MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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The MISSION of The Merchant Association is to bring all serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of companionship, consideration and commitment towards a united lobby for the Community of the Sea Hi Shipmates, Please find below more snippets of information since circular #19 was published 26th October 2020. My thanks to MNA National Secretary, Pete Sinke’s daily publication “Maasmond Maritime - Shipping News Clippings”, Lloyds List, gCaptain, Maritime London, Flashlight and many others from the T’internet, not forgetting the items sent in by Readers and any other source I can access.

MNA National Contact Points National Secretary, David Parsons = Email: [email protected] Tel: 01935 414 765

Welfare & Events, Tim Brant, - Tel: 01733 205001, Email : [email protected]

National Membership Secretary, Roy Glencross - Mobile: 07738 425 875 Email: [email protected]

National Chairman, Malcolm Mathison - Mobile: 07831 622 312 Email: [email protected]

MNA Slop Chest, The Supply Officer:- Sandra Broom [email protected] Tel 0121 244 0190 If you call her, it may go to an answerphone. Please leave a message and she will call you.

Change of Address???? If any member has changed any of their contact details (Postal, E- mail or Telephone) it is important that you inform the following people by email:- [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

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CMA CGM CHAMPS ELYSEES joins the fleet: the second 23 000 TEU container vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas The CMA CGM CHAMPS ELYSEES has joined CMA CGM Group’s fleet, a world leader in shipping and logistics, as well as the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, the Group’s new flagship, the world’s largest container vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The vessel was then blessed and officially named by her Godmother, Dany Qian, Vice President SSE at Jinko Solar, who wished the ship, the captain and its crew the best of luck on their future voyages with the traditional words “May God bless this ship and all who will sail on her”. ______1 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Funeral Service for Bill Anderson - 30 October 2020 (Trimmed) – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a164J9lPVSc ______

We are pleased to say we are now able to offer our supporters the facility to make donations via our Just Giving page. This is a secure means of making payments and enables us to claim Gift Aid from the Treasury. Go to www.justgiving.com Click on ‘Search' at the top right- hand side and type in Merchant Navy Association. ______2 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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______Special End Tanker “Hijacking” by Stowaways Off Posted: 26 Oct 2020 05:26 AM PDT

Seven people were detained after British stormed the Liberian registered tanker, Nave Andromeda, that was suspected of having been hijacked off the Isle of Wight.

The BBC reports that sixteen members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) ended a 10-hour standoff which started when stowaways on board the tanker reportedly made violent threats against the crew.

The boarding by the SBS commandoes took place at around 19.30 on Friday after the ship issued a mayday call earlier in the day. Sky News reports that the operation involved two Merlin helicopters, along with two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters. The regained control of the tanker within around seven minutes of boarding the ship. The seven stowaways were captured without harm.

The stowaways, believed to be Nigerians seeking UK asylum, were handed over to Hampshire Police on Sunday night. The tanker’s 22 crew members were found safe having locked themselves into the ship’s citadel, a safe room containing supplies and communications equipment. The ship later docked in Southampton.

Seven people detained after special forces end suspected hijacking on tanker off Isle of Wight

Thanks to David Rye and Alaric Bond for contributing to this post.

The post Special Forces End Tanker “Hijacking” by Stowaways Off Isle of Wight appeared on Old Salt Blog. ______3 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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5 people still missing from sunken freighter By Hung Hsueh-kuang and Louis Liu Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has confirmed that five people have been rescued from a Tuvalu-registered freighter thought to have sunk in waters near Kaohsiung on Friday night, but the other five remain missing. All the crew members are believed to be Thai citizens, according to a CGA statement Saturday. The statement said that a distress signal from the Tuvalu-registered SEATRAN 12 was received around 10 p.m., and a tugboat reached the scene first to try to pull it to safety. The tugboat succeeded in connecting a line to the ship, but the mission failed due to rough weather conditions. Not long after, at 10:53 p.m., the CGA received a report that the freighter had sunk on the open seas some 30 nautical miles west of Kaohsiung, according to the statement. A rescue aircraft sent by the CGA found five survivors in life jackets in the area at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, and two who had obvious injuries were sent to the hospital. Nearly six hours later, at 6:15 a.m., a CGA rescue ship found an empty life raft in another area thought to be launched by crew members. The CGA said it received word that the freighter's main engines and auxiliary engines were out of order before the ship sunk Friday night, and it had not detected any of the sunken ship's remains as of Saturday evening. Source : Enditem ______Petition - UK Government to build UK Aid/Disaster Relief and Training Ship/s

