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Fsa News

24 Aug 2021

Port of Redwood City Invests in New Fire and Police Boat Dock

(Photo: Port of Redwood City)

The Port of Redwood City said it will invest approximately $2.5 million of Port Security Grant Program funding to develop a new fire and police boat dock, which will serve as the home base for emergency vessels.The development of a new boat dock further supports the Redwood City, Calif. port's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Staging Area (FSA) designation.The Port Security Grant Program funding enables the port to support interagency operations, enhance training exercises and fund security infrastructure such as cameras…

10 Mar 2018

U.S. Navy Assesses Fleet Structure

Following the release of new national security and defense strategies, the Navy is undertaking a new Fleet Structure Assessment that could alter its stated goal of a 355-ship fleet, senior service officials told Congress this week. A new FSA would take a look at the mix of surface ships and submarine in the service and could change assumptions on the look and size of the future fleet, Vice Adm. Bill Merz, deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems (OPNAV N9), told the House Armed Services seapower and projection forces subcommittee on Tuesday. “We intend to do another FSA with the new National Defense Strategy. There’s a series of events that have to happen before we do the FSA…

01 Nov 2017

Wicker Calls for 355-Ship Navy

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

Speaking in front of the Senate, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, said the requirement for a 355-ship Navy is clear, especially in light of the recent, fatal accidents involving the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain. In response to these incidents, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, directed that a comprehensive review take place. On Tuesday, Wicker and other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have been briefed on those findings. The Navy is scheduled to make the review public later this week.

13 Sep 2017

USCG Releases Draft Cyber Guide for Maritime Facilities

James Espino (Photo: Gnostech)

Cyber risk has hit a critical peak within the maritime industry, and the significant impact of the Petya ransomware attack on scores of maritime entities only amplifies it. The attack effectively shut down major ocean carriers, including shipping conglomerate Maersk, and impacted marine terminal operations across the globe. Every maritime company, no matter the size or business function, is a potential target. The industry has seen a recent wave of guidelines and resolutions from maritime regulatory bodies related to maritime security and cyber risk mitigation.

13 Jun 2017

MSC Adopts Amendments to SOLAS2020

International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Marine Safety Committee (MSC) adopted amendments to SOLAS2020 that raise the damage stability requirements for passenger vessels in the event of flooding caused by a collision. These changes used as a basis a series of EU and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) funded cooperative research projects conducted by academics, shipyards, ship operators, owners, classification societies and ship design consultants over several decades. “To their great credit, the funding and support provided by the EU and EMSA have enabled a research effort into safety that would otherwise not have been possible,” says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime.

20 Dec 2016

US Naval Secretary Calls for 355-ship Fleet

Ray Mabus (Photo: U.S. Navy)

In announcing the results of the 2016 Force Structure Assessment (FSA), U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recommended a 355-ship fleet, including 12 carriers, 104 large surface combatants, 52 small surface combatants, 38 amphibious ships and 66 submarines. The FSA is a year-long effort which began in January that was conducted to evaluate long-term defense security requirements for future naval forces today at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Mabus’ assessment will be one input to the Navy's FY-2018 30-year shipbuilding plan.

05 Jul 2016

USTC Delivers Near Record Profit

With profit before tax of DKK 480 million, Middelfart-based Selfinvest, which includes the global Group A/S United Shipping & Trading Company (USTC), is yet again filing an impressive set of financial statements. This was generated via record results in several of USTC’s subsidiaries, with the Group thus cementing its position of strength in the global market. CEO and sole owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen says: “It is characteristic of the financial year just concluded that we are continuing to see the fruits of the investments and acquisitions we have undertaken as part of the USTC Group’s growth strategy. Within our three primary divisions…

20 Apr 2015

IMO Conference to Address Ferry Safety

Photo: AMSA

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold an international conference on the enhancement of safety of ships carrying passengers on non-international voyages, in Manila, the Philippines, on April 24, 2015. The conference, which will be opened by IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, will be hosted by the Government of the Philippines at the Philippine International Convention Centre, Manila, and is expected to be attended by a number of IMO Member States interested in the matter…

21 Jul 2014

IACS Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) Training Course

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) says that to  facilitate a wider understanding of the Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) process, its experts recently held a one-day FSA training course. The course was present free of charge, for delegates attending the first meeting of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 1) and over eighty delegates attended this event. The course commenced with an overview and purpose of a FSA and an explanation of how FSA relates to regulatory impact assessments and the Goal-Based Standards Safety Level Approach (GBS/SLA).

