855 - 11/12 - NOAA speed restrictions - USA
16/11/2012
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are increasing their vigilance in regard of the seasonal speed restrictions off the US coast
Drug enforcement activity in the United States targeting the trafficking of drugs entering the United States of America via merchant vessels continues to impact the Club in the guise of fines levied against unsuspecting ships.
829 - 06/12 - Personal Injury claims due to poor maintenance of railings and gratings - USA
15/06/2012
The Club has been involved in several recent cases involving injuries to longshoreman due to poor maintenance of railings or lashing bridge access grates.
This Circular amends Circular ref. 1/12 regarding application of 50 per cent rebate of the US tanker voyage additional premium. The 50 per cent reduction on premium rates for voyages involving loading or lightering of persistent oil cargo in the US will not be restricted to LOOP and the four designated areas described in Circular ref 1/12. The reduction will continue to be applied to other lightering areas approved by the US Coast Guard on the same basis as prior to Circular 1/12
The Club has become aware that several containers imported to the United States have been placed on hold at their discharge ports due to unacceptable levels of radiation. The radiation is caused by scrap metal containing Cobalt-60 which could have inadvertently been incorporated into the product during manufacturing. The containers placed on hold were booked as bath products and originated in China and India.
New Year changes
05/01/2012
Despite the extended Christmas and New Year break, the Knowledge & Developments section of our website provided new information through that period. In addition to the frequent news bulletins on implementation of spill response contractor arrangements in China, there have been loss prevention updates on US west coast air emission controls and our own circular on an SGM for incorporating rule changes into the 2012 Club Rules & Bye-Laws.
In a recent decision in the Southern District of New York the court held that the rail carrier (BNSF) could not apply the ocean carriers' COGSA package limit of USD 500, with regard to an export shipment of goods that were damaged during inland rail transit before the goods arrived at the ship.
The US Coast Guard issued a Port Security Advisory stating that it has determined that the Republic of Congo is now maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures in its ports.
The Thomas Miller Americas Bodily Injury Team Round Table brought together our Members' executives, both here in the United States and abroad, who have a special focus on bodily injury issues.
With reference to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Safety Alert 11-01 the Club wishes to reiterate advice given in the previous Bulletin 645 to increase awareness to potential claims that may arise from fuel switching issues
Increased liabilities under OSRO contracts
01/09/2011
Last week the Club published circular 10/11 in respect of the increased liabilities that Members may potentially incur under the amended contract terms of one of the US based oil spill response organisations (OSRO). We strongly recommend all Members who might be affected to refer to this circular and check their vessel response plan arrangements.
MSRC's amendment to its service agreement includes a "dispersant addendum". This addendum introduced liabilities on the vessel owner which fell outside the scope of club cover.