U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner has announced that Customs will begin taking applications in mid-July from the global transportation community for membership in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. C-TPAT is an initiative between business and government to protect global commerce from terrorism. Unveiled in April, the program initially sought membership from major importers of goods into the U.S. To date, just over 230 importers have agreed to participate.
It has been brought to our attention that due to the proximity of Kandla to the Indian/Pakistan
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has issued its newly amended standard agreement for Filipino seafarers. The new POEA contract can be used with effect from 6th June 2002, replacing the earlier contract that has been in effect since 1997. The full agreement became effective for all employment agreements signed after 25th June 2000, but the amended terms cannot be applied retroactively.
A major oil producer / shipper has recently issued a warning about mobile phones - they report three incidents where mobile telephones have ignited fumes whilst being answered / used during motor car refuelling operations.
We have been advised by the Club's legal correspondents in the Philippines that if Filipino seafarers are members of PhilHealth (we understand most are) then 10-15% of their medical expenses can be recovered from this programme.
We are presently aware of severe problems with a cargo of caked sugar (ex Thailand) in Algeria. The ship in question loaded a cargo of bagged sugar in Laem Chabang, Thailand for discharge in Algiers. On arrival in Algiers and on opening of the hatches, stoning and caking was found throughout the stow.
Further to our earlier bulletin 195 - 06/01, Fowler Rodriguez & Chalos, Counsellors at Law, New York issued a bulletin on May 14th 2002. The following is extracted from their bulletin and is particularly relevant to all vessels trading on the US coast:
The US Government has issued a News Release stating that President Bush signed the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (H.R. 3525). The measure provides for the hiring of additional Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) inspectors and investigative personnel.