I have been requested to post the petition, below, which is asking the UK Government to build 'mercy ships' in the UK - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/549072 ______24 People on Distressed Boat Rescued by Carnival Cruise Ship By : Emrys Thakkar A Carnival cruise ship came to the rescue of 24 people just off the coast of Florida on Saturday after a small boat was in distress and was taking on water. The CARNIVAL SENSATION cruise ship came to the rescue of a small boat on Saturday with 24 people on board. The boat was in distress in international waters 37 miles off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. The Fantasy-class vessel assisted the boat and maneuvered alongside. The Carnival cruise ship provided much-needed blankets, life jackets, food, and water to the people which also included two children. Those on the distressed boat were from various different countries. The situation deteriorated while the CARNIVAL SENSATION was there when the boat started taking on water. All 24 people were brought on board the cruise ship as a result and they were evaluated by the ship’s medical team. Health measures were in place and they were quarantined away from any crew members. No guests were on the CARNIVAL SENSATION as Carnival Cruise Line has suspended operations from the U.S. until December 2020. There’s also a limited number of crew members on board just to keep the vessel operational. Cruise ships do have lifeboats that can easily be used in these sorts of rescue operations. Cruise Hive has reported many times over the years of different cruise ships coming to the rescue of smaller boats throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas. According to the Cruise Ship Tracker, the Carnival cruise ship is currently still sailing off the Florida coast. The ship is 70,367 gross tons with a guest capacity of 2.052 at double occupancy, she is one of four remaining Fantasy-class cruise ships in the fleet after another four have already been disposed of due to the unprecedented times. Source : Cruisehive 4 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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______Foreship deploys drones to enhance speed, safety and accuracy in draught surveys Leading naval architecture and marine engineering company Foreship Ltd confirms that draught surveys employing drones improve the accuracy of readings as well as the speed and safety of the survey process. Following successful trials, Foreship has added the method to its service offering. A draught survey is typically performed from a boat operated alongside the vessel. The boat, which may be a ship’s workboat or rescue boat, is lowered to the water where a surveyor can take readings using the markings painted on the ship’s hull. While this is a tried-and-tested process, it has disadvantages, says Markus Aarnio, Chief Naval Architect, Foreship. “The traditional way of taking draught readings is time-consuming, and there are always some risks when launching a manned boat from a vessel, such that it is best avoided when not absolutely necessary. Then there is the question of accuracy: it can be difficult for a surveyor to take precise measurements in waves, while the ship operator’s interest is for the process to be completed in as short a time as possible, for example. ”These drawbacks, Aarnio continues, were what inspired Foreship to seek a more advanced . “Drones are fast and highly manoeuvrable and can be controlled from a remote location. This eliminates the need for a survey boat, saving time and improving safety. The technology also allows greater accuracy, because even in choppy waters, the video footage captured by the drone allows us to determine the draught reading correctly.” “Our application of drones in performing draught surveys represents a new and highly focused way of applying digital technology to provide better accuracy in surveys,” says Aarnio. “The procedure can be carried out at any port or shipyard where permission to operate drones can be obtained, and our positive early discussions with classification societies suggest that receiving class approval will not be an issue. ______Charterers criticised for ‘no crew change’ clauses https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1134422/Charterers-criticised-for-no-crew-change- clauses ______Stowaways’ tanker was denied port access by France and Spain FRANCE and Spain refused a request by the master of an aframax product tanker to allow seven Nigerian stowaways found on board to disembark. The appeals were made just days before the incident on board Nave Andromeda that resulted in the vessel being boarded by British special forces and the arrest of seven men at gunpoint. The Liberia-flagged tanker, operated by Greece-based Navios Maritime Holdings, sailed from Nigerian waters on October 5, and spent 24 hours off the French coast near the Donges refinery from October 20, before sailing north, vessel-tracking data show. Prior to arriving in French waters, it had spent two days off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts before arriving in waters off the south coast of England on October 25 Lloyd’s List understands that French authorities refused Nave Andromeda’s master permission to berth and disembark the seven stowaways. It has also emerged that Spanish authorities denied the tanker entry to Las Palmas port. “The vessel didn’t dock at Las Palmas port. Andromeda anchored in front of the port and informed La Palmas Police about the stowaways,” a Civil Guard spokesman told the British newspaper . “Due to this circumstance local authorities refused permission to dock and disembark them. 5 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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And Stowaway drama highlights policy shortfalls and legal vacuum By Michelle Wiese Bockmann and Declan Bush26 Oct 2020 There are no guidelines for crew to deal with unauthorised persons who have boarded a ship, so the incident at the weekend off the UK southern coast involving stowaways on a product tanker ‘raises more questions for which answers have yet to emerge’

