The following PSC deficiencies, related to BWM Convention, were found as more frequent in recent PSC inspections and raised as 'Rectify before departure':

• Improper entries in the Ballast Water Record Book.

• Inconsistencies between the International Ballast Water...

IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) announced on May 2019 that, on or after 1st October 2020, approval for the use of electronic record books will be needed.

MARPOL Convention requires that ships are to be provided with several record books for the purpos...

Cook Islands Maritime Authority issued new requirements for fire control plans on Cook Islands flagged ships, in force since 1st of January 2019. Particular for escape route signs and equipment location marking. 

The scope is harmonizing the requirements of SOLAS r...

Cook Islands Maritime Authority issued new requirements for fire fighter's portable radiotelephone apparatus. Applicable for cargo ships of 500 GRT and above, and all passenger ships. 

All the above ships flying Cook Islands Flag constructed on or after 1 July...

Malta Maritime Authority issued new requirements regarding the graphical symbols in fire control plans on Maltese flagged ships. 

Ships constructed before 1 January 2004, the graphical symbols used for fire control plans onboard can continue to apply with IMO...

IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) prepared a Guidance for the commissioning testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) on board, for the persons engaged in fitting and verifying the installation of BWMS. 

INITIAL STAGES

Initia...

IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), has clarified how energy-rich fuels or their blends with petroleum oils subject to Annex I of MARPOL and/or with biofuels subject to Annex II of MARPOL can be shipped in bulk under the correct annex of MARPOL, by prov...

As it was announced on January 2019, Port of Fujairah has decided to ban the use of open loop scrubbers in its waters. Ships will have to use compliant fuel once the IMO 2020 sulphur cap comes into force. 

The Chinese Government announced the prohibition of discharge of the wash water from open loop scrubbers. 

The following paragraphs were selected from the announcement, for your reference:

Discharge of water pollutants from the exhaust gas post-treatment equipment shall...

Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced on January 2019 that the maximum draft for a ship transiting the Neopanamax locks will be set to 14.94 meters as of 11th of February 2019. 

Vessels with drafts exceeding the 14.94 meters may be allowed to steam on the Gatum Lake, d...