OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) has recently released their new Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (VIQ) that takes effect on 17th of September 2018. With a complete section on maritime security devoted to Cyber Security, this is the first major revision of OCIMF’s VIQ since 2013.

Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) and Seagull Maritime have collaborated on new e-learning modules and reflective learning films describing the importance and procedures for fuel testing. Unpredictable fuel quality is a regular cause for concern among ship operators. Apart from creating operational problems, fuels of unknown quality may lead to financial losses or violation of statutory requirements.

A look at the importance of dental hygiene.

How to Respond when Heat Stroke strikes.

Working at sea can involve working in hot temperatures for long periods, whether on deck, in the engine room or in the galley. This increases the possibility of suffering from heat exhaustion. While this condition usually improves once the casualty cools down, if left untreated it can lead to heat stroke, or sun stroke, which must be treated as an emergency.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most heavily relied upon aids to navigation. It is considered to be easy to use, accurate and reliable. But GPS signals can be degraded or blocked by both natural and manmade sources resulting in inaccurate data or complete loss of GPS signal.

Although legally the responsibility of owners and operators, an understanding of the reporting requirements for fuel consumption is appropriate to those onboard.

The Manila amendments to STCW Convention and Codes require reliable and transparent evidence of the maritime English communicative competency level of all seafarers. In essence, all crews need to hold the appropriate certificates that demonstrate competency.

The IMO announces the theme for the 2019 World Maritime Day.

"Empowering Women in the Maritime Community" has been selected as the World Maritime Day theme for 2019. This will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector.

A collaborative effort by maritime industry partners and the military has resulted in improved security resources available in the fight against piracy.