Civil and criminal penalties for MARPOL non-compliance are seeing a continuous trend worldwide, especially in the US, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the US, these violations can lead to multimillion-dollar financial penalties on shipowners and third-party vessel managers, while crew-members can face prison if found guilty. The Standard P&I Club provided…
The UK changed its law on National Minimum Wage, with thousands of seafarers receiving fair pay. Namely, from October 1st seafarers will receive pay protection equal to every other sector. Until now, in the UK, the National Minimum Wage protection did not apply for maritime workers. This change means that more than 10,000 seafarers across the…
The UK changed its law on National Minimum Wage, with thousands of seafarers receiving fair pay. Namely, from October 1st seafarers will receive pay protection equal to every other sector. Until now, in the UK, the National Minimum Wage protection did not apply for maritime workers. This change means that more than 10,000 seafarers across the…
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) recently listed all the countries that restrict the use of open loop scrubbers in their ports. For the records, Saudi Arabia became the latest region to prohibit the discharge of wash-water coming from open-loop scrubbers. Restrictions or bans on using open loop scrubbers have been reported in certain ports or territorial…
Following the increasing focus on force majeure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIMCO has gathered a drafting team in order to develop a free-standing force majeure clause for use in a variety of contracts. Although several BIMCO contracts include a force majeure clause, this clause was never published as a stand-alone clause in BIMCO’s clause…
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be applying enhanced measures to further secure safe port operations and facilitate crew change. Namely, MPA will use its existing floating accommodation to set up a Crew Facilitation Centre (CFC) at the Tanjong Pagar Terminal. Currently, MPA has enhanced precautionary measures for ships calling at our…
With the future of crewing high on the agenda, BIMCO and ICS are preparing for the launch of the latest Seafarer Workforce Report (previously known as the Manpower Report), the industry standard resource for ship operators, agencies and governments seeking the market intelligence they need to develop crewing and training strategies fit for the future.…
Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya on 07 August launched online exit examination for the seafarers via virtual ceremony. The seafarers, who are getting training in different Maritime Training Institutes under Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), can now appear in the exam from the comfort of their homes in this unprecedented time of…
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that they will commence a phased return to Survey and Inspection activity in the UK from 20 July. Marine Offices are accepting bookings for 20 July onwards. Survey activities will be carried out in accordance with the guidance outlined in MIN 623 (M+F) and Operators are strongly…
Maritime industry’s Golden Safety Rules So, what are these golden Safety Rules. Well, there are 9 of them and you can see them below: 1. Enclosed Space Entry Only enter an enclosed space if it has been ventilated and the atmosphere confirmed safe. You must ALWAYS: Check if a Permit is required; obtain authorization and comply;…