By Congressman Duncan Hunter, For centuries, the world’s oceans have been an influential force. They have forged industrial strength, enhanced security, established connectivity and contributed to science and research. As long as there are oceans, national and global interests will be inextricably linked to the seas. Seventy percent of the earth’s surface is … [Read more...]
What’s the Weight? Why Weighing of Cargo Containers is Critical
- By Captain Rich Madden Last year in a Persian Gulf port, we finished loading for a southbound transit to East Africa on a small container ship. Our load plan showed that we would be down to our marks once all the cargo was on board and during the last few hours of loading, a close eye was kept on the load line to ensure we didn't overload. It was … [Read more...]
Maritime Continuing Education…What Have You Done Today?
Technology is changing the shipping industry. Regulations affecting the shipping industry are constantly changing and evolving. The way in which we conduct routine operations onboard vessels changes as standard practices are updated. The companies we work for change their business focus as the needs of their customers require. The only constant in all of these phrases is … [Read more...]
In Case of Offshore Oil Drilling in Cuba and the Bahamas
By Doug Helton, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) For the past year, we at NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard have been studying the possible threats that new offshore oil drilling activity near the Florida Straits and the Bahamas pose to Florida. For example, the proximity of Cuba's oil fields to U.S. waters has raised a lot of concerns about what would … [Read more...]
“A Hole In the Water” – Prudent Sailing Through the Gulf of Aden
- By Captain Rich Madden It's 0-dark-30 somewhere in the Gulf of Aden and we are Eastbound in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). To the North, off the port bow, there is a steady parade of lights – tankers, container ships, bulkers and every other variety of ship – Westbound for Bab el Mandeb, the Red Sea and eventually the Suez Canal. … [Read more...]
The Maritime Paperwork Monster Plus New Requirements to Get More Sleep
- by Captain Richard Madden When asked about the Manila Amendments, a captain recently quipped, “What? There's new regulations for folders?!“ The Manila Amendments refer to new wide-ranging changes to the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). STCW is a … [Read more...]
World’s Largest Sloop Arrives for Refit at Pendennis Plus
To some gCaptain readers, the superyacht market may be an alien world, however, over the last ten years, this niche industry has exploded. With dedicated, professional teams in place globally, every aspect of their creation, management and running is professionally catered for. Indeed, many naval and merchant mariners have made the leap to the superyacht sector in these … [Read more...]