IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has highlighted the need to consider seafarer training and standards as shipping evolves, with increasing levels of technology and automation. He was speaking at the IMO’s London Headquarters at the launch of a new report “Transport 2040: Automation, Technology and Employment - the Future of Work”.

The most common way for cyber criminals to strike is through negligent or poorly trained individuals. In the past, many companies have been victims of cybercrime by relatively unsophisticated hacking methods, such as downloadable links in emails and viruses. In the maritime industry, the belief that “Our vessel is not connected to the cyberspace” is very much WRONG!

As the 2020 sulphur cap deadline gets ever closer, these amendments to MARPOL Annex VI have already entered into force.

Last year, Seagull Maritime introduced a new concept to their comprehensive library of learning – The Pocket Guide. This has been developed as a supplement to the e-learning modules.

Personnel recruitment in the maritime sector has to comply with international and national requirements regarding the competence levels expected for rank. Shortage of qualified seafarers, especially officers, have been identified as a global issue that is likely to worsen in the future. For Crew Managers this may impose a challenge on hiring the right people for the job.

The committee convenes for its latest meeting (MEPC 73) in London later this month, with a lot of important ground to cover.

Credit: IMO

This, the latest in our series of first aid and health related articles, looks at the treatment of burns.

There are a large number of heat sources that can result in injury on board a vessel. Hot work, cooking in the galley or severe sunburn suffered on deck can all result in burns or scalds of a crewmember.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has recently released a Safety Notice which aims to remind vessel owners, operators and masters of the need to stow and secure cargo containers in accordance with approved arrangements. It also defines the standards that will be enforced on upcoming port State inspections of container vessels in Australian ports.

How to ease and prevent lower back pain.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator has recently received reports of confined space entry incidents on a tanker and a bulk carrier carrying their flag. These incidents, which occurred within approximately 24 hours of each other, resulted in the deaths of three seafarers, with two more losing consciousness.