Read the full article here “If the vessel is docked, local authorities must allow the disembarkation of the stowaways, but not if the ship is anchored according to international sea law,” the spokesman said. Lloyd’s List has approached Navios and authorities in France and Spain for comment. The disembarking denials throw fresh light on the circumstances surrounding the actions of the UK’s armed Special Boat Service. The naval arm of the British special forces descended from helicopters on ropes after dark on October 25 to seize the stowaways in a reportedly seven-minute operation authorised by the UK defence secretary and the home secretary. The action to regain control of the ship, six miles off the southern England coast, was in response to threats to crew amid a “suspected hijacking”, the Ministry of Defence said. The master of Nave Andromeda had raised the alarm when stowaways surrounded the control room in a day-long stand-off, according to a Times report, citing anonymous sources familiar with the Mayday call. He requested immediate assistance, after alleging the stowaways became aggressive. Four people were port side, midship, near the manifold and two of them were on the starboard side on the bridge but were unable to enter, according to the newspaper. The master remained in control at the bridge and the chief engineer was locked in the engine room, sources familiar with the event told Lloyd’s List. The remaining 20 crew retreated to the citadel during the incident. Maritime lawyers contacted by Lloyd’s List said the chain of events are a reflection of frustration and aggression on the part of stowaways rather than any serious attempt to hijack the vessel. This was likely because they were concerned they would be unable to leave the ship and claim asylum, while the master was following protocols in protecting this crew. The vessel is now detained by UK authorities as part of the police investigation, rendering the product tanker off-hire. It was in ballast and did not have any cargo on board. The stowaways have been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or under the UK’s Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. Such an approach recasts the incident as a criminal issue and not an immigration or deportation matter. Whether UK authorities also refused permission for the stowaways to disembark has not been revealed, nor the date at which the stowaways were discovered on board Nave Andromeda. How authorities dealt with the Nave Andromeda stowaways thrusts the Greece tanker operator Navios Maritime at the centre of debate in Europe and the UK over tougher treatment of asylum seekers who arrive by boat. It also raises questions over whether ports’ refusal to disembark stowaways in line with international conventions and recommended guidelines imperilled the safety of the 22 seafarers on board the product tanker. European Union and UK authorities have hardened their treatment of migrants rescued at sea in recent months, flouting international conventions that provide for them to be disembarked at the vessel’s next port of call. In some cases, they have been held in cabins while arrangements are made to deport them to their country of origin. More than 7,500 migrants arrived in the UK from France through crossing the English Channel by inflatable or small boats over the last 12 months, figures show. Monthly arrivals over the summer were 10 times higher than previous years’ figures, UK figures show. ______6 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY CELEBRATES NIOBE DAY IN OCTOBER 21, 2020 – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined the Royal Canadian Navy in celebrating Niobe Day in Canada. Niobe Day marks the arrival of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Niobe in Halifax on October 21, 1910, having steamed across the Atlantic from , England. This was the first Canadian warship to enter Canada’s territorial waters: a landmark event in the beginnings of the Naval Service of Canada. HMCS Niobe was an 11,000- tonne armoured cruiser purchased by Canada from the Royal Navy. HMS Niobe was a ship of the Diadem class of protected cruisers in the Royal Navy. She served in the Boer War and was then given to Canada as the second ship of the newly created Naval Service of Canada as HMCS Niobe. The Naval Service of Canada became the Royal Canadian Navy in August 1911. During the early years of the First World War, HMCS Niobe patrolled the St. Lawrence approaches and eastern coast of America, chasing and intercepting German ships, and then joined the Royal Navy's 4th Cruiser Squadron to patrol off New York City. The cruiser returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 17, 1915, and never put to sea again. Niobe was paid off in September and served as a depot ship in Halifax. Her upper works were wrecked in the Halifax explosion on December 6, 1917. The HMCS Niobe continued to serve as a depot ship until 1920. On October 14th, 2020, the Merchant Navy/Royal Canadian Navy ‘live-streamed’ commemorations were held at the Royal Canadian Navy Monument, located on Richmond Landing, in Ottawa. A wreath laying ceremony was also held at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This day recognized the 78th Anniversary of the sinking of the Newfoundland ferry S.S. Caribou, the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, and the 110th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy. To view the live-streamed’ event, as well as all Niobe Day commemorative content today, you can go to: Royal Canadian Navy Facebook Page or the RCN on Twitter @RoyalCanNavy ______Containership Maersk Launceston and Greek Minesweeper Collide Off Piraeus https://gcaptain.com/containership-maersk-launceston-and-greek-minesweeper-collide-off- piraeus/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapta in.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-92ef23397c-139894965&mc_cid=92ef23397c&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______CDC: 'Defer All Cruise Travel' With just days to go before the CDC's "No Sail" order is set to expire, the agency has issued a warning advising U.S. travelers to defer all cruise travel. "CDC typically posts travel health notices for countries and other international destinations, not transportation, such as ships, airplanes, or trains. Because of the unprecedented nature of the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 on cruise ships, the U.S. government is advising U.S. travelers to defer all cruise travel," the CDC said, in a Level 3 alert posted to its website. The CDC said reports of COVID-19 on cruises highlight the risk of infections to cruise passengers and crew, although it did not elaborate on these reports. "Like many other viruses, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships and boats. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there remains a risk of infected passengers and crew on board cruise ships," the agency said. Source : cruiseindustrynews ______7 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Dayang Topaz: Crew Jump Overboard After Vessel Hits Platform in Malaysia - October 27, 2020 by Reuters The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said 125 crew members jumped overboard after the accident. Image courtesy Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Reuters) – Two crew of a Malaysian offshore support vessel died on Tuesday after their ship hit a rig operated by state oil firm Petronas off the state of Sarawak on Borneo island.

