Month: April 2020

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) celebrates commissioning of coastal research vessel Sagar Anveshika

Phil Page

Research vessel set to strengthen oceanographic research capabilities of India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology

With the commissioning of coastal research vessel Sagar Anveshika earlier this year, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) celebrated yet another collaborative success with the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem.

Built under IRClass, Sagar Anveshika is a DP1-capable vessel fitted with state-of-the-art equipment that allows her owner, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT/ Ministry of Earth Sciences,Govt of India) to carry out environmental indexing and bathymetric surveys in both coastal and offshore waters.

Sagar Anveshika is the second of two coastal research vessels built for NIOT, by M/s. Titagarh Wagons Ltd, with the first being Sagar Tara which was delivered in August 2019. The two vessels are set to augment NIOT’s  research capabilities.

Apart from classification, IRClass provided assistance to the owners in seamless integration of research equipment including the laboratories and deck machinery, to ensure that both the vessels satisfy the Scientific Mission Requirements, while complying with applicable rules, conventions, regulations and the flag state.

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Learning in Lockdown- Creating Good Distance Learning Experiences

Phil Page

Raal Harris, MD of Videotel and Creative Director of Ocean Technologies Group, is running a webinar to teach those with training responsibilities how to manage the transition from face to face learning to online teaching.

Called “Learning in Lockdown- Creating good distance learning experiences”, the webinar is designed to give tutors a guide on how adapt their training formats and techniques to take into account the differences of teaching delegates online, a medium which is being increasingly used in the maritime  industry as current travel restrictions prevent face to face classroom based learning.

“It is more than just a question of putting your classroom course online and hoping for the best,” said Raal Harris.

“Teachers need to invest time in assessing the right software to use, making sure it is easy to register and join the webinar with a facility for those having technical difficulties to be able to contact the organizer of the session for help,” he added.

Having worked for Videotel for 15 years, Raal has considerable experience in running online courses and so this webinar outlines the pitfalls to avoid and gives some great tips and hints in how to run an engaging and successful distance learning course.

The webinar will begin at 10.00am (UK BST) on Thursday 23rd April and is aimed at those responsible for their organisation’s training strategy, those looking to transform their classroom courses to online ones and tutors keen to understand how best to deliver programmes of training and education using video conferencing technology.

To register simply use the link below:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6577159116829249294

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Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) increases the use of Remote Surveys to beat Coronavirus restrictions

Phil Page

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) is taking a pragmatic and practical approach in rendering services to its clients during this period of unprecedented challenges posed by global restriction in personnel movement to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

IRClass’ aim is to manage and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances to minimise the impact on its customers by adapting remote surveys in maintaining the validity of ship’s certificates and thereby supporting the global trade, while ensuring the well being and safety of its staff. All of its office based staff are now working remotely from their homes and the company has also provided specific guidelines to its surveyors to follow precautions and country specific advisories when planning the conduct of surveys.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some ships may experience operational challenges such as non availability of drydocks, spares, technicians, etc. In addition, surveys and audits may, in some cases, not be conducted because surveyors are unable to attend the ships due to travel restrictions or quarantines.

Depending on the specific circumstances, IRClass may grant survey extensions as allowed by its rules and application of force majeure provisions to ships due for surveys but facing difficulties due to COVID-19 scenario.

IRClass is working very closely with its clients and may also consider the postponement of non-critical work, where appropriate.

However, where possible and with flag approval, IRClass is increasingly turning to the use of remote surveys/inspections which are based on self-checks by the Master/Chief Engineer of the ship or the Senior Staff of the works, using the IRClass survey checklist and remote asesssment of supporting documentation, photographs/videography by an IRClass surveyor. Facilities for video conferencing including live video streaming for viewing specific sections of the ship or equipment for cross verification, are also proving to be invaluable tools for IRClass’ surveyors.

“These are challenging times for everyone, as the Covid-19 scenario is constantly changing. IRClass is actively monitoring the global situation and is committed to working with all its clients to support their business needs,” said Mr. Suresh Sinha, Managing Director of IRClass.

“Our remote survey system is working very well indeed and is a practical and  innovative way for our surveyor to carry out  the emergency safety assessment of a ship around the various restrictions in place. Our surveyors can now deal with surveys, audits and inspections from the safety of their own homes and, subject to various flag approvals. I can see remote inspections continuing to revolutionise classification services long after the COVID-19 outbreak using digital technology and real time, risk based, data driven decision making process – in not too distant a future,” he continued.

Ocean Technologies Group Backs Maritime CEO Discussions

Phil Page

Global learning and operational technology innovator, Ocean Technologies Group, has backed a series of Maritime CEO Leader discussions hosted by Splash editor Sam Chambers.

