USCG updates fuel switching safety alert
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — The Coast Guard has updated a safety alert that it issued in March (see earlier story) on making the MARPOL-required switch from conventional to ultra low sulfur fuel
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — The Coast Guard has updated a safety alert that it issued in March (see earlier story) on making the MARPOL-required switch from conventional to ultra low sulfur fuel
The 17 m, twin rig fishing vessel capsized and subsequently sank on November 2, 2014, when about 100 miles off the northeast coast of England on passage to its fishing grounds.
Two of the crew were rescued about three hours after the capsize, when the body of the skipper was also recovered; the other two crew have not been found.
Ocean Way had left North Shields the previous evening and was heading north-easterly towards the Gut fishing grounds, about 120 miles offshore. The wind was south-south-west Force 6 with a heavy southerly swell and very rough sea.
At about 10.56 a.m. the skipper, who was in the wheelhouse, shouted down to the four crewmen in the cabin to get out, as the vessel was going down. Two of the crew, wearing tee shirts and shorts, managed to climb up and out of the accommodation and over the rails as the vessel capsized. The men then managed to climb onto the upturned hull from where they saw the skipper and another crewman, unresponsive, in the water.
At 10.58 a signal from the vessel’s EPIRB was received at the U.K.’s search and rescue satellite receiving centre and this information was passed to the Marine & Coastguard Agenct at 11.01. The EPIRB was not fitted with integral Global Navigation Satellite System and so the signal identified the vessel, but not its position. A number of satellite passes were necessary before the EPIRB’s position could be confirmed, which took about 50 minutes.
The two crewmen remained on the upturned hull for about 30 minutes until the vessel sank under them. Two lifebuoys floated to the surface and the men used these to keep themselves afloat.
The coastguard issued a “Mayday Relay” broadcast for the vessel and, once they had an accurate position about an hour after the accident, tasked a rescue helicopter. This helicopter arrived at the scene about three hours after the capsize.
Wreck survey
An underwater ROV survey of the wreck found the vessel upright and intact with no visible signs of damage. The rudder was hard to port. Some of the freeing ports were found jammed, and others had been reduced in size. The shelter deck behind the wheelhouse opened on to the aft deck and was not weathertight.
Ocean Way’s two liferafts had not floated to the surface after the accident.
The ROV survey found that the hydrostatic releases on both liferaft canisters had activated correctly, but their painters led into the accommodation. It was concluded that once out of their cradles the liferaft canisters had floated into the inverted vessel’s shelter deck area, where they had become trapped.
Analysis
It is probable that Ocean Way broached and capsized in high following seas. The vessel’s stability, which would have been reduced while surf riding, was probably further reduced due to entrapped water on deck as, unlike its sister vessels, its shelter deck area was not weathertight. It was calculated that with around 6 tonnes of water on deck (about a foot of water), the vessel would have become unstable.
Ocean Way was 40 years old and was well regarded for its seakeeping qualities, yet its survey records showed a history of marginal stability compliance. No inclining test had been carried out since 2004.
Safety Lessons
Download the full MAIB report HERE
“With the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean and the media attention this continues to receive, it is often easy to forget that the problem of stowaways is still a very real problem for shipowners,” says UK P&I Club Claims Executive Amanda Hastings. “The majority of these stowaways are finding more creative ways in which to board ships.”
“In addition to conducting thorough stowaway searches in accordance with the ship’s ISPS Code compliant security plan, and being vigilant whilst in port, additional precautions may need to be taken due to ship design,” notes Ms. Hastings.
“Although there is currently no international regime dealing exclusively with stowaways, there are several international instruments that apply,” says Ms. Hastings. “These include the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the FAL Convention. Shipowners should take care to ensure that stowaways are not subject to degrading or inhumane treatment whilst on board, and should be provided with water, food, clothing, medical treatment (if required) and accommodation.
“Shipowners should also be aware of the potential costs of disembarking stowaways, for example in Brazil, a straightforward repatriation can cost upwards of US$30,000 per stowaway. This figure can quickly increase if the stowaway is detained for any particular length of time. Costs for shipowners can also be incurred, depending on the jurisdiction, through immigration fines, medical testing, police escorts, cost of travel documents, detention costs and repatriation expenses such as flights and additional clothes.
