“Procedures Writing- with Nippin Anand, 14th May, Manchester

By popular request we have arranged for Nippin Anand to run another workshop for NWA members at the Chancellors Hotel, Manchester on Tuesday 14th May.  Many of you will recall Nippin addressing previous meetings on various Safety-related topics – or attended his workshop on Safety Culture a couple of years ago and will remember his inciteful take on those topics.

In this Procedures Writing Workshop  his attention is on making us aware of some of the problems with checklists and procedures -and how to make our procedures more realistic and effective – see the attached flyer for more details. With his usual interactive approach this is sure to be a rewarding day for all.

It is estimated this workshop will cost between £225 – £250 per person for the day, including lunch and refreshments and bookings are being taken on a first come/first served basis. For those travelling long distance a number of rooms are available at the hotel and can be reserved via the undersigned – Please contact Mark Ranson to reserve your place(s) as soon as practicable. ”

View Document

NWA will have stand PB 128 at Seawork this year – almost the same spot as last year. In addition on Wedsnesday 12th, 10:30 – 12:00Hrs, we will be holding an open Safety Forum, on the theme of “Unsafe Access for Workboats – How to Address an Industry Problem”.

We will also be holding our Annual Seawork Dinner on the Wednesday evening – more details to follow next month.

Willem van der Val form Windcat and I attended this workshop, hosted by DfT as part of their development of a Clean Maritime Plan which will be published later this year. With attendees from across the maritime industry they painted a fairly stark picture that as part of an international move to achieve Zero emissions (of Sox,NOx and Greenhouse Gases) by 2050 the shipping world has some difficult choices in the next 10-20 years but there are also opportunities to come up with some of the solutions.

Possibly one of the most surprising findings was the presentation on future fuel use, which sees the reliance on hydrocarbon fuels dropping off as early 2035 due to a combination of price and pressure on emissions. There is a strong sense that the fuels of the future will be a mix of Ammonia, Hydrogen and Electricity from renewable sources. – With regard to the latter there is a clear recognition that the UK has a huge step to make to improve the capacity of the National Grid and the potential to supply effective levels of electricity to UK ports.

A link to the presentations from the day is here, but we should be under no illusion that change is on the way and the UK Government are determined to be ‘in the game’ on this subject. – If not the market leader, they intend to be a ‘fast follower’ and want UK industry to be involved in and taking advantage of the technological advances they believe will come as part of the journey.

They are looking at the whole maritime industry, not just the large international trading vessels – Container ships, cruise vessels and Tankers – there is also a focus on ‘domestic shipping’ which will encompass most of NWA members activities. – We will need to watch and participate positively in this debate as it moves forward.
Procedures Writing Workshop – with Nippin Anand, Tues 14th May, Manchester
Following popular demand at our last Safety Forum we have arranged this full day workshop with Nippin Anand to be held at Chancellor’s Hotel, Manchester on Tuesday 14th May – see the attached Flyer. Please contact Mark Ranson to book your place(s)

NWA at Seawork 2019
NWA will have stand PB 128 at Seawork this year – almost the same spot as last year. In addition on Wedsnesday 12th, 10:30 – 12:00Hrs, we will be holding an open Safety Forum, on the theme of “Unsafe Access for Workboats – How to Address an Industry Problem”.

We will also be holding our Annual Seawork Dinner on the Wednesday evening – more details to follow next month.

 

View CMP Workshop Slides

We held another successful Safety Forum in late February, kindly hosted by Siemens Gamesa at their Newcastle offices. With contributions form Trevor Johnson, HSE Hd of Wind Energy team and Julie Carlton, Hd of Seafarer Safety & Health at the MCA and very good level of participation from the 35 attendees this was another very useful safety exchange. The mix of corporate and operating NWA members as well as other invited guests gave a breadth to the discussion that ensured all went away having gained something from the day- with all of us gaining an insight into the complexity of managing 100s of wind turbines operating around the UK, after a tour of Siemens-Gamesa’s control room during the day.

We also made the draw for the bottle of Malt whisky for all those who had returned their Safety Statistics by that date – and earlier this month I reluctantly handed over the prize to Tipu Parvez, Manager at Riverside Thames at their offices in East London – Photo. Riverside Thames are the division of Cory Environmental that handle and move the waste barges on the Thames, moving all of central London’s waste to their waste recycling plant lower down the Thames estuary, thereby minimising 100s of lorry road miles in London every day.

Kerrie Forster, Safety Forum Chair

On Thursday 17th January 2019, NWA members travelled to Windemere Lakeside Hotel to attend the 1^st NWA Safety Forum of the year, prior to the annual Dinner and AGM. Notably, due to the combination of events, we saw a strong turnout, with around 50 members present to air their views and share their experiences.

The main agenda of the forum was to sum-up the Forum’s activities in 2018, and share feedback from safety-related industry events that took place towards the end of the year – notably the IMCA Renewables Committee and DfT Clean Maritime Council.

Creating a firm benchmark for safety performance

Following the Safety pause (a time given for members to discuss confidentially current safety concerns and incident experiences) the subject moved on to Incident and Accident statistics. It was agreed that, in 2019, we would continue to use the existing safety statistics submission process in order to create a firm benchmark that supports ongoing analysis of key trends.

It was noted that, without getting more members to submit their safety statistics, it remains difficult to achieve a true representation of standards across the industry. To encourage members to submit their data, a raffle will be held on the 27^th February at the Offshore Wind focused Safety Forum being held at Siemens Gamesa UK HQ in Newcastle. All members whose statistics have been received prior to that date will be automatically entered the draw and the winner selected via a VIP lucky dip.

New guidance proposed

Following MCA updates regarding the newly published UK Workboat code, the potential for an “under 500gt (large) Workboat code” and clarity on the “Germany (BG Verkehr) – Masters’ Certification Issue,” a discussion was held regarding the potential to extend the NWA Good Practice Guideline series to include further Towing scopes (including Ship Assist) and to update the Offshore Energy Support Vessels good practice guide. Sub-groups have been selected to take these proposals further.

Next time…

It was agreed that we will organize a return of the Safety Forum to the Seawork International show in Southampton, though this year in a shorter 1.5 hour version. Members were asked to propose ideas for target subjects to be discussed at the event, as we aim to make the most of this limited time. It was generally supported that Means of access should be a focal point, but further suggestions or ideas are gratefully received.

 

 

2019-01-31 09:00:00.0

In March, Scottish Offshore Wind is hosting 3 events relating to offshore wind (OW). These are for companies in OW, thinking of diversifying into it, or simply curious. 

 

6th March – International opportunities in offshore wind.

In partnership with SDI, delegates will understand all the relevant offshore wind markets across the globe. 

Afternoon event. 

Central Glasgow. 

Free

To book and more info HERE.

 

This is followed by a networking reception. This is open to all attendees of the previous event, of the event taking place the following day, or those that can’t make either and would like the opportunity to network with relevant companies. 

Early evening event

Central Glasgow

Free

To book and more info HERE

 

 

7th March – Offshore wind Contract for Difference & the Scottish supply chain. 

In partnership with HIE, delegates will hear about the opportunities and challenges that the new 2 yearly CFD will bring. Skills, Innovation and Competition are all to be demonstrated in the Supply Chain Plans,  in turn how can the supply chain demonstrate these.

Radisson Blu, Glasgow

Free

To book and for more info HERE  

2019-01-31 09:00:00.0

Thursday 31^st January 2019 – The National Workboat Association (NWA), the trade, skills and safety standards association for the workboat industry, is celebrating the launch of Edition 2 of The Workboat Code, a document that will redefine working practices and standards for vessel operators across numerous maritime sectors.

 

This much-anticipated Code of Practice, published in December 2018 and introduced at the NWA’s AGM in January 2019, has been developed in direct collaboration with workboat operators to better reflect the realities of modern workboat operation.

 

Workboats – loosely defined as vessels under 200GT and less than 24m in length – represent a fast-growing segment of the UK maritime market, with over 600 boats now registered with the NWA and probably twice this number in operation. This rapid growth has been driven by the emergence of new industries such as offshore wind, alongside rising demand for a diverse range of logistical support applications in the wider maritime sector.

