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Uk Mca News

02 Feb 2022

Installed on OSV, Survitec's Seahaven Evacuation System Passes Heavy Weather Trials

©Survitec

Seahaven Advanced Evacuation System , developed by the UK-based marine safety and survival solutions provider Survitec, has successfully passed heavy weather sea trials (HWST), deployed from the offshore support vessel EDT Jane.According to Survitec, the test was carried out in line with the SOLAS requirements for Novel Appliances which requires the test to be performed in conditions that do not drop below six on the Beaufort Scale.Representatives from classification society Lloyd’s Register were in attendance…

10 Jun 2021

UK MCA to Conduct Surprise Inspections of Fishing Vessels after Fatalities Spike

Image by shaunwilkinson/AdobeStock

Surveyors from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency are to carry out unannounced inspections of fishing vessels across the UK with the aim of increasing safety in the industry after a growing number of fatalities."The inspections are being carried out as part of ongoing work around fishing vessel safety in an industry-recognized to be one of the dangers in the world," the MCA said.According to the Agency, since November 2020, there have been eight deaths – more than ten percent of the total for the previous ten years.

20 May 2021

New Report Helps UK MCA Prepare for Offshore Oil Spill Challenges

Credit: Xodus Group

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) future oil spill response plan will be informed by a new report that maps out possible threats to the UK's coastal areas, marine life, and traffic as a result of hydrocarbon releases from energy industry operation and shipping.The report on the review of the hydrocarbon release risk on the UKCS over the next decade was delivered for the MCA, by Xodus Group, in association with London Marine Consultants.The review evaluated the risk of a serious mineral oil release occurring in UK waters from vessels of more than 1…

25 Aug 2017

Marlins Approved Test Centres Open in Panama, Ethiopia

Marlins, V.Group’s training business, has approved two new test centres in Panama and Ethiopia. The test centre in Panama is the first Marlins approved test centre in Central America. The centres – E4Seafarers in Panama and Andromeda Marine Surveying and Consultancy PLC in Ethiopia will offer both Marlins UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) approved STCW testing and certification as well as English language testing. Bisrat Hailu, general manager, Andromeda Marine Survey and Consultancy plc adds: “Our aim is to support Ethiopia’s efforts to become a force in the shipping industry by providing high-end training and consultancy services to existing as well as prospective seafarers in the country.

20 Apr 2017

Princess Cruises Fined $40 Mln for Pollution

Caribbean Princess (Photo: Princess Cruise Lines Ltd.)

Princess Cruise Lines Ltd. was sentenced to pay a $40 million penalty – the largest-ever for crimes involving deliberate vessel pollution – related to illegal dumping overboard of oil contaminated waste and falsification of official logs in order to conceal the discharges. The sentence was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida in Miami. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Patricia A.

19 Aug 2016

Meercat Sells Third Workboat to Dawnfresh

(Photo: MEERCAT Workboats)

MEERCAT Workboats said it has sold a third workboat to Scottish aquaculture firm Dawnfresh. MC26, named Venetia, is an aquaculture specific workboat which will be delivered to Scotland in late August. Venetia is a 15m x 6m monohull workboat designed and principally engineered for aquaculture. The vessel is built to U.K. MCA workboat code of practice CAT 3. She displaces 44T and has a deck loading of 10Tm2. The vessel is powered by two Doosan L136 Ti 460Hp engines with a Beta-Marine 21kVA 50Hz generator. Her deck cargo capacity is 20T.

23 May 2016

New Vessel Registration System for the UK

Oceans HQ Director André Tanguy

Oceans HQ, a  provider of specialized software to the world’s Maritime Administrations, has signed an agreement to deliver a new digital Vessel Registration system to the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The new digital platform forms a key component of the MCA’s 2016/17 business plan and is critical to its digital strategy which is designed to improve the way it provides a range of services. Oceans HQ has partnered with Thoughtbot London to deliver a modern software solution inspired by its Vessel HQ product, already in operation at a number of Flag States.

09 May 2016

Next Generation Marine Power: The Future Looks Bright

The Next Generation Marine Power & Propulsion event was held in the Grand Harbour conference venue looking out over the Port of Southampton where cruise ships, oil tankers and the world's largest container vessels ply their global trade. The event brought together a broad and unique marine industry group from the UK, EU and US. A dynamic program, including three keynote speakers and 20 presenters, highlighted the latest technology and opportunities for the maritime sector worldwide – and the future for next generation marine power certainly looks bright.

