Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
From 10 July to 9 August 2023 the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control conducted a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTAs).
The Paris MoU is trialling an alternative approach to the regular Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) by conducting several short-targeted inspection campaigns referred to as Focused Inspection Campaigns (FICs). In the coming months more such FICs are scheduled. After completion of the trials, the results, ease of implementation and effectiveness will be assessed and, on this basis, further decisions will be made on inspection campaigns and their format. Part of the trial also involves assessing with whether or not to pre-announce the inspection campaign.
The first FIC was carried out on PTAs. This subject was chosen as several incidents during pilot transfer, within the Paris MoU region and beyond, occurred which warranted carrying out this campaign. Most of the time pilot transfers are carried out safely, but the potential consequences of a person falling from a ladder can be fatal and the high-risk embarkation and disembarkation of the pilot by ladder requires constant management and supervision.
The purpose of the campaign was to verify whether the PTAs on board the ships inspected were fulfilling the SOLAS requirements. A total of 1262 Port State Control inspections were carried out, during which 100 ships were found with one or more deficiencies with the PTA. Deficiencies found indicated that:
- when requested by Port State Control Officers to demonstrate, pilot ladders were not properly rigged to allow pilots to embark and disembark safely. On several occasions it was found that the weight of the ladder was not taken by its strongest point but, for example, by the steps;
- pilot ladders were damaged and/or not properly maintained;
- identification of ladders and record keeping of surveys and repairs were missing.
The full press can be found here, in full detail.
December 7th 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Liberian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
PURPOSE:
This Notice provides a reproducible copy of this Operational/Safety Checklist in the RLM-300 to facilitate the inspection of safety equipment as required by SOLAS 1974, as amended, Chapter II, Regulations 14.2 to 14.4, Chapter III, Regulations 20.6 and 20.7 and other parts of SOLAS, MARPOL and other International Conventions, as applicable. The Administration strongly recommends the use of this format or a company sponsored planned maintenance system.
APPLICABILITY:
This Notice applies to Masters as it is their responsibility to ensure that all safety equipment, including lifesaving and firefighting appliances, is always in good condition and available for immediate use. Masters should also be aware that Port State Control inspections are focusing greater attention to the condition of lifesaving and firefighting appliances, based on the fact that these areas continue to generate the greatest number of deficiencies on the average for all vessels inspected by Port State Authorities.
Questions regarding this Marine Notice should be directed to the Fleet Performance Department at prevention@liscr.com.
December 5th 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Liberian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: 1st Dec. 2023
The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform shipowners, operators and masters of the new policy issued by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China which intensifies PSC inspections in Chinese ports. The approach under the special follow-up regime adopted by the MSA is to some extent similar to the "Blacklist" management mechanism established by various MOUs in evaluating the performance of the vessels and Flag States.
Requirement
The Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China (China MSA) has recently issued “The Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Vessels under Special Follow-up” which enter into force on 1st December 2023 Tand are applicable to Chinese and foreign flagged vessels navigating, berthing or operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. The Provisions are not applicable to military, fishery and sports vessels.
List of Vessels Under Special Follow Up
The following vessels shall be listed as under special follow-up vessels:
1. Foreign vessels that have been detained twice in the Port State Control inspections in a consecutive 12-month period.
2. Chinese vessels that have been detained twice in the vessel safety inspections (including the oversea Port State Control inspections) in a consecutive 12-month period.
3. Vessels that have been imposed twice administrative penalties by the Maritime Safety Administration in a consecutive 12-month period due to their serious illegal acts such as inadequate manning, malicious shutdown of the AIS, willful and illegal discharge of pollutants, overload, inland river vessels engaging in sea transportation, etc.
4. Vessels that refuse to accept or escape from handling after the occurrence of maritime administrative violations.
5. Vessels that have forged, altered, transferred, traded, or leased vessel certificates or carry out major conversion of vessels without inspection and authorization of the vessel inspection organizations.
6. Vessels that have caused relatively large or higher-level water traffic accidents and bear equal or higher-level responsibilities.
7. Vessels that are managed by shipping companies under special follow-up.
8. Vessels that shall be listed under special follow-up pursuant to the “Provisions on the Administration of Maritime Law Enforcement Assistance in Investigation”.
9. Vessels that require special follow-up as designated by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China.
The inspections conducted by the Maritime Safety Administration on vessels under special follow-up shall not be affected by such factors as sailing schedule, cargo loading and unloading and where conditions permit, such inspection shall be conducted at each port and shall be more detailed in nature.
