MSM Makes Use of OCIMF Recommendations on Seafarers’ Work Hour Rules by Utilising ISF Watchkeeper 3.3

Following the good developments of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), whose members charter tanker vessels, Mastermind Shipmanagement (MSM) has decided to make use of their published new ‘Recommendations Relating to Requirements Governing Seafarers’ Hours of Work and Rest’ http://www.ocimf.com/library/information-papers.

The OCIMF Recommendations set out minimum expectations which it is hoped shipping companies will take into account to achieve compliance with IMO and ILO rules, to prevent fatigue and reduce fatigue related incidents. The Recommendations were developed in co-operation with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF), who represent maritime employers during the negotiations at IMO and ILO on seafarers’ work and rest hours.

The above mentioned OCIMF paper refers to the ISF Watchkeeper Version 3.3 computer software as being suitable for this purpose, incorporating calculations and the ability to generate reports that are consistent with the oil companies’ recommendations. Since the oil majors have stringent views on those matters, MSM believes that the ISF Watchkeeper Version 3.3 should also be adapted by dry cargo shipping.

Given the importance attached to ensuring the proper management and recording of seafarers’ hours of work and rest, MSM, like OCIMF and ICS, recommends that purpose – developed computer software is used to manage seafarers work and rest hours on board ships in order to demonstrate compliance with both IMO and ILO regulations.

MSM is confident that with the immediate implantation of the ISF Watchkeeper Version 3.3 the Masters and crew on MSM vessels will find it much easier to properly control and manage the workload on board. A good and sound management along the MSM prescribed working hour framework will become better enforceable by this designated reporting software.

Masters will easily be prompted to rest hour violations. This will help the Masters to reorganize the workload to eventually achieve proper compliance. The ISF Watchkeeper Version 3.3 will also assist our Masters in demonstrating to various PSC regimes our company compliance to the MLC 2006 convention.

In response to the news that MSM will be implementing ISF Watchkeeper Version 3.3 on its vessels, ISF and IT Energy – the producers of the Watchkeeper software – offered the following comment:

“We are delighted that MSM has chosen Watchkeeper as their solution for regulatory compliance and reporting and look forward to assisting them in the maintenance of records that can demonstrate compliance with international regulations”

For more information on the ISF Watchkeeper software, visit www.isfwatchkeeper.com.

by Mastermind Cyprus

CASCADe Press Release - New R&D Project to Help Enhance Maritime Safety

A new three year European Research Project, part funded by the EU has been launched to help increase safety on-board vessels. CASCADe, (model-based Cooperative and Adaptive Ship-based Context Aware Design) aims to address the lack of symbiosis which exists between current bridge design, operational procedures and the end user.

In the maritime environment there is a proliferation of increasingly complex technology. Studies have shown that the use of instruments with a range of different user interfaces or the provision of too much information can lead to errors and a reduction in performance. This unsatisfactory situation has the potential to create accidents and incidents which may translate into significant remedial and compensation costs. It is vital that a holistic approach is taken when developing ship bridge design, factoring in the required operational procedures and the subsequent end user interaction.

CASCADe will develop an adaptive bridge system that will recognise, prevent and recover from human errors by improving the interaction between crew and machines on the bridge. The main outcome will be a new human-centered design methodology to support the analysis of agent interactions at early design development stages.

Under the coordination of OFFIS (Oldenburg Research and Development Institute

for Information Technology Tools and Systems), a consortium of seven project partners from five EU countries will collaborate, including BMT Group Ltd, Raytheon Anschuetz GmbH, Mastermind Shipmanagement Ltd, the University of Cardiff, Marimatech AS and Symbio Concepts & Products SPRL.

Four further associated partners including the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany, Nautilus International, NSB Niederelbe Schiffahrtsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and the University of Tasmania will also provide support.

Notes to Editors

http://www.cascadeproject.eu/

Contact: OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology
Dr. Andreas Lüdtke, Group manager Human Centered Design,
andreas.luedtke@offis.de, Tel: +49 441 97 22 530

Contact: BMT Group
Dr. Gary Randall, Senior Research Scientist
grandall@bmtmail.com Tel: +44 (0) 7824 467746

For further information and images, please contact:

Liz Churchman or Stephen Hooley
BMT Press Office
c/o Emmett & Smith
Tel: +44 (0)20 7384 7110
E-mail: liz.churchman@emmettandsmith.com
stephen.hooley@emmettandsmith.com

by Mastermind Cyprus

ADOPT-A-SHIP PROGRAMME

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) in cooperation with the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA) have developed a voluntary Adopt a Ship Programme. The Programme has a dual purpose; firstly to encourage youngsters to follow a career in shipping and secondly to promote shipping as the most safe, economic and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

The Shipping industry suffers from a very negative public image. The general public knows very little about shipping. They do not normally see ships on a daily basis, as most ports these days are no longer in the city areas as was the case in the past. And when they do see ships it is in the media due to a casualty, pollution, grounding etc.