19 Apr 2016

UK MCA Contract Award to PDMS

PDMS Maritime is delighted to announce a significant new contract with the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to provide a new integrated system to incorporate seafarer management and approved doctor records, delivering process efficiency improvements and enhanced customer services, in line with the MCA's Digital Strategy. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport. Its responsibilities include UK ship registration and seafarer certification and it is widely recognised for its operational and technical ability. This investment in cutting edge digital technology is strategically aligned with the IMO's recent recommendations to reduce registry administrative burden through electronic record keeping.

03 Feb 2016

Large Yacht Code for Super Yachts - AMSA

From March 1, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will adopt the Large Yacht Code for super yachts and training vessels of 24 metres or more in length in a first for the Australian yachting community. Marine Order 52 will change the way large yachts in Australia are regulated in line with international norms. AMSA Chief Executive Mick Kinley said the change recognises that large yachts, also referred to as Super Yachts, operated commercially for sport or leisure do not fall naturally into a single class. “Australia shares the view of the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) that prescribed merchant ship safety standards may be incompatible with the safety needs of large yachts given the nature of their operations,” Mr Kinley said.

05 Jan 2016

UK-built Mussel Boat for Offshore Shellfish

Alysée (Photo: Alnmaritec)

U.K. based boat builder Alnmaritec announced it has designed and built a new 15.2-meter aluminum Wave Farmer 1400 mussel farming boat, Alysée, for U.K. shellfish farmer Offshore Shellfish. Developed from Alnmaritec’s Wave Train catamaran hull form, Alysée has been configured and customized to meet the specific needs of Offshore Shellfish, including a number of precise pieces of equipment, the builder said. When commissioning the build project, Offshore Shellfish sought a boat with excellent maneuverability…

24 Nov 2015

Thordon Wins Environmental Award

Thordon Bearings’ George Morrison was presented with the Tanker Shipping & Trade Environmental Award for the COMPAC system (Photo: Thordon Bearings)

COMPAC, Thordon Bearings’ seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing system, won the Tanker Shipping & Trade Environment Award following a verdict that the system allows shipowners to cost-effectively comply with stringent marine pollution rules. Dr. Karen Purnell, the Managing Director of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF), who sat on the award judging panel alongside representatives from INTERTANKO, IACS, UK MCA and Scorpio Tankers, said, “It is a…

26 Jan 2015

Zamakona Refits Vessels VOS HERA & HADES

The Zamakona Yards in Pasajes has successfully finished the works carried o t in the vessels VOS HADES and VOS HERA that belong to the Company Vroon Offshore Services UK. The conversion required a major upgrade of the VOS H-Class to enable Rescue & Standby facilities for a Group B vessel. The project´s design done by OSD-IMT OFFSHORE SHIP DESIGNERS was created in order to meet the customer´s requirements and the UK MCA and UKOOA regulations. - New accommodation areas such as treatment area, hospital, reception, survivors and non survivors’ facilities, etc have been done. For those areas, new steel modules have been necessary, rearrangement of several spaces on board, new rescue zone, etc. - New bridge wings have been installed according to UKOOA requirements. – Painter booms, etc.

04 Jun 2014

Marlins Security eLearning Goes Global

The U.K. MCA have granted approval to Marlins for their new STCW eLearning courses, resulting in further expansion of Marlins’ international Approved Test Centre network. The 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention came into effect in 2012 and included a new requirement, Section A-VI/6. This requires all crew, whether deck, engine/technical, hotel, superyacht or concession, to undergo security awareness training. Crew members with specific security duties must also study and gain certification for additional topics. Marlins STCW security courses allow students to learn remotely online, at their own pace. Study material is graphical and interactive, including mini assessments throughout, to check understanding.

24 Oct 2013

Training Tugmasters – Without Vessels

Transas, Seaways Europe & Serco Marine: Working together to create the world’s best tug simulator, and along the way training Tugmasters in the absence of the actual vessels. When UK-based Serco Marine Services acquired 29 new vessels from Damen to replace older assets and augment their growing fleet and contract obligations, they also knew that that they simply could not wait until the boats arrived to begin training their tugmasters in the fine art of ASD operations. Serco Tugmaster and National Training Manager Steve Sandy eventually turned to SeaWays Consultants to get help with that training. Utilizing the cutting edge, Transas-built Seaways Tug Training Simulator, neither Serco nor Sandy has ever looked back with regret on that decision.

