The commercial dive boat Conception at sunrise prior to sinking, September 2, 2019. (Source: Ventura County Fire Department)

Captain of Submersible Conception Sentenced to Four Years for Fatal Fire

In 2019, the captain of the submersible Conception was sentenced to four years in prison for the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 34 people off the California coast. Jerry Nehl Boylan, 69, was found guilty of “sailor manslaughter” for his role in the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board cited poor oversight by the ship’s owner as a contributing factor to the tragedy.

Continue reading

Oman and the EU collaborate to enhance maritime security and economic cooperation

Muscat: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi met with Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf. They discussed bilateral cooperation in maritime security, technical, economic, and cultural fields. They emphasized supporting GCC-EU trade liberalization and mutual visa cancellation. They also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire and lifting the blockade.

Continue reading

Former Canadian Coast Guard Captain Launches SeaLight Initiative to Increase Women in Marine Industry

Kamila Calko is launching SeaLight, an initiative to increase the number of women in the marine industry. With 20 years of experience at sea, including as a captain in the Canadian Coast Guard, Calko believes fostering an inclusive environment is key. SeaLight Sisters, a community app, will provide support for women in the industry.

Continue reading

Red Sea Diversions Improve Liner Shipping Industry Schedule Reliability

Four months into the Red Sea diversions, liner shipping has shown improvements in schedule reliability. Sea-Intelligence reports a 1.6% increase in carrier reliability in March 2024, reaching nearly 56%. Carriers have adjusted schedules and brought in new tonnage to absorb disruptions, with late-arriving vessels reducing wait times. Pre-crisis levels are not yet reached.

Continue reading

Promoting Gender Equality in the Maritime Industry: Advocacy, Challenges, and Opportunities

The Women in Maritime group is advocating for gender equality policies in the industry, particularly for female seafarers. Captain Tarisi Vasuca emphasizes the importance of preparing female students for workplace challenges, such as sharing accommodations with male colleagues. MSAF Board Acting Director Savenaca Cavalevu supports professional development for women in maritime.

Continue reading

Houthi Attack on MSC Orion Raises Concerns for Maritime Security in Indian Ocean

Details of the attack on the MSC Orion (158,000) were confirmed by maritime security forces, indicating a troubling extension of the Houthi’s drone range. The vessel, 300-400 nautical miles from Yemen, reported an explosion from a “Uncrewed Aerial System.” Experts believe Iran-made drones are being used, posing new challenges for shipping routes.

Continue reading

The Importance of SOLAS in Maritime Safety and Compliance

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is a crucial part of maritime safety legislation, established after the tragic loss of the RMS Titanic. With ongoing revisions to keep up with industry advancements, SOLAS sets international standards for ship safety, benefiting companies by reducing accidents and enhancing reputation. Future challenges include managing automation, cybersecurity, and environmental concerns.

Continue reading

Seafarers Happiness Index 2024: Positive Trends and Challenges Ahead

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) report shows a positive start to 2024, with an overall increase in happiness from 6.36 to 6.94 out of 10. Seafarers reported improvements in financial security, job satisfaction, crew relationships, connectivity, and training. However, challenges like work-life balance and discriminatory practices still persist.

Continue reading
Advertisements