ICS thorough-going pilotage, towing and mooring survey gets underway
THE International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing 80 per cent of the world's merchant fleet, has embarked upon a survey of pilotage, towing and mooring services provided in ports and terminals worldwide, reports London's Tanker Operator.
Questions have been raised about the rising expense of pilotage and costly electronic charts mandated for bridge teams today and whether the need for one reduces the need for the other.
The aim of the ICS Pilotage, Towing and Mooring Survey is to evaluate the extent to which established best practice is being followed recommended by the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.
Bridge teams are being encouraged to highlight examples of good practice, which make particularly valuable contributions to safety, environmental protection and efficiency. The survey also provides an opportunity to suggest any locations where existing practices may be of concern.
Said ICS marine director John Murray: "Our aim is to establish an objective view of pilotage and related services worldwide. The survey will provide invaluable assistance with our goal of continuous improvement."
The survey is being distributed via ICS member national shipowner associations to ship operators worldwide and will be available online until October 16.
The survey is anonymous to encourage the widest possible participation, and covers a range of topics, including the availability of pilot exemption certificates, conduct of pilotage and familiarity with electronic navigation aids, towage and mooring services, as well as any incidents or near misses, ICS said.
THE International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing 80 per cent of the world's merchant fleet, has embarked upon a survey of pilotage, towing and mooring services provided in ports and terminals worldwide, reports London's Tanker Operator.
Questions have been raised about the rising expense of pilotage and costly electronic charts mandated for bridge teams today and whether the need for one reduces the need for the other.
The aim of the ICS Pilotage, Towing and Mooring Survey is to evaluate the extent to which established best practice is being followed recommended by the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.
Bridge teams are being encouraged to highlight examples of good practice, which make particularly valuable contributions to safety, environmental protection and efficiency. The survey also provides an opportunity to suggest any locations where existing practices may be of concern.
Said ICS marine director John Murray: "Our aim is to establish an objective view of pilotage and related services worldwide. The survey will provide invaluable assistance with our goal of continuous improvement."
The survey is being distributed via ICS member national shipowner associations to ship operators worldwide and will be available online until October 16.
The survey is anonymous to encourage the widest possible participation, and covers a range of topics, including the availability of pilot exemption certificates, conduct of pilotage and familiarity with electronic navigation aids, towage and mooring services, as well as any incidents or near misses, ICS said.