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Rules of the Road

February 1, 2012
New regulations for 2012

During 2012, we will see a number of new regulations enter into force. Here is a summary of those that will affect new and existing yachts.

December 27, 2011
Inspectors focus on safety equipment, charts, licenses

Upon review of 2011 inspection reports, we are able to determine specific areas that port state control inspectors focused upon.

November 28, 2011
Firefighting equipment needs proper servicing

Did anyone notice the increased number of catastrophic fires on board yachts? What is going on? Since May of this year, there have been several large yacht losses. 

November 1, 2011
Flags decide how many crew is too few

The number of people on board a yacht is a topic that has been discussed across the globe, from the highest halls of the International Maritime Organization to the most obscure seaside taverns.

October 10, 2011
Consider open registries for flags

Commonly, open registries are referred to as “flags of convenience.” The term invokes images of dishonest captains getting away with criminal behavior by forcing crew to work like slaves without adequate pay or rest under appalling conditions. While this may sound like the typical 10-day charter routine, it is not realistic.

September 1, 2011
Port State Control begins concentrated inspections

The 45 maritime authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo memoranda on port state control will begin a joint concentrated inspection campaign to ensure compliance with structural safety and the Load Line Convention. This campaign will be held for three months starting Sept. 1.

August 2, 2011
Lessons learned from yachts detained in EU

With the continued expansion in Europe of port state control inspections to yachts, a number of “lessons learned” have been discovered. In addition, various new directives have been announced by other worldwide jurisdictions that will affect yachts.

July 5, 2011
IMO revisions hit yachts with lifeboats, armed security, SOLAS

While the majority of topics affect commercial merchant ships, several will be implemented on yachts. Many of the draft resolutions are expected to be approved at its next meeting in November.

June 6, 2011
Emergency towing procedures being phased in

Ships and yachts shall be provided with vessel-specific emergency towing procedures. Such procedures shall be carried aboard the yacht for use in emergency situations and shall be based on existing arrangements and equipment available on board the yacht. 

May 3, 2011
Requirements for IMO ship ID numbers

For a large number of yachts, a spring refit includes a fresh coat of paint. With the “chaos” of getting this major project completed, it is not uncommon to forget the replacement of a key maritime security item: the IMO Ship Identification Number.