21 Oct 2013

UK MCA Trainee Award to Princess Cruises Man

Philip Cave: Photo courtesy of MCA

Philip Cave, from Fleetwood Nautical College, whose training company is Princess Cruises, has been recognised for his dedication and achievements throughout his training by the award of this year's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Trainee Officer of the Year award. The award aims to encourage and recognise quality within the maritime industry. Nominations are made by nautical colleges alongside the trainee’s sponsoring company. The winner is decided by a panel of judges, including representatives from the MCA and other industry figures.

20 Sep 2012

Vibration Mitigation on Fast Craft

The professional maritime sector recognizes the need to reduce the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) but this is not a straightforward process for those operating planing craft. These vessels can expose crews and passengers to high levels of repeated shock and vibration which has been shown to increase the risk of injury. In flat sea conditions there is vibration from the engine, gearbox and shaft but the crew and passengers are not exposed to harmful vibration. All fast boat operators know that waves change everything.

12 Sep 2012

ECDIS Ltd included in MCA Training Provider List

ECDIS Ltd included in MCA Training Provider List. The sad consequences of the grounding of ships have been all too commonly seen on television screens world-wide. Ships such as  Torrey Canyon, Exxon Valdez and Costa Concordia have become household names in recent years, and the consequences for the environment, the loss of lives, ships and cargoes, together with the costs to insurance companies, have been all too clear for media audiences all around the planet. The UK government, through the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) has responded to a call from the IMO (International Maritime Organization) for all ships of 500 tons or more to be fitted with ECDIS within a sliding timescale and for the deck officers of those ships to be carefully trained in the use of ECDIS.

05 Jul 2012

Incat Crowther Wins Design Contract for 25m WFSV

25m Catamaran Wind Farm Service Vessel

Incat Crowther has been awarded a contract to design a 25m Catamaran Wind Farm Service Vessel. Construction of the vessel has commenced at MMS Ship Repair in Hull, in the UK. Designed to meet an industry demand for increased cargo capacity and flexibility, the vessel will feature a large forward cargo deck that caters for a single 20-foot container, or a pair of 10 foot containers. 20 foot containers can be mounted longitudinally or transversely, allowing additional cargo to be carried as required. A deck crane is mounted at the forward end of the cargo deck.

05 Jul 2012

Incat Crowther Contracted to Design WFSV

Image credit Incat Crowther

The 25m catamaran Wind Farm Service Vessel (WFSV) will feature a large forward cargo deck that caters for a single 20-foot container, or a pair of 10 foot containers. 20 foot containers can be mounted longitudinally or transversely, allowing additional cargo to be carried as required. A deck crane is mounted at the forward end of the cargo deck. A passenger cabin at the aft end of the main deck will house 12 technicians, with a galley, wet room, dive stores and bathroom. 4 berths for crew members are located in the in the hulls.

17 May 2012

Incat Crowther Launches 18m Catamarans

Incat Crowther  has announced the launch of ASP Tyne and ASP Thames, two 18m Catamaran Wind Farm Service Craft. ASP Tyne and ASP Thames were constructed by Topaz Marine at their Abu Dhabi yard in the UAE, and will be delivered to ASP Holdings in the UK. ASP Tyne and ASP Thames are the latest in a lineage of successful wind farm service craft from Incat Crowther, offering excellent efficiency and seakeeping, combined with practical and rugged operation. The vessels have dual cargo zones forward and aft, allowing maximum operational flexibility.

20 Apr 2011

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Travels to Ft. Lauderdale

The U.K. government’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency visited Fort Lauderdale during the first week of April, undertaking the oral examinations required in order to attain a U.K. MCA Certificate of Competence. The MCA’s Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Services and Ship Registration, Captain Roger Towner, conducted the examinations himself. Oral exams are required by the MCA in addition to completion of all of the MCA training courses. They can last up to two hours during which time the examiner can ask the candidate anything that is on the syllabus. “The candidates worked extremely hard, several having rushed from their busy lives aboard yachts, straight into the classroom for oral preparation”, said Jim Cartlidge IYT’s Head of Training.

15 Dec 2008

First RAstar Class Tugs Enter Service

A unique new design of high performance terminal/escort tug has just entered service at the Dragon LNG terminal in Milford Haven, U.K., under the Svitzer flag. The Svitzer Lindsway was delivered to the UK from the builders Freire Construcciones Navales of Vigo, Spain in early November, 2008. The overall contract for this entire project comprised two distinct designs for vessels of the new RAstar 3900 (one off) and the RAstar 3400 Classes (five off). Due to differences in major machinery and performance requirements there are also two machinery variants in the 111.5 ft tugs.