The President’s Corner
October, 2017

Greetings everyone,
You will note that this month’s “President’s Corner” message will lack the panache you have come to know and love as our President, Greg Gant is on assignment in the Pacific trying to get the US Navy’s two damaged DDG’s home for repair.   Fortunately for us, he will have some great stories to tell upon his return.

Last month in this space, Greg spoke about the hurricane season being quiet so far.  As we all know, that changed and changed vigorously.  Unfortunately, many lives have been horribly and irreparably affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, in Texas, Florida, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.  Some our members themselves suffered damage, to include Greg.   His bride Reggie is overseeing home repairs with a remarkably chipper and upbeat attitude, and continues to remark how blessed and lucky they are because some folks have it so much worse.

Part of being a Certified Marine Surveyor is to go when called.  Many of you will be called into storm or CAT duty if you have not already.  Many of you will do so at the drop of a hat and have others that will have to deal with extra burdens in your absence.  We should all take a second and thank those in our support network that allow us to do this job.  Without people like Reggie, and my wife Krissy, these jobs would be all but impossible.  Take a minute and make sure that they know how much you appreciate them.

We are continuing to round up speakers for our national conference in Mobile, Alabama next year.  If you have someone that you feel could impart some knowledge to our members and who is willing to do so, please send me an email at [email protected] .
John Venneman, NAMS-CMS
Vice President

Editor’s’ Corner

NAMSGlobal E-news is seeking a new editor.  After thirteen years as editor of the NAMSGlobal E-news I have decided to step down and turn the reins over to a new editor, effective with the first issue following the next annual meeting in March 2018.  This volunteer job has been most rewarding since I began as editor in 2003.  Daily, I receive news and current events from a number of newsletters from around the world. I find it fascinating to read what is going on in the maritime world from many different perspectives.  I pick the articles and upcoming educational opportunities I judge are the most interesting to our members and non-member readers.  I’ll train and mentor the new editor. I’ll supply the addresses of the sources and encourage the new editor to find new sources.
Greg Weeter, NAMS-CMS
Editor, NAMSGlobal E-news

APPLICANT List

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

11 and 12 October 2017

IUMI WEBINAR: FATIGUE’S EFFECT ON SEAFARERS

Fatigue at sea is a highly topical area of research as the problems of mental health and wellbeing are being increasingly recognized by society. Ships’ crews are under increasing pressure from competitive voyage schedules and have to handle their tasks with fewer crew members. Evidence from accident records and research literature both point to the serious impact that sleepiness and fatigue may have on the safety and welfare of seafarers. “Project Martha” is a research project focused on the short and long-term effects of fatigue on seafarers.

In this webinar Dr. Claire Pekcan, Professor of Maritime Applied Psychology, at the Warsash Maritime Academy of the Southampton Solent University and Dr. Mike Barnett, Emeritus Professor at the School of Maritime, Science & Engineering of the Southampton Solent University, will discuss the findings of “Project Martha” and measures aimed to reduce the risk of fatigue.

Following the introductory presentation of the report about “Project Martha” there will be time for Q&A with the speakers.
There are 2 sessions, and registration available via the IUMI website:
Wednesday, 11 October 2017: 8:30-9:30 am UK time (3:30-4:30am New York time) – Click HERE to register
Thursday, 12 October 2017: 3:00-4:00 pm UK time (10:00-11:00am New York time) – Click HERE to register
This webinar is free of charge.
Courtesy AIMU Weekly Bulletin.

October 12-13, 2017, Destrehan, Louisiana

Maritime Risk Claim Solutions, Inc.  3rd Annual Seminar

Location:         Ormond Plantation, Destrehan, LA
Dates & Times:     Thurs., Oct. 12, 2017 8am – 6:15pm
Fri., Oct. 13, 2017 8am – 1:15pm
Chili Cook-Off – 1:15pm
12 CE and CLE Credit Hours for NAMS Surveyors, Texas & Louisiana Adjusters and Attorneys.  This year’s event will provide a back to the basics education curriculum, utilizing a single loss scenario as a corner stone that can be applied to many areas of loss control.  All Net Proceeds Go to Charities.
Tuition: $450.00    Registration: https://maritimeclaimsseminar.wordpress.com/registration/
Contacts:
Tim Anselmi – President – [email protected]
Telephone: 985.856.9609
Anthony Anselmi – Secretary – [email protected]
Telephone: 985.532.0442
Jill Willhoft – Treasurer – [email protected]
Telephone: 504.702.1725

