For ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014, a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter's communication shall be carried on board. Those two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Ships constructed before 1 July 2014 shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph not later than the first survey after 1 July 2018.
For more details refer to:
- Resolution MSC.338(91) - Amendments to SOLAS

The Convention requires the registered owner of a ship of 300 gross tonnage or above to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover the costs of locating, marking and removing of a wreck. Ships of 300GT and above will be required to carry a certificate issued by a State party to the Convention attesting that the necessary insurance is in place. From 14th April 2015 all vessels of 300GT and above will require to hold a certificate.
For more details refer to:
- Infos about Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks at imo.org

On 1 July 2015 the new Hong Kong "Air Pollution Control (Ocean Going Vessels) (Fuel at Berth) Regulation" comes into force. To reduce the emission of sulphur oxides at berth, vessels of 500 gt and above are required to use marine fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5%, LNG or other technologies (e.g. exhaust gas scrubber) to achieve the reduction of sulphur oxide emissions.
For more details refer to:
- HK Air Pollution Control Regulation L.N. 051 of 2015

On 26 May USCG will update it's Business Schema to version 3.5. Beginning this date NOAD Schema 3.3 and older will not longer be supported! MARSIG has updated it's own eNOA/D Editor Software to be in compliance with Schema 3.4 which remains valid after 26 May. Please feel free and ask for an offer.
For more details refer to:
- News of the USCG National Vessel Movement Center
- MARSIG's eNOA/D Editor Software

An annual report for each vessel which is covered under the Vessel General Permit (VGP2013) has to be created and submitted to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) until end of February 2015. The report requests different information about the usage of on board treatment systems, like ballast water treatment, greywater treatment, OWS, exhaust gas scrubber, etc. The report could be created online as far as the user and its vessels are duly registered at EPA's internet database.
Link to: EPA CDX Login (VGP2013 Database)

On 1st of January 2015 the International Maritime Solid Bulk Code incorporating Amendment 02-13 becomes mandatory for all bulker or general cargo ships which are able to transport solid cargo in bulk. The Code should be provided on board affected vessels.

On 1st of January 2015 the next step of MARPOL Annex VI requirements enter into force where the max sulphur content in marine fuels used inside of Emission Control Areas must not exceed 0.1%.
In this connection MARSIG has updated its "ECA Fuel Change-over Manual" which includes all applicable regulations, a suitable reporting form, and an improved and simplyfied Excel Calculation for determining the Change-over Lead Time when switching from high sulphur to low sulphur fuel by blending in service tank.
Please request an offer in case you are interested in.

Due to the fact that the ratification of the Ballast Water Convention by 30 states representing 35% of the world merchant shipping tonnage is being delayed, IMO has adopted Resolution A.1088(28) which introduces a relaxed phase-in period of the treatment standards for existing vessels. The resolution sets out new implementation dates which will come into effect when the Convention enters into force.
For more details refer to:
- IMO Resolution A.1088(28) (44 kB)
- IoM Circular on new BWM Convention Implementation Schedule (152 kB)

Different MoU Regions on Port State Control will start a Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Hours of Rest beginning on 1 September 2014. Below you could download an information notice of the Isle of Man Administration in this regard where different questions should help you to check the on board compliance with the regulations.
For more details refer to:
- PSC CIC Information by Isle of Man

On 1st July 2014 the adopted SOLAS amendment which requires ship-specific plans/procedures for the recovery of persons from the water enter into force. MARSIG has developed such procedures and could offer them to its clients including ship-specific adaptations.
For more details refer to:
- MSC.1/Circ.1447 - Guidelines for the Development of Plans for Recovery of Persons from the Water (19 kB)
- Resolution MSC.338(91) - SOLAS Amendment (785 kB)

On 1st January 2014 Phase II of the California Regulation on fuel sulfur for ocean-going vessels within California Waters came into force. Main engines, auxiliaries and oil-fired boilers have to be operated only with MDO (DMB) or MGO (DMA) whith a sulfur content at or below 0.1%
For more details refer to:
- California Air Resources Board - Marine Note 2013-1 (150 kB)
- California Fuel Regulation 13 CCR § 2299.2 (80 kB)
- California Fuel Regulation 17 CCR § 93118.2 (80 kB)