The Dayang Topaz rammed into the Baram B oil platform after its anchor cable broke in bad weather, Petronas and marine authorities said in separate statements. RELATED BOOK: Into the Raging Sea: Thirty-Three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of the El Faro by Rachel Slade The ship was carrying 187 crew, 125 of whom jumped into the sea when the accident happened, about 7.7 nautical miles (14.3 km) offshore, marine authorities said. Two died but the rest were rescued. Malaysia’s marine department said the extent of the damage caused had yet to be determined but no marine pollution had been detected. ______Chinese Ship Captain Charged with Homicide For Killing Four Somali Pirates A Chinese captain has been charged in Taiwan by the Kaohsiung Prosecutors’ Office for allegedly ordering the killings of four suspected Somali pirates while he was the captain of a Taiwanese fishing boat. Wang Fengyu (汪峰裕), the suspect, is 43-year-old and was charged with homicide and breaches under the Controlling Guns, Ammunition, and Knives Act. It is suspected that Wang asked two Pakistani mercenaries that he hired as acting captain of the Kaohsiung-registered PING SHIN No. 101 to fire on and kill the four suspected allegedly unarmed Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean off the Somalian coast on Sept. 29, 2012, says the indictment. The captain has been charged with homicide and gun control on multiple counts. Though Wang is a Chinese citizen and the incident occurred in the Indian Ocean, as it had occurred on a Taiwanese vessel he can be prosecuted in a country where homicide is punishable by the death penalty and carries a minimum 10-year sentence. But in this case, prosecutors showed some leniency, on the basis that the alleged pirates were the first to open fire. The incident took place in September of the year 2012 in the Indian Ocean off the Somali coast. The captain reported that alleged Somali pirates shot at his including three other fishing boats when one of the boats managed to knock the pirates into the sea. The prosecutors say that the captain ordered his Pakistani security guards to open fire on the pirates as they tried to stay afloat in the sea, knowing they would not be able to defend themselves. Activists stated that the case is an example of the lawlessness that prevails at sea, particularly among Indian Ocean fisheries. The captain was arrested in August (2020) when his ship docked at Kaohsiung port, Taiwan. His arrest warrant had been issued back in December 2018. The captain repeatedly claims that he acted to stop the pirates from escaping and bringing back others to hijack his vessel. He was quoted as admitting to prosecutors that he was involved in ‘tracking down pirates’ but the shootings were done in ‘self-defense’. These killings happened in 2012 but only came to light in 2014, after someone posted a 10-minute clip on YouTube. It was the video of the incident and was found on a mobile phone left in the back of a taxi in Fiji. A man’s voice giving orders in Mandarin is audible in the video, during four alleged pirates are in the water, after which dozens of rounds of ammunition are fired at them. Later the video also shows the bodies of the victims floating in the water. Source: independent.co.uk ______8 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Three piracy attacks in Singapore Strait over 2 days, October cases at monthly high this year Twenty-eight such incidents in the Singapore Strait have been reported so far in 2020. By : Fabian Koh Armed pirates stormed three ships in the Singapore Strait in the span of 2½ hours between Sunday night (Oct 25) and Monday morning. But nothing was stolen from the bulk carriers in the three separate incidents, which took place in close proximity to each other, in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the waterway. Neither were their crew injured, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre said on Monday.The latest armed robberies bring the tally for October to six, the highest monthly figure this year. Altogether, 28 such incidents in the Singapore Strait have been reported so far this year, against 31 for the whole of last year.Of this year’s cases, 24 occurred in the eastbound lane of the TSS. The 105km-long Singapore Strait is significant as it provides passage for thousands of ships entering and leaving the port of Singapore. Although it is called the Singapore Strait, it passes through the territorial jurisdictions of Malaysia and Indonesia too. In all the six October attacks, there was no confrontation between the perpetrators and the crew. Also, nothing was stolen except for one vessel where a lifebuoy and some welding rods were taken. In the latest three cases, the first took place at about 11.09pm on Sunday, when bulk carrier Seajourney was travelling near Nongsa Point in Batam, Indonesia, on the way to Ciwadan, also in Indonesia. The ship master reported to the Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) that an unauthorised perpetrator was seen near the engine room entrance. "The alarm was raised and the master carried out a search on board the ship, but with no sighting of the perpetrator. The crew was safe, and nothing was stolen," said the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre. The Singapore Navy's Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and the Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified, along with the Indonesian authorities. A safety navigational broadcast was also made. About two hours later at 12.46am on Monday, another bulk carrier, A RACER, was travelling north of Pulau Nongsa in Indonesia on the way to China, when it was alerted by VTIS about an unknown craft alongside it. The ship master reported that