Maritime Directory

Fichtenwalde,, Germany

The AVECS Corporation AG is a software company developing quality & safety management software for the marine industry in accordance with ISO 9001. The company was founded in 1994 as a two-man company based in Potsdam. The ever-increasing rate of accidents at sea and falling safety standards gave Captain Hans-Werner Schleiter the idea to try and change this situation by developing specialised safety software. The concept was based on the then new international legislation (ISM - International Safety Management Code), introduced to improve safety onboard ships worldwide. During the development of the system, experts from maritime industry, nautical universities and software ergonomics were involved. Test installations onboard ensured that the functionality required by users was available in a user-friendly interface. The AVECS Corporation currently employs around 50 people, some of whom with extensive seagoing experience.

Oslo, Norway

PURPOSES, OBJECTIVES, SCOPE OF WORK The aim of the forum shall be to promote the well-being of the Working Environment and Safety and Health for Seafarers as both individuals and as a collective group, in relation to or in compliance with relevant national and international rules and regulations in that respect. TARGET GROUP The forum is open to all involved in, and ensuring compliance with the regulations regarding Working Environment, Safety and Health, thus: Shipping companies, ship management companies, ship manning companies the seafarers: safety supervisors safety representatives members of safety committees and Seafarers unions and other relevant organisations. SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work is as defined by the national and international rules and regulations dealing with seafarers working environment, safety and health at work, as clearly expressed by the ISM Code's objectives, inter alias: Provide for safe practices in ship operation Provide for a safe working environment Establish safeguards against all identified risks The forum is founded upon the Major Rules and Regulations for Working Environment, Safety and Health at Work on board, mainly: The IMO's International Safety Management code ILOS Convention 147 (Merchant shipping minimum standards) ILO convention 178 (inspection of seafarers working and living conditions) Standards for safety and health at work applying to EU flagged ships The relevant sections of the STCW convention MEMBERS BENEFITS Frequent information on the subject Discount on seminars, literature, etc. The right to join our rating system for health, safety and working environment Access to members-section on www.HSEatSea.no (discussion board, useful information etc.) The forum shall not deal with matters as traditional union topics, wages and employments agreements, medical advice etc, but confine the scope of work to the relevant and above referred international regulations. COMMITTEE The forum is lead by a committee, consisting of professionals from different sections of the shipping industry. PRACTICAL INFORMATION All information will be sent to the members through e-mail and will also be published on the forums web-pages. You are welcome to contact us in our office-hours mon-fri 10.00 – 15.00.

FAREHAM, United Kingdom

The International Harbour Masters' Association (IHMA) was formed in June 1996 with more than 250 members in 52 countries worldwide. Membership now encompasses almost 80 nations and extends throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Australasia, Africa, The Americas, The Middle East and Asia Membership consists of harbour masters from ports large and small, publicly and privately owned, and represents a unique source of up-to-date, hands-on expertise in a range of maritime operations, including: safety of navigation, vessel traffic control and monitoring, port management, protection of the marine environment, the ship/port interface, cargo handling and safe stowage, safety management and training, and the good practice of seamanship in port and harbour environs. Widely acknowledged as a competent partner in the shipping and port industry world-wide, the IHMA's wealth of experience is sought after and highly appreciated in many international fora and inter-industry working groups. Consequently, the IHMA's application for observer status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is undergoing its last stages of appraisal and, on sucessful conclusion, will offer direct access to this important forum from later this year