15 Jul 2014

Navy Explains FY-15 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan

"Commonly referred to as the 30-year shipbuilding plan, we have highlighted a path forward that captures the required number of ships by type, as outlined in the FY12 Force Structure Assessment (FSA). Our FSA identified those forces that most efficiently execute the missions and priorities of the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG) and meets requirements in the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. This report builds and maintains a battle force inventory of near or above 300 ships, and ultimately shows that we can achieve the FSA objective of 306 battle force ships. As we have done with previous submissions our plan assesses Department of the Navy (DoN) investments in battle force ships in three 10-year periods — near-, mid-, and far-term.

19 Sep 2012

Drewry Launches Maritime Equity Research brand

Drewry launches new equity research business with DP World investment report. Drewry, the renowned maritime research and advisory firm, announces the launch of a new brand, Drewry Maritime Equity Research, to further expand its portfolio of specialist products and services. Drewry, which is FSA authorised, will use the Drewry Maritime Equity Research brand to produce investment reports on listed companies operating within the maritime industry, providing the market with a completely independent analysis that has been built using Drewry’s unique expertise and knowledge of the shipping industry. Each investment report will focus on a company’s operational and strategic position…

28 Jun 2012

Moore Stephens Strengthens Regulatory Advisory Team

Moore Stephens has further strengthened its regulatory advisory capability with the appointment of John Westlake as compliance manager. John Westlake has a broad perspective of the insurance industry acquired through a variety of roles, which has enabled him to support insurers and brokers in establishing effective compliance solutions. He has a strong commercial background, having acted as operations director with a personal lines insurer, compliance director with a commercial insurance broker and most recently training and advising senior management in the management of risk at JLT Group. He also worked with the FSA advising insurance intermediaries on regulation.

02 Mar 2012

FSA Hosts Lunch for New IMO Secretary General

The Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA) Joint Manning Group (JMG) honored IMO Secretary General Koji Sekimizu at a welcome lunch, held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati. Attended by stakeholders from the various sectors of the Philippine maritime industry, the event also featured discussions on crucial issues, which include the STCW Manila Amendments, the EMSA report on the country’s compliance to STCW requirements, anti-piracy efforts, and the importance of Filipino seafarers to the world’s merchant fleet. The Joint Manning Group is composed of the Philippine Maritime Industry’s five leading manning agencies – the Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment Inc.

28 Jun 2011

Wagenborg's Engelsman Supports North P&I Club

The "A" rated North P&I club is at the top table of P&I clubs in terms of financial strength according to chairman Albert Engelsman of Dutch shipping group Wagenborg. Engelsman confirmed that the club’s focus on quality and prudent underwriting had given it, "immense financial strength." He highlighted the fact that free reserves reached a record $312 million at renewal, premium income is projected to reach $350 million in the current policy year and the combined ratio has dropped to 78% - the lowest of any club.

02 Jun 2011

Insurance Industry Must Take Data Governance Seriously

Leading accountant and insurance industry adviser Moore Stephens has questioned whether data governance is being accorded the attention it deserves by the insurance industry. Recent FSA Arrow visits have highlighted a number of frequently recurring problems in insurance firms relating to risk management, governance, data and reporting. These include poor risk control culture, poor reporting, ineffective governance, inadequate allocation of control staff, lack of integration across controls and risks, and poor formalisation of roles and accountability.

29 Mar 2011

Schat-Harding Sees Shipowners Select Secure Service

Leading lifeboat manufacturer and service provider Schat-Harding says more shipowners are opting to enter into long-term service agreements in order to ensure priority service for the lifeboats, davits and hooks on their vessels. David Torres, vice-president sales, Schat-Harding Service, says, “We see a welcome trend away from ad hoc servicing of key lifesaving equipment and a move towards long-term Fleet Service Agreements. With world trade growing, shipowners cannot afford delays or detentions related to Life Saving Appliances.