“Stowaways can often result in unexpected expenses for shipowners and the issue is unlikely to go away. As ship security improves, stowaways will find more creative ways of boarding ships. If a stowaway is discovered once the ship has left port, dependent on location, shipowners may find it more cost effective to return to port and disembark the stowaway there, rather than risk higher costs in other jurisdictions, such as Brazil.”
“Over the years we’ve completed many investigations without the aid of recorders and other investigative tools,” said NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart. “While it is disappointing that the voyage data recorder was not located, we are hopeful that we’ll be able to determine the probable cause of this tragedy and the factors that may have contributed to it.”
The 790-foot U.S.-flag ship operated by TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico went missing on Oct. 1 during Hurricane Joaquin and was located on Oct. 31 in about 15,000 feet of water in the vicinity of its last known position near Crooked Island, Bahamas.
In early October, the NTSB contracted with the U.S. Navy to locate the missing ship, document the wreckage and debris field, and if possible, recover the voyage data recorder.
Sonar equipment towed from USNS Apache detected what was believed to be El Faro on Oct. 31. The finding was confirmed on Nov. 1 when investigators were able to view video of the vessel obtained from CURV-21, a remotely operated vehicle capable of deep sea search activity.
Video revealed that the navigation bridge structure and the deck below it had separated from the ship. The missing structure included the mast and its base where the voyage data recorder was mounted.
On Nov. 11, the navigation bridge was found but neither the mast nor the VDR was found in the vicinity of the navigation bridge structure.
After five more days of searching with CURV-21, it was determined that the VDR could not be located. The search and video documentation efforts of El Faro were completed on Nov. 15.
It’s no secret that the oil and gas sector is having a major impact on the industry with orders down at the larger shipyards and operators stacking their OSVs. Small boat builders, however, are thriving, remaining busy, and producing the hardest working vessels on the water, patrol boats and workboats.
Metal Shark, for example is in the midst of producing large work orders of patrol boats for a number of government agencies both in the U.S. and across the world. This year alone, Metal Shark, Jeanerette, LA, delivered multiple variants of its Endurance-class catamaran in the form of fireboats, multipurpose port security boats and Dive Support Vessels.
Back in March, the U.S. Navy awarded a $15,309,410 firm-fixed, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to Metal Shark to build 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) in support of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requirements. Options could increase the contract value to over $47 million.
The RHIBs will support a variety of missions including personnel/cargo transfer, search and rescue, open water patrol, vessel interdiction and boarding, and the insertion/extraction of forces. Metal Shark says the boats will be produced in a flexible baseline configuration that can quickly be adapted via minor post-delivery alterations and delivered to support specific FMS case requirements worldwide.
At the time of the contract announcement, Chris Allard, President, Metal Shark said, “Large orders such as this one benefit Metal Shark customers large and small by way of increased production efficiencies and economies of scale that keep our pricing competitive, our workforce stable, and our technology on the leading edge.”
Currently, Metal Shark is producing boats for the U.S. Coast Guard’s RB-S and ATON-M program; and the U.S. Navy’s FPB-M and HSMST program.
This past August, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded Metal Shark with a $17.45 million delivery contract for 48 Response Boat-Small II vessels. The 29-ft high-speed RB-S IIs can reach a top speed of 40 knots, and are designed and engineered to handle a wide range of coast guard missions near the shoreline. Among them: search and rescue; law enforcement; ports; waterways and coastal security; drug and migrant interdiction; and environmental protection and response.
New yard helps meet demand
Metal Shark’s yard in Franklin, LA—acquired last year— enabled the company to expand the size of its vessel offerings, with the new yard supporting the construction of vessels up to 250 ft in length.
Recently, Metal Shark’s Franklin yard delivered a 75 ft welded aluminum multipurpose port security vessel to the Port of South Louisiana. Based on Metal Shark’s Endurance-class catamaran design, the vessel features technology to support fire rescue missions, Command and Control (C2) operations, and around-the-clock port security efforts at the largest tonnage port in the western hemisphere.
The Port of South Louisiana stretches 54 miles along the Mississippi River, and handled over 291 million short tons of cargo in 2014 alone. According to the port, 4,000 oceangoing vessels and 55,000 barges call at the Port of South Louisiana each year.
“Our 75 Endurance is the most advanced fireboat design on the market, incorporating crew friendly features and advanced systems throughout,” says Allard. The vessel is powered by twin Cat C-18 diesel engines generating cruising speeds of 25 knots.