Launched on the 14 April, the Maritime CEO Leader Series brings together some of the key people in shipping to discuss issues affecting the sector as a whole which is particularly relevant at the moment given the current restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Participants will also be quizzed on how they unwind and relax to cope with the hours of self-isolation during lockdown.

The first episode features Esben Poulsson, chairman, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Heidi Heseltine, CEO, Halcyon Recruitment and Bjørn Højgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern and chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association.

The first season will run two episodes a week through April and May with more programmes planned across the maritime spectrum later in the year.

The series host Sam Chambers said, “The Maritime CEO Leader Series, powered by Ocean Technologies Group, aims to be both insightful and yet not too dry and heavy-going, giving viewers a glimpse of the real inner thought processes of many of the top names in the industry plus a look at their living rooms.”

The series will be produced in the UK by leading maritime distance learning provider, Videotel, which is one of the companies that operates under the Ocean Technology Group banner. Other companies that are part of the Group include Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine, Coex and the recently purchased Maritime Training Services.

“We are delighted that Ocean Technologies Group is backing the Maritime CEO Leader Series with Splash,” said Videotel’s MD Raal Harris.

“Splash and Maritime CEO has always managed to attract the top people in the industry to provide their insights and opinions on shipping and what their hopes are for the future. I am sure this will be a very engaging and thought provoking series,” he added.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) classes its first vessel under Lebanese Flag

Phil Page

International ship classification society IRClass, has classed its first vessel under Lebanese flag.

The vessel is named Jouri and was converted from a vehicle carrier to a livestock carrier under the survey of IRClass which included structural modification, plan approval and reapproval of stability conditions.

The modification process was complicated and was carried out under the close supervision of its surveyors to the complete satisfaction of owner – Etab Shipping S.A. and Technical Manager – M/s Safe Sea Service  S.A.R.L Beirut.

“The project took around 4 months to complete, including overcoming technical challenges like the location of permanent ballast and arrangement for storage of cattle feed to take into account the stability of the vessel,” said Rajeev Pratap Rao, IRClass’ Regional Manager for Middle East and Africa.

“Class societies are increasingly being seen not just as regulators but also as enablers and this project is a perfect example of this with our Plan Approval team and surveyors using their technical expertise to advise and guide the modification team. As this project was such a success we are now working on a similar conversion for the City of Barcelona.” he continued.

Maritime Training Services Joins Ocean Technologies Group

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On 27th March 2020 Seattle-based Maritime Training Services (MTS) joined the new Ocean Technologies Group, home to COEX, Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine and Videotel.

The combination ensures that MTS will accelerate its growth and develop its services, providing certainty to MTS customers and team following the untimely passing of the company’s Owner and Managing Director, Matthew Gasparich, last year.

MTS will add value to and also benefit from the diverse range of skills and experience available within the Ocean Technologies Group while also being able to draw on the significant investments in R&D being made by the Group in new technologies, content and courses.

Ocean Technologies Group aims to invest in the latest e-learning technologies and pedagogical methods such as gamification, micro-learning, virtual and augmented reality, as well as 3D animation and best-in-class video content.

MTS is well known to both Seagull and Videotel, having collaborated with both companies over many years on the production of maritime e-learning content and distribution of their respective training libraries.

“It is great to be able to welcome MTS to the Ocean Technologies Group. The company will add a significant expertise in the production of bespoke client-specific training programmes having worked with blue-chip customers in commercial shipping, maritime administrations, cruise sector and adjacent markets” said Manish Singh, Ocean Technologies Group Chief Executive Officer

“The combination enhances the responsiveness of MTS, by leveraging on Ocean Technologies Group’s global foot-print. Similarly the Group has better in-region footprint to serve the maritime market across the Americas. With colleagues based from Seoul in the East to Seattle in the West, we are a truly global partner to our customers” he continued.

The combination of MTS with Ocean Technologies Group comes at a crucial time, as Industry leaders Seagull Maritime and Videotel have been working proactively to offer a growing diversity of e-Learning opportunities tailored to specific client requirements.

“Joining this exciting new group gives MTS and our customers an incredible opportunity to build on the good work we have been doing together and take things to the next level.” Said Michelle Bollaert MTS International Operations Manager.

“Having watched with interest the Group developing around Videotel and Seagull, we feel that MTS will be valuable in enabling our new group to cater for all market segment needs and provide a comprehensive range of training solutions to the maritime industry. The MTS team is excited about the greater opportunities arising from being part of the market leading Ocean team” she continued.

 

Videotel Launches New Distance Learning Course on the IGF Code

Phil Page

Leading maritime e-Learning training provider Videotel, has launched a fully approved distance learning course on the use of gases or other low-flashpoint fuels covered within the IGF Code.

The Code, which came into force on 1st January 2017, aims to minimise risk to the ship, its crew and the environment by acknowledging the special nature of any gaseous fuels that are being loaded, stored and burned.

New minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on board ships are also addressed in the Code and any seafarer responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to fuel on board ships which are subject to the IGF Code, must now complete an approved course of basic training.

“The use of gas as a fuel on ships has increased in recent years due to the sulphur cap and targets set by the IMO to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2050, when compared to 2008. So, this distance learning course comes at an appropriate time to help seafarers get up to speed with the handling and management of these fuel types,” said Raal Harris, MD of Videotel.

“There is no pre-requisite sea service needed to enrol on this course or to be awarded a certificate of training,” he continued.

Videotel provides courses allowing thousands of seafarers globally  to study for and obtain certificates in a variety of STCW and other subjects  by distance learning. The company is part of the newly formed Ocean Technologies Group which also includes Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine and COEX.

The combined services of Seagull Maritime and Videotel provide e-learning programmes to around 1 million seafarers and supply them with learning, education and a diverse range of ship safety and operational information.

Ocean Technologies Group is dedicated to accelerating the potential of innovative companies that serve the maritime industry and helping them to meet the challenges of 21st Century shipping.

The new IGF Code training programme can be found on the Videotel website.

Coronavirus- How to Beat it

Phil Page

In the wake of the pandemic COVID-19, leading maritime training companies Seagull Maritime and Videotel have launched a new programme called: “Coronavirus- How to Beat it.”

Available free to the maritime industry, the programme outlines the common symptoms that seafarers need to be aware of and details the key precautions that individuals onboard can take to minimise the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Frequent hand washing is one of the ways to reduce infection and the programme demonstrates the correct way to thoroughly wash hands using liquid soap and warm water.

It also gives advice to crew on the procedures to follow onboard if they think they have become infected, to reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection.

“The spread of COVID-19 has had serious implications for our seafarers and for the maritime industry a whole, with some port call restrictions, delayed crew changeovers and container shortages which are hampering the supply chain and causing severe disruption to the world economy. So, producing this programme seemed the obvious thing for us to do to help minimise the contagion,” said Raal Harris, Videotel’s Managing Director.

“Now that Videotel and Seagull are part of the same group, we have been able to combine to make this programme in record time. This important information will reach our combined client base which numbers the majority of the world fleet, but we also want to make it freely accessible to all seafarers to ensure everyone can benefit.  Having completed similar exercises with the Ebola and Zika outbreaks, we thought it prudent to continue to support the industry in this way,” he continued.

The programme “Coronavirus- How to Beat it” can be accessed from the Videotel and Seagull websites.

Seagull Maritime and Videotel are part of the new Ocean Technologies Group headed up by CEO Manish Singh, comprising of learning and operational technology companies and dedicated to accelerating the potential of innovative companies that serve the maritime Industry.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) continues its tradition of giving

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IRClass awards Shri S Venkiteswaran Prizes in Law to 44 law students of Government Law College, Mumbai

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) continues to give back to the community it serves in meaningful ways such as the ‘S Venkiteswaran Prizes in Law’.

Established in 2015 by IRClass in honour of the late Mr. S Venkiteswaran, the ‘S Venkiteswaran Prizes in Law’ recognise academic excellence at the Government Law College, Mumbai (GLC Mumbai) which is the oldest Law College in Asia. Mr. Venkiteswaran was a legal luminary and internationally acclaimed stalwart in the field of maritime law. He was the founding President of the Indian Maritime Law Association and served on the Board of IRClass as a Director for more than a decade.

On 7 February 2020, 44 students received the prizes at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. IRClass awarded the prizes which included a citation and a cheque to students scoring the highest and second highest marks across 16 subjects of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course at GLC Mumbai.

Distinguished guests at the awards ceremony included Mr V Subramanian, the son of the late Mr. Venkiteswaran, Prof Homer Pithawalla (Professor, GLC Mumbai), Mr. Suresh Sinha (Managing Director, IRClass) and Mr. Marco Wadia (Director, IRClass) & Mr. B V Nargundkar (Sr VP & Company Secretary, IRClass).

Prof Pithawalla expressed his gratitude to IRClass and the family of late Mr Venkiteswaran. He noted that the Shri S Venkiteswaran Prizes in Law are highly sought after, and highlighted the exceptional performance of female undergrads at GLC Mumbai as evidenced by female students accounting for over 80% of this year’s prize recipients.

In his speech, Mr Suresh Sinha lauded the contributions made by late Mr Venkiteswaran to IRClass as well as the Indian and international maritime industry. “Mr Venkiteswaran was an absolute titan in the fields of maritime law and shipping, and his immense contributions serve as an inspiration for generations to come. IRClass’ support for the Shri S Venkiteswaran Prizes in Law is one way in which his legacy lives on,” said Mr Sinha.