five unauthorised perpetrators were seen on board. The alarm was raised and a search carried out. There was no further sighting of the perpetrators, nothing was lost and the crew were unharmed. The Singapore Navy's MSTF, the Police Coast Guard and the Indonesian authorities were notified. Less than an hour later, at 1.30am, another bulk carrier, EL MATADOR, was near Nongsa Point in Batam when it was alerted to an unknown craft alongside it. The ship master spotted three intruders in the engine room, raised the alarm and four perpetrators were seen fleeing the vessel. As he was unsure if all the intruders had left the ship, the ship master diverted the vessel to Batam anchorage, where the Indonesian Navy boarded and searched the ship. There were no more perpetrators on board, the crew was safe and nothing stolen, so the ship resumed its voyage. "The ReCAAP ISC (Information Sharing Centre) is concerned with the increase of incidents in the Singapore Strait. As the perpetrators of these incidents are not arrested, there is a possibility of further incidents in the Singapore Strait," the organisation said. "All ships are advised to exercise utmost vigilance, adopt extra precautionary measures and report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal state." The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre also urged the littoral states to increase patrols and enforcement in their respective waters, and further coordinate and share information about incidents and criminal groups involved. Experts have called for more regional cooperation to tackle piracy, given the extra-territorial nature of the problem. Source : The Straitstimes ______Lost Container Incident in Bristol Channel, England https://gcaptain.com/lost-container-incident-in-bristol-channel- england/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapt ain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-e36cd89495-139894965&mc_cid=e36cd89495&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______Philippines: Typhoon leaves 13 missing, displaces thousands ______9 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Maersk Launceston Captain Arrested in Greece October 28, 2020 by Mike Schuler The captain of the Maersk Launceston has been arrested following the ship’s collision with a Greek Navy minesweeper on Tuesday near Piraeus, Greece. An update from the Hellenic Coast Guard on Wednesday said the captain has been charged with crimes related to causing a shipwreck due to negligence. The Maersk Launceston had just departed Piraeus when it collided with the Greek Navy minesweeper Kallisto around 7:30 a.m. local time. The Kallisto was badly damaged in the accident and nearly sank, but amazingly only two of its 27 FILE PHOTO: Maersk Launceston. crew members were injured. Photo: MarineTraffic.com/Wayne The 266-meter Maersk Launceston was not damaged in the accident. As of Wednesday, the ship remained detained in Piraeus as the preliminary investigation continues. The MV Maersk Launceston is a 4,533 TEU capacity containership on charter to Maersk. The vessel had just departed Piraeus to the Turkish port of Canakkale with 22 crew members when the collision occurred. Maersk Launceston’s manager, John T. Essberger, provided the following update: Managers John T. Essberger report that its managed container vessel Maersk Launceston is currently alongside its lay-by berth in the port of Pireaus, Greece following yesterday’s collision with the naval vessel Kallisto. Maersk Launceston has been requested to remain in the area for the time being. Last night additional interviews have been conducted with the crew by local authorities who have meanwhile officially charged the master of the container ship in relation to the incident. A representative of the company has been attending the vessel in order to provide support to the master and crew. The exact details of the incident which took place early on Tuesday, October 27 are yet unclear. Greek authorities are continuing their investigations to which John T. Essberger will offer its full cooperation. Managers again would like to express their concern over the injuries of the crew of Kallisto wishing them a speedy recovery. A first assessment of the Maersk Launceston has not shown damage to the vessel. Class will be attending the vessel this morning to inspect the ship’s seaworthiness. gCaptain’s full coverage of the Maersk Launceston collision can be found here. ______Photos: Towering VB10000 Arrives at Golden Ray Wreck Site https://gcaptain.com/vb10000-arrives-golden-ray- wreck/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptai n.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-e36cd89495-139894965&mc_cid=e36cd89495&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______ITF and Marlow battle to get crew changed as crisis hits eight months Stuck on board a ship since February, an apprentice engineer feels humiliated that she has no sanitary towels. She’s increasingly distressed that she cannot go home. Another seafarer doesn’t understand why he can’t be repatriated when his contract ended six months ago. A fresh crew member can’t board a ship because the person he’s replacing is blocked from leaving the ship. These are the realities of the crew change crisis. Behind the statistics (there are now 400,000 seafarers now caught up in the tragedy), statements and promises from governments and international bodies, there are the day-to-day experiences of the seafarers who must live the crisis. It’s at this real-world level where the efforts of crew managers, ship owners, and unions to get crew home and refreshed, are so critical. https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/itf-and-marlow-battle-get-crew-changed-crisis-hits-eight-months ______

