It is extremely important for us to know what our seafarers think and how they rate different services. Could we kindly ask you to help us in distributing this ITF Seafarers Trust survey regarding Welfare Services available in port.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H3H6K8R
| BALLAST WATER CONVENTION – ISSUES RAISED BY THE MEMBERS – ANSWERS FROM : Stefan Micallef Director Marine Environment Division, IMO |
The issues that have been described have been recognized by MEPC as well and at its 68th session, the Committee agreed to a Roadmap for the implementation of the BWM Convention, which addresses many of the concerns raised. The Road map inter alia states that “Shipowners who have installed, maintained and operated correctly BWMS approved in accordance with the Guidelines (G8) (MEPC.174(58)) should not be required to replace these systems, for the life of the ship or the system, whichever comes first, due to occasional lack of efficacy for reasons beyond the control of the shipowner and ship’s crew.” This could include situations where sediment loads or other environmental conditions exceed what the BWMS is capable of handling. However, it would still remain the shipowner’s/crew’s responsibility to be aware of the limitations of the BWMS on board before entering areas with conditions that the BWMS cannot handle.
The Roadmap also states that “The port State, flag State and shipowner should work together to agree on the most appropriate solution to allow for the discharge of ballast water found to be non-compliant” and furthermore MEPC 68 agreed that contingency measures in this regard are to be developed. There is no doubt that in the latter case more work is needed and I have just returned from a conference in the RoK where the issue of contingency measures was identified as needing more work.
Indeed, Sediments are problematic, not only due to filter clogging and UV transmittance, but also because they accumulate in ballast tanks and provide a suitable habitat for many organisms and resting stages in the ballast tanks. In this regard, the IMO has developed Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment control on ships (G12). But more importantly for the situations described, the Guidelines for ballast water management and the development of ballast water management plans (G4) recommend that every effort should be made to avoid the uptake of sediments when loading ballast.
Therefore, answer to InterManager question regarding blocked filter would be: if it is possible to avoid ballasting in areas with a very high sediment load or otherwise problematic water qualities, then ships should try to do so.
Finally, in accordance with regulation A-3 of the BWM Convention, the requirements of the Convention would not apply to ballast water uptake or discharges necessary for the purpose of ensuring the safety of a ship in emergency situations or saving life at sea.
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Last Week:
Still working from US.
23 November – 2 December, IMO, London, Assembly – Capt. Paddy McKnight attending.
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This Week:
2 December, IMO, London, Assembly – Capt. Paddy McKnight attending.
3-4 December – EU, Athens – Single Window Demonstrations – Markus Schmitz and George Michail from SOFTimpact representing InterManager
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Looking forward:
09-10 December – London – 5th Ship Maintenance Conference – Kuba Szymanski chairing
11th December – Warsash – Fatigue Workshop – Kuba Szymanski attending representing InterManager along with, Vships, Bibby’s, Exmar, Columbia and Bernard Schulte
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Discounts and offers for members:
Special 15% discount for InterManager members in the Piraeus GLAROS Hotel. The Hotel Management has confirmed it is willing to offer InterManager members (15%) off its internet prices if booked from their web site, www.glaros-hotel.gr/ This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts. You only need to mention you are an “InterManager member” in the “Comments and Special Requests” section of the web site and/or mention your company is an “InterManager member” when you check into the hotel.
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Flexible Marine Power and Propulsion Solutions Conference
7 – 8 December 2015 | Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
Examining the options for integrated hybrid and electric power to increase ship versatility.
Save 10% with Intermanager – click here: http://www.informamaritimeevents.com/FKT2964IMWL
Quote VIP code: FKT2964IMWL to claim your discount.
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Ballast Water Management Technology Conference
8 – 9 December 2015 | Congress Centre, London
Preparing the industry for Convention ratification and BWMS application
Save 10% with InterManager – click here: http://www.informamaritimeevents.com/FKT2884IMWL
Quote VIP code: FKT2884IMWL to claim your discount.
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5th Condition Based Maintenance Conference
Securing come of the leading figures in the shipping industry, the 5th Condition Based Maintenance Conference will address the key technical and technological issues surrounding condition based maintenance. This will be a highly interactive, discussion led conference that puts your concerns at the heart of the agenda. For further information click http://conferences.imarest.org/ and email [email protected] to receive an additional 10% discount when booking your place.
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Green Ship Technology Conference
15-18 March 2016 | Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen
The biggest environmental shipping event in the industry calendar: 300+ attendees, 100+ expert speakers, 70+ shipowners and operators.
Save 20% with InterManager – click here: http://www.greenshiptechnology.com/FKT2949INTER
Quote VIP code: FKT2949INTER to claim your discount.
Brgds Kuba
Capt. Kuba Szymanski
Secretary General
