Gen Memo 08/16: AIS Guidelines / Training / Shipping & Steel / Seafarer Obesity / ISWAN / GlobalMET Newsletter & BoD

1   Revised AIS Guidelines
By Resolution A.1106(29) adopted on 2 December 2015, the IMO Assembly adopted Revised Guidelines for the Onboard Operational Use of Shipborn Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).  It will be recalled that the provisions of regulation V/19 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, require all ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages and passenger ships irrespective of size, to be fitted with an automatic identification system (AIS), as specified in SOLAS regulation V/19.2.4, taking into account the recommendations adopted by the Organization. The attachment contains the annex in which the revised Guidelines are set out.
2   Training
 In the attached the author states than much of the training in the maritime industry is lecture based – attend class, sit through a lecture, take an exam - and does not believe this is the most effective way to learn and retain information over the long-term. If the training is adequate the way it has been done in the past, and in many cases is still being conducted, wouldn’t the deaths on entering enclosed spaces have been prevented?
What could be a better way to approach training - could empathy be the key she asks? The involvement of empathy and active learning is suspected to be much better at creating the retention of knowledge than lectures alone. We as mariners must take action to become more effective students and teachers.
3   Shipping & Steel
The author concludes that the essential, painful process of attrition is slowed by cheap fuel and the reluctance of banks to realise losses on their shipping loans. This could help some “zombie” ship owners stay afloat for longer. In the meantime, the global economy may continue to deflate — with steel and shipping at the epi-center. Please refer to the attachment.
4   Seafarer Obesity
In the attached in the author's opinion technology – and the arrival of the smart ship – will make seafaring ever more sedentary; the industry has to act as one to change diets and attitudes now.
5   ISWAN
Please find attached the report for February of the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network.
6   GlobalMET Newsletter and BoD