October 17-20 St. Louis, Missouri
Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau Annual Survey of Towing Vessels (ASTV) Course
Annual Survey of Towing Vessels (ASTV) course provides surveyors with the knowledge and skills required to perform Subchapter M annual surveys of towing vessels. Students who successfully complete this course will have an in-depth understanding of both internal survey programs and external annual survey programs, the reporting requirements of each.
This course is for those seeking to perform annual internal surveys on behalf of their company or as a third-party contractor performing annual internal or external surveys and for those that will manage these programs. Please see the link below for more information or to register for the course.
More Information/Register

The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau, or TVIB, is a non-profit, professional trade organization of marine auditors, surveyors and businesses formed in 2010. We educate, develop audit and survey tools, and accredit auditors and surveyors to conduct consistent, objective and independent audits and surveys of marine towing operators.

Our members provide marine audit and survey services to inland, coastal and ocean-going towing operators across the country.

October 23-26, 2017  Grand Rapids, Michigan
Failure and Fracture Analysis for Structural Components
The Bluff Banquet Hall – 2035 28th Street SE- Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Price: $1,250.00 for members of ASM and SAE West Michigan Section.
Non-members $1500.00 Includes Printed Color Notebooks and Light Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon Snack all four days
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 2, 2017

CONTENT
This training will build a foundation of mechanical and materials engineering concepts that allow the participant to be able to perform a basic visual inspection for failure analysis and specify appropriate tests for a given situation, and finally, evaluate failure analysis work performed by others.

The interaction between failure analysis and engineering design offer wonderful opportunities to challenge our understanding of how complex factors interact to make a more or less successful product. The concepts are also applicable to larger structures. A quick overview of critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the subject engineering fields will be included in this seminar.  CONTACT Debbie Aliya, Aliya Analytical, Inc., 616-475-0059

October 27-28 2017: NAMS North Pacific Regional Seminar Sessions
Everett, Washington, Harbor Marine
NAMS North Pacific Regional Seminar.

Two Educational Seminar Days.  12 Continuing Education Credits Anticipated
Open to All NAMS and SAMS Surveyors and Affiliates.  A $200 USD Fee covers both day’s seminar sessions.  Registration is required with the NAMS National office and Registration Forms will be posted on the site.  There will be a NAMS Board of Directors Meeting on October 26, 2017 at 1:00, at the Hampton Inn, 2931 W. Marine Dr., Everett 98201
NAMS members are invited to attend.  For more details, contact Matthew L. Harris NAMS-CMS, North Pacific Region RVP, Marine Consultants, Inc., Tel: (360) 815 0535.  Email: [email protected]

At Harbor Marine 1032 West Marine Drive at 10th St. Everett, Washington 98201
Please see announcement and schedule
Registration NAMS Seminar Fall 2017
NAMS October 2017 North Pacific Seminars Schedule
NAMS October 2017 North Pacific Seminars Announcement

October 31 – November 1, 2017
Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club
28th Marine Seminar

To purchase boat show tickets click here: Purchase Tickets

The Fort Lauderdale boat show will be starting a day earlier this year on
Wednesday, November 1st. Click here for details.

CLICK HERE to check out this year’s agenda and speaker line-up!

26- 28 November, New Orleans, Louisiana
Master Class in Marine Warranty Surveying.
The course will qualify NAMSGlobal members for 18 CE points.  This will be a non-profit event so that the more attendees, the lower will be the cost.  Contact: Conrad Breit, NAMSGlobal-CMS, East Gulf Region VP, for more information: [email protected]

January 9, 2018 Charleston, South Carolina, Francis Marion Hotel
The 2nd Annual ABYC Marine Law Symposium.
This is a premier training event that will prepare you to navigate the legal aspects of recreational boating accidents. Receive a primer on the language of the litigators and insurance companies, listen to marine law enforcement as they walk through accidents, and walk through start to finish 5 different real accidents and lawsuits that have implications for dealers, manufacturers, surveyors, accident investigators, expert witnesses and attorneys. Learn from marine industry experts and people who worked on various accident cases.  Register at http://marine-law-symposium.webflow.io/register.  For details call Meghan Sykes at 410-990-4460. Ext. 110.

