Major revisions to STCW came into force 1 January 2012

Major revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, labelled ‘the Manila amendments’ came into force on 1 January 2012.

There is a five-year transitional period until 1 January 2017.

Major revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, labelled the Manila amendments, came into force on 1 January 2012.

There is a five-year transitional period until 1 January 2017.

A quick guide, designed for seafarers to download, is available from www.marisec.org/quickguide.htm.pdf .

COAG announces signing of IGA for maritime safety

communiqué
((http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2011-08-19/docs/COAGCommunique19August2011.pdf  )

In a major step forward in improving the efficiency of transport regulation, COAG today announced the signing of three new Intergovernmental Agreements on heavy vehicles, rail and maritime safety.

National transport regulators are to be in place for heavy vehicles, rail and maritime safety by January 2013.

COAG noted that the new national maritime regulatory scheme will not extend to non-commercial vessels such as rowing and sailing craft that are owned by individuals, schools or community groups such as sea scouts.

COAG also agreed that, while small commercial vessels will fall within the scope of the regulatory scheme, day-to-day regulation will be delegated to the relevant State or Territory agency, through the Intergovernmental Agreement and the underpinning legislation.

visit the AMSA web site for information on how to have your say, including open days:
https://www.nationalsystem.amsa.gov.au/confluence/display/public/home

NI Insurance against criminalisation’

In the April 2011 Edition of Seaways, Philip Wake MSc, FNI (CEO NI) noted that the Nautical Institute has been holding discussions with an insurance broker with an aim to provide an insurance policy exclusively for NI members that will provide at lease some legal protection against the increasing use of criminal charges against seafarers and shore-based professionals involved in bona fide accidents. The policy will provide 100,000 GBP of legal defence in criminal proceedings per case.

The cost of the insurance will be 5GBP per member per year, with a 6 % tax. For the first year the cost will be borne by the Institute’s funds from the operating surplus rather than adding to the premium of subscription rates. Members paying retired or student rates will be excluded from the policy on the basis that they are very unlikely to ever need the cover.

This investment of some 30,000 GBP by your Institute is just one more benefit to being an NI member.