December 2004

VIDEOTEL Marine was nominated for one of the industry's top training awards at the Dubai Seatrade conference in December. The Education and Training award is sponsored by Lloyd's Register, and is awarded "for exceptional initiative designed to enhance standards in shipping through education and training in the region."

Videotel was nominated for its innovative Videotel on Demand (VOD) training system, which allows seafarers to access the whole of Videotel's computer-based training library whilst at sea. "It was an honour to be present at the inaugural Dubai International Maritime Awards presentation," said Videotel general manager Captain Mike Potts. "This is the equivalent of being nominated for the Oscars. It is pleasing to see the high level of importance and support that the marine industry is attaching to the continued development of the seafarer and the industry."

The Dubai International Maritime Awards were launched at the 2004 Seatrade Middle East conference, to acknowledge those who have worked to improve maritime standards within the region. "It is my strong hope that award schemes such as these will act as catalysts for a greater interest in the positive things that shipping has to offer," said chairman of the judges Efthimious Mitropoulos. "Ours is a modern, efficient, safe, clean and technically advanced industry, and the Dubai International Maritime Awards scheme will help reflect that reality and give due recognition to those who are creating and developing it."

• Videotel Marine International is the market leader in the provision of quality computer, video and DVD-based training packages and courses in many languages for the maritime industry. The company provides training packages through long-term library rental schemes. Videotel currently offers over 500 titles, including a range of Flag State approved distance-learning courses. 55 of Videotel's training packages have recently been recognised by IMarEST as suitable for continuing professional development.

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has alerted the shipping industry to be prepared for yet another piece of maritime legislation, the Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78, Annex VI), due to enter into force on May 19, 2005.

Annex VI will apply to any ship of 400gt and above, and any ship fitted with diesel engine propulsion having power output of more than 130kW.

Ships of 400gt and above and floating drill platforms built on or after May 19, flying the flag of a signatory party to Annex VI and intended for international voyages, will, on delivery, need to obtain an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

Similarly, existing ships will need to be certificated no later than the first scheduled drydocking after May 19, but in all cases by May 19, 2008.

The Indian classification society said: "These regulations require close attention by shipowners not only to specific Annex VI machinery and arrangement requirements on board ships, but also in ensuring that necessary individual operating procedures are in place and effectively implemented, both on board and in the office for smooth commercial operation of the ships."

IRS also said that Annex VI has implications for bunker suppliers and owners because it brings into force new measures governing both the sale and use of bunkers.

To help the shipping industry, specifically ship operators, understand and implement the new regulations, IRS has produced a booklet, Guide to MARPOL 73/78, Annex VI - Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, which is being released this week by Capt. J C Anand, chairman of IRS, in Dubai at the Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004 event, IRS is an exhibitor.

The society believes the benefits of this booklet, which is written in simple language, will include improved crew preparation; prevention of possible problems; and optimisation of costs and time in implementation.

The booklet is one of several methods IRS is using to help owners maintain their ships in compliance with international convention requirements at optimal cost.

IRS is an internationally recognised independent ship classification society. It provides professionally competent third-party technical verification and certification services for all types of marine craft and structures. These services have also been expanded to cover a range of offshore and land-based industrial sectors.