Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA)

RMT on detention by MCA of Pride of kent tonight

Mick Lynch

RMT tonight welcomed the MCA detention of another P&O vessel the Pride of Kent in Dover for what the union believes are multiple safety and operational breaches, including the wearing of breathing apparatus, and demanded again that the Government seize the entire fleet and take action to get them back in service with the sacked crew reinstated.

‎General Secretary Mick Lynch said;

“The seizing of the Pride of Kent by the MCA this evening should be adequate evidence for the Government...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2022/03/28/rmt-on-detention-by-mca-of-pride-of-kent-tonight/

New safety rules for enclosed spaces on board vessels

New safety rules for enclosed spaces on board vessels

Surveyor Photos

Seafarers will be better protected as new UK rules come into force to tighten up safety for those who work in enclosed spaces on board vessels.

The updated legislation goes further than that currently required under international maritime law and is part of the ongoing commitment by the UK to seafarer welfare.

Enclosed spaces include chain lockers, cargo holds, duct keels and water tanks – or any area that has been left closed...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2022/02/14/new-safety-rules-for-enclosed-spaces-on-board-vessels/

Maritime cadets to receive further COVID-19 funding as SMarT scheme extended

Maritime cadets to receive further COVID-19 funding as SMarT scheme extended

Maritime cadets will continue to receive COVID-19 funding, with the training scheme extended once more. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed a further six-month extension to the Maritime Training (SMarT) Fund, for cadets unable to finish their training due to COVID. 

The scheme had already been extended last year, to mean funding extensions will now be available for up to 12 months in total for each...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/11/09/maritime-cadets-to-receive-further-covid-19-funding-as-smart-scheme-extended/

New chapter for safe disposal of marine flares from the pleasure boat sector

New chapter for safe disposal of marine flares from the pleasure boat sector

Claire Hughes

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is to work with industry to develop local self-regulated schemes for the safe disposal of redundant pyrotechnics (flares) from the pleasure vessel sector. 

It follows a consultation (which concluded on 15 March) with the industry, industry regulators and boat-owners to seek ways considered acceptable to all for the effective means of disposing of flares. 

The MCA supported a...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/10/11/new-chapter-for-safe-disposal-of-marine-flares-from-the-pleasure-boat-sector/

UK Shipping Concierge service launched to support and guide maritime businesses into the UK

UK Shipping Concierge service launched to support and guide maritime businesses into the UK

Spring Place, the MCA’s headquarters in Southampton.

The UK Government has today launched the UK Shipping Concierge service, a professional and tailored service that will provide support and guidance for maritime businesses looking to access the UK market.

The new 24/7 worldwide service has been launched at the start of London International Shipping Week (13 September), one of the most respected and valued...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/09/13/uk-shipping-concierge-service-launched-to-support-and-guide-maritime-businesses-into-the-uk/

MCA collaborate with HSE to create tool to improve health and safety attitudes at sea

MCA collaborate with HSE to create tool to improve health and safety attitudes at sea

Julie Carlton

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has collaborated with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to build on the existing Safety Climate Tool by making it more applicable to the Maritime industry. 

The tool is designed to assess the attitudes of individuals within an organisation towards health and safety issues, then deliver an objective measure of the safety culture.  

It comes as part of the...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/07/07/mca-collaborate-with-hse-to-create-tool-to-improve-health-and-safety-attitudes-at-sea/

RMT raises safety concerns over Calmac catamaran charter

RMT raises safety concerns over Calmac catamaran charter 

RMT General Secretary, Mick Lynch

CALMAC Union RMT has raised safety concerns over the Pentalina catamaran which the Scottish Government is considering for charter on CalMac routes. 

In a letter to the Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RMT General Secretary, Mick Lynch said:  “The Pentalina has been laid up in Kirkwall since November 2020 and we are very concerned that crew and passenger safety could be threatened by...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/06/10/rmt-raises-safety-concerns-over-calmac-catamaran-charter/

Welfare Board gets national recognition through formal agreement with MCA

Welfare Board gets national recognition through formal agreement with MCA

CEO Brian Johnson (left) signed on behalf of the MCA alongside MNWB Chairman Capt. Andrew Cassels (right)

Seafarers’ and fishers’ welfare has been boosted following the signing of a formal agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. 

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out ways both will work together to coordinate their approach to the provision of welfare for seafarers and...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/05/18/welfare-board-gets-national-recognition-through-formal-agreement-with-mca/

Transport Secretary appoints new Chair to HM Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Transport Secretary appoints new Chair to HM Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Christopher Rodrigues CBE, the new Non-Executive Chair of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA
The Secretary of State for Transport has appointed Christopher Rodrigues CBE as the new Non-Executive Chair of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the government agency charged with further enhancing the UK’s position at the forefront of global shipping.Mr Rodrigues brings extensive international experience as a...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/04/19/transport-secretary-appoints-new-chair-to-hm-maritime-coastguard-agency/

Consultation into Polar Code due to begin

Consultation into Polar Code due to begin

Consultation on putting international rules designed to protect polar regions and those that sail on them into UK law, is due to begin today. 

The rules cover safety-related requirements for some of the toughest environments on earth including ship design, construction, and equipment as well as the protection of the unique eco-systems of the polar regions. 

Known as the Polar Code, it is the international standard for shipping in those regions, has been...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2021/03/17/consultation-into-polar-code-due-to-begin/

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