Safety
August 2021
BIMCO and CIRM software log is now ISO standard 24060
BIMCO and CIRM (Comité International Radio-Maritime) have taken the concept of the onboard software log to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to automate and modernise it. As a result, the ISO has published a new standard on a ship software logging system to be used for operational technology onboard ships.
IMO Legal Committee agrees unified interpretation on limitation of liability
At its meeting held from 26 to 30 July 2021, the Legal Committee (LEG) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed on a unified interpretation of the test for breaking a shipowner’s right to limit liability under certain IMO conventions. The committee also considered several other issues relating to the abandonment of seafarers, to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and to the committee’s future work programme.
July 2021
New BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report warns of serious potential officer shortage
Launched today, the new Seafarer Workforce Report from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping warns that the industry must significantly increase training and recruitment levels if it is to avoid a serious shortage in the total supply of officers by 2026. Given the growing demand for STCW certified officers, the Report predicts that there will be a need for an additional 89,510 officers by 2026 to operate the world merchant fleet. The report estimates that 1.89 million seafarers currently serve the world merchant fleet, operating over 74,000 vessels around the globe.
June 2021
BIMCO welcomes updated IMO Compendium to advance electronic data
Standardising and harmonising electronic ship to shore communication for reporting purposes was high on the agenda at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) virtual Facilitation Committee (FAL) meeting held from 1-7 June 2021 (FAL 45).
May 2021
IMO’s safety committee approves measures to improve safety on board ships
The Maritime Safety Committee 103 meeting (MSC 103) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was held 5 to 14 May 2021. Several important decisions were made that will affect shipowners directly. These include upcoming changes to fire safety systems on board to help prevent fires, as well as changes to the search and rescue manuals on board ships.
BIMCO supports new IMO water level alarms for cargo holds
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 103) meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was held remotely from 5 to 14 May. A very comprehensive list of issues were discussed at the meeting, one of which was new requirements for water level detectors on non-bulk cargo ships. The new requirement was up for adoption.
IMO agrees on new measures to detect and report containers lost at sea
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 103) meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was held remotely from 5 to 14 May. One of the issues discussed at the meeting - among a very comprehensive list on the agenda, was new measures to mitigate for containers lost at sea.
BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO launch new fuel oil survey
The International Maritime Organisation’s 2020 global sulphur limit for marine fuel oil has been in force for more than a year. BIMCO, The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO are calling on Fleet Managers, Vessel Managers, Technical Superintendents, Masters and Chief Engineers to share their insight and experiences with marine fuels in a new survey aimed at identifying potential quality and quantity issues.
IMO meeting to focus on containers lost at sea
Over the course of three months late last year and early this year, almost 3,500 containers were lost in a number of incidents in the Western Pacific. This is far above the numbers usually registered for the same period and has raised concern regarding the causes of these incidents.
Ships are advised to take extra precaution when anchoring in Malaysian waters
During a 10-day operation called “Jangkar Haram”, Malaysia clamped down on illegal anchoring in its waters. The ships involved have either been warned and ordered to leave or detained and fined. BIMCO recommends Masters to take extra precaution and obtain prior permission from relevant authorities before anchoring.