To meet firefighting needs, the 75 Endurance can channel 6,000 total gallons per minute through an oversized water main where electronic valves divert water to three radio frequency-controlled monitors. Additionally, the vessel includes four hydrant connections and a 400-gallon foam reservoir.
Its state-of-the-art Command and Control suite enables multi-agency coordination during emergency response events, and a positive pressure Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) ventilation system that can provide crew protection during disaster responses.
Metal Shark has also delivered a number of FMS boats to government agencies worldwide, including 32 Defiant patrol boats to Uruguay, 38 Defiant patrol boats to Bangladesh, and 38 Defiant patrol boats to Senegal.
The boat builder’s Defiant class is among its most popular models, and at this month’s International Workboat Show, Metal Shark will showcase its new 45 ft Defiant variant, which fills the gap between Metal Shark’s 38 ft and 55 ft Defiant class offerings. Metal Shark is currently producing multiple 45 Defiant vessels for Vietnam. The vessels are part of a larger FMS contract for Vietnam.
Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the U.S. would provide $18 million to Vietnam to help the country acquire patrol boats specifically built by Metal Shark. At a press conference held during his trip to Vietnam, Carter said both countries are “committed to deepening our defense relationship, and laying the groundwork for the next 20 years of our partnership.” He further added that by working together, the two countries will “continue to strengthen the region’s security architecture so all our countries and others all around the region can continue to rise and prosper.”
To say that Metal Shark is a little busy would be a gross understatement. The secret to its success is its willingness to be flexible and attentive with its customers. “Being able to simultaneously accommodate multiple markets is a significant factor in our success,” explains Allard. “There are some yards that focus on fireboats, others on pilot boats, or patrol boats. We’re active— and enjoying success—in all of those markets. More important than our product range, however, is having the ability to anticipate our customers’ needs by closely observing market trends, by maintaining relationships with existing customers, and by responding to their feedback. When a new client walks through the door we greet them with ready-made solutions, and we’re willing to work with them to modify our offerings if their needs require it. Our designs are constantly evolving, so having a large in–house design team is crucial, because it allows us to move far more quickly than yards relying solely on outside firms.”
Marine Group Boat Works stays busy
For California’s Marine Group Boat Works, the key to flourishing during a rough market environment is the willingness to diversify its business. “Our vision was to bring custom boatbuilding back to California,” says Todd Roberts, President, Marine Group Boat Works. Roberts says the company’s extensive history with boats has given it a “360-degree perspective” on how it approaches a project, and because it offers both newbuild and repair services, it is with the customer from “cradle to grave.”
The family-owned shipbuilding and repair company has three yards, two in Chula Vista and National City, San Diego, CA, and one in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Marine Group’s yard “is running at 95 to 100 percent capacity,” according to Roberts, with a full order log for its workboats and dive boats in the works, and delivery expected over the next five years.
That full order book is the result of a major U.S. Navy contract the yard won earlier this year for the construction of 27 new vessels worth over $45 million. The contracts were for five steel tugboats; six large steel workboats; 16 aluminum 60 ft diveboats. “Multi-year, multi-vessel contracts are what our economy needs,” says Roberts.
According to Roberts, the first two of the smaller workboats for the Navy are near completion and will be delivered early 2016.
Kvichak constructing fourth RB-M C for NYPD
In spring 2016, the New York City Police Department Harbor Unit will take delivery of the fourth in a series of 44.5 ft Response Boat Medium-C patrol vessels being built for the agency by Seattle-based Kvichak Marine Industries. Kvichak, now a Vigor Company following the two companies merger earlier this year, delivered the first three RB-M Cs in April 2010, August 2012 and April 2013, respectively.
Originally, the Response Boat Medium class was designed by Camarc Design, UK for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new RB-M fleet. The RB-M class—which replaced the Coast Guard’s 41ft utility boats—featured a total of 174 boats built and delivered by the RB-M team, comprised of Kvichak and Wisconsin-based shipbuilder Marinette Marine. The final vessel in the 174-RB-M series, the RB-M 45774, was delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard this past March.
Designed with speed in mind, the RB-M features an all aluminum construction; a deep V hull for balance and stability— helping improve and increase response time; and can travel at a speed up to 42.5 knots, and operate a 250 nautical mile range at 30 knots.
The commercial spin off of the class, the RB-M C features the same high-speed flexibility and agility, but with additional customizable features. For example, the NYPD RB-M C features a heated deck, and the RB-M C delivered to Los Angeles County in 2013 has a roof mounted RS-700 Gamma/Neutron Radiation Detection System.
