AMSA Warns of Counterfeit Pilot Ladders
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued as Pilot Advisory Note advising coastal pilots and pilotage providers about the existence of counterfeit pilot ladders and associated certification.In March 2019, one of AMSA’s Port Marine Surveyors identified a pilot ladder onboard a vessel which appeared to be non-compliant with the pilot transfer requirements. The associated inspection certificate presented at the time of the AMSA inspection, suggested that the ladder…
MSC Signs Global Declaration of Intent Against Counterfeiting
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has signed an official declaration, designed to prevent the maritime transportation of counterfeit goods. The declaration is the work of the International Chamber of Commerce, which launched the Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) in 2004. BASCAP’s mission is to encourage government action and to enhance the campaigning voice of businesses and industries who see the social and economic harm caused by counterfeiting on a global level. MSC is pleased to become a signatory of the formal declaration, and to make public its ‘zero tolerance’ attitude toward the carriage of counterfeit products.
Industry to Prevent Shipping of Counterfeit Goods
Brand owners and representatives from the international shipping industry have joined forces in signing an historic declaration of intent aimed at preventing the maritime transport of counterfeit goods. Leaders from global shipping firms, freight forwarders, brand owners – whose products are counterfeited – and industry organizations, representing both industries signed a joint "Declaration of Intent to Prevent the Maritime Transport of Counterfeit Goods" today in Brussels. It marks the first time the global shipping industry and brand owners have made a public commitment to work together to stop the transport of counterfeit goods on shipping vessels.
UKHO Warns of Counterfeit ADMIRALTY Products
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has observed an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of ADMIRALTY charts and publications in circulation and is re-issuing a warning over the dangers they pose to the safety of vessels, crew and cargo. These counterfeit items have not been assessed by UKHO experts, who cross check and quality assure ADMIRALTY Maritime Products & Services to ensure mariners receive up-to-date and accurate information. Information contained within counterfeit products has also not been issued officially by or on the authority of a Government…
'Pst... Wanna Buy a Cheap Chart?'
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) sees an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts & publications. Counterfeit documents do not satisfy SOLAS carriage requirements, as they have not been issued by an officially approved government body or authorised hydrographic office. They may also fall foul of Flag State Authorities and Port State Control rules, as well as increasing the safety risk for vessels, crews and cargoes. UKHO's John Dawson said: ‘We urge purchasers, users, inspectors and regulators to be vigilant for counterfeit Admiralty charts and publications. Because counterfeit versions have not been through the same rigorous checking procedures as official charts and publications, they cannot be trusted for voyage planning or navigational purposes.
SKH Product Counterfeiter Sentenced
Swedish court rules for criminal conviction in SKF counterfeit court case. A Swedish court has sentenced one person to a one-year jail term and a five-year ban from trade, and awarded damages to SKF, after finding him guilty of violation of Swedish trademark law in relation to the SKF trademark. The court found that he intentionally purchased counterfeit SKF products. The products were thereafter sold with a high profit margin to unknowing customers. The criminal and civil court case was the result of a police raid in March 2010 of stores in Stockholm and Avesta (located in the central parts of Sweden) where the police found thousands of counterfeit SKF products. SKF cooperated with the police in the identification of the counterfeit bearings.
London P&I Club Issues Warning
The London P&I Club has warned that failure to maintain a proper record of the inspection and testing of onboard lifting equipment can jeopardize owners’ position in the event of a claim. The cub’s inspection program has recently highlighted several instances of negative findings regarding the ship’s lifting equipment register. In the latest edition of its StopLoss Bulletin, the club says, “Anyone procuring lifting equipment should ensure that they are buying genuine and properly certificated equipment as there are counterfeit products on the market.