St. John's,, NL, Canada

Marine Atlantic Inc is a Canadian Federal Crown corporation that operates ferries across the Cabot Strait between the island of Newfoundland and mainland Canada, according to contracts in place with Transport Canada. The ferries operate year-round on the 100 nautical mile route between Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and North Sydney, Nova Scotia and during the summer on the 280 nautical mile route between Argentia, Newfoundland and North Sydney. In 1999, the company's vessels transported 432,000 passengers, 134,000 passenger vehicles and 76,000 commercial vehicles on the Port aux Basques run and 46,000 passengers, 16,000 passenger vehicles and 500 commercial vehicles on the Argentia run. This represents an 8% increase over 1998 for passenger vehicles on the Port aux Basques run, an 11% increase on the Argentia run and an 8% increase in commercial vehicles. This follows strong growth in both 1998 and 1997. Marine Atlantic experienced its third consecutive record-traffic year in 2000, surpassing the half million-passenger level for the first time between Newfoundland and mainland Canada. Marine Atlantic carried 508,970 passengers in 2000, an increase of 7% over the previous year. The company owns four ocean class vessels: The superferry MV Caribou was built at the Davie shipyard in Levis and entered service in 1986 on the Port aux Basques run. It is 179 m long, has a GRT of 27,212 tonnes, and can carry over 1000 passengers and 350 autos or an equivalent number of trucks. All vehicle space is high headroom. The vessel operates at over 20 knots, has fin stabilizers, bow and stern thrusters, roll-through loading and a ‘1a super’ ice class hull. The MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood is a sistership to the Caribou and entered service in 1990. It operates during the winter to Port aux Basques and during the summer to both Port aux Basques and Argentia. The MV Atlantic Freighter was built in Asia in 1978 and was acquired for the Port aux Basques run in 1988 mainly to carry trailers without drivers, containers and dangerous commodities. The vessel is not a passenger ferry. It is 151 m long, has a GRT of 5466 and can carry 75 trailers. The MV Leif Ericson began operation on the Port aux Basques run on June 2, 2001. It has a GRT of 18,523 tonnes and will carry 500 passengers and up to 300 autos or 75 trucks at 17 knots. As with the superferries, it has two high headroom decks and roll-through loading. It also has stabilizers, bow thrusters and an ice-class hull. A strength of the company is its well trained workforce. Peak season employment will be in the range of 1100 employees at shore locations and aboard the vessels. The person-year equivalent will be about 900. In 2000, customer revenues grew by more than 3 percent over the previous year, while an increase in spending was also reported. The company has no debt. As per the contract with Transport Canada, a Federal subsidy is granted to cover any shortfall. The company's vessel operations are certified according to the International Safety Management Code, which ensures highest level discipline relating to safety matters and pollution prevention. Management functions of the company are found in three locations. The head office, including the President and CEO, public relations, auditing, and corporate council are located in St. John's, Newfoundland. The finance, accounting, computer systems and risk management functions are located in Port aux Basques. The operations management, human resources, purchasing, marine technical, and safety functions are located in North Sydney. Terminal operations, maintenance, reservations, and stores are located in both North Sydney and Port aux Basques. The company and its predecessor companies have operated ferries across the Cabot Strait for over 100 years. Until recently, the company also operated ferries to and from Prince Edward Island, across the Bay of Fundy and into the US and to / from and along the Labrador coast. With a new focus and new resources, the company's staff looks forward to effectively meeting customer transportation needs to and from Newfoundland.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Norbulk Shipping UK Ltd. evolved 17 years ago to continue the ship management activities originally established by a Norwegian Owner in the 1960's. The Company offers a full range of technical and consultancy services since its formation Norbulk has experienced steady growth through a proactive approach to safety, quality and technology. The Glasgow office is the operators centre responsible for the day to day technical, safety and crew management functions. The fully managed fleet of over 60 vessels consists of Refrigerated Cargo Vessels, Multi Purpose Container ships, Bulk, Crude, Chemical and Product Tankers. Norbulk has taken a leading role in developing Safety and Quality systems. One of the first managers to receive dual accreditation from DNV for Quality and Safety Management for Safe Operation and Pollution Prevention, since 1994 systems have been audited in compliance with the ISM codes, ISO 9002, and DNV's SEP program. An experienced pool of over 2000 seafarers is employed by Norbulk Manning Services. Officers and Rating s are mainly from Western Europe, FSU, Baltic States, India and the Philippines. Norbulk has taken a very active role in the training of cadets and promoting the skills of seafarers so vital to continuing high standards of future ship operations.