 

This growth has been accompanied by technical innovation, and the UK workboat fleet now comprises a wide variety of advanced, specialist tonnage, ranging from from tugs to shoalbusters, multicats, pilot vessels, survey vessels and Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs). Demand has consequently grown for a Code of Practice that reflects this fleet diversity and evolving scope of operation.

 

The first edition of the Workboat Code, also known as the ‘Brown Code’ was

published in 1998 and, while it played a key role in promoting the initial development of the UK workboat industry, it was not written with the modern UK workboat fleet in mind. NWA members and workboat operators at large, aiming for progressive improvement in safety standards, have been calling for a revised code that builds on lessons learned from the past 20 years of operation.

 

Edition 2 of the Workboat Code, developed by a working group led by the NWA in close cooperation with the MCA, includes a number of essential revisions to industry best practice.

 

Along with an improved section on stability for modern designs, and improvements relating to vessels engaged in towing, the revised Code encompasses a number of new considerations. It now considers modern vessel applications such as offshore wind crew and equipment transfer – notably ‘pushing on’ for CTVs – and carriage or transfer of dangerous goods.

 

These best practice guidelines will validate and confirm the approaches taken by workboat operators working throughout the UK and Europe, setting a standard for safe and effective operations.

 

Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Safety for the MCA said: “The new Workboat Code has been developed directly with the industry – and it has been highly rewarding to see the level of commitment and enthusiasm UK operators have shown during this time.  We are grateful for the support and assistance of the National Workboat Association during this process and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

 

Kerrie Forster, Chair of the National Workboat Association Safety Forum said: “The revised Workboat Code is a great improvement in regulation and we would like to thank Jenny Vines and the Vessel Policy Branch at the MCA for their tireless efforts in getting this crucial Code of Practice over the line. The Code will certainly be instrumental in supporting our thriving industry – and we call on all of our members, and the wider sector, to use it to its full potential as we collectively aim to uphold the highest possible standards of operation.”

 

Mark Ranson, Chief Executive of the NWA added: “When we first took on the task of revising the Workboat Code, we did not perhaps realise what a task we were taking on – but it makes all the hard work worthwhile, to see the revised Code published by the MCA and owners now able to build with confidence for the future.”

 

To access the full revised Workboat Code, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-workboat-code-edition-2

 

2019-01-31 09:00:00.0

Mark Ranson, CEO

 

As ever, we would like to heartily thank all those members who travelled up – or down! – to the Lakeside for our AGM on January 18^th. Following another successful year, with continued membership growth and numerous milestones, 2019 is set to be a year of change for the Association.

 

 

2018 milestones

 

More Memberships

 

2018 was another year of solid growth. We are pleased to announce that with a total of 560 boats with our membership, we have grown to 87 companies, having gained 11 new members in 2018. These include:

 

• McLachlan Marine;
• Peel Ports Gt Yarmouth;
• Commercial Rib Hire;
• HSTransfers;
• Ostensjo Svensk Sjoentreprenad AB;
• Cutts Marine;
• St Agnes Boating;
• Port of Tyne and;
• Marine Biological Association

 

We’s also like to highlight our new Corporate Membership which we opened towards the end of the year. Our first corporate members include:

• SMC;
• Damen;
• Everards;
• Myton Law;
• Seaworthy Consulting and;
• Knighthood

 

Trailblazer Apprenticeship Training

 

At the AGM we celebrated 2018’s launch of the Trailblazer Workboat Apprenticeship launched in time for Seawork. The apprenticeship scheme received the highest financial award of any level 3 apprenticeship with a £20,000 investment.

 

We are also progressing the Small Vessel Engineer Apprenticeship and we hope to get the Scottish Apprenticeship back on track with Stream Marine Training in the very near future. Furthermore, the revised TRB is now in use and an app-based version is anticipated later in 2019.

 

 

Clean Maritime Council Contribution

 

The Association is very pleased to have been selected to sit on the Clean Maritime Council to work with the Government on its path to lower emissions and cleaner air in the UK, through the Maritime 2050 strategy.

 

Revised Workboat Code Finally Published!

 

The NWA have been heavily involved in the production of this revised Code, having led the working group originally formed in 2012, which resulted in the 'Technical Standard' version that was published in 2014. We have suffered 4 years of frustration due to various government machinations and delays, but are pleased the revised Code has now been published, giving operators a more up to date standard for the next generation of Workboats.

 

 

2019 changes

 

A new committee

 

With our adoption of the new CEO role, the Association is taking a new shape as we welcome new members to the committee.

 

David McNaughton has been re-elected for another term. Mike Stansfield and Yvonne Orr have stood down and we are pleased to announce that the following new members have been elected onto the Committee:

 

Mike Proudlove – Offshore Turbine Services

Gareth Bonner – SMS Towage

David McGregor – Maritime Craft Services

 

These new appointments we are confident will give the Committee a good spread of experience and sector knowledge.

 

At the AGM, Mark Meade thanked Yvonne and Mike for their sterling service over the years – Mike since the NWA’s inception and Yvonne for her tireless work in developing training standards, in particular her role in bringing the Master<200GT Code Vessel CoC to fruition.

 

Mark Meade also expressed thanks to Kaye Conafray for her excellent work as honorary Treasurer for the past 8 years, who is also standing down as she and Mike have now retired from Marineco.

 

Furthermore, Jacqui Bruce has been appointed as the new Treasurer; the appointment was carried by the Membership at the AGM.

 

Since Norman Finlay became the first Secretary of the Association the role has evolved though his and Mark Ranson’s tenures. It has been agreed that the role will now be that of Chief Executive. However, Mark Ranson has submitted his intention to stand down from his current role with effect from July this year. At the AGM, it was proposed Kerrie Forster will be appointed Chief Executive elect from April this year to allow a hand over period before Mark Ranson stands down. This motion was carried by the Membership.

 

And last but by no means least, Mark Meade’s term as Chairman has expired and he will now continue in the role for one more year as Mark Ranson will take over as Chairman of the Association Committee thereafter.

 

…and a new name

 

As the Association continues to evolve and takes on a more international feel, and with a new constitution in place, it has been decided that the Association will change its name to “Workboat Association”. More to follow as we roll out this exciting rebrand!

 

2019-01-31 09:00:00.0

The MCA have finally published and uploaded the on-line version of the Revised Workboat Code on the Gov.UK website. It can be found in the Small Craft Codes section under Statutory Guidance and is titled; "The Workboat Code, Edition 2".

The revised Code came into effect on 31st December 2018 and an MSN will follow later this week with more details. 

The NWA have been heavily involved in the production of this revised Code, having led the working group originally formed in 2012, which resulted in the 'Technical Standard' version that was published in 2014. We have suffered 4 years of frustration due to various government machinations and delays, but are pleased the revised Code has now been published, giving operators a more up to date standard for the next generation of Workboats.

We anticipate that Jenny Vines who has led the MCA team getting this Code to publication will be joining us at the AGM next week, to talk about some aspects of the revised Code.

Download the Revised Workboat Code here. 

2019-01-10 09:00:00.0

Keen observers of the MCA website will have noted recent revisions to and the re-issuing of their guidance on 3 important legal areas of risk assessment. In light of this, the MCA has issued the following Merchant Shipping Notices:
 
MSN 1888 – Chemical Agents Directive Regs 2010, as amended
MSN 1189 – Biological Agents Directive Regs 2010, as amended
MSN 1890 – New & Expectant Mothers, as amended
 
These notices are part of a periodic review by the MCA and update and in some areas strengthen previous guidance. However, please note these notices only officially come into force on the day we leave the European Union!

The Chemical agents notice is basically laying out the requirements for the MCA's version of 'CoSHH' for the shipping industry, whilst the New & Expectant Mothers notice, which may not be well used in the Workboat sector, brings shipping on line with the requirements of UK domestic law as well as aligning with more recent MLC requirements for pregnant workers.  If you have not already done so, these notices may prompt a review of aspects of your Safety Management systems.

 

2018-12-19 09:00:00.0