London P&I Club Issues Loss Prevention Guide for Coal Cargoes
THE London P&I Club has published a loss prevention guide on risks associated with the carriage of coal cargoes, with particular emphasis on gas monitoring and ventilation.The guide, written by Paul Willis, Senior Associate with UK-based forensic investigation and root cause analysis specialist Hawkins, notes that the management of coal cargoes and the proper use of gas detection equipment are key elements in the prevention of coal fire claims. It details the fundamental requirements relating to the installation…
Company Profile: Offshore Inland
With Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services Inc (OIMO), a leader in topside and riding crew repair services, experiencing strong growth before the drilling market softened, the company knew its days in Mobile, Ala., were numbered, as it had outgrown its five acre facility and fabrication shop. But it didn’t have to go far, earlier this year moving 60 miles east to Pensacola, FL, finding the backing of a strong maritime community with a wealth of technical talent, not to mention vastly improved facilities.
Negative Findings Reported on Enclosed Space Entry
The London P & I Club noted that reports generated during the club's ship inspection program show an increase in negative findings in relation to enclosed space entry on board ships. It said incidents continue to occur year-on-year despite a global acceptance of industry standard procedures. In the latest issue of its StopLoss Bulletin, the club noted, “Inspection findings vary in nature, but the enclosed space entry permit to work (PTW) and associated prescribed steps regularly present themselves as sources of negative findings in ship inspections. The club added, “An alarming trend of tick-box culture has recently been detected in routine ship inspections. The importance of proper consideration of the steps which are required for an entry permit to be granted should not be overlooked.
Drew Marine Division To Distribute Draeger Safety's Personal Air Fitration Systems
Drew Marine and Draeger Safety have agreed to name Drew Marine the distributor for Draeger's complete line of self-contained breathing apparatus and gas detection equipment throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Per the agreement, Drew Marine will now offer its marine industry customers and marine fire and safety inspection providers the full range of Draeger products. Draeger's principal product lines being offered by Drew Marine include: electronic gas detection measuring and monitoring instruments; self-contained breathing apparatus; Draeger Tubes and Draeger CMS spot measurement gas and vapor sampling.
Hydrogen Sulfide - the Silent Killer
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been called the "silent killer" because it has a way of sneaking up on its victims and killing them without warning. The key to protecting crewmen against the silent killer is to raise their awareness by educating them about the dangers of H2S and the precautions necessary to work with it safely. Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas most often encountered as a residual contaminant in cargoes such as crude oil, #6 oil, and molten sulfur. Hydrogen sulfide can also be encountered in holds containing decomposing plant and animal materials. Ballast tanks sometimes contain hydrogen sulfide because of the decomposition of plant and animal material contained in river water.