The NYPD RB-M C will be powered by Tier 2-compliant Detroit Diesel 60 series engines. Its propulsion will be supplied by Rolls Royce Kamewa FF375S waterjets. The vessel will also come equipped with a Furuno Navnet system, SeaFLIR Voyager III system and Kohler 9kW genset for AC power. Its climate controlled pilot-house, cabin and heated windows offer the crew protection from the elements.
Kvichak’s ability to produce high quality aluminum patrol and workboat vessels was one of the reasons Vigor hoped to merge with the small boat builder. At the time of the merger, Vigor CEO and owner Frank Foti said, “The Kvichak team builds the best aluminum workboats in the country, arguably the world. Infusing those fabrication genetics into our broader operations is what industrial evolution is all about.”
Silver Ships delivers rescue boat to Southampton
East of New York City, the coastal town of Southampton, Long Island, will be safer thanks to the newest member in the NY/Southampton Bay Constables fleet. Alabama-based Silver Ships, Inc., recently delivered the 21-foot center console all-aluminum patrol/rescue boat to the operator. The Freedom 21 vessel will be used for patrol, rescue, homeland security, and law enforcement purposes around the town of Southampton—the town is surrounded by a number of inland waterways, as well as Shinnecock Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
“The Freedom 21 Law Enforcement Vessel is sure to be a tremendous long-term asset for the Southampton Bay Constables and will be available [for] year round operation,” said Silver Ships’ Malcolm Wisch. Designed by naval architect Lou Codega, PE, Smithfield, VA, the vessel features an all-aluminum hull and superstructure making it both durable and rugged. Freedom 21 was engineered specifically for one-man operation. It features an upholstered leaning post with gun and storage lockers, as well as an ergonomically-designed helm area with seat bench/storage box on the forward side of the console.
Silver Ships will follow up the delivery of Freedom 21 with another vessel for Southampton Bay Constables, Freedom 25, which is currently under construction. Freedom 25 will feature a full pilothouse that is climate controlled, and will have CBRNE capabilities.
Gladding-Hearn delivers new generation of boats
Colombia is making a come back. Tourism is on the rise for the South American country as its violent history fades and the country’s lands and vibrant culture take center stage. One way Colombia is making its lands safer is by putting patrol boats in its waters—the country borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast. To help meet that goal, in 2014 the Colombian Department of the Navy called upon Massachusetts-based Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, to build and deliver six Chesapeake Class pilot boats.The final vessel in the series was delivered to the Colombian Navy earlier this year.
Designed by C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, the 56 ft boats, which are being used for coastal and offshore patrol operations and port security, feature an all-aluminum deep-V hull and are powered by twin MAN R6-800CRM diesel engines each delivering 800 Bhp at 2,300 rev/min, and capable of reaching a top speed of 27 knots.
C. Raymond Hunt & Associates also provided the design for a new generation of pilot boats recently delivered by Gladding-Hearn to the Tampa Bay Pilot Association—the Chesapeake Class MKII. The vessels, a spinoff of the Chesapeake Class, feature improved performance thanks in part to the addition of Volvo Penta’s IPS 2 pod system.
“This new generation of Chesapeake launches, named Chesapeake Class MKII, is equipped with the IPS 2 pods, which provide what pilots have been asking for: higher speeds, lower fuel consumption, and more comfort,” says Peter Duclos, President of Gladding-Hearn.
The new generation boats are powered by twin Volvo Penta D11, six-cylinder, EPA Tier 3 diesel engines, each producing 503 Bhp at 2,250 rev/min. Volva Penta’s integrated EPS electronic steering and control system, along with the three-axis joystick increases the pilot boat’s overall maneuverability when docking alongside another vessel.
The inclusion of a Humphree Interceptor automatic trim-optimization system gives the pilots higher speeds and improved comfort, while burning 25 percent less fuel than similar Chesapeake Class launches, says Duclos.
Prior to its delivery of the Tampa Bay Pilot boats, Gladding-Hearn delivered the second in a series of 70 ft Tactical Response Vessels to New York City’s Harbor Patrol Unit. The vessels, says the yard, are designed and built to respond to terrorist activities on New York City’s waterways. The all-aluminum vessel’s superstructure includes a 360 degree wheelhouse, further enhanced by the fly-bridge which has ballistic-resistant windows and panels. The vessels also feature two decontamination showers; an American Safe Room Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) filtration system to help pressurize the vessel’s accommodation spaces; and a 1,500 gallons/min remote control water cannon mounted on the pilot house roof.
