Page 4 - The flag March 2016

uIMOIMO DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE OFFSHORECONSTRUCTION VESSEL SECTOR IN 2016 CONTRIBUTION BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (IMCA)Dynamic Positioning updateThe Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems (MSC/Circ.645), a key document for the offshore sector, is under review. DP technology enables a vessel to maintain its position and heading using sophisticated positioning systems and other sensors in conjunction with its own thrusters and propellers. It therefore precludes the use of anchors, making operations requiring a stable platform more ef cient, and facilitating work in deeper water that was previously not possible. DP is a key component of IMCA’s members’ offshore vessel operations.The IMO DP Guidelines establish the international standard for the acceptance of DP systems on ships, and provide the high level framework on4which more detailed national regulations and classi cation society rules are based. They have served the industry well since they were published in 1994, but were in need of a refresh. However, the challenge will be to ensure the Guidelines take account of changes in technology and industry practice, without becoming overly complicated or diluting the focus of the original document.Industrial personnel and offshore vessel standardsAnotherkeytopicisthedebate on appropriate vessel standards for carrying larger numbers of ‘Industrial Personnel’ who arenotworkingonboard.This work was originally focused on personnel transfer vessels for the offshore windfarm sector,but could also facilitate a more standardised approach for larger multipurpose offshore support vessels conducting ‘walk to work’ activities.However, any solution is likely to require changes to SOLAS and / or existing IMOCodes, so there will be no ‘quick fix’. In addition, IMO will need to be alert to the potential for unintended consequences and guard against disrupting existing regimes for personnel actually working on offshore units.u EMILYCOMYN–TECHNICALADVISORTOIMCA... Continued from page 1Commander is the cadet tasked with running the regiment of cadets, upholding the standard and policies required by the President of the college and the Regimental Of cers and acting as a bridge/ liaison between the Regiment and the Regimental cadets.After graduation, La’Quey plans to sail for a few years before returning to land and a maritime business career. And her message to young Bahamians thinking about seafaring is “Persevere and don’t give up because it’s all worth it.”u La’QUEYSMITH WWW.BAHAMASMARITIME.COMOFFSHORE DECLINE – SURPRISING BONUS BY INTERMANAGERThe offshore industry has suffered a considerable slowdown recently, one which has continued to dominate the maritime industry since 2015.u CAPTAINKUBASZYMANSKI SECRETARY GENERAL INTER MANAGEROne’s initial thoughts may turn to the rather negative effect it is having on newly unemployed seafarers. But in fact, while there have been many cut backs, the release of offshore personnel isa huge bonus for seafarers who are hungry for new challenges. With this in ux of offshore talent, training is central, even essential in encouraging the next generation of seafarers. And we must remember that part of this process, of course, requires obtaining berths for sea time for the new of cers – something that needs to be at the forefront of ship owners/ manager’s minds. Without a suf cient structure underpinning the training, mistakes could become common practice.Over the course of the next 12 months, we must be cautious when it comes to the Ballast Water Convention, which, with the lack of US guidance on speci c needs does make lifedif cult for ship owners, and by extension ship managers. Without appropriate guidance the industry could face issues, which given the public image of the industry, may add to its woes.2015 was a dif cult year for many ship owners, especially those with bulk carriers and container ships. This is continuing to place an enormous amount of pressure on ship managers who are increasingly being expected to perform miracles without the right framework in place. Can 2016 be a more successful year? Time will tell. But what we must not forget is that regulation must be manageable and understood, otherwise there will be greater room for error and mistakes will inevitably be made.