Maritime News

The following data presents examples of vessels detained when serious deficiencies were pointed out during Port State Control (PSC) inspections carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

There is no doubt that the introduction of ECDIS has contributed to improving the safety of navigation. What seems to be apparent, however, is that the efficacy and safety of ECDIS depends largely on the ability of its user. In other words, how the user interacts with this system is key to its success in ensuring safe navigation.

Following the loss of the Supramax bulk carrier BULK JUPITER in January 2015, with the tragic loss of 18 lives, the IMO Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), at its second session in September 2015 noted that the loss of the ship may have been caused by liquefaction of the cargo. Circular CCC.1/Circ.2 "Carriage of Bauxite which may Liquefy" was issued at that time to raise awareness to the potential risks posed by moisture in the carriage of Bauxite. Although Bauxite is described in the IMSBC Code as a Group C cargo, the potential for this cargo to liquefy was not specifically addressed in the Code.

This Safety Alert is issued by The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) to bring the results of the International Maritime Pilot Association (IMPA) Safety Campaign 2020 to the attention of seafarers, pilots, owners, managers and Classification Societies.

Summary of the safety flashes for 2020 and those relevant for 2021 including unsecured material falling against crewman causing injury, something often seen on vessels where inadequate lashings had been fitted. I am sure many of you will have seen a similar arrangement.