Lightning strikes may not get the attention bestowed on fire safety at sea, but they can inflict equally devastating damage upon vessels, personnel and offshore structures. An estimated 3-8 million+ lightning strikes occur globally each day, equating to a frequency of 44-100 strikes per second (these can be viewed in real time at the site […]
A report released by Intercargo has found that the biggest contributor to loss of life among mariners in the dry bulk sector is cargo liquefaction. The recently published Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2013-2022, which was submitted to the International Maritime Organization in May, has just been made public. The document demonstrates that while overall […]
By Tom Barlow-Brown Emergency services have been fighting a blaze onboard a ro-ro cargo ship off the coast of the Netherlands. The fire has resulted in the death of one crewman and left several others injured. The fire is the fourth major incident since 2021 to occur on a car carrying vessel, and the second […]
What goes into producing a high-quality lifejacket? Obviously, there is the selection of suitable, durable materials, components and foam, as well as stringent tests to ensure that the jacket’s performance meets ISO, SOLAS and/or MED standards and helps to keep the wearer alive. Another consideration, though, is customer feedback: the end user’s requirements play a […]
Over the past five or so years, it has become increasingly obvious that the seaborne carriage of electric vehicles (EVs) using lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious risk in the event of an accident. The main hazard is related to the risk of thermal runaway, which can cause fires or explosions if the Li-ion battery […]
US company Form-A-Tread is currently targeting small workboats, fishing vessels, dive boats and rescue boats with its same-named epoxy coating, reportedly developed to increase traction on decks, docks and gangways. The coating is particularly aimed at “wet, rolling and pitching vessels buffeted by waves and wind gusts” that can put crew members at increased risk […]
Zelim’s remote-controlled, autonomy-capable and AI-enhanced Guardian craft could enable instantaneous, effective casualty recovery at offshore wind turbine arrays, even in rough weather First was Survivor1: a remote-control rescue craft concept, designed to swing into action in the event of a casualty at deepwater offshore wind turbine sites. Developed by SAR services provider Zelim in cooperation […]
Although rarely required, lifeboats are an essential component of a cruise ship. As the last line of defence in extreme emergencies they are subject to stringent regulations regarding the number onboard and their upkeep is of central importance for a ship to meet and pass safety standards. The trend over the last decade or so […]
Recently refurbished oil spill response vessel (OSRV) Aktea II has commenced operations in the Aegean Sea, where it will assist the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in protecting this territory. The 2007-built vessel has embarked on these Aegean missions on a four-year contract with EMSA, with the possibility to extend this period by another four […]
Poorly designed enclosed spaces are proving to be actual death traps for seafarers and port stevedores alike – and, depressingly, these fatalities are dangerously close to becoming accepted as an ‘inevitable’ part of maritime and offshore operations. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has calculated that, since January 2018, 12 seafarers and 16 dockers have […]
Life Cell Marine Safety of Australia, developer of the Life Cell marine flotation device, has partnered with the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to distribute a specially modified version of its life-saving device among the country’s small boat fleet, free of charge. The initial pilot scheme will see […]
The Naval Architect October 2021
The multi-partner TopTier JIP aims to research and restore fidelity in boxship operations.