Powered by twin 12-cylinder MTU-12V2000M94 diesel engines, the vessel can reach a top speed of over 41 knots, and at 30 knots a range of about 225 miles. The MTU engines turn a pair of Hamilton HM571 waterjets through ZF3050 gearboxes. Meanwhile, a 30 kW Northern Lights/Alaska Diesel generator provides service power.
Additionally, Gladding-Hearn completed the delivery of a five-boat contract for the NYPD. The 61 ft high-speed dive boats were specifically engineered for the NYPD’s harbor unit dive team.
Willard unveils new Sea Force
California-based Willard Marine, Inc. has debuted its new Sea Force 777. The 7.7 m long military-grade, fiberglass, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) can be used for a number of blue water missions including rescue, patrol and visit/board/search and seizure.
The RHIB is designed with a deep-V hull to maximize stability. Sea Force 777 will feature a UV-coated, 40-ounce polyurethane WING inflatable collar, with a 7-panel bow cover and rub-strakes to reduce damage during boarding and weight shifting.
The Sea Force 777 is a larger version of Willard’s military-grade RHIBs. The vessel is customizable, and can be made in aluminum; additionally, Willard says it can accommodate a variety of seating configurations, law enforcement equipment, electrical packages, weather protection, and navigation devices.
On the heels of the new Sea Force debut, Willard Marine won a contract from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to build a modified version of its Sea Force 730 RHIB. The 20 ft RHIB will be operated by the Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center.
The vessel will perform fisheries and marine mammal research, including collecting samples, remote sensing survey, and marine mammal population surveys throughout the Pacific region. Vessel delivery is scheduled for Summer 2016.
Willard Marine was also tapped to construct three 28-ft aluminum Hydrographic Survey Launch Ships (HSLs) for NOAA. The HSLs are based on former SeaArk Marine’s commercial boat design—Willard Marine is the exclusive builder of SeaArk Marine designed commercial vessels—and the HSLs will add flexibility and autonomous capability to NOAA’s fleet.
The HSLs will be used on waters off the U.S. coast to conduct oceanographic surveys with hull-mounted and towed sonar units. Power will be provided by a Cummins QSC8.3 engine capable of generating 510 hp with a ZF Marine 305-2 transmission.
Two of the vessels will be built for NOAA’s 208 ft Thomas Jefferson; and the other boat will be built for the 231 ft NOAA ship Rainier. The two ships are used to conduct hydrographic surveys to update NOAA’s suite of nautical charts.
The HSLs will be delivered to NOAA during the Fall of 2016.
Moose Boats delivers M2-32 Cat
Moose Boats’ M2-35 catamaran design is often a popular choice for agencies looking to add speed to their fleet. One such operator is the Placer County Sheriff’s office, Lake Tahoe, CA, which will soon take delivery of an M2-35 patrol catamaran. The M2-35 vessels are powered by twin Yamaha F350 outboards enabling the vessel to reach speeds up to 45 knots.
Earlier this year, Moose Boats completed and delivered two M2-35 outboard catamarans to the Port Authority of NY/NJ. Those two vessels would be used in patrol and rescue missions.
Beyond the M2-35, Moose Boats is expanding its monohull line up, making further developments to its M3-30. According to Moose Boats General Manager Stephen Dirkes, the design features a slightly narrower cabin that allows crew to walk around the cabin for easy access to the bow. The hull’s length was also reduced to under 30 ft, making it a perfect fit for one-man operation. The M3-30 has undergone rigorous testing by law enforcements in both coasts, where it topped speeds of over 45 knots.
Brunswick delivers workhorse to Wildlife Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission recently took delivery of the first-of-its-kind 30 ft Sentry aluminum boat from Brunswick Commercial and Government Products (BCGP).
The new Sentry model is part of BCGP’s aluminum boat line up and complements the already existing Sentry line up which includes 32 ft, 36 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft variants.
The line up is the result of a Master Supply Agreement between BCGP and Canada-based MetalCraft Marine.
“This new [Sentry] platform was designed to accommodate many features needed in the maritime security industry,” said BCGP’s Jeremy Davis. “Whether the mission is port security, game conservation or the safety of recreational boaters, this vessel can easily be customized to fit the needs of law enforcement agencies around the world.”