Competence management strategies and organisational learning. We provide consultancy support services to employers who need to take a systematic, risk-based approach to managing change, learning, and human resources.

Greece

Kennebunk, Maine, United States

Sound solutions for compliance challenges since 1996.

Tampa,, Fl, United States

TECO Ocean Shipping is the ocean transportation connection in the TECO Transport family of companies. TECO Ocean Shipping carries coal and other bulk commodities within the Gulf of Mexico and to ports around the world. Established in 1959 to carry coal from Louisiana to Tampa for Tampa Electric, its sister company, TECO Ocean Shipping is the largest dry bulk ocean carrier operating under the U.S. flag. Today, TECO Ocean Shipping transports coal, phosphate, potash, corn, steel, soybeans, wheat, rice, sorghum, sugar and limestone to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Northern Europe, as well as to the east and west coasts of the United States. The company currently operates twelve oceangoing tug-barge units and three ships that range in size from 19,200 to 42,800 deadweight tons (DWT) and have a total shipping capacity of over 450,000 DWT. In addition, TECO Ocean Shipping barges are covered and compartmentalized to enable shippers the ability to transport one or more commodities on the same voyage. TECO Ocean Shipping operates several large self-unloading barges using a variety of systems. Vessels not equipped with self-discharging gear have sufficient clear deck space on board for truck cranes, vacuvators, bagging equipment, bobcats or tractors and other equipment. This gives TECO Ocean Shipping vessels the flexibility to handle the many types and volumes of cargo. TECO Ocean Shipping has set the pushing gear standard in the marine industry. The company uses the Artubar and Bludworth systems. With the Bludworth system, the tug is connected to the barge with hydraulics between the barge’s stern and tug’s bow. The Artubar system is similar, but the tug is attached to the barge by 70-inch diameter steel pins. Both systems increase the speed at sea to reduce weather sensitivity and enhance reliability of on-time delivery. With these systems, the units can travel farther before requiring additional bunkers. This means tug-barge units can travel distances previously only covered by ships. TECO Ocean Shipping has also set a standard for dedication to marine safety. TECO Ocean Shipping has gone beyond the minimum to qualify many of its vessels and its shoreside practices for the ISM, International Safety Management Code. This is an industry standard designed to prevent injury to personnel, damage to the environment and to property. TECO Ocean Shipping has also taken a leadership role in complying with the RCP, the Responsible Carrier Program. This is a national set of "best practices" designed by the American Waterways Operators to improve marine safety and environmental protection for inland and coastal towing industries. By its leadership in these programs, TECO Ocean Shipping offers a recognizable level of quality that our customers can count on. As part of the TECO Transport family, TECO Ocean Shipping has access to two sister companies which complete the TECO Transport water transportation network: TECO Bulk Terminal, the largest coal storage and transfer terminal on the Gulf Coast; and TECO Barge Line, an inland river-barge company.

