheduled call at The Bahamas, meant that Mauretania dropped from the last 5 port-of-call-list inside the eNOA. So the vessel ensured a "clean" security state to enter the US, but of course with additional, unnecessary costs. abstract from: Lloyd's List, issue 21 Feb. 2006 12 February 2006 We are glad to welcome VEGA Reederei Friedrich Dauber GmbH as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. 9 February 2006 eNOA/D Information for vessels in US trade Be aware that all vessels have to receive a confirmation for processing of the submitted eNOA by USCG and CBP before entering an US port. First cases occured where vessels without such confirmation notice have to interrupt their cargo operation and have to leave the port again for 24h. Furthermore they received a penalty up to 36,000 US$. 1 February 2006 We are glad to welcome Golo Shipping GmbH as a new customer of MARSIG's Safety and Security Consulting Service. The vessel "Golo River", flying the Gibraltar Flag, has been taken into MARSIG's Ship Management. 18 January 2006 Increased PSC Inspections of MARPOL Annex I PSC regimes of the Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU and Latin American Agreement will be conducting a concentrated inspection campain to detect deficiencies of MARPOL Annex I requirements from 1 February through 30 April 2006. All vessels will be subject to inspection. The German Lloyd provides a checklist about all items issued by PSC which you can download on GL's website 13 January 2006 Alcohol & Drug Testing Equipment to be held on board for US trade After serious incidents the Federal Register published the revised USCG requirements for alcohol & drug testing on board and the reporting of casualties with significant harm to the environment or to the seaworthiness of the vessel which become effective 20 June 2006. See related links for details: USCG - Marine Casualties and Investigations USCG - Alcohol & Drug Testing USCG - Reporting Form for Marine Accidents USCG - Reporting Form for Drug & Alcohol Tests 9 December 2005 Company and Registered Owner ID for A&B vessels Acc. MSC.194(80) every Company and Registered Owner has to be provided with an identification (ID) number in accordance with the IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Scheme. These ID numbers shall be included in all ISM/ISPS certificates on their first issuance or renewal on or after 1 January 2009. As per Circular Letter No. 02-006-05 Antigua & Barbuda requires the Unique Company ID Number to be stated at ISSC on 1 July 2006. Companies and Owners can request such ID numbers online at Lloyd's Register Fairplay 2 December 2005 Brazil introduces mandatory regulation in BWM Brazil has implemented national legislation on Ballast Water Management which is applicable to all vessels regardless of flag that discharge ballast water in Brazilian jurisdictinal waters. The sequential method, the flow-through method and the dilution method of ballast water exchange are accepted. (Source: German Lloyd) 16 November 2005 Important IMO regulations - coming into force soon MARSIG provides on its website a collection of important IMO regulations which will come into force soon 1 November 2005 Drinking Water Analyses for A&B Vessels According to A&B Directive 02-2005 Drinking-water on board Antiguan and Barbudan ships shall be subject to labaratory quality analyses at intervals not exeeding 12 months. Results of this analyses shall be evaluated to the quality standards defined in the "Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality" of the WHO. The latest laboratory report shall be kept ready for inspection by port- and flag State inspectors. 24 October 2005 Amended Business Rules for eNOA/D creation for vessel in US trade Changed Business Rules for creating of Electronic Notices of Arrival/Departure for vessel in US trade has been issued which will come into force on January 1st, 2006. More information you can get on NVMC's website. MARSIG's eNOA-Editor has been updated and fulfills the new requirements. 8 August 2005 Response Plan for Nontank Vessels in US trade Development and Review of Response Plans for Nontank Vessels engaged in US trade as per NVIC01-05 enter into force. ... more 6 June 2005 eNOA/D enter into force New 'Notice of Arrival/Departure' (NOA/D) requirements for vessels in US trade came into force on June 6th, 2005. Especially the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) will be changed. In future this statement have to be submitted as an XML formatted file together with the arrival/departure data via internet as an electronical NOA/D (eNOA/D). There are different possible means to generate and submit this information to the US authorities. For more information use the following links: Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Requirements CBP - Advanced Passenger Information System APIS USCG - National Vessel Movement Center eNOA/D In this connection MARSIG offers both, support and a software tool, which generates the required XML file. So you can continuously use your ordinary email client for submitting the eNOA/D as attachment. 19 May 2005 MARPOL Annex VI enter into force Today MARPOL Annex VI comes into force. Existing ships shall be issued with an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate not later than the first scheduled drydocking. ... more 2 February 2005 Motor Yacht "Lady Moura" passed security management survey by Lloyds Register successfully. On a voluntary but full compliance basis the crew and leading staff showed their consideration of all new standards of commercial shipping industry. 15 January 2005 Prepared by MARSIG together with managing owner Ocean Cruise Zurich, 218feet motor yacht "Haida G" well known as "Rosenkavalier" has passed ISM / ISPS survey by flag state authority. This was the last step after an extensive refit. Now she is back emphasizing the beautiful traditional shape of the "Golden Twenties". Ready for charter under supervision of Ocean Cruise we wish her and the crew safe and impressive voyages. 1 January 2005 We are glad to welcome new customers of MARSIG safety and security consulting service. KG Projex based in Hamburg, runs a fleet of 16 modern container vessels. Navilloyd AG, Basel, a Swiss company with medium sized container vessels. |
Important Deadline Counter IMO: Status of Conventions IMO: Action Dates (entry into force)
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