Removal from the List
Where a foreign vessel under special follow-up has zero deficiency in the Port State Control inspection conducted by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China after three months from the date of listing, the Maritime Safety Administration of the inspection port shall file an application for removing the vessel from the list of vessels under special follow-up along with other relevant materials to its provincial Maritime Safety Administration, the vessel shall be removed from the list upon approval.
During the period when the vessel is listed under special follow-up, for each recurrence of the abovementioned situations that shall be listed as vessels under special follow-up, the time of the application for removing from the list shall be extended by 3 months counting from the previous date of permitted application for removing from the list.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fleet Performance Department at Telephone +1-703-790-3434 or by email to prevention@liscr.com.
December 1st 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Liberian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
This bulletin is to notify you of two recent security incidents in Ukrainian waters.
On or about 8 November 2023, a ship was struck by an anti-radar missile near Privdennyi seaport, in the Ukrainian city of Yuzhni near Odessa, killing a pilot and injuring three (3) crew members and damaging the ships bridge and superstructure.
On or about 16 November, another ship was likely hit by a floating sea mine in position 450 16.5’ N 0300 26.1’ E while underway from the port of Pivdennyi to Constanta, Romania. The vessel sustained minor equipment damage, all crew onboard the vessel is reported safe, and no injury or pollution has been reported.
Please also be reminded that NAVAREA III warning 0092/202 for the BLACK SEA - NORTHWESTERN PART is currently in effect for danger to navigation related to mine laying activity.
Ships Masters should obtain the relevant NAVAREA III warnings and contact the local port authorities and ships agents for additional information. Ships navigating in these areas, including approaches to ports in Ukraine, should also monitor Maritime Safety Information (MSI) messages, maintain a proper lookout for suspicious drifting objects and report immediately to ships and coast radio stations in the area with position and direction and speed of wind and current.
All vessels transiting this Area are also advised to take extra precaution and measures in accordance with the approved ship security plan and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities including security@liscr.com.
Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at:
Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs
Republic of Liberia
22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA
D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655
Email: security@liscr.com
Website: www.liscr.com
November 24th 2023 - PHRS Head Office
NL 285/23 | Marine Advisory 29/2023 - Use of Record and Log Books on board Ships (Supersedes Marine Advisory 29/2022)
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators of Liberian flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
Purpose
The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform shipowners, operators, inspectors and masters of revisions to the Liberian Maritime Regulations RLM-108 related to the use of record and log books onboard ships.
Background
In order to provide a uniform standard and consistency in record-keeping of MARPOL, Ballast Water and Radio activities onboard Liberian registered ships, RLM-108 was revised in August 2022 to make use of the record and log books listed below officially issued by the Administration mandatory on Liberian registered ships.
Requirements
The following record and logbooks shall be officially issued by the Administration in paper format; or as record book or log book in electronic format (electronic record book) approved by the Administration:
1. Oil Records Book Parts I and II;
2. Cargo Record Book – NLS;
3. Garbage Records Book Parts I and II;
4. Ballast Water Record Book; and
5. GMDSS Radio Log Book
Existing records and log books not officially issued by the Administration may continue to be used until onboard supplies of such versions are exhausted. To order the books, please complete this publications order form or directly from LISCR'swebsite.
The Administration maintains a list of approved Electronic Record Books.
New Record Book
The Administration is also offering shipowners/operators a Marine Sulphur Record Book which may be used for recording fuel oil change-over, including other events related to Sulphur content in the fuel.
Questions regarding this instruction should be referred to publications@liscr.com or you may call +1-703-790-3434.
November 22nd 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Exhibition and Conference "Embracing Sustainability & Innovation in Shipping" - 22-23 November 2023
For the first time, WIMA is organizing an exhibition on November 22nd 23rd, 2023, allowing its Members to connect with the Maritime Ecosystem strongly. In this exhibition, 35 Greek marine-oriented Companies will have the chance to present their equipment, services, and products to all visitors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to get to know WIMA's members, learn about the technological innovations and materials in our industry, watch live demos, and find solutions that will upgrade their services and businesses.
Conference will be held on November 22nd: "Embracing Sustainability & innovation in Shipping," where crucial issues of shipping will be discussed through the four panels of our distinguished speakers in order to underline the significant challenges that are already here and concern the environment, digitalization, security, etc.
