The Ship Manoeuvring Simulator Centre of Trondheim, Norway is the first training centre to have its navigation course certified to DNV’s ice navigation standard. “Representing the world’s only competence standard in this area we are stressing the importance that the additional challenges in Arctic waters must be met with a highly skilled crew,” says Jon Rysst, DNV’s regional manger of Norway, Finland and Baltics.
Certification by DNV means that the SMS course is developed, structured and delivered to a high pedagogical standard, and that the content meets or exceeds the DNV Standard of Competence for Ice Navigation. This is the world’s only competence standard available to the maritime industry.
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Ship Recycling, a challenging aspect on the conscience of shipping, is finally being addressed by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The new convention will provide regulations for the design, construction, operation and preparation for recycling of ships so as to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling. How can shipowners and yards prepare for the new requirements?
The Paris MOU has introduced a New Inspection Regime (NIR) which shifts from a target of inspecting 25% of individual ships calling at each member state to a shared commitment to achieving full coverage inspection of all ships visiting ports and anchorage in the Paris MOU region.
The Government of Isle of Man has notified ClassNK, by Shipping Notice MSN 026, of the requirements for ECDIS with regards to the hardware and training required.
Amendments to Chapter II of the LSA Code and Chapter III of SOLAS concerning lifejackets have been adopted by the IMO through resolutions MSC.207(81) and MSC 201(81) respectively.
A revision to Regulation III/7 of the SOLAS Convention, which concerns personal life-saving appliances, will require all passenger ships to provide lifejackets for ’infants’ on board, and suitable accessories to allow adult life jackets to be used by all persons, regardless of size.
(HOUSTON) -- ABS has revised its comprehensive Guide for vessels operating in the Arctic and comparable harsh environments incorporating nearly four years of operational experience since the Guide was first issued in September 2006. 
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued Marine Order No 57 (Issue 3) and Marine Notice 6/2010, relating to helicopter operations on board ships in Australian waters. These are available at the AMSA website 
Oil tankers of 150 GT and above engaged in the transfer of oil cargo at sea (STS operations) will need onboard, from first periodical survey after 01 January 2011, an STS operations Plan approved by the ship Flag Administration, describing how STS operations are to be conducted.
A number of incidents have occurred recently involving failure of the slew bearings of ships’ cargo deck cranes, resulting in crane losses and serious injury to personnel.