Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas or PSSAs have been identified by the IMO and listed on their website. But what are they - why do we have them and what needs to be done? Captain Barry discusses these areas and gives examples of where they can be found and what precautions are taken by International shipping in recognition of the special status of these areas.

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code sets out the mandatory standards for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes. This code is essential for preventing accidents at sea related to the transport of solid bulk materials. The latest amendments, coming into force on January 1, 2025, include updated provisions to enhance the safety of ships and crews. These amendments address issues like cargo classification, documentation, and procedures for safe handling. This podcast discusses two of these new cargoes.

The Maritime Labour Convention came into force in August 2013. Since then there have been subtle but accumulating changes to the original text which have sought to enhance the rights of seafarers. 2024 sees more changes coming into effect from the 23rd December including the provision of internet. In a world of connectivity this basic right has so far been overlooked. But in recognition of the improvement to mental health that social connectivity has, it now forms part of the recent changes. Barry discusses all the new requirements and talks about the importance of connectivity. Happy seafarers are safer seafarers.

The 'Sea Story' was a 'large yacht' style ship that acted as a base for dive activities in the Red Sea. It had cabins onboard for 36 guests and 18 crew. It tragically capsized off the Egyptian Coast on the 25th November 2024. She capsized suddenly in heavy weather with the loss of at least four lives.
She wasn't the only super yacht to do this unexpectedly in 2024. The Baysian was another very high profile tragedy that struck when freak weather caught out an unsuspecting ship.
Being in 'Port Mode' with regards to the watertight integrity when not in a sheltered port is a worrying trend on this size of ship. Barry discusses the facts so far.

In this episode Barry discusses the implications of the 2023 Watercraft Order and how it affects smaller vessels as well as those on larger ships navigating around them.
It discusses the wider implication of the order and how this may affect yacht clubs running races as well as reassuring professionals that the full law applying to UK Ships now applies to any vessel capable of being propelled by its own machinery - and yes this includes Jet Skis and other PWCs.