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#ShineOn 11.11.20 | Commonwealth War Graves Shipmates, For more than a century, we have gathered at the same time on the same day, to bow our heads and think of those who sacrificed their lives for ours, during the two World Wars.

But this year’s different. Whilst we can’t come together in person, we can still make sure their names burn bright. Not just for one day, but for all the days (and nights) to come.

So this year on Armistice Day, we’ll look up to the stars in our night sky to remember those who fell. All 1.7 million of them. And by naming the stars after them, we can make sure their names #ShineOn.

Join us to look up into the night sky at 7pm on 11.11.20 to remember those who fell during the two World Wars. Visit CWGC.org/ShineOn to join us and to name a star in remembrance. #ShineOn. ______Maersk in deal to provide global logistics to deliver Covid vaccine for Covaxx By : Alexander Whiteman Maersk is partnering with US drug manufacturer Covaxx to provide logistics support for the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines. Although several airlines have announced plans to be ready to transport an expected vaccine, Maersk is the first shipping line to proactively prepare for what has been described as “the biggest product launch in history”. One source told The Loadstar: “This is a big, big step for Maersk, because as it stands there is no vaccine and no one knows for sure if there will be one.” The agreement with Covaxx lays out a framework for all transport and supply chain services to deliver the vaccine around the world, but the potential vaccine itself remains a “candidate” for regulatory approval from authorities. Known as candidate UB-612, a vaccine is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials in Thailand, with an agreement for Phase 2 trials to be conducted in the US in place. To date, it has secured pre-commitment orders for over 100 million doses globally, and last month Covaxx reached an agreement with Brazil’s largest diagnostic medical company to conduct “largescale” human efficacy clinical trials. Co-CEO of Covaxx Mei Mei Hu said the agreement with Maersk was necessary to ensure the ability to deliver its potential vaccine, while head of special project logistics at Maersk Rob Townley said the line’s “specialised” logistics expertise put it in good stead for the vaccine’s roll-out, with the drug manufacturer planning to have dispatched one billion doses by the end of 2021. “Efficient and safe delivery of Covid- 19 vaccines around the world is the most urgent logistics challenge we face today,” said Mr Townley. “AP Møller-Maersk is committed to working closely with Covaxx to ensure smooth end-to-end global delivery of this vaccine as soon as it becomes available.” Source : The Loadstar ______

