FLAG ADMINISTRATIONS

Ireland fitness for duty

The Irish Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport issued a notice advising that existing domestic legislation relating to hours of work and fitness for duty remains in force, along with the recording requirements, and, in most respects, the requirements for rest periods and rest hours, are the same as the STCW 2010 regulations. Limits for blood alcohol level or alcohol in the breath have not yet been implemented in Irish legislation. Marine Notice 06-2012

Singapore certificates, documents, and publications to be carried

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular reminding owner, operators, and masters of Singapore flag ships of the certificates, documents, and publications required to be carried on such vessels. Shipping Circular 6-2012

Marshall Islands Lights and shapes (COLREGS Part C)

Following an increase in deficiencies related to compliance with Part C ("Lights and shapes") of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS), the office of the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has issued the following attached Marine Safety Advisory (MSA).
It has to be noticed that replacement lights supplied should be accompanied by a Type Approval / Class Certificate certifying they meet the respective COLREGS requirement (particularly, Rule 21, which is delineated in the MSA, for the Masthead Light, Sidelights and Sternlight).
In the event of routine maintenance, care should be taken to ensure the arc for the light is not altered.
For example, lights have not to be interchanged and all-round lights have not to be incorrectly used as replacements.
It is also reminded that all replacement or maintenance performed on navigating lights should be supervised by a Navigating Officer, and consideration be given to implement this procedure in the vessels Safety Management System.

HONG KONG Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships

Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note MSIN 2/2012 has been issuedon the 27th January 2012, and is related to IMO Res.A.1050(27).
The purpose of the Resolution A.1050(27), as adopted on 30th November 2011, is to provide parties concerned with the revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships.
Parties concerned are required to note the information contained in this resolution, and apply them, as appropriate, to all Hong Kong registered ships.

India Entry restrictions on vessels over 25 years of age

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that the Government has decided to issue a notification that, if ships are more than 25 years old, they will be allowed to enter Indian ports only if they satisfy the following conditions: (1) classed with a society that is a full member of IACS; (2) have adequate insurance coverage to liabilities, including collision, wreck removal, and salvage; (3) appoint an Indian Ship Agent to represent the owner/charterer; and (4) the Indian agent should notify the port authority and the customs collector at least 48 hours prior to arrival about the ship’s details.

India Status of pollution conventions

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release reminding stakeholders that India has recently acceded to: the Nairobi International Convention on Removal of Wrecks; the Protocol of 1996 to the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims; and Annex VI to MASRPOL 73/78. India is in the process of acceding to other conventions, such as: the Bunker Convention; the OPRC and the OPRC-HNS.  

USCG Guidelines for US vessels in high-risk waters

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has released Maritime Security (MAREC) Directive 104-6 (Rev 6) providing updated guidelines for US vessels operating in high-risk waters. The Directive provides additional counter-piracy guidance and mandatory measures for these vessels operating around the Horn of Africa. The Directive is designated Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and not subject to public release. A non-SSI version of the Directive will be made available. 77 Fed. Reg. 4573

Marshall Islands Guidance on ECDIS for ships calling at Australian ports

The office of the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has issued the following attached Marine Safety Advisory (MSA) which concerns the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) guidance on ECDIS.
Indeed, AMSA has issued a Marine Notice (7/2012, which is attached to this MSA) regarding guidance on ECDIS for ships calling at Australian ports.
This Marine Notice aims to clarify some of the emerging issues relating to the carriage requirements for Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and provide guidance to ships fitted with ECDIS calling at Australian ports.
It has to be noticed that, with a phased carriage requirement for ECDIS commencing in 2012, AMSA’s Port State Control (PSC) inspectors will increasingly focus on the means by which ships meet their SOLAS chart carriage requirements and the effectiveness with which the navigational task is being conducted.
A list of ECDIS issues which AMSA’s PSC inspectors pay close attention to, is displayed in this notice.
Two flow charts that address ECDIS related issues and which will be used by AMSA’s PSC inspectors, are attached to this notice.
Moreover, it has to be noticed that AMSA considers the following will meet the back-up requirements for ECDIS :

an independent, fully compliant second ECDIS unit, connected to ship’s main and emergency power supply and connected to systems providing continuous position fixing capability; or

adequate and up to date paper charts (including relevant large scale charts) necessary for the intended voyage.

Hong Kong Establishment of Quality Assurance System in the Ship Management Company

Australia New Marine Notices available

Please be advised that two new Marine Notices are available on AMSA's website at amsa web site

Marine Notice 6/2012 -

Revised Garbage Discharge Regulations for Ships

Marine Notice 7/2012 -

Guidance on ECDIS for ships calling at Australian ports

Australia GBR/TS passage plan model

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice advising the a Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Coastal Pilotage passage plan model is now available online. The model, which is divided into three main sections (Preamble, Waypoint List, and Chart Extracts), is approved for purposes of provision 93 of Marine Order 54. Marine Notice 3/2012

Singapore Fuel sulphur requirements

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising that the Singapore regulation implementing IMO Resolution MEPC.194(61) relating to fuel sulphur requirements or alternative equivalent arrangements will enter into force on 1 February. Shipping Circular 2/2012

Singapore Revision of port dues for bunker tankers

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising that, as part of its effort to maintain a young and environmentally-friendly fleet of bunker tankers, it is revising the port dues for bunker tankers effective 1 January 2012 to raise port dues for older bunker tankers and to reduce port dues for very young MARPOL-compliant double-hulled bunker tankers. Port Marine Circular 9-2011

Panama Canal Advance submittal of ship plans and certificates

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory reminding customers that vessels transiting the Canal for the first time must submit drawings and certificates in advance in order to verify compliance with ACP vessel requirements. Advisory 23-2011

USCG 2010 STCW amendments

The US Coast Guard issued guidance to covered US-flag vessels for implementing the 2010 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 relating to hours of rest and security-related training. The 2010 amendments expanded application of hours of work and rest periods for mariners to include all personnel with designated safety, prevention of pollution, and security duties onboard any vessel; changed the weekly rest hours requirements from 70 hours to 77 hours; and required the recording of hours of rest. US-flag vessels operating in foreign ports should ensure that all personnel, other than the vessel security officer (VSO), are in possession of an appropriate course completion certificate or company letter of proof showing compliance with federal regulatory requirements and Section 13 of the ISPS Code. VSOs must hold the appropriate endorsement on their credential. This guidance comes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until replaced by regulations implementing the 2010 STCW amendments. 77 Fed. Reg. 232

Singapore Change in payment arrangement for LRIT

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular stating that, from 31 December 2011, the payment arrangement for Singapore ships relating to LRIT conformance testing has been changed. Henceforth, only the fee for issuance of the LRIT Conformance Test Report, amounting to S$100, will be paid directly to the MPA. The charges for the conduct of LRIT conformance testing is to be paid to MPA’s appointed Application Service Provider. Shipping Circular 23-2011

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