NYK’s SIMS Wins Special Award
The Ship Information Management System (SIMS) jointly developed by NYK and the Monohakobi Technology Institute has been recognized with a special award from the Japan Institute of Navigation. An awards ceremony was held on July 27, 2015, and attended by Koichi Akamine, NYK senior managing corporate officer; Makoto Igarashi, president of MTI; and Hideyuki Ando, a senior general manager at MTI. The Japan Institute of Navigation is a public incorporated association for the purpose of contributing to the academic advance of navigation. This special award is bestowed for achievements in practical fields related to navigation, and this year marks the 13th time the annual award has been presented.
OMSA Opposes McCain Amendment
The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) issued a statement regarding Senator John McCain’s proposal allowing foreign-built vessels to take over marine transportation in the United States, stating the amendment would gut U.S. shipbuilding while outsourcing jobs and security. “Senator McCain has proposed an amendment to eliminate a cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy that dates back to the founding of our nation. The reservation of domestic transportation to U.S.-built vessels ensures the existence and viability of America’s shipbuilding industrial base.
Staying Informed of Mariner Licensing Changes
Quick Tips to save time, money, and cut through the red tape. Whether it’s ensuring you’re in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s major revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or keeping up with updates to U.S. Coast Guard policy letters, navigating changes in professional mariner training requirements can be daunting. “But it doesn’t have to be,” said Capt. Guy Sorensen, president of the Virginia-based Chesapeake Marine Training Institute (CMTI).
USCG – Members Sought for CTAC
The US Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), which advises the service on matters relating to the safe and secure transportation and handling of hazardous materials in bulk on US-flag vessels in US ports and waterways. Applications should be received by September 30. 74 Fed. Reg. 36735 (July 24, 2009). (Source: Bryant’s Maritime News)
Hollings Laments Security Funding Shortfall
(The following is a statement of Senator Ernest F. On Sunday night, the President announced that the Administration will be looking for an additional $87 billion for Iraq. This would bring the total amount spent there to over $160 billion. This request alone represents three times the amount the President requested for our nation's homeland security efforts this year. I was reluctant to create a Department of Homeland Security, because I felt bureaucratic reshuffling without adequate planning and expertise would detract from our ability to fight terrorism. But we are stuck with what we have, and now the Administration must take the steps necessary to make this bureaucracy work.
Updated Approval Process for Structural Fire Protection
Transport Canada, the Federal Government Department of Canada, now recognizes Type Approval Certificates for structural fire protection products on ships and offshore installations by Germanischer Lloyd. Transport Canada has updated its approval process. Type Approval Certificates released by Germanischer Lloyd are now accepted for installation in Canadian registered ships. Precondition: The approval criteria meet the International Fire Test Procedures Code (FTP Code), the latest regulations of the SOLAS Convention as amended and the Transport Canada Standard TP 14612. Transport Canada has modified its approval process because efficient and effective fire protection plays a decisive role in the safe and secure transportation of people and goods.
CTAC – Members Sought
The Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC). The committee advises the agency on matters relating to the safe and secure transportation and handling of hazardous materials in bulk on US-flag vessels in US ports and waterways. Applications should be submitted by August 31. Source: HK Law
Chinese Yards to Build More LNG Tankers
Chinese shipbuilders are gearing up to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers as the government approves more projects to import the fuel. China's first home-built LNG tanker will be completed in November by Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co, which has orders for three more at about $200 million apiece. Another three Chinese shipmakers are ready to build the tankers, the most complex and expensive type of cargo carrier. Next month, China will receive its first cargo of LNG in Guangdong from Australia amid plans to double gas use by 2010 to curb coal pollution. The country is developing its domestic shipbuilding industry to secure transportation of imported raw materials for the expanding economy.
