Britannia Bulletins
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Coal loaded at Puerto Drummond Colombia
A Member has recently been involved with an incident where a shipper has declared a cargo of Colombian coal shipped from Puerto Drummond as a Group C cargo under the IMO IMSBC Code. This is clearly incorrect.
The IMSBC Code lists coal as “Group B (and A)”:
Colombian coal cargoes are not known to be unique and Members and Masters must be vigilant and ensure the documentation contains the correct declaration in accordance with the terms of the IMSBC Code. The Master must also ensure that he complies with all his obligations under the Code.
For further guidance Members should contact the Managers.
Memory sticks
We have recently been made aware of potential problems relating to the transfer of data on board ships using memory sticks or similar portable data devices. The Master of a ship recently surveyed handed the surveyor a USB memory stick containing some plans and data, but when this stick was plugged into the USB port on the surveyor’s laptop, anti-virus software indicated that the USB drive was infected by a number of viruses. The surveyor immediately ejected the drive, and handed it back to the Master.
Further investigation has revealed that this is not an uncommon problem, as a number of surveyors, superintendents and technicians prefer to ‘transport’ their data, files and reports etc on USB type portable drives, and use the ship’s and/or Master’s computer to retrieve this data once on board. Ship’s computers are often not equipped with up to date anti-virus software, with the result that any drive or device integrated with this computer may also become infected.
Potential problems can multiply, particularly if the computer is integrated with the ship’s communication or other operational systems, including ECDIS. For ECDIS equipped ships, updates and new charts are often downloaded and transferred to the ECDIS system using portable data disks.
Members are encouraged to ensure that all official shipboard computers are equipped with up-to-date and legal anti-virus software, and to implement a system of precautionary checks to ensure that any portable or other data device is checked and virus free before it is plugged into a ship’s computer or operational system.
Enclosed Spaces
Accidents in enclosed spaces continue to be all too frequent within the maritime sector. The 27th Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation meeting in London November 2011 adopted the Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces.
The current IMO Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces is contained in the Resolution A.864(20) – adopted 27 November 1997 - and this has been replaced by Resolution A.1050(27).
A copy of Resolution A.1050(27) can be found at the following link:
http://www.britanniapandi.com/download.cfm?docid=F6106A6C-1E8E-4EBE-9A97310F296B1B72
Turkey - environmental pollution fines
Our Correspondent, Vitsan Mumessillik ve Musavirlik, has provided us with the revised Turkish environmental pollution fines tariff effective from 1 January – 31 December 2012. Ship agents circulate notices of the tariff to ships transiting the Dardanelles, waiting at anchorage or calling at Turkish ports. Masters are reminded that steps should be taken to prevent pollution by any type of leakage or spillage. The Turkish Environmental Code is widely interpreted and strictly enforced with fines being imposed in accordance with the annually adjusted tariff. The amount of the fine will be reduced by 25% if paid before the ship sails or within 30 days.
Tariff
The current exchange rate is Turkish TRY 1.85 to USD
Petrol and petroleum products discharged by tankers
Dirty ballast discharged by tankers
Petrol, petroleum products and dirty ballast discharged by ships and any other sea vehicle
Garbage, sewage and grey water discharged by ships and any other sea vehicles
A second or third offence in a three year period results in the fine being doubled or tripled respectively. In the case of dangerous goods, the fine is calculated by multiplying the applicable petrol and petroleum products category by ten.
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