18 Jun 2009

ECDIS, BNWAS Mandatory under SOLAS

Amendments to SOLAS regulation V/19, to make mandatory the carriage of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS), under SOLAS chapter V, Safety of Navigation, were adopted, with an expected entry into force date of 1 January 2011. The requirements will be mandatory for new ships and phased-in for existing ships. •    Amendments to the title of Chapter VI to read, Carriage of Cargoes “and Oil Fuels” and to Regulation VI/5-1 on Material safety data sheets (MSDS) to require  MSDS to be provided for ships carrying oil or oil fuel, prior to the loading of such oil as cargo in bulk or bunkering of oil fuel. The MSC also approved Recommendations for material safety data sheets (MSDS) for MARPOL Annex I type cargoes and oil fuels.

27 May 2009

IMO Safety Committee, Piracy on Agenda

IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is meeting at the Organization's London Headquarters for its 86th session from 27 May to 5 June. The packed agenda includes discussion on piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, the implementation of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, the development of goal-based standards for new ship construction and the adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The MSC will review the latest statistics on piracy and armed robbery against ships, in particular in relation to the situation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden…

19 Feb 2008

Straightforward Safety from Schat-Harding

hooks and winches for any shipowner. designated by the shipowner. It is a new and unique service agreement. engineers authorised by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. with mixed equipment this is a particular problem. maintained equipment. status of their equipment online through the SHIELD database. system for lifeboats, davits and associated equipment. the life of the vessel. authorized by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. right parts, by the right people, on time.

08 Oct 2001

High Tech Service Initiatives From Deltamarin

Finnish technical consultancy Deltamarin, in characteristically innovative style, is breaking new ground with the development of new computer-based services encompassing safety simulation and risk assessment, knowledge management and life-cycle support. Its latest endeavors form the basis of what it describes as contemporary configuration engineering and management, and extend the role and business scope of a practitioner of the latest technology tools in marine design, engineering and production. Armed with new methodologies and products, which offer a seamless link from the design and construction period into the post-delivery stages…

08 Oct 2001

High Tech Service Initiatives From Deltamarin

Finnish technical consultancy Deltamarin, in characteristically innovative style, is breaking new ground with the development of new computer-based services encompassing safety simulation and risk assessment, knowledge management and life-cycle support. Its latest endeavors form the basis of what it describes as contemporary configuration engineering and management, and extend the role and business scope of a practitioner of the latest technology tools in marine design, engineering and production. Armed with new methodologies and products, which offer a seamless link from the design and construction period into the post-delivery stages…

10 Feb 2004

Moore Stephens & Clyde & Co Set Up Insurance Intermediary Consultancy

Insurance accountant and consultant Moore Stephens has joined with international law firm Clyde & Co to provide specialist advice to intermediaries on all aspects of the authorization process and on continuing compliance with FSA requirements. The rigorous FSA regime comes into effect on January 15, 2005. Intermediaries have until July 14 this year to submit their completed registration packs to the FSA. The new rules are not voluntary. licensed by the FSA. John Harbor, head of the Moore Stephens Insurance Industry Group, says, "Most intermediaries will need to begin the registration process two-to-four months before the July 14 submission date in order to prepare the information needed to secure successful authorization.

05 Apr 2004

Legal Beat: Criminal Enforcement in the Marine Industry: The Latest Trends

By Jeanne M. Grasso and Allison L. In the past several years, federal prosecutors increasingly have devoted time and resources to pursuing vessel owners, operators, crewmembers, and shoreside employees who are involved in illegal discharges at sea. Discharges at sea have long been recognized as a serious threat to the marine environment and, as a result, there is a plethora of laws in the United States regulating discharges into waters of the United States. These statutes include the Clean Water Act, the Refuse Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) (implementing the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL), and the Ocean Dumping Act, among others.