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Reminder - Anchoring in Malaysian Waters off East Johor
ALERT27 APR 2021
In the past few weeks, several vessels entered with Gard have been detained and fined by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for anchoring in East Johor waters without the requisite permissions from the authorities.
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Beware of fishing vessels in Chinese waters
ALERT26 APR 2021
The seasonal fishing ban in China comes into force on 1 May 2021. As the number of fishing vessels in Chinese waters is expected to increase in the period leading up to this date, ship operators and masters are advised to take additional precautions when planning a voyage to and from Chinese ports during this period.
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Prepare for tougher at-berth emissions reductions in California
ALERT15 APR 2021
California’s new regulation designed to further reduce pollution from vessels berthed at its ports is now in force. While compliance by visiting vessels is not required until 2023, the practices, procedures and equipment needed for compliance could be quite extensive and costly, and the preparatory work to ensure timely compliance should not be postponed.
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China’s Yangtze River Protection Law is now in force
ALERT08 APR 2021
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A new Chinese environmental law that bans the carriage of a range of highly toxic and dangerous chemicals in the Yangtze River Basin took effect on 1 March 2021. Violation of the law may lead to substantial fines and ship operators trading in this area should carry out appropriate due diligence to check whether any cargoes carried are on the lists of banned chemicals.
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Beware of Indonesia's immigration law
ALERT17 MAR 2021
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Seafarers entering or leaving the Indonesian Territory without valid entry and exit stamps in their travel documents may face substantial fines, and even imprisonment.
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There is never a wrong time to revisit your enclosed space entry procedures
ALERT02 MAR 2021
Recurring enclosed space incidents serve as a stark reminder that entry into such spaces without following proper procedures can result in seafarers being killed or seriously injured, warns a major flag state.
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‘Bridge Cards’ for use in high-risk areas
ALERT10 FEB 2021
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A set of quick reference 'Bridge Cards’ can be a useful safety aide memoire for masters and crews on vessel transiting a high-risk area - particularly during times of tension caused by piracy attacks or other security threats.
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Maritime piracy hotspots persist during 2020
ALERT28 JAN 2021
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Adding to the COVID19 hardships already faced by seafarers, 2020 saw a year-on-year increase in global piracy, with a record 130 crew kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea, a continuing rising trend of armed robberies against vessels in the Singapore Strait, and no improvements for robbery incidents in South America.
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Senegal steps up immigration and customs controls
ALERT18 JAN 2021
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Vessels calling at Senegalese ports, particularly Dakar, continue to face customs fines and the amounts of such fines have recently increased substantially.
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Maritime security recommendations for operations in the Persian Gulf
ALERT07 JAN 2021
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Industry organizations remind ship operators and seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea to remain vigilant and listen for military warnings at all times.
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US MARAD updates its Red Sea/Gulf of Aden security warning
ALERT21 DEC 2020
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The conflict in Yemen continues to pose a risk to commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, Bab al Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
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Loading soya beans in Brazil – practical guidance
ALERT16 DEC 2020
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Our local correspondent Representacoes Proinde Ltda. has published a comprehensive guide on the soya bean trade in Brazil and we recommend it as a useful source of reference and practical information.
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New immigration controls for seafarers entering Brazil
ALERT10 DEC 2020
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A valid Seafarer Identity Document issued in accordance with ILO Convention 185 is the only “maritime identity document” that will be accepted as proof of the bearer’s eligibility for visa waiver by the Brazilian immigration authorities.
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California clamps down on air pollution from ships at berth
ALERT05 NOV 2020
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In just over one month, California issued the largest penalty to date for violations of its at-berth emissions regulation and announced a further strengthenining of the same regulation, proposing to include emissions reduction requirements at additional ports and for new types of vessel such as ro-ro vessels and tankers.
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Increased security threats to vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea
ALERT22 OCT 2020
Just one week after the IMB PRC reported a 40% increase in the number of kidnappings from within Gulf of Guinea waters in 2020, major shipping industry organizations warn that an upturn in piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea is likely now that the dry season approaches and sea conditions improve.
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Argentina introduces new regulations in respect of Asian gypsy moth
ALERT21 OCT 2020
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Updated 6 April 2021
From 12 April 2021, all vessels arriving in Argentina, and that in the past 24 months have visited certain ports in Asia Pacific between May and September, will be subject to an assessment of their “Asian gypsy moth risk” - and possibly an inspection and implementation of phytosanitary measures upon berthing.
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Do not switch off the AIS in Nigerian waters
ALERT16 OCT 2020
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Despite the elevated piracy risk in the Gulf of Guinea, ships operating in the region should maintain their automatic identification systems (AIS) in operation at all times.
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US EPA proposes new vessel discharge standards
ALERT13 OCT 2020
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Updated 17 November 2020
When the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act was signed into US law in December 2018, the US Environmental Protection Agency was given two years to develop new national discharge standards for vessels that are at least as stringent as the discharge requirements established in its 2013 Vessel General Permit scheme.
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Updated COVID-19 guidance for shipping
ALERT01 OCT 2020
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The International Chamber of Shipping updates its health guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) to reflect the latest thinking and advice on the virus.
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ReCAAP ISC warns of heightened risk of sea robbery in the Philippines
ALERT30 SEP 2020
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The number of incidents of robbery against ships reported in the Philippines during the first nine months of 2020 has almost doubled compared to the entire year of 2019. Ships trading to the country should remain vigilant and maintain an adequate anti-piracy watch at ports and anchorages.
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