#MarineNotice - The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) advises on revisions to the performance standards for emergency beacons on small fishing vessels.

The revision includes the carriage requirements of manual/automatic activation float-free Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for all fishing vessels of under 15 metres and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for all crewmembers.

It follows the recent Marine Notice No 14 of 2014, which advised of a revised Code of Practice concerning the design, construction, equipment and operation of small fishing vessels less than 15 metres in length overall.

Full details of the revised standards are included in Marine Notice No 18 of 2014, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice No 3 of 2014 provides guidance on the implementation of the Manila Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended (STCW), with respect to Electro-technical Officers (ETO) and Electro-technical Ratings (ETR).

The Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code were adopted on 25 June 2010, marking a major revision of the STCW Convention and Code. The 2010 amendments entered into force on 1 January 2012 and introduced two new levels of certification for electro-technical personnel.

• ETO introduced as a new grade of officer at the operation level STCW Reg III/6
• ETR introduced as a new grade of rating at the support level STCW Reg III/7

As of 1 July 2013, new entrants commencing training must do so in accordance with the new Manila provisions. All training programs must be in accordance with the new Manila requirements. From 1 January 2017 all certificates must meet STCW Manila requirements.

New entrant ETOs that commenced training after 1 July 2013 that meet all the applicable requirements and pass a Marine Survey Office oral examination will be issued with a certificate of competency valid for five years from the date of issue. Further details will be included in the Examination Directions published by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

ETOs currently serving at sea may be considered to have met the requirements of STCW if they have served in a relevant capacity on board ship for a period of not less than 12 months within the five year period preceding 1 January 2012 and meet the standards of competence specified in the STCW Code.

The Marine Survey Office will compare the standards of competence of each applicant for ETO certificate of competency under this section with those specified in section A-III/6 of the STCW Code and determine the need, if any, for updating training to be carried out. Assessments will be done on an individual or case-by-case basis. Candidates should allow sufficient time for the assessment to be carried out. All applicants must:

• Complete an application form (EXN 3) and submit the relevant documents;
• Meet the medical fitness and eyesight requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Regulations, and produce a valid certificate;
• Have at least 12 months documented sea service in the five year period preceding 1 January 2012 as ETO on board ship (details of the type of ships, size, electrical systems on board including electrical generation systems, hotel systems, communications systems, GMDSS and bridge navigation systems should be provided);
• Complete an approved Electro Technical Officer Training Record Book; and
• Have completed approved training or refresher training in:
  • Proficiency in personal survival techniques (Table A-VI/1-1);
  • Proficiency in fire prevention and firefighting (Table A-VI/1-2);
  • Proficiency in elementary first aid (Table A-VI/1-3);
  • Proficiency in personal safety and social responsibilities (Table A-VI/1-4);
  • Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (Table VI/2-1);
  • Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (Table A-VI/3);
  • Proficiency in Medical First Aid (Table VI/4-1);
  • Proficiency in Security awareness training (Table A-VI/6-1);
  • Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM).

When comparing standards of competence the following will be required:

• An appropriate third level qualification in marine electronics, electrical or communications;
• GMDSS Radio Maintenance Course or equivalent;
• GMDSS GOC (General Operators Certificate);
• High Voltage (Management Level) course or equivalent;
• Pass a Marine Survey Office oral examination.

Electro-technical officers applying for certificates of competency will be required to have High Voltage (HV) training whether or not they intend to work on ships with HV equipment. A HV system (over 1000V) is where voltage is generated and distributed at high voltage or transformed to and distributed at high voltage. It does not include systems where high voltage is utilised locally, eg ignition systems, radio transmission, radar or other navigational equipment.

HV courses previously undertaken prior to 1 July 2013 do not need to be approved but applicants must provide documentary evidence confirming the course covered at least the following topics:

• The hazards associated with High Voltage systems;
• Arrangement of High Voltage systems and their protective devices;
• Safety procedures related to High Voltage systems;
• Immediate actions to be taken under fault conditions;
• The functional, operational and safety requirements for a marine high-voltage system;
• Assignment of suitably qualified personnel to carry out maintenance and repair of high-voltage switchgear of various types;
• Taking remedial action necessary during faults in a high-voltage system;
• Producing a switching strategy for isolating components of a high-voltage system;
• Selecting suitable apparatus for isolation and testing of high-voltage equipment;
• Carrying out a switching and isolation procedure on a marine high-voltage system, complete with safety documentation; and
• Performing tests of insulation resistance and polarisation index on high-voltage equipment.

Meanwhile, electro-technical rating certificates will not be issued unless there is significant demand for them from the industry.

#MarineNotice - The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport advises that the survey vessel MV Fugro Searcher will commence well site survey work for Shell E&P Ireland Limited on the Corrib Gas Field, off the coast of Co Mayo, around mid February 2014.

The vessel is expected to be on location for a period of approximately five days, weather permitting. The area to be surveyed is set out in the table and map included in Marine Notice No 17 of 2014, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.

The survey vessel has the Call Sign 3EUY6 and will be listening on VHF Channel 16 throughout the project.

