NEWS Shipbuilding Damen into


Qatar Just when it seemed the world may have quite enough shipbuilders, Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat) and Damen Shipyards Group, of The Netherlands, have signed a memorandum of understanding looking to form a joint venture to manage a new state-of-the- art shipyard, in the Port of Ras Laffan, for the construction of high-value ships. The partners said that the new shipyard would


focus on three different vessel sectors: commercial vessels (e.g. tugs, offshore supply vessels, coastal tankers, ferries); naval and coastguard vessels (e.g. corvettes, patrol boats, fast attack craft); and luxury yachts (custom and semi-custom steel/ aluminium vessels). The yard is expected to be operational in early


2010. Classification New guidance


from Class NK Drawing on comments from port state control authorities, shipowners, and mariners, ClassNK has released an updated version of its Good Maintenance Onboard Ships publication, first published in 1994. This publication provides a comprehensive set of


four checklists for shipmasters, crew, shipowners, and other key personnel that covers every aspect of statutory requirements with clear references to the relevant regulations. These four checklists cover items essential to routine maintenance, PSC inspections, Safety Management Systems, and International Ship and Port Facility Security. The latest version of the publication incorporates


a new appendix, which includes photos of the most common deficiencies found onboard ship. Advice is also provided on how to address key maintenance issues, including how to check many specific items and the action to be taken when problems are found. ClassNK managing director, Toshitomo Matsui,


said: “The checklists also identify and list common deficiencies pointed out during port state control inspections. The contents of the checklists are very simple and can be easily checked by the crew during the voyage or before entering port. We hope that these checklists will contribute to decreasing the number of ship detentions by PSC and help to prevent maintenance related problems onboard before they have a chance to occur.”


12 Classification LR Asia’s new


dedication Lloyd’s Register Asia has opened its first dedicated marine surveyor training centre in Shanghai. The Maritime Surveyor Training Institute


(MSTI) represents more than an US$8 million (£5.6 million) investment for the organisation in the first five years of operations, during which time 200 newly trained surveyors are expected to graduate from the programme. “Quality staff training provides the most


significant contribution to the continued development of our core product - the provision of independent technical assurance to the maritime industry,” said Roy Ellams, Lloyd’s Register Asia’s Marine Training Manager – North Asia. “It ensures that we always will have the right skills to support the provision of maritime transport services that are safe for both mariners and the environment.” Mr Ellams said the the MSTI represented a


new approach to the development of technical competency for the industry, and was being offered at a time when commercial pressures were driving the need for innovation. With the recession shrinking access to new capital for companies in the maritime industry, he said new solutions were required for old problems. A key element in that new approach was the


appointment of experienced “surveyor-mentors” to guide the trainees through the one-year programme, he said. Each programme will feature 20 trainees and two programmes will be held each year. The MSTI’s integrated program consists of seven phases, including:


• a general introduction to Lloyd’s Register’s vision and values, the role of the surveyor and occupational


• materials and non-destructive testing, focusing on the application of materials rules


health and safety


• induction into survey: an overview of convention and rule requirements, the classification process from


• introduction to classification: a closely mentored, on-the-job familiarisation with the application of the


plan approval to ships in operation


• classroom training in new construction, periodi- cal and statutory surveys (strong emphasis is placed


classification process


• focused field training led by dedicated mentors (this targets delegate specialisation)


on accessing information for the survey process)


• classroom training: consolidating learning from focused field training (emphasis on project-manage-


ment and managing client relationships) The Naval Architect April 2009


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