The Mariner's Blog

MARPOL Annex V deals with the prevention of garbage pollution by ships. The US implements MARPOL Annex V by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Regulations are provided in 33 CFR Part 151 to assist the regulated community in complying with the law. However, 33 CFR Part 151 has not been updated to...

IMO together with a number of industry bodies (ICS, BIMCO, OCIMF, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, IPTA, and ISF) remain convinced that the only long-term solution to piracy is to establish effective government and implement the rule of law ashore in Somalia. With that solution beyond the horizon, the group urges that anti-piracy...

IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu has announced the theme of this year's Maritime Day: "Sustainable Development: IMO’s contribution beyond Rio+20." The theme reflects IMO's push for efforts to ensure that the industry becomes greener and cleaner. Sekimizu named eight "pillars" that illsutrate this vision: safety culture and environmental stewardship energy efficiency new...

At the start of 2013, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said that halving lives lost at sea, eradicating pirate attacks, and ensuring the release of all hostages should be goals for IMO and the shipping industry in the coming years. IMO has posted a briefing covering Sekimizu's remarks at IMO’s first meeting...

Amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in May 2011 to reduce the liklihood of accidents during lifeboat launching. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013. IMO has posted a briefing describing these recent changes: SOLAS amendments on lifeboat safety...

In July 2011, amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to require more engery efficiency, reduced emissions, and raised standards for the handling of sewage and garbage. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013. IMO has posted a briefing...

This article is based on the Overview of Changes distributed by IMO, and includes some additional clarification. IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its ninetieth session in May 2012, adopted resolution MSC.328(90), which finalized Amendment 36 to the IMDG Code. IMDG Code Amendment 36-12 is available for use starting January...

IMO will soon be publishing the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and Supplement, 2012 Edition, incorporating Amendment 01-11 (IMSBC Code 2012). This update to the original IMSBC Code 2009 is already available for use, in spite of the lack of a published hardcopy. IMSBC Code 2012 will replace IMSBC...

IMO has just published Procedures for Port State Control, 2012 Edition, which replaces the previous edition published in 2000. What’s it for? Port State Control involves the inspection of foreign ships in port areas to verify that the ship’s condition and operation comply with international regulations. It is the responsibility...

IMO has published Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species (Ships' Biofouling), 2012 Edition. What’s it for? The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms to new environments by ships has been identified as a major threat to the world’s oceans and...

IMO has just released a new publication: the Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code, 2012. What’s it for? This Guide has been developed to consolidate existing IMO maritime security-related material into an easily-read companion guide to SOLAS chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security) and the ISPS...

IMO has just finalized the Code of Safe Practice for Ships carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code), which replaces the previous edition published in 1991. What’s it for? The Code of Safe Practice for Ships carrying Timber Deck Cargoes aims to ensure that stowage and cargo securing arrangements...

IMO has just published the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code), 2010 Edition, which replaces the previous edition published in 1998. What’s it for? The International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code) provides the international requirements for laboratory testing, type approval,...

Charts produced by Norway's Kartverket (Norwegian for "Mapping Authority") are now available in the United States as print-on-demand charts. The Norwegian Hydrographic Service (a division of Kartverket responsible for marine navigation) signed an agreement with OceanGrafix by which OceanGrafix chart agents are authorized to print and distribute nautical charts for Norway. The...