The Sentry class is designed with port security and patrol missions in mind. It features a forward cuddy cabin, computer workstation and lockable weapon storage.
North River Boats produces Valor for Fire and Rescue missions
Up in Roseburg, OR, North River Boats recently delivered a new 38 ft fireboat to North Kitsap Fire and Rescue. Based on North River’s Valor design, the vessel is capable of generating top speeds of up to 35 knots and maintains a cruising speed of 25 knots.
The vessel, says North River, comes fitted with a Kem Equipment, Kodiak 6.0L fire engine, coupled to a Hale 60FBM Fire Pump System that delivers up to 2000 GPM from the two monitors.
On the vessel’s bow is a Task Force Tips (TFT) remote operated monitor that provides crew with firefighting suppression—the adjustable nozzle enables the operator to quickly go from fan to full stream.
Additionally, Simrad displays and the Simrad digital radar, GPS, Wireless Intercom/Headset System; an Icom M604 VHF radio and a FLIR M 625L thermal imaging camera are featured on the vessel.
Many common bulk cargoes, such as iron ore fines, nickel ore and various mineral concentrates, may be subject to the phenomenon, in which a soil-like material is abruptly transformed from a solid dry state to an almost fluid state.
If liquefaction occurs on board a vessel, the stability will be reduced due to the free surface effect and cargo shift, possibly resulting in capsizing of the vessel. The ship structure may also be damaged due to increased cargo pressures.
DNV GL says there are some distinct and disturbing features of accidents caused by cargo liquefaction.
First, the accidents happen very fast. The period of time from when liquefaction is detected, if it is detected at all, until the vessel has capsized could in some cases be only a few minutes. This leaves very little time for remedial measures. It also leaves very little time for safe evacuation of the ship, and such accidents are often associated with tragic losses of crew members.
Second, an accident on one vessel is often followed by a new accident, or near-accident, on other vessels that have loaded similar cargo at terminals in the same area.
DNV GL’s new guideline aims to raise the awareness of the risks of liquefaction and describes mitigating actions to reduce these risks.
“Cargo liquefaction is probably now the most significant factor in lives lost at sea for bulk carriers,” says Morten Løvstad, Business Director of Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. “While the general safety level of modern bulk carriers has been significantly improved over the last decades, recent incidents have shown that cargo liquefaction remains a major safety issue. Since 2009, at least six ships of more than 40,000 dwt have been lost to suspected liquefaction of cargo. These incidents have shown that cargo liquefaction is an issue that has not been sufficiently dealt with, and concerned owners and operators have contacted us for support and advice.
“With this guideline we wanted to help our customers by not only increasing awareness and building competence around the phenomenon, but also to offer some strategies, both in design and operation, to reduce these risks.”
The guideline focuses on both the operational and design aspects of cargo liquefaction.
In daily operation, recommendations to reduce the risk of liquefaction include:
The design guidelines look at the potential of carrying cargoes with high moisture content onboard specially constructed or fitted ships, in compliance with the IMSBC Code. Such vessels can remain safe both from a stability and strength point of view even if the cargo liquefies or shifts.
“Under the IMSBC code such vessels must have permanent structural boundaries or specially designed portable divisions to confine any shift or liquefaction of cargo, but detailed requirements are lacking,” says Mr. Løvstad. “It is clear, however, that stability and structural strength have to be specially considered, and our guideline sets out criteria for them, based on DNV GL procedures and rules.”
The guideline also examines how and why liquefaction can occur, which bulk cargoes are subject to liquefaction risks, explains the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) and presents the effect of liquefaction on a vessel. The aim of the guideline is to provide ship designers, shipyards, shipowners and other stakeholders in the shipping industry a basis to assess the risks and begin the process of making their vessels and their operational processes safer when it comes to the risks of liquefaction.
Access the guideline HERE
Dryad says that the apparent impunity of maritime gangs operating in the region has led it to call upon the three nations surrounding the Singapore Strait, in particular, to provide a permanent security presence to deter criminals and protect maritime trade.
The number of reported incidents in the region has jumped from 140 in the first nine-months of 2014 to 194 in the same period of 2015.
The main focus for criminal gangs in the region has been the petty theft of ships stores as gangs look to steal engine parts and high value machinery for resale on the black market.In total 14 vessels have been hijacked in Southeast Asia in 2015 to date, with only one product tanker, the MT Joaquim targeted for the purpose of cargo theft in the last quarter (Jul-Sep), when 3000 metric tonnes of fuel oil were stolen from the vessel.