We invite you to visit our stand B17 and participate in this unique knowledge exchange and networking event.
For free registration, click here.
Exhibition and Conference "Embracing Sustainability & Innovation in Shipping" - 22-23 November 2023
PHRS invites you to visit stand B17 at the Exhibition and Conference "Embracing Sustainability & Innovation in Shipping" in the Stone Warehouse of the Piraeus Port Authority on 22-23 November 2023, organized by WIMA.
We will be glad to welcome you!
NL 284/23 | MRV Regulation Changes: Time for Action!
Refers to: Owners and Operators of vessels greater than 5000GT, general cargo ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage and offshore ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, engaged in commercial voyages in/out or between EU ports
Action Date: January 1st, 2024
In 2015, the European Union made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime transport industry by implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/757, known as the MRV Regulation. This regulation set out guidelines for large shipping companies to provide annual reports on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and relevant details. Independent verifiers accredited by the EU would then confirm the accuracy of these reports for ships exceeding 5000 gross tonnage (GT) calling at ports within the European Economic Area (EEA).
In 2023, the MRV Regulation underwent amendments as part of a broader strategy to curtail emissions from the maritime sector. Its objective is to encompass maritime transport operations within the EU Emissions Trading System. It also stipulates the monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions of additional greenhouse gases and emissions from additional ship types.
Until January 1, 2024, the MRV Regulation exclusively monitored CO2 emissions from sizable ships both underway and at berth, considering various related factors like energy efficiency, distance travelled, time at sea, and cargo carried.
CO2 emissions stand as the primary element of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, although methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) also contribute significantly. After January 1, 2024, the MRV Regulation’s scope broadened to encompass methane and nitrous oxide emissions from shipping.
Furthermore, starting January 1, 2025, general cargo ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage and offshore ships of 400 gross tonnage and above were included within the amended MRV Regulation's jurisdiction.
Shipping company obligations after 1 January 2024 under the amended MRV Regulation
Under the updated MRV Regulation, shipping companies are now obliged to modify their ships' monitoring plans in compliance with the amended regulation starting January 1, 2024. These revised plans need evaluation by independent accredited verifiers.
If deemed compliant, companies must submit these revised plans via THETIS-MRV by April 1, 2024, for approval by the relevant administering authority.
For ships visiting an EEA port for the first time after January 1, 2024, the company should submit their monitoring plans within three months of the initial call.
From January 1, 2024, shipping companies must monitor and report methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, in addition to CO2 emissions.
Each shipping company will be associated with the administering authority of a Member State. The European Commission will publish a list assigning each company to an administering authority of a Member State, following guidelines from the EU ETS Directive, by February 1, 2024, and every two years thereafter.
Beginning in 2025, by March 31 of each year, companies must submit an emissions report for each ship they oversee, covering the previous year's reporting period. These reports must be verified and submitted through THETIS-MRV to the relevant administering authority, the ship's flag State authorities (if it's an EEA country), and the European Commission.
From 2025, by March 31 of each year, for ships falling under the ETS Directive's scope, shipping companies must additionally submit an emissions report at the company level, consolidating data verified by a verifier in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2015/757. This report should contain aggregated emissions data for all ships under the company's responsibility, categorized by individual greenhouse gas and expressed in tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Obtain the revised MRV Regulation:
For any further information you are free to contact PHRS Head Office or any other PHRS office near you.
November 2nd 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
Member Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control has announced the forthcoming joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Fire Safety.
This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2023 and ending 30 November 2023. The campaign will examine specific areas related to fire safety in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection.
Since Fire Safety was the category with the highest detainable ratio for 2022, any ship with deficiencies under this category may be considered for detention. Thus, during this period, PHRS will undertake similar examinations on all surveys/audits to be held onboard of PHRS certified ships. Attached you can find the relevant Checklist of CIC on Fire Safety.
Furthermore, ship-owners and operators are urged to take all necessary actions to be prepared for the forthcoming PSC CIC.
The press release of Paris MoU can be found here in full detail.
August 10th 2023 - PHRS Head Office
Holiday Notice
We would like to inform you that our Organization will remain closed on Tuesday the 15th of August due to Public Holiday.
We will resume normal operations on Wednesday the 16th of August.
For any urgent matter that might occur, you can always contact our office through the usual telephone numbers and e-mails, as our correspondence is regularly being monitored from our emergency staff.
August 11th, 2023 - PHRS Head Office