London, United Kingdom

Formation IFSMA was formed in 1974 by Eight European Shipmasters' Associations to unite the World's serving Shipmasters into a single professional co-ordinated body. It is not a trade union. It is a non-profit making, apolitical organisation dedicated solely to the interest of the serving shipmaster. Over 8000 Shipmasters from more than 40 Countries are affiliated to IFSMA either through their National Associations (36) or as Individual Members (55). Purpose IFSMA is a Federation established to uphold International Standards of Professional Competence for Seafarers commensurate with the need to ensure Safe Operational Practices, Preservation from Human Injury, Protection of the Marine Environment and Safety of Life and Property at Sea. IMO Status IFSMA was Granted Consultative Status at IMO in 1975. This Consultative Status enables the Federation to represent the views and protect the interests of the serving Shipmasters unfettered and unfiltered either by National Governments or by Labour Organizations. To enable IFSMA to function effectively at IMO, it is represented in the Four Main Committees (MSC-MEPC-LEG-FAL) by the General Secretary and a team of former Shipmasters who also attend the Nine Sub-Committees (BLG - COMSAR - DE - DSC - FP - FSI - NAV - SLF - STW). When needed serving Shipmasters provide additional expertise in the various Working and Drafting Groups. IMO Involvement Top of Page IFSMA provided a Consultant to assist in the Comprehensive Review and Revision of the 1978 STCW Convention, and actively participated in the Joint ICAO/IMO Group of Experts on the Harmonization of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue. IFSMA also sat on the Steering Committee on Ro-Ro Ferry Safety which supervised the work of the Panel of Experts and made recommendations to MSC 65. This was without cost to IMO and was, for some two years an additional commitment to our normal work of representing Shipmasters' views on this International Platform. IMO Missions Top of Page IFSMA has now provided TWO MARITIME SPECIALISTS, each forming part of an IMO NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAMMING TEAM within the framework of IMO's Integrated Technical Co-Operation Programme (ITCP). The first Mission was to Bulgaria (Black Sea) in December 1995 and the second Mission was to Ukraine and Georgia (CIS/Eastern Europe) in January/February 1996. IMO Studies Top of Page IFSMA prepared papers on the safety of double-hull tankers for both IMO and the USCG when discussions on this subject were at their peak in 1991. It submitted with IMPA a Joint Paper on Bridge Information Display to NAV38 and, with the Government of the Bahamas, it amended Towing Guidelines which had been proposed earlier in 1992 by Germany. In 1993 IFSMA devised a Bulk Carrier Ship-Shore Checklist for MSC62 and submitted a BESMA Paper on Quality Management in Seafarers' Training to STW25. IMO Papers Top of Page In 1994 IFSMA submitted 12 separate Papers on various aspects of Loading and Unloading Bulk Cargoes for the attention of BC33. These produced four MSC Circulars. At the end of 1995 IFSMA, Co-Sponsored by ICS and ICFTU, submitted a paper on Black Sea Search and Rescue to COMSAR 1 while a second paper on amendments to the IMOSAR and MERSAR Manuals was submitted jointly by ICS and IFSMA. A comprehensive ACOMM Technical Paper on Modifications to the Freeboard and Stability Rules of medium sized ships will be submitted to IMO in the Spring of 1996 for discussion at SLF 40 in September this year. IMO and IFSMA Objectives Top of Page IFSMA is a strong supporter of IMO in its quest for safer shipping and cleaner oceans. It is the desire of The Federation to assist IMO in achieving a truly global implementation and rigorous enforcement of its International Treaties so that there is no need for any Country to resort to Regulatory Measures on either a National or a Regional basis. IFSMA has much approved of the Secretary-General's initiative to speed up Entry into Force and Amendment procedures, and continues to fully support his initiatives for a thorough and comprehensive review of Bulk Carrier Safety and Ro-Ro Ferry Safety in all their aspects. Policy Top of Page IFSMA has long held the firm belief that Shipowners and Ship Management Companies should hold a Safety Management Document of Compliance issued by the Flag State Administration before being permitted to operate ships, that increased scrapping of antiquated and sub-standard ships should be speeded up, and that world wide regional Port State Control is now top priority. In particular there should be a total ban, effective world wide, on the re-registration of ships for commercial trading once they have been sold for scrap and demolition. Shipmasters Defined Top of Page IFSMA defines Shipmasters as those who are in possession of an Internationally recognised Certificate of Competency, issued by the Government of an established Maritime Nation who are serving or have previously served, in Command of Seagoing Ships whether or not engaged upon International or Domestic Trade. Shipmaster's Status in IFSMA Top of Page Once a man has risen to the rank of Shipmaster he is forever entitled to belong to IFSMA and there is no requirement in our Statutes for the periodic revalidation of his Certificate of Competency (as there is in the STCW Convention). But if he were to lose his licence due to negligence, incompetence, or misconduct then he would no longer qualify for membership of the Federation. Other Organisations Top of Page Trade Unions, National Associations, Professional Institutes and Learned Societies are all equally welcome as Shipmasters Organizations in affiliation with IFSMA and there is no distinction made between them. 21st March 1996

Copenhagen K, Denmark

Ship managers, ISM certified for oil and chemical tankers, Tanker operators.