Dryad Maritime analysts have identified the Singapore Strait as a key area for increased vigilance. Between January and September they recorded 90 instances of theft or attempted theft with more than 80% of these crimes occurring in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) between Pulau Karimun Kecil and Pulau Besar during the hours of darkness.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Indonesian authorities have made repeated announcements pledging to enhance patrol cooperation and coordination in the region, yet, according to Dryad analysts, there remains little by way of a regular presence in this particular area.
Dryad Maritime analysts warn that despite the slowdown in fuel siphoning incidents during the last three months, the final quarter of 2015 is likely to see a further increase in hijackings and petty theft.
Ian Millen, Dryad Maritime’s Chief Operating Officer, says:”In Southeast Asia, the final quarter of the last three years has seen the highest numbers of incidents per quarter and we see no reason why this will not remain the same this year; a year in which we’ve already seen the highest number of incidents in the first nine months. There is a pressing need for a joined-up security effort in the Singapore Strait and other areas. Without a high visual presence from security agencies, criminal gangs will continue to operate freely with little fear of capture or prosecution.”
Dryad contrasts the worrying increase in Southeast Asia maritime crime with the good news following BIMCO’s recent announcement on a planned reduction of the BMP 4 piracy High Risk Area (HRA).
Mike Edey, Dryad Maritime’s Head of Operations, says:”By complete contrast, the worrying figures in Southeast Asia come at a time when the combined efforts of the shipping industry, naval forces, armed guards and others have resulted in the first geographical reduction of the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA). This is a testament to those who have taken a multi-faceted approach to containing the threat of Somali piracy and the first sign of a long-awaited period of de-escalation in the region. This will bring significant relief to the shipping industry who can, in some cases, transition to more cost-effective and dynamic methods of risk mitigation.”
You can access Dryad Maritime’s full Q3 analysis HERE
Whereas the Citadel Access Protection (CAP) SPS panels, which make up a door, are clamped in place from the inside to form a safe haven for the crew, these lockable doors are secured from the outside to protect sensitive areas of a vessel, in the event of hostile intruders. With no visible lock, the SPS security doors have a detail free, clean flat surface. SPS doors and panels provide six times the protection from impact loads, explosions and projectiles than equivalent steel and 75% more ballistics protection.
Ian Nash, Business Manager, SPS Marine and Offshore, says, “This innovation was in response to a client’s request to protect vulnerable areas. The permanently fitted security doors take seconds to secure from the outside. This allows the crew members to shut down areas of the vessel before taking refuge. Eighty vessels have been fitted with SPS CAP security panels and doors to date.”
A recent order from Fleet Management Europe Ltd brings their total to five vessels under their management, which have been supplied with SPS CAP door panels. More orders are expected to follow, says IE.
SPS CAP security doors and panels can be made to suit individual requirements—size, weight and door thickness can all be tailored. By altering the thickness of the SPS panels (steel and polyurethane) their performance can be altered to meet specific safety criteria.
OCTOBER 14, 2015— Silver Ships, Inc., Theodore, AL, recently delivered a Freedom 21 all-aluminum patrol/rescue boat to the Southampton, NY, Bay Constables. The 21-foot center console boat was designed and engineered for
A shift in the approach to safety management of enclosed spaces on board ships is needed. Fifteen years ago, while working as an independent surveyor, I was carrying out a condition survey on board a bulk carrier. The scope of the survey included testing the emergency generator, located in the steering flat and accessed by an inclined ladder.
Accompanied by the superintendent and the chief engineer, we had no sooner reached the bottom of the space when the chief engineer urgently ordered us all out. By the time we had exited the space, within seconds, we were all in a state of dizziness and confusion, compounded by our inability to comprehend what had just occurred. Further investigation revealed that Freon gas had leaked from refrigeration machinery located in the steering flat and being heavier than air, had migrated into the emergency generator space, displacing breathable air. It was a lucky escape. Victims of asphyxiation in enclosed spaces deficient in oxygen will normally receive no such warning that anything is wrong or have the ability to quickly escape.
Should we have been aware that this emergency generator space, not being enclosed in the usually perceived sense of the word, was potentially dangerous for entry? Absolutely.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) currently defines an enclosed space as having any of the following characteristics:
Most could be forgiven for not considering our generator space to fall within this definition, although it was clearly proven to present a danger in a particular circumstance.
