Gen Memo 14/15: Advice for NI / AMSA Guide / Mariners Handbook / Safety and Shipping / Report on MSC meeting / June Newsletter

1   Advice for NI
The following has been received from the Nautical Institute:
'Specifically I’m trying to identify the most widely read English-speaking maritime publications/blogs in various regions of the world - and I wondered if you’d be able to let me know what these are for the area covering The Philippines, Australia and New Zealand?'  Please respond to Martin Fothergill - mgf@nautinst.org.
2    AMSA Publish a Quick Guide on Navigation Through the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has prepared a quick reference guide to highlight the key obligations of ships' Masters, shipowners, ship operators and crews whilst transiting through the Great Barrier Reef and the Torres Strait.
AMSA state that “the safety of shipping depends on all parties having detailed knowledge of, and complying with regulatory and other obligations and duties imposed on them in the circumstances.”
AMSA has developed a dedicated webpage on this guide with links to detailed information, current marine notices and media releases on the following:
•Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas 
•Coastal Pilotage
•Queensland Coastal Passage Plan (QCPP)
•REEFVTS (The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service)
•Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Designated Shipping Area
•Defect and incident reporting
•Disposal of garbage
•Charts and publications
•Fitness for duty
•Port State Control.
However, the webpage and quick guide does not contain all regulatory and other obligations and duties of vessel owners/operators, masters and crew.Members can gain direct access to this guide at: www.amsa.gov.au/navigation/quick-guide-gbr-torres/
3   UKHO publishes the 10th Edition of the ADMIRALTY Mariners Handbook
Please find attached the UKHOs description of the latest issue of the Mariners Handbook.
4   Safety and Shipping Review 2015
A summary of the AGCS Review is attached, with access to the full report.
5   Report on MSC Meeting
The Intermanager report on the recent Maritime Safety Committee meeting is attached
6   Newsletter
Please find attached the newsletter for June.