Alerts

The COVID-19 outbreak remains at the centre of attention, given that more and more countries report of positively confirmed cases. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued four transmission scenarios to help people be aware of the situation and know how to deal with the situation.

The Coronavirus outbreak has set the shipping industry into a frenzy, with major shipping stakeholders issuing guidance and recommendations, ports halting operations until further notice and a feeling of uncertainty on how this emergency will be dealt with.

The Emergency Escape Breathing Devices are part of the critical safety equipment and are used for escape from a compartment that has a hazardous atmosphere. Their use has become mandatory under the new amendments to SOLAS 74 (Chapter II-2, Reg 16) for all ships to which the safety equipment certificate is required.

Loss Prevention bulletin by The West of England P&I Club The West of England P&I Club issued a Loss Prevention Bulletin whichincludes guidance for ships crews on the loading and carriage of reefer containers to help reduce the possibility of claims arising, along with information on the types of cargoes carried, how reefer containers work, pre-trip inspections, container stuffing and sealing, and temperature recording.The common goal of these guidelines is the prevention of claims, and to ensure that the cargo is carried in a safe and efficient manner without loss of product quality. To achieve this aim it is vital that all concerned appreciate the importance of ensuring that the prescribed temperature set point is maintained throughout the voyage. It should also be understood that reefer containers are not designed to lower the temperature of warm cargo other than extremely slowly.The Club advises operators with vessels which may carry reefer containers to consider trecommendations included in this LP Bulletin( see below) and note the additional advice concerning the operation, stowage and transportation of such equipment.Loading and Carriage GuidelinesVessels should always carry manufacturers kits of reefer spares, suitable tools and repair manuals specifically relating to the makes and models of the...

Transportation of Rice Cargo: Skuld P&I - Loss Prevention

The unresolved crew change crisis remains a hot topic of discussion, with many seafarers remaining stranded on seas. In addition to BIMCO's information on where crew change takes place, we gathered updated information.

GAS ALERT There has been chlorine gas leak at Mumbai Port trust. The incident happened at about 3.30 am in the morning of 14 July 2010. it has affected nearly 59 persons of the nearby Lal Bahadur Shastri Nautical Institute and a Police Station of Siwri area. The Ministry of Shipping has sought a detailed report MPT.The incident involved leakage of chlorine gas from one of the cylinders kept at Hay Bandar area of Mumbai Port Trust. These cylinders have been kept in that area which is meant for storage of hazardous goods for the past few years. The affected persons were evacuated and have been admitted to three Mumbai hospitals Port Trust Hospital, JJ Hospital and KEM Hospital.Seven out of those admitted are in ICU but their condition is said to be stable. No death has been reported as per Deputy Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust.The records of Mumbai Port Trust mention that these cylinders were empty. Mumbai Port Trust says that it is checking its records to find out whether any action had been taken for disposal of the hazardous material in the past.The situation is presently under control, and Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Traffic Manager and other senior officials...

NATO Shipping Centre Alerts The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) posted its latest chart of Shipping Centre Alerts. It shows both Alerts and pirate events for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 in waters in and around the Indian Ocean.Source: NATO

NATO Shipping Center launches a Piracy Alert Map NATO Shipping Center has launched a new initiative on the NSC webpage. The so-called "Alert Map" will make the work of Masters and Company Security Officers (CSO) easier when they have to choose routes through the pirate infested waters. The "Alert Map" can be foundon the Operation Ocean Shield subpage, and on there will be posted the latest piracy relatedalerts, in co-operation with MSCHOA.This geographical presentation of the alerts makes it easier for shipowners, operators and charterers to get an overview of the situation in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and NW Indian Ocean, asit will contain the latest week to 10 days of piracy activity, making it easier to see the hotspots on the map.The map reflects all piracy events dating back to and including 2008, and will be updated on normal work days; To see the latest updated version click here.Source: NATO Shipping Center

GPS spoofing is a common incident nowadays, with the People's Republic of China reporting that in 2019 there was a number of GPS spoofing incidents in and around coastal areas and ports. In light of the dangers and challenges of GPS spoofing, the Club alerts all stakeholders to take precautions if experiencing jamming, or spoofing.