Another very common example of confusion over what actually constitutes an “enclosed space” is the inconsistent perception of the dangers presented by CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system cylinder storage rooms. A leak in the system may accumulate in the space and displace breathable air if not thoroughly ventilated.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) rooms are frequently not identified as enclosed spaces on board and not provided with appropriate warning signs at the space access. Crew members may easily fail to appreciate that a CO2 room should properly be included within the aforementioned definition of an enclosed space.
No atmosphere hazard warning notice
The IMO list of enclosed spaces is not exhaustive, it is therefore important that ship managers and crew apply a wide interpretation as to what spaces on board each vessel could potentially be deficient in oxygen, and/or contain flammable and/or toxic gases or vapours, therefore requiring safety precautions to be observed prior to entry.
The dangers associated with enclosed spaces are well known yet deaths continue to occur.
Part of the issue may be misconceptions as to what spaces are or may become dangerous, and how they are identified. At present, there is no industry standard for the design and siting of warning notices and symbols that may be universally understood by ship and shore personnel. Indeed, on many ships, no attempt is made to provide any such labelling at points of access.
Cargo hold access – No warning notices
Warning notices alone will not overcome the problem as otherwise professional and well trained seafarers continue to enter enclosed spaces. In May last year, three crew members on board a cargo ship lost their lives after entering a cargo hold loaded with sawn timber, a cargo known to cause oxygen depletion.
Another part of the solution must also lie in improved levels of education and training of both ship and shore personnel. Reference is made to IMO Resolution A.1050(27) “Revised Recommendations For Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships” adopted in 2011. These recommendations provide, inter alia, that shipowners must adopt a comprehensive safety strategy to prevent accidents on entry to enclosed spaces, and that procedures for enclosed space entry are included among the key shipboard operations concerning safety of personnel and the ship. The recommendations also provide that no person should open or enter an enclosed space unless authorized by the master or the nominated responsible person, and unless the appropriate safety precautions laid down for the particular ship have been followed.
Despite the training requirements included in the above revised recommendations, IMO has recognized that more needs to be done to respond to the continuing loss of life from personnel entering shipboard enclosed spaces. This has taken the form of amendments to SOLAS regulation III/19 “Emergency training and drills”, which entered into force on January 1, 2015, and requires that enclosed space entry and rescue drills are to be conducted at two month intervals. The amendments include the following:
“3.6 Enclosed space entry and rescue drills
3.6.1 Enclosed space entry and rescue drills should be planned and conducted in a safe manner, taking into account, as appropriate, the guidance provided in the recommendations developed by the Organization [i.e. Resolution A.1050(27)] .
3.6.2 Each enclosed space entry and rescue drill shall include:
.1 checking and use of personal protective equipment required for entry;
.2 checking and use of communication equipment and procedures;
.3 checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces;
.4 checking and use of rescue equipment and procedures; and
.5 instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.
4.2 Every crew member shall be given instructions which shall include but not necessarily be limited to:
.5 risks associated with enclosed spaces and on board procedures for safe entry into such spaces which should take into account, as appropriate, the guidance provided in recommendations developed by the Organization.
In addition to these welcome changes, the IMO has recently seen fit to rectify the anomaly that until now, no industry wide requirements have been in place, requiring all vessels to carry atmosphere testing instruments.
For all of this to be effective, it is necessary that ship staff, with the support of shore management, perform mandatory drills, training and actual entry procedures with a dedication and seriousness that reflects the dangers that attend enclosed space entry. A Permit to Work must be fully completed and signed off at the site of the task so that it is contemporary and reflects the actual hazard and safety needs of the operation. All too often, On every occasion before carrying out a job, pre-work meetings or “tool box talks” need to be arranged to identify who does what, the tools needed to identify the risks involved and what to do if something goes wrong.
Drills and training should be properly planned and be used as an opportunity to assess the challenges of rescue from the variously identified enclosed spaces on board. Training should also emphasize to crew the importance of raising the alarm when persons are found to be in difficulty within an enclosed space, and that any rescue is properly coordinated in accordance with practiced procedures.
Comprehensive record keeping and interactive post drill de-briefs will assist in identifying any weaknesses in procedures and promote crew ownership of the training program.
Last but not least, a zero tolerance culture to unplanned and unprepared entry into any enclosed space requires to be rigorously enforced and ingrained into all personnel, on board and ashore.
—By David Nichol, Risk Assessor, UK P&I Club