11 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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I Ain’t Been Nowhere Man … Chuck Mead Something to lighten your day. https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0zEo3KS42tcgxYPSST84oTc5WyE1NTFHIVEjMzFMvUUh KTc1TyMsvz0gtSgUAacoPsA&q=chuck+mead+i+ain%27t+been+nowhere&rlz=1C1AKJH_enGB689GB745&oq =chuck+mead&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j46l2j0l5.14337j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 ______Crews search for 70-year-old man who fell off container ship in Port of Savannah BY JAKE SHORE The Coast Guard and other crews are searching for a 70-year-old man who fell off a massive container ship docked in the Port of Savannah. Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Charleston’s Coast Guard office received a report from the Georgia Port Authority that a man fell off the Maersk Tukang vessel and did not resurface, a news release said. He was a member of the ship’s crew, according to David Micallef, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard detachment in Jacksonville. The Coast Guard sent a helicopter from the Air Station in Savannah and a search boat from Tybee Island. Also assisting in the search are the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Savannah Fire and Rescue, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and Garden City Fire and Rescue. ______Viral Video Shows Scary Moment a Lifeboat Suddenly Falls During a Drill https://gcaptain.com/watch-viral-video-shows-scary-moment-a-lifeboat-suddenly-falls-during-a- drill/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.c om%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-f37e034c49-139894965&mc_cid=f37e034c49&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 A video posted to the social media website TikTok shows the scary moment a lifeboat fails during a drill. We are told the incident took place in September during a lifeboat drill aboard the Pacific Drilling drillship Pacific Meltem, which is currently stacked in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. Since the video was posted 31 Oct, it has been viewed over 770,000 times in 2 days and counting on the social media. ______BOOK REVIEW Treasure Islands by Alec Crawford. In 1971 Alec Crawford is determined to make his fortune from ship salvage. Early attempts lead nowhere until he teams up with a new partner, Simon Martin. Diving in Hebridean waters, they explore remains of the Spanish Armada, and the wreck of the SS POLITICIAN, the vessel made famous in the Whisky Galore. But money is scarce and irregular, and the work is fraught with danger and disappointment. Until they hear of one of the most incredible wrecks of all time – the White Star Liner OCEANIC, which, when built in 1899, was the biggest and most luxurious ship in the world. Widely regarded as an ‘undiveable’ wreck, lying somewhere off the remote island of Foula, they decide to take the challenge. They face unbelievably dangerous waters and appalling weather conditions, and when a large salvage company takes action against them, they also have a huge legal fight on their hands. But if they succeed, the rewards will be enormous… Alec Crawford has spent his whole career in the world of marine salvage in various locations around the world, including the UK, USA, Vietnam, South Africa and all through the Mediterranean. He has also been actively involved in the development of salvage technology, including an environmental oil removal system that was used to remove oil from shipwrecks, which was highlighted in the Timewatch documentary, The Lost Liner and the Empire’s Gold. The book is available on Amazon and elsewhere: https://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Islands-Tales-Shipwreck-Diver/dp/178027601X ______12 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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The Messy, Booming Business of Recycling Cruise Ships October 29, 2020 by Bloomberg A drone image shows decommissioned cruise ships being dismantled at Aliaga ship-breaking yard in the Aegean port city of Izmir, western Turkey, October 2, 2020. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (Bloomberg) –Carnival Fantasy was a ship famous for its outlandish décor, all-night revelry and its size—back when 2,000 was an incredible number of passengers. The “Fun Ship” vibe it introduced in 1990 came with such whimsical spaces as an Egyptian-themed piano bar, decorated with a fake sarcophagus, and a glitzy glass-topped atrium that was the hub of the social scene. Today the Fantasy is attracting a whole different breed of booty-seeker. In July, the 30-year-old ship sailed to the , wrapping its final voyage in the shipbreaking capital of Aliaga, Turkey. Its resting place there is a demolition yard where old cargo ships, tankers, research vessels—and now cruise ships retired during the Covid-19 pandemic—get torn apart and broken into pieces. In this case, they’re not being broken in half to get upgraded and stitched back together. Instead, circling the Fantasy’s partially deconstructed innards are buyers from all sorts of industries, looking for rock bottom deals on everything from artwork and kitchen-wares to electrical wires and stainless-steel sinks. For the cruise company, it’s an opportunity to recoup at least some value from an asset that’s currently acting as dead ; while ships’ values decline with age, the Fantasy was originally built for about $225 million. And for the recycling companies that buy the vessel for cash and take on the hazardous task of emptying all its valuables, it’s a matter of a months-long salvage resale on steroids. See more at https://gcaptain.com/cruise-ship-shipbreaking- booming/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapt ain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-4d7d297de1-139894965&mc_cid=4d7d297de1&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______11 stowaways discovered on ship in Southampton docks By Timothy Edgley Police were called at 11.25am today after eleven Albanian nationals were located in Dock Gate 4, Cunard Road, Southampton. They have now been detained for alleged immigration offences. A spokesperson for Associated British Ports, the company that runs the dock, said: "We are aware that the incident involving stowaways on the vessel MV SALOME has now been resolved. "ABP continues to support relevant government agencies with their investigations and is working with the shipping company and owners as required.” Border Force are investigating the incident. The incident comes just days after armed forces boarded a Southampton bound ship and arrested seven people following a suspected attempted hijacking. The NAVE ANDROMEDA vessel, which had travelled from Lagos, Nigeria, but an exclusion zone was set up around the ship off the coast of Sandown on the Isle of Wight. Source: dailyecho ______Isle Of Wight Oil Tanker Stowaways Bailed By Police Seven men detained after special forces stormed an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight have been released on bail by the police but remain in Border Force custody. The Nigerian nationals were arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of the NAVE ANDROMEDA. The Special Boat Service landed on the ship when the stowaways reportedly became violent on Sunday night. The tanker later docked in Southampton with all 22 crew members reported safe. Hampshire Constabulary was granted extra time to question the suspects following their arrests on Monday but released them on bail late on Thursday. While the investigation continues, the men will remain detained under Border Force powers. The Southampton-bound ship had left Lagos on 5 October. Source: BBC ______Crew feel ‘forgotten and abandoned’ Lloyds Register survey finds https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/forgotten-and-abandoned/ ______13 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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B O O K R E V I E W By : Frank NEYTS Ocean Fleets Recently Coastal Shipping Publications published a new title “Ocean Fleets”, written by Allan Ryszka-Onions. ‘Ocean Fleets’ is the new name for what was intended to be the 18th edition of ‘Ocean Ships’, a series that has charted the changing European shipping scene for over 50 years. Apart from the name change brought about as a result of change of publisher, little else has changed. This new book retains the format of recent editions of ‘Ocean Ships’, and is again in two sections, the first providing details of the major cruise ships operating world-wide and the second, the fleets of major shipping companies operating deep-sea routes to major European ports. As previously IMO numbers, expanded vessel descriptions and cargo capacities have been retained. Allan Ryszka-Onions was born far from the sea in Wolverhampton. After graduating he moved to Southampton and followed his interest in shipping. He has written many articles for Ships Monthly; and the last two editions of ