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India celebrates April 05 of the year as National Maritime Day. The celebration goes for a week and 47th National Maritime Week celebration has started with the theme  “Seafaring – A Career of Opportunities” as International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has declared this year as “2010: Year of the Seafarer”.

On this occasion Capt.K.Vivekanand, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Vels University, Chennai has stated that in the next five years 1.98 lakh crew members and officers are required to man approximately 50,000 ships sailing around the world (as per estimates).

Here is the press release from Press Information Bureau issued on this occasion:

On the occasion of inauguration of 47th National Maritime Week, the Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan pinned the first Merchant Navy Flag on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. Shri Mukul Roy, Minister of State for Shipping, Shri K. Mohandas, Secretary (Shipping), Capt. PVK Mohan, Chairman, National Shipping Board, Ms. Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Director General of Shipping, Shri S. Hajara, CMD, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Shri Abdul Gani Serang, Secretary General, National Union of Seafarers of India were also present on the occasion.

National maritime celebrations are weeklong celebrations, which culminate on 5 of April to commemorate the voyage of the first Indian Ship “S.S. Loyalty” from Mumbai to London on 5 April 1919. The National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on 5 April. The theme for this year is “Seafaring – A Career of Opportunities” which complements International Maritime Organisation’s theme for the year “2010: Year of the Seafarer”.

Historically, the National Welfare Board for Seafarers, a statutory body constituted under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Transport, recommended at its Third Meeting held at Madras on 11th January, 1964 that the 5th April every year be celebrated as the National Maritime Day. It was on 5 April 1919 that the first Indian Steamship “S.S. LOYALTY” of M/s.Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., Mumbai, ventured into international water on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London (UK). Several important maritime countries like U.S.A., Japan and Germany celebrate national Maritime Day.

The principal objective of celebrating the Day is to enable the public to know more intimately about the activities of the Indian Shipping Industry and the important role it plays in the economy of the country. The need for shipping industry and the requirement of seafarers are highlighted in various. Shipping has been called as ‘Silent Service’ as most of the shipping activity takes place away from the land and along with country’s sea borders, i.e. at the ports. In the vast sub-continent of India, the public at large has very limited opportunities to opportunities to observe for themselves the yeoman service rendered by the Indian Shipping for the promotion of the economic well being of the country. The observance of the National Maritime Day has, therefore served in bringing the people closer to the shipping industry and enabling them to participate in the celebrations and to share in the sense of pride and achievement at the rapid strides made by the Indian Shipping during the last five decades since the attainment of independence.

National martime day celebrations are held at all major ports viz. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, Visakhapatnam and Cochin and certain other ports like Kandla, Jamnagar, Paradip, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Karwar, etc. It includes laying of wreath at Seamen’s Memorials and pay tributes homage to seamen who laid down their lives while on high seas in 1st and 2nd world wars. On Merchant Navy Flag Day at New Delhi 1st Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Prime Minister of India by the Minister for Shipping. This practice has been prevalent from 2002 onwards. At the State level on Merchant Navy Flag Day the first Miniature Merchant Navy Flag is pinned on the wearing apparel of the Governor of Maharashtra by the Director General of Shipping in Mumbai.

Here are some photographs from Press Information Bureau.

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A national seminar “Coast WATCH 2010 – Coastal Security of India” was held on February 24 at Seafarer’s Club, Chennai. The seminar enlightened the audience on Coastal Security scenario, its challenges and required responses.

Some interesting features of the seminar are:

• Conducted by the Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras and the National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.
• Coast WATCH focused on Wherewithal, Attitudes, Technology, Coordination, Human resources relating to Coastal Security of India.
• The Seminar:
  • Inaugural session
    • Welcome Address was given by Prof Dr Gopalji Malviya – Head, Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
    • Keynote Address was given by Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, AVSM, the Commandant, Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
    • Special Address was given by Mr Rajesh Das, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Coastal Security Group, Tamil Nadu.
  • Plenary I – Strategy and Policy: Chair – Rear Admiral Venkat Shankar, VSM, CI (Navy), DSSC.
  • Plenary II – Functional and Institutional Security: Chair – Commodore S Shekhar, Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.
  • Plenary III – Systems and Technology: Chair – Mr R Ramamurthy, President, Cyber Society of India.
• The seminar was followed by an Open House: Moderator – Captain H Balakrishnan, Navy Foundation.
• Convenors
  • Dr S Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, Assistant Professor, Department of Strategic Studies, University of Madras.
  • Commander R Venkatesan, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter.

The seminar and the response from the audience highlighted certain thought provoking issues:

• During rough seas, sea sickness is bound to affect the performance of marine police as they are not professional seafarers.
• Need to recognise the role of fishermen in coastal security and to integrate them in coastal security operations like Territorial Army.
• Fully using Customs and Police (as they have informers) intelligence to enhance coastal security.
• Using acoustic sensors to detect low flying aircrafts along with coastal radars being installed in light houses.
• Use of GenKey’s Biocryptic Identity Management System to identify fishermen at sea with handheld units. This helps to instantly and accurately identify militants entering the coast through sea.
• All citizens need to have awareness on security.

However,

• developing indigenous nano-satellites by ISRO (like Nanosatellite Tracking of Ships – NTS in Canada) as a long term, cost effective solution for coastal security needs has to be taken up.
• developing marine mammals to detect underwater threat as a means to counter threats through underwater and means to identify and eliminate threats from armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones – launched from sea) need to be taken up.

Here are some photographs covering the seminar.

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An interesting, day long seminar on “Opportunities for Maritime Research in Academia and Industries” was hosted by the AMET University, Chennai in support with National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi on February 06 at Hotel Le Royal Meridien, Chennai.

The seminar was held to commemorate the 18th year of AMET’s establishment and the 3rd year of becoming the First University for Maritime Education in India.

After registration by the participants, delegates and media, the seminar started around 1000 hours with introduction of all speakers. A souvenir was also released and distributed on this occasion.

Welcome Address was given by Capt. S. Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor, AMET University; followed by Opening Address by Mr. J. Ramachandran, Chancellor, AMET University and Theme Address by Dr. L.R. Chary, Prof. Emeritus, AMET University.

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The AMET University, Chennai in support with National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi is organizing an International Seminar on “Opportunities for Maritime Research in Academia and Industries” on February 06, at Chennai. It is interesting to note that the seminar is being hosted to commemorate the 18th year of AMET’s establishment and the 3rd year of becoming the First University for Maritime Education in India.

Seminar to focus on:

• Emerging and challenging research issues in the maritime domain and marine disciplines in the Academia and the Industry.
• Research activities/culture among faculty members of maritime colleges and Institutes.
• Trends in academia-industry collaboration in research and provide the platform for Indian maritime industry to appreciate and initiate research work in collaboration with Academia.
• The formation of a “maritime research networking” for intra- and inter-disciplinary research groups across various institutes and industry bodies.

To be addressed by:

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Year End Review 2009 by the Ministry of Shipping, India issued as a press release is given below:

CRUISE SHIPPING POLICY, NEW INLAND WATERWAYS, NAVRATNA STATUS TO SCI HAPPENED TO BE HIGHLIGHTS OF SHIPPING SECTOR

MODEL CONCESSION AGREEMENT, UPFRONT TARIFF FOR PPP PROJECTS & BETTER RAIL ROAD CONNECTIVITY RECEIVED EMPHASIS IN PORT SECTOR

SHIPPING SECTOR

The approval of Cruise Shipping Policy, declaration of new Waterways, ‘Navratna’ status to the Shipping Corporation of India, acquisition of three new ships by SCI, setting up of four new lighthouses along with automation of 30 lighthouses, steps to protect seafarers, steps to set up National Maritime Complex and approval of the Parliament for setting up of Indian Maritime University in Chennai marked the main activities of the Shipping Sector.

Cruise Shipping Policy

During the year 2009, the Government approved Cruise Shipping Policy which is expected to carve a prominent space in world tourism and it would showcase India as a major source and destination of world tourism. The Cruise Shipping Policy was circulated to all the concerned Ministries, Stakeholders, Major Port Trusts and Maritime Boards in September this year for taking further necessary steps in implementing the policy.

Inland Water Transport

Two waterways have been declared as new National Waterways namely: (i) the Kakinada-Puducherry stretch of Canals and the Kaluvelly Tank, Bhadrachalam-Rajahmundry stretch of River Godavari and Wazirabad-Vijayawada stretch of River Krishna (1095 kms) and (ii) the Talcher-Dhamra stretch of river Brahmani, Geonkhali-Charbatia stretch of East Coast Canal, Charbatia-Dhamra stretch of Matai river and Mangalgudi-Paradip stretch of Mahanadi delta rivers (623 Kms). Apart from this, MoU was signed between Indian Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and NTPC for transportation of imported coal IWT mode from Haldia to Farakka/Kahalgaon/Barh through National Waterway. Construction of low level jetty of fixed terminal has been completed at Patna and Pandu (Guwahati). IWAI has ordered eight new dredgers.

Shipping Corporation of India

The Government conferred the much coveted “Navratna status” on the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) making it the 17^th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in the country to join the elite club of Navratna PSUs. Earlier the SCI was ‘Mini Ratna’ Category-I PSU with effect from 24/02/2000. The Company has an ambitious ship acquisition programme of ordering/ acquiring 62 new building ships during the 11^th Five Year Plan, which forms part of the National Maritime Development Programme. Presently the Company has total 29 ships on order at various reputed shipyards. During the year, the SCI has taken delivery of 3 new building ships which have been named as follows “SCI Chennai” SCI Mumbai” and M.T. Desh Viraat.

International Cooperation

In order to deepen and expend the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of ports and maritime transport and logistics, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in February this year with the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management of Netherland. Similarly, a trilateral Agreement among India, Brazil and South Africa signed in October this year envisaging a five year Action Plan on Maritime transport Project to further strengthen Maritime relation and consolidate them on the basis of quality and mutual benefit.

Aid to Navigation

Three New Lighthouses at Iskapalipallam (Andhra Pradesh), Satpati (Maharashtra) and Chidiya Tapu (A&N) have been established during the year 2009. Apart from this, automation of Mumbai Lighthouse Region (28 Lighthouses) with five Remote Control Stations have been made functional. Automation of Port Blair Lighthouses Region (30 Lighthouses) with three Remote Control Stations is underway. Bid process for establishment of National AIS Network and automation of Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Cochin are in progress. An amount of Rs.111 crore has been collected as Lighthouse (Revenue) till 30^th November, 2009.

Process on for two International Size Shipyards

National Maritime Development Programme has envisaged setting up of two international size shipyards. For this purpose Govt. has nominated Ennore Port Ltd. and Mumbai Port Trust as the nodal agencies for East-Coast and West Coast respectively who have been authorized to appoint consultants to identify three or four alternative sites each for setting up of shipyard on West Coast and East Coast of India and also suggest optimal location with detailed justification. The process for appointment of consultants has been initiated.

Shipbuilding Subsidy

Government has been operating a shipbuilding subsidy scheme for Central Public Sector Shipyards intermittently since 1971 with some gaps and modifications from time to time. The scheme was extended to all the Shipyards including private sector Shipyards, w.e.f. 25^th October, 2002. The previous shipbuilding subsidy scheme expired on 14.8.2007. Government of India decided in March, 2009 to liquidate the committed liabilities in respect of shipbuilding subsidy for shipbuilding contracts signed on or before 14.8.2007 for Central Public Sector Shipyards and for shipbuilding contracts signed on 25.10.2002 and before/upto 14.8.2007 i.e. the date of expiry of the previous shipbuilding subsidy scheme for non-central public sector shipyards and private sector shipyards. Revised guidelines dated 29^th September, 2009 have been issued by the Ministry.

Indian Maritime University

The Government has established Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai by an Act of Parliament in November, 2008 with campuses at Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Formation of IMU will facilitate and promote maritime studies, research and extension work. As there are a sizeable number of private institutions imparting maritime education and training, the University will standardize the quality of such education and training through affiliation and academic supervision. The existing seven maritime training and research institutes (Government and Government aided) will be merged with IMU.

Protection of Seafarers

The causalities of Indian Seafarers have been a matter of great concern in the recent time. When casualty occurs, it is obligatory on flag state to carry out investigation under UNCLOS Article 94(7) into every marine casualty or incident of navigation on the high seas involving a ship flying its flag and causing loss of lives and serious injury to nationals of another state. While there may not be much of a problem with the responsible flag states, it becomes difficult with flags of convenience state. The Ministry of Shipping has taken various steps in this regard. The matter has been taken up with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consolidation of the international conventions with regard to shipping casualty and making the law stringent to bring around the non-responsible flag state to carry out their responsibility. The Government has approved the establishment of Indian Maritime Casualty Emigration Cell in DG (Shipping).

National Maritime Complex

To showcase various facets of Indian Maritime Industry, it is proposed to have a National Maritime Complex at Chennai and a Society has been formed in November, 2008 to fulfill the requirements of maritime sector by providing maritime related and integrated services at a single location.

PORT SECTOR

Model Concession Agreement (MCA)

The Government has finalized a Model Concession Agreement (MCA) to ensure uniformity in the contractual agreements to be entered by the Major Ports with the selected bidders for the Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) projects to be developed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. It will also enable the prospective bidders to have prior knowledge of the contractual obligation of both parties and therefore, ensure transparency.

Upfront Tariff for PPP Projects

For fixing tariffs, the Ministry of Shipping has formulated new Tariff Guidelines. Tariff Authority of Major Ports (TAMP) an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, follows a normative cost based approach for fixing tariffs PPP projects before the bids are finalized. During the year 2009 TAMP has fixed upfront tariff for a number of PPP projects at different Major Ports in the country.

7 PPP projects were awarded upto December, 2009 in various ports. This will inject FDI into the port sector and will result in creation of additional capacity in the ports.

Rail Road Connectivity of Major Ports

The Committee on Infrastructure (COI) headed by the Prime Minister set up a Committee of Secretaries (COS) under the Chairmanship of Member Secretary (Planning Commission) to review the rail road connectivity of Major Ports which recommended that each Major Port should preferably have minimum four lane road and double line rail connectivity and this should be established in fixed time frame.

COS recommended time completion of the eight ongoing rail connectivity projects (Haldia, Paradip-2 projects, NMPT, Kanda -2 projects, JNPT and Tuticorin) and ten ongoing road projects (Haldia, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai-Ennore, Tuticorin, Cochin, NMPT, Mormugao, JNPT-2 Projects). COS also recommenced five rail connectivity (Kolkata, Mormugao, Haldia, Mumbai and Ennore) and four road connectivity projects ( Kolkata, Paradip, Tuticorin and Cochin). Railways have already completed projects for Rail connectivity to the Major Ports at Haldia, New Mangalore, Kandla and JNPT. The project for Road connectivity to VPT was also completed.

Ennore Port Ltd. (EPL)

The project of Development of Container Terminal at EPL with 1.5 million TEUs Capacity and costing for Rs.1407 crores, on BOT basis has been approved by CCEA. RFP has been issued.

Dredging Corporation of India Ltd. (DCI)

Dredging Corporation of India has a proposal for acquisition of 3 TSHDs at a cost of Rs.1570 crores. The proposal has been considered by PIB. Note for CCI is under consideration.

Developmental Activities to improve connectivity

18.3 Km four-lane Elevated Expressway from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal on National Highway 4 has been approved by the Government recently.

Chennai-Ennore Port Road Connectivity of 29.3 Kms length with an estimated project cost of Rs.309 crores is also underway. A progress of 9.7 per cent in case of Phase I has been completed.

4-laning of Tuticorin-Madurai Road (NH 45 B) with road length of 144 Kms at an estimated cost of Rs.629 crores has been sanctioned, work awarded and Financial Close achieved in January, 2007 and scheduled to be completed by 2010.

Doubling of Madurai-Dindigul Section of railway line connecting Tuticorin Port of 62.06 Kms. Length with estimated project cost of Rs.126 crores has been sanctioned and the work has been awarded. Ambaturai-Kodaikanal road doubling has been merged with his work.

Project Report for Puttur-Attipattu Chord Line connecting Ennore Port 144 Kms Length at an estimated cost of Rs.435 crores is under preparation. Project is sanctioned in Budget 2008-09 on SPV mode with 50 per cent cost sharing with Ennore Port.

Port Operation

Manning Scales were implemented in Major Ports of Paradip, Visakhapatnam, New Mangalore and Cochin. Remaining major ports are in the process of implementing the manning scales with local adjustments, wherever necessary.

Priority berthing was accorded to vessels carrying Sugar and fertilizers in keeping with the directions of Committees of Secretaries. In order to expedite the evacuation of Sugar & pulses from ports, rates of demurrage were hiked steeply. This had a salutary effect on the availability of essential commodities in the market.

The Pay Revision Committee (PRC) for Class I & II employees of Port and Dock Workers has finalized its report. This is shortly being submitted for approval.

Source: Press Information Bureau.

How unsafe is life for seafarers at sea ?

Here is the tragic story of the captain of MV Theresa VIII who lost his life.

• MV Theresa VIII, heading to Mombasa with a crew of 28 North Koreans was hijacked by Somali pirates on November 16 in the south Somali Basin, 180 nautical miles North West of the Seychelles.
• The vessel is a Chemical Tanker of Virgin Islands owned and operated from Singapore.
• It is now reported that the captain of the vessel has died due to wounds. It is not clear whether the captain was wounded during the hijack or after the vessel was hijacked.

It may be recalled that the Russian captain Vladimir Kolobkov of MV Faina, Ukrainian cargo ship died on September 28, 2009 due to hypertension in the hands of pirates. The vessel was hijacked on September 25, 2008 by Somali pirates and later released on receiving ransom payment.

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Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer Kurama (DDH 144) and South Korean container ship Carina Star collided on October 27. Kurama was on her way back to Sasebo Base, after attending the fleet review.

Information available from the Press Conference by the Defense Minister, Japan:

• Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer, 5,200-ton Kurama collided with South Korean cargo ship Carina Star which is about 7,400 tons.
• The accident occurred around 7:56 P.M. on October 27 in the Kanmon Strait, almost right below the Kanmon Bridge. As a result of collision, fire broke out in both ships.
• JMSDF destroyer Kurama
  • The crewmembers of the Kurama extinguished the fire that broke out in the bow.
  • Kurama came alongside a pier at Moji Port around 5:16 A.M. on October 28, and the fire was extinguished completely around 6:30 A.M.
  • Four crew members were treated in a hospital; one for a light injury and the other three for inhaling smoke.
  • Two more crew members who were involved in extinguishing the fire were treated for dehydration, but their conditions are very stable.
  • Investigation by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) is going on.
• South Korean container ship Carina Star
  • Fire in Carina Star was extinguished and no injury was reported.
  • The cargo ship is reported to have a hole in the area under the anchor.

Here is the photograph of destroyer Kurama (DDH 144) from JMSDF.

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Here is ‘SeafarerHelp’ service from International Seafarers Assistance Network (ISAN), a network to assist seafarers. Presently SeafarerHelp is not in a position to assist seafarers with financial aid or sponsor seafarers to any courses.
Some interesting features of SeafarerHelp service are:

• Provides free, confidential, multilingual advice and support network to seafarers and their families.
• Aims to provide help to seafarers in issues like
  • Abandoned by their ship owners.
  • Welfare: including loneliness, cultural isolation, family issues, bullying at work, stress, inadequate supplies of food and water.
  • Health
  • Money
  • Contracts
• The SeafarerHelp telephone service from London is available 24×7.

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The uninhabited Scottish island of Little Cumbrae (also known as Wee Cumbrae) has now become the Peace Island (Shanti Dwipam in Sanskrit) of Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust (PYPT).

Some interesting features of Little Cumbrae, the Peace Island are:

• PYPT aims to make Wee Cumbrae accessible for everyone as a worldwide destination for the whole family, to experience the rejuvenating and healing powers of Yog Pranayam and Ayurved.
• Has an area of 277 hectares (684 acres) and has a length of approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometres) and 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometres) at its widest point.
• Nearly thousand people joined the ‘Hawan’ celebrations on September 27 led by Baba Ramdev, co-founder of PYPT.
• Sam and Sunita Poddar, Scottish couple of Indian origin have purchased the island for £2 million and have pledged the use of the island to the PYPT to establish the first five star Pranayam Yog and Ayurved medicine retreat outside India.
• Sunita Poddar is the international coordinator and a trustee of PYPT, UK.

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Winners of Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2009 were announced during a gala celebration dinner at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on September 8.

The winners of Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2009 are:

• Amver-Assisted Rescue at Sea Award: Aegean Angel
• Classification Society Award: Det Norske Veritas
• Clean Seas Award: International Paint
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Evergreen Group
• Cruise and Ferry Award: The Grimaldi Group
• Energy Award: Daikin Industries
• Innovation Award: EU NAVFOR – Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa)
• Lifetime Achievement: Alberto Alemán Zubieta, Panama Canal Authority
• Marine Insurance/Protection and Indemnity Award: British Marine
• Safety at Sea Award: Maersk Line
• Ship Agency Award: Fratelli Cosulich
• Shipbuilding and Construction Award: Jiangmen Nanyan Ship Engineering
• Ship Broker Award: Howe Robinson
• Ship Repair and Conversion Award: Hydrex NV
• Training Award: The Panama Canal Authority

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India celebrates 63rd Independence Day on August 15.

Here is a photograph from Press Information Bureau, showing the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh saluting the Tricolour flag after unfurling at the ramparts of Red Fort, on the occasion of 63rd Independence Day, in Delhi on August 15, 2009.

The country is waiting for freedom from

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It seems seafarers are treated better by the Somali pirates than the State authorities. The crew of Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Tosa are detained in Taiwan since April 18. After three months of detention, the master of the vessel Glen Patrick Aroza is going to be tried for ‘involuntary man-slaughter’ and the trial is scheduled to commence on August 20 at Hualien County, Taiwan.

The seafarers in the hands of pirates know at least that they would be released on payment of ransom. But in the hands of State authorities, under the pretext of investigations and trials they never know when they would be released.

Some reports appearing in the news media regarding VLCC Tosa are:

• VLCC Tosa:
  • Panama-flagged, 2008-built, 302,159 dwt
  • Owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha of Japan
  • Managed by NYK Ship management
• The incident and detention
  • Vessel was on voyage from South Korea to Singapore in April 2009
  • It is reported that a Taiwanese fishing boat, ‘Hsin Tung Chuan 86’ capsized in the vicinity of Tosa resulting in the death of two fishermen
  • Taiwan Coast Guard suspected that Tosa is responsible for the incident and escorted Tosa to Taiwanese Port Hualien and are holding the crew under detention
  • The second officer Mohammed Rizaul Karim from Bangladesh and seaman Eduwardo Mallorca are being investigated for desertion, for failing to come to the aid of a capsized fishing vessel
  • Taiwan’s Maritime Patrol Directorate General suspects that there was a collision between the Tosa and Hsin Tung Chuan 86 and Tosa after collision attempted to flee the scene
  • Evidence is available to show that Tosa was at least one hour from the position where the fishermen’s boat capsized
  • The vessel was released after a letter of undertaking was issued by the vessel’s P&I Club Britannia

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Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is gearing up to provide forecasts for surface currents (speed and direction) of Indian Ocean from next year. A high computing system is being installed at INCOIS for this purpose. Presently  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. provides forecasts on ocean currents.
Some interesting features of INCOIS and Indian Ocean current forecasts are:

• INCOIS
  • is located at Hyderabad as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
  • maintains Tsunami Warning System
  • provides: Potential Fishing Zone Advisories, Web Geographical Information Systems (GIS) interface, Ocean State Forecast, Value Added services to the shipping industry on payment
  • has Ocean Tutor, Ocean Calculator, Ocean Dictionary

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has declared 2010 as the Year of the Seafarer. This was decided during IMO’s 102nd session held in London from June 29 to July 03.

In addition, the following Awards were finalized:

• International Maritime Prize goes to Mr. Alberto Alemán Zubieta (Panama) current Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority.
• The 2009 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea to
  • Mr. Maurice Conti and Mrs. Sophie Conti, United States citizens, nominated by New Zealand.
  • AST2 Abram A. Heller of the United States Coast Guard, nominated by the United States.

Briefing 24, dated July 03, 2009 from IMO is given below:

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Balangay, an ancient wooden hulled boat used by Filipinos seafarers for travel and trade 1700 years ago, has been built again to sail around the world by a Filipinos team from Kaya ng pinoy Foundation, who scaled Mount Everest in 2006 and 2007. The Voyage of Balangay is planned from 2009 to 2013 in different phases.
Some interesting features of Balangay and the Voyage of the Balangay 2009-2013 are:

Balangay (image credit-National Museum)

• A 16 yard (15 metre) wooden hulled, fair-weather, round-bottomed sailboat with a prominent bow.
• Built by 10 Badjao tribal craftsmen from the Islands of Sibutu and Sitangkai of southernmost province of Tawi-Tawi, in 44 days.
• Built in the traditional way using primitive tools without using a single nail by using the 4th, 13th, and 14th century techniques.
• Constructed at Manila and was launched in Manila Bay on June 27.
• Design taken from a Balangay, excavated in Butuan by the National Museum in 1978.
• Three Balangays are on display in museums and one has been estimated to be at least 1,689 years old based on carbon dating tests.
• Ancient Balangays, had wooden hulls reinforced with rib-like wooden frames and palm cords.
• Used as dwellings, cargo boats and war ships.
• Capable of accommodating an entire family of around 50 people.

Voyage of the Balangay: 2009-2013

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