The UK Chamber of Shipping has launched its new Single-Use Plastic Charter. The Chamber and its members have a goal of ZERO pollution from ships to sea from plastic and the new Charter, which has 29 industry signatories, aims to encourage companies to ban the use of non-essential single-use plastics Read more
In 2018, the MCA commissioned Solis Marine Consultants and Frazer Nash to carry out a study into the pollution from shipping risks in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and emergency towage provision. That work was been carried out and finally published on 1 September 2020. The report was initiated from Read more
The BTA has reached agreement with the MCA regarding requirements for medical training certification on board tugs. Various BTA members have queried and raised concern of the appropriateness that in the small vessel sector completion of Medical Care On Board is required for Masters following MGN 495, yet this leads Read more
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) held it’s annual full day safety seminar on Wednesday 6 November 2019, returning to the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh where it was last held in 2017. The BTA thanks all the speakers for their participation and support and attendees for their enthusiasm. The outline Read more
The MCA Publication of MGN 609 provides guidance for the exemption from the carriage of a rescue boat for Class IX tugs under 500gt. The MGN may be found via: www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-609-m-class-ix-tugs-under-500gt-guidance-for-exemption-from-the-carriage-of-a-rescue-boat The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) have concluded and responded to the public consultation on guidance for exemption from the carriage Read more
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) released UR 79 on Towing Winch Emergency Release System Requirements in October 2018 which will come into force on 1 January 2020. The UR defines minimum safety standards for winch emergency release systems provided on towing winches that are used on towing ships within close Read more