Issue No. 350 09 May 2008

Yangon Port closed
In a Circular dated 9 May 2008 the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) notes that in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis Yangon Port has sustained severe damage. Based on reports in the news media as well as updates from shipping lines that trade to Myanmar, Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT), Bo Aung Kyaw Terminal (BSW), Myanmar Industrial Port Terminal (MIPT) and Asia World Port Terminal (AWPT) are currently closed to all traffic. The Circular concludes that as it is expected that priority will be given to the receipt of relief supplies, Yangon Port will remain closed to all commercial traffic until further notice.

Guidance on rigging pilot ladders
Concerned with increasing reports on injuries to pilots caused either by badly rigged or defective ladders, the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), together with the support of BIMCO and other leading industry organisations, have produced a booklet entitled “Shipping industry guidance on the rigging of ladders for pilot transfer”. This publication is intended to assist seafarers to ensure that pilot ladders are maintained properly and rigged safely, in compliance with SOLAS. A copy of the publication can be downloaded directly from the following website: www.marisec.org/pilotladders

Replace older EPIRBs
Intertanko reports that the US Coast Guard has issued a press release reminding mariners that older model Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) that broadcast on 121.5MHz or 243MHz will not be monitored by satellite from 1 February 2009. With effect from that date the satellites will only monitor the radio beacons broadcasting on 406MHz. Intertanko notes that some of the newer EPIRBs are equipped with imbedded GPS, which automatically signal the location of the distress.

Blacklisted flags improve
Lloyd’s List reports that nearly all flags of convenience (FOC) that worked with classification societies to improve their safety performance have shown positive results. The figures have been revealed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which ran the programme. The IACS figures show that some 30 flag states black listed under port state control (PSC) were originally contacted by classification societies offering assistance. Of these, some 12 gave a positive response and 11 of those managed to improve their status on the PSC lists. The EU flag states Cyprus and Malta even made it on to the Paris MOU White List of best performing flag states. IACS reports that a further 10 flag states are currently in discussion with classification societies about participating in the scheme.

Shore leave and access to ships in the US
Intertanko reports that the US Coast Guard Sector Houston Galveston has issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin (PSIB 04-08 dated 7 April 2008) providing guidance to owners and operators of water front facilities regarding the facilitation of shore leave for crew members of ships moored at such facilities and also access to those ships by third parties. The Bulletin notes that in recent months, Sector Houston Galveston has received several complaints about water front facilities making it difficult for crews to take shore leave or to receive visitors. It also makes reference to the IMO Circular; Shore leave and access to ships under the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities Code (ISPS Code) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 33 No.105.200 (b) (9).The IMO Circular and the CFR discuss the need for proper balance between the needs of security, the protection of human rights of seafarers and port workers, and the requirement to maintain the safety and working efficiency of the ship by allowing access to ship support services such as the taking on of stores, repair and maintenance of essential equipment, and other vital activities that are appropriately undertaken while moored at port facilities. Following receipt of the Bulletin Intertanko discussed with the US Coast Guard headquarters the possibility that such guidance be issued nationwide for Captains of the Port (COTPs) to bring this to the attention of all facilities in the US. The US Coast Guard has agreed to do this. Intertanko emphasises however that the US Coast Guard does not have the legal authority to require private port facilities to comply with such guidelines.

LRIT in the US
In Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 83, the US Coast Guard has promulgated its Final Rule requiring certain ships to report identifying and position data electronically, using the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system. With effect from 31 December 2008, the rule requires transmission of the LRIT data for the following ships, while engaged on an international voyage: 1) passenger ships, including high speed passenger craft; 2) cargo ships, including high speed craft, 300gt or more; 3) mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) while underway and not engaged in drilling operations. Intertanko notes that it is their understanding that these final regulations are implementing the SOLAS amendments contained in Chapter V, Regulation19-1 which are supplemented by Resolution MSC.210 (81), which contains the performance standards and functional requirements for LRIT.