International Group – Press Release regarding the Crew Change issues arising from COVID-19
The International Group and its 13 constituent P&I Clubs, which are in turn mutually owned and governed by their shipowner and charterer members, have become extremely concerned about the detrimental effect upon the mental well-being of seafarers as a result of the prolongation of their contracts of employment due to the pandemic.
US Oil Pollution California - Increased criminal penalties for oil spill related offences
The International Group Clubs have issued the following circular to their Members advising that new fines will be applicable in California from 1st January 2021 for ship sourced oil pollution damage in Californian State waters.
Updated Industry Guidelines on the Carriage of Seed Cake in Containers
The carriage of Seed Cake cargoes continues to cause confusion and the potential for mis-declaration remains high - with the consequent risk of fire on board container ships. Seed Cake is the term used for pulp, cake, pellets, expellers or other cargo where oil has been removed from oil-bearing seeds, cereals or commodities with similar properties, including all such types of seed meal. It is principally used as an ingredient in animal feeds.
International Group clubs respond to the US Government sanctions guidance for maritime and related industries.
On 14 May 2020 the US issued a Global Maritime Advisory (“Guidance”) aimed at a range of industry sectors including marine insurers such as P&I clubs, shipowners and charterers.
Vessel monitoring and P&I insurance – ship’s Automated Information System (AIS)
The ability to track vessels using their AIS (“Automatic Identification Signals”) has become an increasingly important part of Clubs’ sanctions compliance programmes. All International Group Clubs have now agreed a common minimum standard of tracking.
Mexico alert – smuggling of illegal narcotics
The International Group of P&I Clubs, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO and InterManager (the “international industry organisations”) draw Members’ attention to the series of recent ship detentions and crew arrests in Mexico and, in the case of the UBC Savannah, the lengthy and continuing detention in custody of the ship’s Master without any formal charges against him, following the discovery of illegal narcotics on board.