March 4-6, 2018 Mobile, Alabama
NAMSGlobal 56th Annual National Marine Conference
Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend.
If registered by February 1:   Members:  $ 494.00 / Non Members $ 545.00  (Conference registration form will be posted soon.)
Hotel Reservation can be made by calling 800-922-3298.  Or on-line at:  Book your group rate for National Assn of Marine Surveyors- NAMS Global Conference. Group Room Block Space is Limited and only available until Friday, February 2, 2018.  Ask for the NAMS Room rate $139.00 per night plus taxes.  Single/Double standard room.  Additional charges for upgrades.
Conference schedule and Lady’s Day outing will be updated as available.

AIMU YACHT EDUCATION ON-THE-ROAD
AIMU will offer a 3-hour class “Yacht Insurance: Underwriting and Claims,” to be instructed by Richard Salway and Mark Smieya, as part of the Mid-Atlantic Mariners Club (MAMC) Fall Lecture Series in Annapolis, MD on October 11, 2017. The class is approved for 3 CE credits for P&C Agents/Brokers license in MD, PA and Val; NJ Pending Approval. To learn more or register, visit MAMC event http://mamc.synergyinteractive.com/upcomingevents/

Lloyds Maritime Academy
Certificate in Marine Consultancy, eight module distance learning course offered by Lloyds Maritime Academy.  Go to: http://www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/event/marine-consultancy-distance-learning-training-course

Certificate in Marine Warranty Surveying, six module distance learning course offered by Lloyds Maritime Academy.  Go to: http://www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/event/marine-warranty-surveying-distance-learning-cours

NAMSWorthy Articles Of Interest

USCG AUDIT OF THE NAMS-CMS
FISHING VESSEL EXAMINER PROGRAM AND UPCOMING TRAINING
CAPT Joe Derie, NAMS-CMS; AMS, SAMS; CMI
Southwest Passage Marine Surveys
CO-Chair, NAMS FV Technical Committee
The USCG recently audited NAMS to verify its compliance with USCG guidelines for the Third Party Fishing Vessel Examiners program. NAMShas been designated an “Accepted Organization” (AO) by the USCG, allowing NAMS to designate Third Party Examiners, and the USCG was interested in how we administer the program and designate surveyors as Fishing Vessel Examiners. The examiners were very happy with the way NAMS is administering the program and with the way NAMS qualifies its FV surveyors and examiners. The policy that NAMS FV examiners are surveyors first, then examiners, was well received by the USCG auditors.

The USCG FV auditors had two reminders for NAMS FV examiners:
1.    All examiners should call the local USCG FV examiner to discuss the FV they will be examining prior to visiting the vessel to find out any known deficiencies of the vessel or the crew. One (non –NAMS) examiner was the subject of a complaint because he passed a number of FVs that had recently been failed by USCG examiners. A re-inspection by the USCG found that the vessels had not improved, but that the surveyor had overlooked a number of glaring deficiencies. Deficiencies which had caused the USCG FV examiner to fail them originally. The third-party examiner was removed as an FV examiner by his organization.
2.    At the completion of a successful examination, a copy of the completed Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination (CG 5587) should be forwarded to NAMS office and the local USCG FV examiner as soon as possible.

Another item of interest was that spaces to attend the USCG FV Examiners one- week course in Yorktown VA will once again be available to non-USCG FV examiners. This class must be attended by all USCG FV examiners and is highly recommended for NAMSsurveyors who want to become NAMS-CMS FV. The class is free to surveyors who are only required to pay their expenses. Completion of the one week class is worth 30 CEUs. The USCG will be sending class dates to NAMS who will publicize them to NAMS surveyors. The surveyor will then apply directly to the USCG to be admitted to the class.

Surveyors with questions about the above or who are interested in learning more about the NAMS-CMS Fishing Vessel program should contact one of the Co-Chairs of the NAMS Fishing Vessel Technical Committee, either CAPT Joe Derie at 503-236-6818 or CAPT Tim Vincent at 425-418-8066.

USCG Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise

    The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE) website has moved. The new TVNCOE website address (URL) is: http://www.dco.uscg.mil/tvncoe/

NTSB – Engine Room Fire on Towing Vessel

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the report of its investigation of the engine room fire on board the towing vessel Thomas Dann on 22 July 2016 in the Atlantic Ocean off St. Augustine. No one was injured, nor was any pollution reported. However, due to the extent of the fire damage, the vessel, which was valued at an estimated $2.5 million, was declared a constructive total loss. The probable cause of the fire aboard the towing vessel was an ignition originating near an electrical fuse box in the upper engine room. Contributing to the intensity of the fire was the presence of combustible materials in the upper engine room. MAB 17-28(8/10/17) [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB1728.pdf].  Courtesy: Bryant’s Maritime Blog.  [email protected]   http://brymar-consulting.com

NTSB – Grounding and Breakup of Small Passenger Vessel

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the report of its investigation of the 24 July 2016 grounding and breakup of the small passenger vessel Spirit of Kona during tropical storm conditions in Kailua Bay on the island of Hawaii. About 10 minutes later, after drifting across the bay, the vessel grounded on lava rocks. Under continuous wave action, the vessel broke apart and subsequently sank. No one was on board at the time. The vessel’s fuel and lube oil tanks ruptured and about 275 gallons of oil spilled into the sea and onto the rocks. The vessel’s value was an estimated $1.1 million. The probable cause of the grounding and subsequent breakup of the vessel was the failure of the vessel’s mooring equipment in tropical storm conditions. Contributing to the vessel breaking free from its mooring was the failure of Blue Sea Cruises to take additional precautions to secure the vessel in advance of an oncoming tropical storm. MAB 17-27 (8/10/17) [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB1727.pdf].  Courtesy: Bryant’s Maritime Blog. [email protected]   http://brymar-consulting.com

Coast Guard to Release Marine Board of Investigation Report Into Sinking of El Faro

    The Coast Guard released the S.S. El Faro Marine Board of Investigation report on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017.  The report identifies causal factors of the loss of the S.S. El Faro and 33 crew members. The report proposes safety recommendations for future actions to the Commandant of the Coast Guard.  The investigation was conducted by the US Coast Guard with the full cooperation of the National Transportation Safety Board. (Coast Guard News, 9/27/2017) Courtesy AIMU Weekly Bulletin.

A study, “Economic Contribution of U.S. Tugboat, Towboat, and Barge Industry”

    Funded by the American Waterways Operators and the U.S. Maritime Association is designed to quantify the effect the nation’s 5,500 tug and towboats and 31,000 barges have on the economy.

    Here are some of the more salient statistics from the report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers:

• A total of 301,550 jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the industry
• The tug and barge industry contributes almost $34 billion to the national economy
• Operators paid out $7.4 billion in compensation and invested nearly $2.2 billion in property, equipment and vessel
• Barges move more than 760 million tons of petroleum, agricultural products, chemicals, coal and manufactured goods annually
• The industry is most active in 38 states; the Top Five based on number of workers are Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Florida and New York.

To read the entire 109- page document go to:
http://www.americanwaterways.com/sites/default/files/Econ%20Impact%20of%20US%20Tugboat%20Towboat%20and%20Barge%20Industry%20lh%206-22-17.pdf.
Courtesy Chubb Marine Underwriters’ Loss Control NewsBlog

Inland waterways transport

    Inland waterways transport is not a topic we have addressed much in the past. It is a major transportation mode and is the lifeblood of many industries and communities.

So, to make up for the oversight, we are presenting something related. Towlines are critical equipage in the tug and barge world and manufacturers recommend that vessel owners and operators do not wait until broken or pinched strands appear before thinking about repair. One general rule-of-thumb is the cutoff point for measuring a towing line’s useful life is a 2:1 ratio between line strength versus bollard pull meaning that if the bollard pull is 50 tons, the line strength should not fall below 100 tons.

Synthetic cordage like HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) is replacing steel wire rope in many applications.  One useful reference to checking the condition of a rope is Samson’s “Inspection and Retirement Pocket Guide”.

To get a visual perspective of such defects, and guidelines on a repair or replace option, such as cut or pulled strands, compression, melted or glazes fibers, deterioration/degradation, inconsistent diameter and abrasion go to:
http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/Partners/TB_Inspection_Retirement_Pocket_Guide_WEB.pdf
Courtesy Chubb Marine Underwriters’ Loss Control NewsBlog

Increase in Refrigerated Cargo Claims

    One of the major P & I Clubs reported to its members that it has seen an increase in refrigerated cargo claims for fresh fruit from South America being shipped to the United States. The Club indicated the reason was due to cold treatment failure.

Cold treatment is one method (heat and irradiation are also used) used to exterminate insects and larvae by maintaining a sufficiently low temperature for a pre-determined amount of time. The requirements specific to certain types of fruit are spelled out in protocols established by authorities in the importing country. Then there are more general procedures such as precooling fruit intended for in-transit cold treatment; each container compartment can only contain one type of fruit and that fruit should be loaded directly from a precooling area into the container.

Cold treatment is a cleaner way to rid fruit insects than fumigation but shippers must adhere to the established rules that are contained in the USDA APHIS “Treatment Manual” at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf

One other interesting note in the publication is the suggestion that if cold treatment is being performed in a refrigerated (“reefer”) container, units under 5 years old should be used since they are better able to maintain the set temperature. This is useful information for anyone involved in perishable good transport.  Courtesy Chubb Marine Underwriters’ Loss Control NewsBlog

YARD CLOSURES:

    The downturn in the international shipping industry has resulted in the closure of more than 60% of the world’s shipyards over the past eight years, a new report of the market analysts Clarkson Research stated last month. It predicted that 30% of yards currently in operation could shut down by the end of this year, with the number of vessel orders down by 80% since 2013. Courtesy FLASHLIGHT, e-newsletter circulated to more than 5,000 people involved in marine surveying around the world.  It is a collation of articles relevant to our profession from various publications and contributions from readers. Letters, opinions and articles are welcomed.  Contact[email protected]

FATIGUE THREAT

    Seafarer fatigue remains one of the biggest maritime safety issues, US authorities warned last month. The US National Transportation Safety Board included fatigue, bridge resource management, access to high-risk spaces and use of medication while operating vessels among its top 10 list of key lessons to be learned from accident investigations.  Courtesy FLASHLIGHT

IMO CALLED ON TO DEVELOP A MARINE INVESTIGATION CODE

    Speaking at this week’s IUMI 2017 conference in Tokyo, international marine and engineering consultancy and survey company LOC Group called for greater clarity from the IMO to better manage maritime casualties.

Captain Jonathan Walker, a consultant from LOC’s Singapore office, said “We would like to see IMO develop a Marine Investigation Code to govern shipping accidents. It should be completely transparent and consistent across national borders. Importantly, governments should commit to it and not interpret its guidance to suit national agendas.”
The salvage and investigative process immediately following a major maritime casualty should be streamlined, he said, and should protect innocent seafarers. “We recognize, absolutely, the rights of sovereign states and the need to comply with all national laws, but we would like to see a process, most likely driven by the IMO, that requires sovereign states to clarify their jurisdictions within their governments prior to an incident. In the immediate aftermath of a major incident, it is vital to understand which authority we are dealing with. Similarly, those authorities need to retain experts who understand the maritime sector and the implications of a shipping casualty.

Walker also raised concerns over the increasing trend to criminalize seafarers following a casualty; the lengthy period it was now taking to arrange salvage and complete the investigative process and the growing requirement to remove wrecks irrespective of cost or environmental impact.

Walker pointed out that only 35 IMO member states had signed the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, which clearly detailed how wrecks should be removed. Significantly, the Convention stated that actions should be “proportionate to the hazard” and that activities “should not go beyond what is reasonably necessary.” If this was agreed internationally, said Walker, then the requirement by some authorities to remove wrecks, whatever the cost and environmental impact, would be eliminated.

In general, enhanced and regular communication between all parties – governments, maritime authorities, shipping companies, regulators, insurers and others – is required to ensure future shipping casualties were better managed, the environment protected and seafarers’ rights secured, he said. (www.maritime-executive.com, 9/20/2017)  Courtesy AIMU Weekly Bulletin.