All mariners are also reminded of the Safety Zone that is in place around the Corrib Gas Field development, referred to in Marine Notice No 21 of 2006, as well as their responsibilities under the International Collision Regulations (Marine Notice No 17 of 2007 gives general advice in relation to the activities of vessels engaged in survey work for hydrographic, seismic, fishing research and underwater operations).

All vessels, particularly those engaged in fishing, are requested to give the MV Fugro Searcher a wide berth of at least 500 metres and to keep a sharp lookout in the relevant areas.

#fishing – Marine Notice No. 16 of 2014

Notice to all Fishing Vessel Owners, Skippers, Fishermen and Seafarers

Enhanced Safety Training for Skippers and Crews of Fishing Vessels Less than 15m Length overall

This Marine Notice is published in accordance with Section 8.6 of the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length overall (Rev.2), regarding the updating of safety skills and knowledge.

The following training course providers are approved to provide the required training under the Code of Practice:

Course Provider Details:

BIM Marine Services Division,

P.O. Box No 12,

Crofton Road,

Dun Laoghaire,

Co. Dublin.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +353 (0) 1 214 4100

B.I.M. National Fisheries College,

Greencastle,

Co. Donegal.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +353 (07493) 81099/ 81068

B.I.M. Regional Fisheries Centre,

Castletownbere,

Co. Cork.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: + 353 (0) 27 70450 /71106

Irish Maritime Administration,

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,

Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, Ireland.

For any technical assistance in relation to this Marine Notice, please contact:

The Marine Survey Office, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, tel: +353-(0)1-678 3400.

For general enquiries, please contact the Maritime Safety Policy Division, tel: +353-(0)1-678 3418.

Written enquiries concerning Marine Notices should be addressed to:

Maritime Safety Policy Division, Dept. of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, Ireland.

email: [email protected] or visit us at: www.dttas.ie

27/01/2014

 

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice 14 of 2014 advises that a revised Code of Practice concerning the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15 metres length overall (Revision 2 dated 20/01/14 with operative date of 03/03/14) has been published.

The revision incorporates provisions relating to the carriage of automatic, float-free EPIRBs for fishing vessels of under 12 metres and for the wearing of Personal Locator Beacons by all on board a fishing vessel (Chapter 9.5). Training is also required on the use of this equipment (Chapter 8).

These requirements will be included in the scope of the initial survey, survey renewals and at intermediate declaration stage. There are other textual changes reflecting feedback from the industry, surveyors and findings of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. These include:

• The title of the code has been updated to reflect the inclusion of operational matters;
• Stability criteria remain essentially the same but ‘roll tests’ now need to be carried out both in ‘departure’ and ‘arrive port’ conditions (Chapter 3.2);
• Existing requirements in relation to drills/musters (Chapter 8.9) and the regulation of work/rest time (Chapter 8.10) have been included in the Code;
• Text has been included to remind fishers of their existing obligations to comply with passage planning requirements (Chapter 10.14);
• The Declaration form (Annex 8) has been updated and clarified so as owners and panel surveyors are clear of their obligations under the Code;
• and References to bodies and Marine Notices, etc have been updated.

A copy of the revised Code of Practice is available on the Department’s website HERE. The most recent listing of the approved panel of surveyors and their contact details is also available via the previous link.

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice No 12 of 2014 details that the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has appointed the following companies to the panel as Recognised Security Organisations (Ports) for the creation of Port Security Assessments and Port Security Plans for the period covering 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018:

Crime Management
Group Regus House, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 417 4242 Email: [email protected]

Crime Management Services
Regus House, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 686 5131 Email: [email protected]

The appointment will cover work as an RSO in relation to both Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 and Directive 2005/65/EC on Port Security.

 

Marine Notice No. 67 of 2013

 

 

Notice To All Ship Owners, Managers, Agents, Masters, Seafarers, Approved Doctors, Medical Referees And Training Establishments

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 701 of 2005) make it a legal requirement for any seafarer, as defined in the Regulations, to hold a valid certificate attesting to their medical fitness for the work for which they are employed. Details of the Seafarers Medical Assessment Scheme are contained in Marine Notice No. 30 of 2005 .

 

The Manila Amendments to the International Convention and Code on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) were adopted on 25 June 2010 and entered into force on 1 January 2012.

 

The Manila Amendments necessitated a redesign of the Seafarer Medical Certificate Form 3 (ENG11) to incorporate additional information on a seafarer’s medical fitness. The revised medical certificate was introduced on 1 January 2013.

 

Following a review of the medical certificate the Department has decided to make a number of amendments. The amended certificates will be issued by Approved Doctors from 1 January 2014 .

 

The current version of the Seafarers Medical Certificate Form 3 will continue to be issued by Approved Doctors up to 31 December 2013.

 

All certificates currently in the possession of seafarers will remain valid until their expiry date.

 

 

Irish Maritime Administration,

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,

Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, Ireland.

 

17/12/2013

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice No 66 of 2013 concerns construction works at An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre in Co Kerry, which were set to commence on or around last Friday 6 December 2013, weather permitting.

These ongoing works will involve the replacement of old and installation of new pontoons on the marina in the western basin.