Whilst the Adopt-a-Ship Programme will not necessarily change the general public's opinion of shipping, it will at least help the children that participate in the scheme to have a better understanding of what a ship does, where it goes, cargoes it carries etc.

The programme runs for the entire school year and usually requires a weekly email exchange between the school and the ship it is assigned to. The school children will have a wall maritime map in their classroom showing where the ship is, having the latest email posted, details of ports called, cargoes carried etc. The more effort the vessel puts in, the greater the benefit to the children. In addition to a weekly message, the ship could send photos, old charts, stories of what the crew does onboard. Basically there is no limit to what could be sent considering the age of the children which is typically around 10-12 years old.

Shipping companies have featured articles about the Adopt-a-Ship Programme in past issues of the Newsletters and have hosted events for the teachers and schoolchildren within their offices. The companies already know, by first hand contact, just how much the Programme is appreciated amongst the children.

On the 18th April 2013 an information event was organised at Interorient Navigation Co. Ltd. The event included the projection of two short fils, one about the marine environment and the measures children can take to protect it. The second film showed the importance of shipping in our daily lives. The children were given a detailed explanation of the parts of a ship by use of a scale model and they followed the routes of ships on a large TV screen. As hort quiz intrigued their interest further and finally they were given a bag of goodies to take home.

The children brought their own paintings, woodcarvings and models of ships that were presented to CYMEPA and CSC. These will be displayed at the forthcoming CSC Annual General Meeting on the 26th April 2013.

Furthermore, Columbia Shipmanagement are planning to invite the teachers involved in the Programme to their offices later on this spring. One of the company's Captains will give a presentation about the life at sea and a guided tour of the various departments will follow.

This year 42 ships have been adopted by an equal number of primary school classes. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Captains and crew as well as the various Shipping Companies taking part for their contribution to the success of the Programme.

By Michalis Ierides

by Mastermind Cyprus

Cyprus Shipping Remains a Reliable Partner

"Cyprus Shipping remains a reliable Partner, despite current financial difficulties experienced in the Cyprus commercial banking system. All efforts are being made for Ships’ crew, vessels and cargo to remain safe and protected."

Following long and hard discussions with the Eurogroup, an Agreement was reached late evening, on Sunday, 24 March, through which, a €10 billion financial aid was agreed to mainly re-finance two commercial banks in Cyprus. Whilst this Agreement has imposed some strict austerity measures on Cyprus, it nevertheless brings an end to a rather long financial uncertainty that surrounded the overall banking system of Cyprus.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, during this period, has been in continuous contact with the Cyprus Government, the Central Bank of Cyprus and other professional organisations in Cyprus and has offered its expert knowledge in the huge joint effort made, so that the on-going discussions on this matter to be completed the soonest possible for the benefit of the overall Cyprus Economy, which also includes the Shipping Industry.

In this connection, the Chamber, through a coordinated plan of action and close contact with various state agencies, will continue and intensify its efforts to alleviate any operational problems that might occur, thus allowing Shipping companies in Cyprus to continue trading as per normal, meeting their obligations towards their seafarers and charterers. Whilst remaining vigilant on the on-going financial developments in Cyprus, we feel optimistic that the Cyprus Government will promptly implement the appropriate urgent financial measures taking into account the needs of the Cyprus Economy including those of the Shipping Industry. It is also pointed out that the overall Shipping operational and taxation infrastructure in Cyprus remains intact.

The Cyprus Flag Administration also, through its Department of Merchant Shipping, is working normally and without any interruptions and restrictions.

Cyprus Shipping Chamber
26 March 2013

by Mastermind Cyprus

EU Integrated Maritime Policy - The Limassol Declaration

The "Limassol Declaration" has been described as the milestone for the future development of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy.

This innovative cross-cutting EU Integrated Maritime Policy will address relevant challenges in an efficient and sustainable way, at European level, and by focusing on the "Blue Growth" initiative, it will stimulate growth, jobs and competitiveness from marine and maritime sectors which represent a source of untapped economic potential that is vital for Europe's future and economic recovery.

by Mastermind Cyprus

News Article from Shipmanagement International, Issue 38, July/August 2012

Article featured in Shipmanagement International, Issue 38, July/August 2012 p. 89

by Mastermind Cyprus