New regulations have come into force from the 7th October 2002 for the transit of the Bosporus and Dardanelles.
Circular 10/02: Technical Bulletins
01/09/2002
261 - 09/02 - Hatch Coaming Drains
31/08/2002
Since 1994 it has been obligatory under the Mexican Navigation Act for all vessels in Mexican waters to have P&I coverage. Up until now this has not been enforced. We are advised that this has now changed and that as of the 12th August this requirement is being strictly adhered to.
The following photographs highlight a novel way of saving time on a weighbridge not long enough to take a complete articulated unit.
We are advised that the USCG in New Orleans (at the request of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service - INS) are requiring numerous foreign ships arriving in New Orleans to hire a guard service for the duration of the vessel's stay (for owners' account). We understand the INS request for guard service depends on whether any of the crew members are in a "detain on board" status. This status is most frequently assigned when either the individual crew member does not have a US visa or the ship does not have a crew visa. The guards (normally two are required) have to board at the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy and remain on board until passing the buoy again out bound.
260 - 08/02 - Custom Fines - Syria
31/07/2002
Bulletin 168 (12/00) advised that the Minister of Finance in Syria had decided to reduce the rate of settlement of customs contraventions from 25% to 10% of the volume of the goods.
Charterparties and the Clause Paramount
28/07/2002
Article discussing the United States legislation of the Harter Act, 46 U.S.C. §190, et seq. (1893), which was enacted to protect American shippers from comprehensive limitation of liability clauses found in bills of lading issued, primarily, by British liner companies carrying American goods to England.
As part of a worldwide crackdown on substandard shipping, Beijing has announced a three-month concentrated inspection campaign to 'guarantee that operational safety and environmental standards are enforced'. This year's campaign ends on September 30th. This concentrated campaign is being mirrored by all 18 member states of the Tokyo MOU.
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.
Dubai Judgement No. 212 Dtd 28 December 1997: A carrier is liable for goods shipped in a sealed container. The Dubai Court has the jurisdiction to hear a claim where part of the contract is executed in Dubai despite the fact that the goods are shipped to Sharjah.
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.