Loss Prevention Advice
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From September 1, 2005 to November 30, 2025, the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control (PSC) will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) targeting compliance with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
Port State control officers will verify key areas, including certification, Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approval and updates, crew familiarity, system operation, record-keeping, sediment management and exemptions.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://www.american-club.com/files/files/Press_release_2025_CIC_BWM.pdf
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What happens when Lockout/Tagout procedures are skipped during routine maintenance? For example, without proper tagging and securing of valves and pump controllers, even a small oversight can lead to engine room flooding. Make a Good Catch by always ensuring full compliance with all safety management system related Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Full advisory at the following link.
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A warning to shipowners about the risks of signing a “certificate of safe delivery” issued by tug operators after their services are used in port, usually when a vessel has encountered a problem.
An increasing tendency has been observed, for tug operators to furnish vessels with a ‘certificate of safe delivery’ upon completion of certain kinds of towage services. A signature from the Master is requested and often obtained.
This generally applies to services provided when the vessel encounters some kind of problem in port, with harbour tugs already in place or requested to attend via agents. However, Gard advises shipowners against signing such a certificate, as it is not a legal requirement and can have negative consequences.
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Recent analysis by the legal firm HFW has highlighted a rise in claims involving fuel degradation on dual-fuelled LNG carriers, a pattern also observed in recent UK Club claims, leading to operational complications and legal disputes.
According to the UK Club, this issue often occurs when vessels primarily use LNG, resulting in extended onboard storage of fuels such as VLSFO.
Prolonged storage can lead to degradation, potentially necessitating de-bunkering or causing mechanical failures.
Preventing fuel degradation:
- Regularly recirculate fuel to avoid stratification, where the piping layout permits.
- Maintain optimal storage temperatures, supported by tank heating alarms and charter party clauses that set limits on pour and cloud points.
- Regularly drain tank bottoms to reduce water accumulation and microbial growth, although this may not be feasible in all tanks.
- Consider using additives, provided they are approved by the engine manufacturer.
- Employ monitoring tools such as water-finding paste alongside periodic tank cleaning.