10 | Seaways | May 2019 Read Seaways online at http://www.nautinst.org/seaways
MSC100 Reference made to consideration of the work carried out
by the Correspondence Group (CG) on the regulatory scoping
exercise (RSE) for the use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
(MASS).
HTW5 The Sub-Committee agreed the draft set of revised IMO
Guidelines on Fatigue. The Guidelines provide information on
the causes and consequences of fatigue, and the risks it poses to the
safety and health of seafarers, security and protection of the marine
environment. The aim is to assist all stakeholders to contribute to the
mitigation and management of fatigue.Interventions on MASS
MSC99 endorsed a framework for a regulatory scoping exercise,
as work in progress, including preliminary definitions of MASS and
degrees of autonomy, as well as a methodology for conducting the
exercise and a plan of work with a target completion year of 2023.
The NI notes the inputs on the subject of maritime autonomous
surface ships (MASS), and recognises that:
O MASS are a current reality
O Many of the systems associated with MASS are being installed on
manned vessels
O Some of the legal issues may take many years to resolve.
As a professional body the NI addresses several points:
O Given that autonomous craft of various sizes already exist and are
increasing in number there will be an increased number of MASS
interacting on the water with manned vessels. The NI feel that it is
of utmost importance for the IMO to make clear at the earliest point
that all craft should comply fully with the Colregs, including the
necessity to maintain a proper lookout.
O As ships increasingly adopt new technology and autonomous systems
the human element must be taken into consideration. It is important
to identify best practices for use of these systems and the risk of
unintended consequences. Flag states must ensure that validation
exercises are carried out and that the mariners on board are trained
and educated in the use of these systems and prepared both mentally
and physically to deal with any failures.
O Should a manned vessel need to communicate with a shore operator
of a MASS, mariners will expect the shore operator to be competent
and knowledgeable in good seamanship as is required by the IMO of
all mariners.
Member engagement
The ability of the NI staff and volunteers to engage with the industry
is only made possible by constant support from our members. At
the IMO, IALA and countless other industry fora both formal and
informal, we are respected as a practical and professional grassroots
organisation representing mariners from around the world. We seek
feedback from:
O Targeted discussions on LinkedIn and other social media platforms
O Twice yearly newsletters and video conferences for branch officers
O Feedback on articles published in Seaways, The Navigator, our books
and our website.
We highly value the input from our Seagoing Correspondence
Group (SGCG), an email group that can react in nearly real time
to technical debates, giving us the authority to influence discussions
in a practical manner. Our committees are another strong source of
advice, particularly the Technical, Professional Development and IMO
Committees. Staff are always pleased to engage with our members
through visits to branches and international events. We welcome our
members visiting us at NIHQ when they are in London.
Representation
A key role of the NI as a membership organisation is to represent its
members’ views on industry issues such as regulation, training and
education, best practices and the use of technology. As with many
other industries these issues are changing rapidly and constantly. It is
likely that in the years to come our industry will change more than at
any time in history. We understand that our members are concerned
about many of these issues, want to maintain their understanding and
professional development in these areas, and also want to offer good
advice to ensure a happy legacy for the next generation of ‘those in
control of seagoing craft’. The Executive Committee and Council will
govern the Institute as best possible to maintain industry engagement
to ensure that membership of the NI is of maximum value.Recognition Scheme
During the course of 2018 the Recognition Scheme offering by the NI
continued to grow. By year end there were 47 courses granted the NI
Approved for CPD logo and 12 specialist courses recognised for CPD
in the offshore sector.
Recognition is defined by The Nautical Institute as the process of
evaluating and endorsing a maritime training product or service that
aligns with the constitutional aim of The Nautical Institute of raising
professional standards and supporting professional development.
Normally products and services recognised by The Nautical Institute
are those that are considered to meet the following criteria:
O Availability and accessibility to an international maritime audience
O Evidence of consultation with industry stakeholders on product or
service content
O Evidence of regular review
O Not subject to government regulation and audit.
Recognition is usually valid for a period of not more than one year.
The benefits of recognition to providers of maritime training
products and services include the following:
O Belonging to a group of world-class training providers that are
recognised by The Nautical Institute
O No ‘application’ fee. The Nautical Institute charges only when
compliance has been established, not for unsuccessful applications
O Your company logo and course advertised on both the Nautinst.org
and Alexis Platform websites
O The right to use the CPD logo on your website and promotional
material
O Recognition certificate for display.Fees
The following fees are charged to cover the cost of evaluating a product
or service for recognition:2019 2020
Recognition £450.00 £475.
Renewal £450.00 £475.Fees are exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) where charged.
Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Fees paid to The Nautical Institute for recognition or renewal are, in
all cases, non-refundable.Applications
Normally, applications for recognition, annual reports or renewal
requests will be submitted electronically. Supporting evidence provided
to or requested by The Nautical Institute will be submitted in the same
format. Unless requested, or otherwise agreed, paper-based applications
and supporting evidence will not be accepted or returned to sender.Trustees’ Annual Report