The works are being advanced by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Ltd. A workboat will be used to move the pontoons and a mobile crane will be operating from the shore adjacent to the western slipway.

For safety reasons, mariners are requested to proceed slowly and with caution in the approach to the western basin of the Fishery Harbour Centre and to give the works a wide berth. Wave-wash from vessels should be avoided.

These works are expected to continue until the end of January 2014, weather permitting.

For further information, contact An Daingean Harbourmaster’s Office at 066 915 1629.

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice No 65 of 2013 gives notice to all masters, officers and seafarers in the Mercantile Marine and to those involved in maritime training and medical assessments of clarification of the dyslexia policy for examination and assessment procedures.

1 Summary

1 Examinations require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject through timed assessments. During the examination students are expected to select and manipulate thoughts and transfer these concepts into written format. This process emphasises a dyslexic student’s difficulties.

2 Candidates undertaking study and written examinations for Bachelor Degrees in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) may avail of the NMCI policy and procedures relating to examinations set out by Cork Institute of Technology.

3 The courses of study mentioned above normally lead to a career at sea and in order to obtain a seafaring qualification or Certificate of Competency further oral and written examination is required by national and international legislation. Seafaring is a regulated profession, and examinations leading to Certificates of Competency in the Mercantile Marine and Fishing Industry are conducted by NMCI and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) respectively, on behalf of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) which has responsibility for regulation in this area, and ensuring safety of life at sea and pollution prevention.

4 Candidates undertaking written examinations conducted by the NMCI, or BIM on behalf of the DTTAS who have been diagnosed as dyslexic by an educational psychologist may be allowed an extra 10 minutes for each hour of normal examination time, and/or the use of acetates or tinted film if required.

5 The time allowance is applicable only to those professional written examinations leading directly to a deck or engineer certificate of competency, and does not apply to ancillary courses such as radio certificates, first aid etc.

6 Where possible, candidates having extra time may be accommodated in a separate examination room, or at the back of the room, so that they are not disturbed by the main body of students departing at the end of normal examination time.

7 Given the safety critical nature of the tasks which holders of a Certificate of Competency perform, and the conditions under which they carry them out, the use of readers, amanuensis (scribes), computers or other aides that could not reasonably be brought to sea and used under emergency conditions will not be allowed.

8 Allowances may be made by Examiners for spelling errors and composition of passages, provided that the meaning of the answer is clear to the Examiner. Clerical errors in safety related calculations will be dealt with in the same way for all candidates.

9 Candidates that have been diagnosed as dyslexic must have documented written proof of this diagnosis, in the form of an assessment report, if they wish to avail of extra time.

10 Candidates wishing to apply for extra time should contact their personal or course tutor who will guide them through the procedure.

11 Some groups of examinations must be completed within a two year period prior to the issue of a Certificate of Competency - no concession is granted in respect of this requirement.

2 Initial Action

1 If you think that you may be dyslexic, there are a number of online tests that may help you decide if formal assessment is appropriate.

2 If you have been clinically assessed as having dyslexia and wish to request additional examination time, your initial action should be to contact your personal or course tutor. They will be able to guide you through making the application.

3 Assessment Report

1 For the purposes of gaining additional time in written examinations leading to a Certificate of Competency, an assessment report will be accepted from a qualified Educational Psychologist. Further information may be obtained from the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the Psychological Society of Ireland.

2 Assessments must have been carried out as an adult (post 16 years old), include cognitive assessment, and clearly identify dyslexia as a significant learning difficulty.

3 All candidates attending courses of study leading to Certificates of Competency are strongly recommended to obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness for service at sea prior to commencing a course. The medical examination for a Certificate of Medical Fitness does not test for dyslexia; however seafarers with dyslexia may have difficulty with vision testing, and should discuss this with the approved doctor conducting the examination.

4 Administrative Procedures

1 Dyslexic candidates putting themselves forward for DTTAS examinations should notify the examination centre at least 2 weeks in advance of the examination, together with supporting documentation. NMCI/BIM will liaise with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and advise the examination centre invigilator of any additional time granted.

2 Once an increased examination time has been agreed it will remain valid for all future examinations until the tenth anniversary of the assessors report, without reference to the DTTAS.

3 Examination centres may seek to recover the additional costs incurred by the supervision of the additional examination room and/or examination time. You should talk to the examination centre concerned to find out their policy.

5 Examination Results

1 Once a candidate has been given additional time in an examination, they may not have their dyslexia raised as an issue for special considerations.

 

Notice to all Shipowners, Fishing Vessel Owners, Agents, Shipmasters, Skippers, Fishermen, Yachtsmen and Seafarers

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been advised of potential GME EPIRB failures.

The following GME EPIRB models, manufactured in the 2005-2010 period, have been identified as being at risk of failure.

GME MT400, GME MT401, GME MT406G, GME MT401FF, GME MT403/G and GMEMT403FF/FG

Owners of all GME EPIRBs are advised to carry out immediate testing of their beacon as detailed in the annex to this notice.

For further information, please see the attached annex, which reproduces the safety alert on this matter, issued by GME.

Irish Maritime Administration,
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,
Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, Ireland.

11/11/2013