"We have achieved a lot in the last 46 years but there is still much to do"
Director's Log
August is generally a quiet month but OCIMF has been busy with the publication of two new information papers.
The Guide for Implementation of Sulphur Oxide Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems and the Dynamic Positioning Assurance Framework: Risk-based Guidance are the latest of our free-to-download series of information papers. All 51 papers can be found on our website at www.ocimf.org/library/information-papers.
Last Sunday was the 53rd anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech. That made me reflect on exactly what can be achieved when you set your mind to it and set your goals far enough ahead. OCIMF’s mission is to be the “foremost authority on the safe and environmentally responsible operation of oil tankers, terminals and offshore support vessels, promoting continuous improvement in standards of design and operation.” We have achieved a lot in the last 46 years but there is still much to do. Our committees, sub-committees, working groups and task forces will be meeting over the next four months to further our progress towards these goals.
Andrew Cassels
Director OCIMF
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New information paper: Guide for Implementation of Sulphur Oxide Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems
OCIMF released two new information papers in August.
The first, the Guide for Implementation of Sulphur Oxide Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, addresses the industry’s need for guidance on the use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS). In order to achieve compliance with MARPOL Annex VI sulphur limits, vessels need to use either low sulphur fuels or an EGCS. EGCS are relatively new to the maritime industry and there may be a lack of technical understanding and operational experience. This information paper provides practical guidance and references for the selection, installation and use of SOx EGCS aboard vessels.
New information paper: Dynamic Positioning Assurance Framework: Risk-based Guidance
The second new information paper addresses Dynamic Positioning (DP) assurance practices.
Dynamic Positioning Assurance Framework: Risk-based Guidance defines sound DP assurance practices, based on the levels of risk presented across a range of maritime operations using DP vessels. The paper also highlights the correct way of managing a DP vessel when it encounters non-environmental external forces, for example during anchor handling and towing.
Ship to Ship Focus Group
The Ship to Ship (STS) Focus Group held its 7th meeting from 26 to 28 July in Houston, USA.
The meeting was led by Will Doolittle, in his first meeting as Chair, and 12 members attended. For the first day and a half, the group were joined by industry representatives (STS service providers and hose manufacturers) to review the initial draft of Guidelines for the Handling, Storage, Inspection and Testing of STS Hoses in the Field. Time was also set aside for good discussions on both OCIMF and industry updates, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC). These are considered to be rather vague and in need of clear interpretation with respect to competencies.
For the second day and a half, the group discussed internal OCIMF business. This led on to a review of the OCIMF publication Ship to Ship Service Provider Management, with a view to revising it to provide greater emphasis on the POAC role and safety of operations, rather than shore side management.
The Ship to Ship Focus Group
IMO news
The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 3) took place from 18 to 22 July.
This was a well-attended meeting with more than 70 papers discussed. The main points of interest were: Port State Control activities, incident analysis and lessons learnt, and issues relating to the implementation of IMO instruments. The following points are of particular interest to OCIMF members:
Early implementation
There was a long discussion around the principle of early implementation of IMO Instruments, in particular with regard to amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). SOLAS is updated every four years. Interim changes can be made earlier via circular letter, but early implementation can present challenges. A situation could arise, for example, where a Flag State has accepted a relaxation of instrument requirements but a Port State Control has not. This can cause confusion and delays. Strong views were expressed both for and against the principle of early implementation. It was finally agreed that this would be raised to the parent committee of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for further discussion and a decision.
Electronic statutory certificates
Denmark confirmed that, as of 24 June 2016, all certificates issued by Denmark Flag State will be in electronic format only. The Port State Control guidelines are being amended to make port officers aware that they need to be able to accept electronic certificates.
Lessons learnt process
The Incident Analysis Working Group spent most of its time revising the process flow of incident analysis and the resulting dissemination of any lessons learnt.
Any members with a particular interest in incidents are invited to contact Jeremy Hudson, OCIMF Deputy Director and Chief Representative to the IMO, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Natasha Thomas and Natasha Iyamu from the Incidents department at Shell joined Jeremy Hudson at the IMO in August, to learn about how the organisation functions.
"Today, people all over the world rely on ships to transport the commodities, fuel, foodstuffs, goods and products on which we all depend. Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the global economy."
- IMO World Maritime Day 2016 Background Report.
How are you celebrating World Maritime Day?
World Maritime Day was created by the IMO to celebrate the international maritime industry’s contribution towards the world’s economy, so this year's theme "Shipping: Indispensable to the World" is particularly relevant.
The day is also a good opportunity to focus the world's attention on shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, as well as the work of the IMO. The event’s date varies by country, but in the UK it will take place on 29 September. Andrew Cassels and Jeremy Hudson will be attending the World Maritime Day Forum at the IMO and we would love to know how our members are celebrating - please send us your stories and photos to share in the newsletter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
OVID courses 2017
The Offshore Vessel Inspection Database (OVID) programme is offering the following New Inspector and Refresher courses in 2017. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.
New Inspector courses
| 13–15 March | Houston (venue TBC) | Deadline for registration: 20 February 2017 |
| 20–22 September | Far East (location TBC) | Deadline for registration: 31 August 2017 |
| 9–11 October | UK (location TBC) | Deadline for registration: 18 September 2017 |
Refresher courses
| 11–12 January | Aberdeen (venue TBC) |
| 23–24 February | Singapore (venue TBC) |
| 16–17 March | Houston (venue TBC) |
| 18–19 May | London (venue TBC) |
| 12–13 October | UK (exact location TBC) |
| 2–3 November | Singapore (venue TBC) |
The courses can also be found on the OCIMF website www.ocimf-ovid.org/Welcome.aspx.
To register for a course, or for any queries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SIRE New Inspector courses 2017
The Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE) is offering the following New Inspector courses in 2017.
| 13–17 February | Singapore |
| 8–12 May | London |
| 12–16 June | USA |
| 23–27 October | Singapore |
| 27 November–1 December | London |