656 - 9/09 - Fines - Brazil
17/09/2009
The Association would like to remind its Members of problems encountered in Brazil with large unsubstantiated fines being imposed on vessels.
Over 20 States in the EU have now brought the European Directive on Environmental Liability (ELD) into law. Under the ELD shipowners are strictly liable for the costs of preventative and remedial actions for the environmental damage arising from the transport of dangerous or 'polluting' goods, if such costs are outside the scope of application of a relevant liabilty convention. Differing liability and compensation regimes of the ELD and relevant international conventions are explained. The three levels of remediation required under the ELD are also explained.
This circular explains the impact of the 3rd EU Maritime Safety Package on Members whose ships enter EU waters, including: A requirement to carry P&I certificates on board which may be enforced by Port State Control. The extension of the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention to domestic sea-going and inland waterways voyages. The establishment of an independent authority in individual EU states to respond to ships in distress with powers to board ships and direct them to designated places of refuge.
648 - 7/09 - Lifeboat Launching - Worldwide
23/07/2009
The Association would like to inform its Members of a recent circular released by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) concerning lifeboat launching arrangements. The IMO has moved to clarify SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.3 following some confusion over whether crew are required to be onboard lifeboats during launching; this bulletin presents a summary of the information.
Douala's Harbour Master in charge of maritime immigration has just informed the Club's correspondent in Douala that in an ever-increasing number of cases, ship's agents are taking it upon themselves to organise the disembarkation at sea of Cameroonian stowaways (or stowaways who embarked in the Cameroon) without following the official procedures.
The Association would like to highlight the risks encountered when switching over between residual and distillate fuels to satisfy emission regulations.
644 - 06/09 - Swine Flu Precautions - Yemen
25/06/2009
The Association would like to draw the attention of Members to the measures taken by the Yemeni Ministry of Transport to protect against the spread of Swine Flu.
It has been brought to the attention of the Association that a number of seafarers have been detained in Liverpool on charges relating to pornographic material found on personal laptops and mobile phones.
It has been brought to the attention of the Association that vessels moored in the Port of Naples shall be subject to fuel sulphur testing.
The Association would like to draw the attention of its members to a new regulation, announced by the State of California Air Resources Board concerning fuel sulphur requirements for ocean going vessels.
The Association would like to draw the attention of its members towards the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) which will be carried out for a three month period between the 1st of September and the 30th of November by both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding.
636 - 5/09 - Foreign crew ID - USA
30/04/2009
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has announced requirements for acceptable forms of seafarer identification which will come into force on the 28th of May 2009.
2006 policy year closed with no further supplementary premium. No further supplementary premium estimated for the 2007 policy year. Estimated supplementary premium for 2008 maintained at 20 per cent. Increased free reserves and capital (including hybrid capital) of US$334 million