Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Five out of the six ships inspected today by Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors have been detained. The Astoria, Astor, Colombus and Vasco de Gama at Tilbury have all been detained. The Marco Polo at Bristol has also been detained following its inspection. All five are from the same company – Global Cruise Lines Limited. Four of the vessels are flagged with the Bahamas and one with Portugal (Madeira) . Surveyors found a number of expired and invalid Seafarers Employment Agreements, late payment of wages and crews who had been on board for over 12 months. All these are in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the ships have been detained for that reason.  Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: “The welfare of seafarers is of the utmost importance and we take any reports of safety concerns around crew incredibly seriously. "Following today’s investigation, five ships have been detained and we will not hesitate to continue to use every power

Ongoing work by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on decarbonisation and autonomous vessels is being boosted by joint research projects with Southampton University and Maritime Institute (SMMI). The MCA’s Maritime Future Technologies team will be working with two post-graduate research students to carry out a written review of academic studies related to technology around emission reduction. This will help the MCA support and enable safe testing and development of future fuel technologies on UK registered vessels, especially as the industry looks for ways of reaching zero-emission shipping. Ashley Stehr, Assistant Director Maritime Future Technologies said: ‘As the maritime authority, it’s important for the MCA to take a lead in dealing with the ambitious decarbonisation challenges set for the maritime industry by the International Maritime Organization and the UK Government. ‘These research placements will be the first of many as we continue to work towards cleaner seas in innovative

Surveyors acting for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have detained the Astoria cruise ship, which is currently at Tilbury Docks.   The detention is a preventative measure in line with UK Regulations, in order that a full inspection of the ship related to the Maritime Labour Convention can be carried out before its intended departure. It cannot leave the port until the inspection is completed.   Five other ships in the same company - Global Cruise Lines Ltd - four others based at Tilbury and one at Bristol, are also being inspected.    Acting as the Port State Control Authority for the UK, the MCA has taken this action following  a number of  serious concerns which were raised about the welfare of the crew.    Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Safety and Standards and the UK's permanent to the International Maritime Organization said: ‘We will always take reports around crew welfare seriously and we have used our powers as the Port State Control authority to carry out this

 During this challenging time we’re aware that seafarers have concerns about accessing colleges and training centres to sit written exams and complete training. However, training providers must ensure that the health and safety of those attending is a priority. Training providers and colleges must refer to the requirements from Public Health England or the equivalent devolved body and the Department of Education before they consider re-opening as an educational setting.  MCA approved colleges and training Centres based outside of the UK must refer to guidance issued by their own administrations. They must also follow the regulations set out by the MCA and ensure they meet the requirements of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) guides on safety training courses. If there are any changes to training venues, or changes to the courses outside of existing MCA/MNTB guidelines, providers must get in touch with the MCA to obtain approval before

HM Coastguard has praised two 16-year-olds who gave invaluable help as part of a rescue at Itchenor in Chichester Harbour today (7 June). Around 12.30pm, a man was seen unconscious in the water after his boat was believed to have capsized. One of the teenagers called 999 and asked for the Coastguard staying calm under pressure, giving the right information so that the correct assets could be sent. The other jumped into the water with an extra lifejacket which he got underneath the man in the water to support him until further help arrived. Hayling Island and Selsey Coastguard Rescue Teams, Chichester Harbour Patrol,   HM Coastguard’s helicopter from Lee-on-Solent   and South Central ambulance were sent. By the time the man in the water was returned back to shore he was conscious. Duty controller for HM Coastguard Dai Jones said: ‘There is no doubt in my mind that these two lads kept their heads and did exactly the right thing in their respective situations. 'Knowing to