Page 5 - The flag March 2016

REGULATORY CHALLENGES AREPROGRESSING AT A RAPID PACE FORDRY BULK SHIPPINGINTERCARGO is entering 2017 with a loaded agenda. Against a challenging commercial context, as in 2016 the market suffered with the Baltic Dry Index diving to a historic low before showing improvement in the second half of the year, regulatory requirements have been progressing at a rapid pace.u DR KOSTAS G. GKONIS SECRETARY GENERAL, INTERCARGORegarding the safe carriage of dry bulk cargoes, cargo shift and liquefaction remain great concerns. When seafarers’ lives are lost, even one lost life is too many. The shipper is responsible for ensuring a safe cargo is loaded, while the importance of flag States’ timely submission of casualty investigation reports to IMO is paramount. INTERCARGO has also been working at IMO towards improved testing and verification of the cargo carriageconditions, and amendments to the IMSBC Code.Ahead of the IMO Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention entry into force on 8 September 2017, we are really concerned by the real practical problems faced by our members when it comes to the retro tting of existing dry bulk ships; any decisions on its implementation to be taken at the next MEPC 71 in July 2017 will come too late for many. Moreover, owners’ uncertainty remains in choosing a BWM system (see e.g. IMO- type approved against USCG requirements).INTERCARGO has been participating actively in the development of GHG reduction measures at IMO. IΜΟ has our full support in the mitigation of global GHG emissions from ships, and as shipping is by de nition an international activity, IMO is the appropriatebody to address such global challenges. The ambitious roadmap already approved by consensus in this respect will be followed up in the next MEPC.On the implementation of the 0.5% sulphur cap from 2020 for ships’ fuel oils, we are promoting the consideration at IMO level of transitional issues, the impact on machinery systems, verification issues and mechanisms, and any regulatory amendments or guidelines required.On Port State Control, INTERCARGO will continue its efforts to persuade regional MoUs to establish self- assessment mechanisms with the objective of targeting corruption within their areas, a problem that has not been suf ciently addressed so far.INTERCARGO’s activities (such as participation in Industry Working and CorrespondenceGroups, and of course at IMO) and publications (e.g. on Carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes Safely, Casualties, and Benchmarking the industry) are related to the core items of our work programme, including also Goal Based Standards / Common Structural Rules, Reception Facilities, Lifting Appliances, Loading Rates, Piracy/Security, Criminalisation, and Training, Manpower and the Human Element.We are proud that INTERCARGO-entered ships continue to outperform the industry averages in respect of detentions and de ciencies per inspection. INTERCARGO’s commitment to safety, ef ciency, and the environment, have become reference themes, even more so as, especially in dif cult times, ‘quality’ makes the difference, which is otherwise INTERCARGO’s primary focus.MANNING AGENCIES IN THE BAHAMASu whether using compliant low sulphur fuel oil or shipboard abatement technology is the solution for their tanker operations. The INTERTANKO Secretariat will assist members with advice and guidance on the cost-benefits of the use of clean fuels and the alternative options available.As with any new regulation, the devil isin the detail. When deciding on the 2020 implementation date, IMO acknowledged the concerns expressed on the foreseeable initial challenges linked to availability and quality control, and agreed to further consider what additional measures need to be developed to promote safe, consistent implementation of the 0.50% globalsulphur limit. It is essential that there be a “level playing field” when enforcing this regulatory requirement. INTERTANKO will work with all IMO member states, the shipping industry and other affected stakeholders, to ensure that its members are in full compliance with all applicable international and national regulations.the ag5Contacts for additional information:Ship Mate Limited Aquamarine Agency Limitedwww.shipmateltd.com www.aquamarineagency.comIn 2016, two manning agencies, Ship Mate Limited and Aquamarine Agency Limited were incorporated to assist young Bahamians in pursuing opportunities at sea.Both agencies complied with MLC 2006 guidelines and obtained certi cation as Seafarers Recruitment and Placement Agencies, with commitments to safeguard and mitigate seafarer and ship owner risk.