USCG – Safety Alert re lifejacket lights

    The US Coast Guard issued a safety alert concerning Alcares brand water-activated flashing lifejacket lights models Jack A1-ALK and Jack ARH-ALK.  All the faulty lights discovered had leaky batteries and some were identified as having incorrect battery expiration labels.  Safety Alert 09-17 (9/25/17) [http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/0917.pdf].  Courtesy: Bryant’s Maritime Blog.  [email protected]   http://brymar-consulting.com

TSB: Inadequate Fuel Hose Connection Led to Tug Fire

    Two crewmembers jumped to safety on a log tow in the Fraser River

The following is the text of a news release from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB):

(RICHMOND, British Columbia) — In its investigation report (M16P0241) released Tuesday, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada found that an inadequate fuel hose connection for the generator caused the July 2016 fuel leak and fire on board the tug Ken Mackenzie in British Columbia.

On July 11, 2016, at approximately 2230 Pacific Daylight Time, the tug Ken Mackenzie, with two people aboard, reported a fire in the engine room while towing logs on the Fraser River in British Columbia. The two crewmembers abandoned the vessel by jumping on the log tow and were picked up by the assist tug Harken No. 5. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of vessels in the vicinity. There were no injuries.

The investigation determined that around 1900, during a scheduled crew change, the day shift crew informed the relieving crew that they had detected a smell of diesel fuel in the engine room. However, despite conducting safety rounds in the engine room, both crews were unable to find the source of fuel leakage, and so the vessel continued its voyage on the Fraser River.

Post-occurrence examination found that a connection between a copper tube and a flexible fuel hose for the generator was held together with a single hose clamp, and that the copper tube did not have serrations or a bead that would have helped keep the flexible hose connected. When this connection separated, diesel fuel sprayed onto components of the vessel’s generator and ignited, causing the fire. Furthermore, the cables used for the fuel tanks’ emergency shutoff valves, which were not designed to withstand elevated temperatures prevalent during a fire, seized in the conduit, thus making it impossible for the crew to shut off the fuel system.

If components for emergency equipment and machinery are installed or replaced by personnel without adequate guidance or knowledge of industry standards and are not inspected by a competent person before being put into service, there is a risk that the installation will be unsafe. Unsafe equipment and operating conditions may continue to occur if adequate regulatory oversight is not conducted for tugs less than 15 gross tons, putting people, property and the environment at risk.

Following the occurrence, the TSB issued a marine safety advisory letter to Transport Canada and a marine safety information letter to the vessel owners to provide information about the shortcomings concerning the control cables that were used on the vessel to operate emergency shutoffs for the fuel tanks.  Courtesy Professional Marine.com. http://www.professionalmariner.com/Casualties/

USCG – Safety Alert re carbon monoxide

    The US Coast Guard issued a safety alert reminding mariners of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that in high concentrations can lead to illness or death.  Safety Alert 10-17 (9/25/17) [http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1017.pdf].  Courtesy: Bryant’s Maritime Blog.  [email protected]  http://brymar-consulting.com

IMO – bauxite carriage hazards

    The IMO issued a news release warning on hazards of carrying bauxite in bulk by ship. (9/15/17) [http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/22-bauxite-CCC.aspx].   Courtesy: Bryant’s Maritime Blog.  [email protected]   http://brymar-consulting.com

New Interactive Gaming App “Risk Ahoy”

    UK P&I Club has launched an interactive gaming app “Risk Ahoy” to coincide with International Shipping Week, to highlight the hazards that those on board ships.

Developed by its Loss Prevention department, the app is available on iTunes and Google Play store, and has been intuitively designed to allow users to dip in and out of the action, with short, medium and long mode options. Players navigate their ship through 38 levels of increasingly challenging difficulty, working their way through the various mini games, while identifying and avoiding common on board hazards.

By taking this game approach, the Club hopes to overcome barriers such as culture, language and rank and engage with crews on the issue of loss prevention in a novel and fun manner.  For non-mariners, “Risk Ahoy” can act to raise awareness of the dangers on board ships as well as piquing the interest of a younger generation of players to consider a future career at sea.
Gaming is indeed a novel way to inject fun and competitiveness to a subject matter that might typically be difficult to communicate to an audience. It can provide an opportunity to entertain, challenge, educate and reward participants.

A UK P & I executive put it succinctly and aptly saying “Loss prevention isn’t always the most exciting or easiest subject to communicate. We are committed to finding new ways to share our knowledge and expertise in the promotion safety at sea. By developing an interactive game that has educational value and provides a fun experience, we hope to put the issue of loss prevention to the forefront of people’s minds.”   Courtesy Chubb Marine Underwriters’ Loss Control NewsBlog

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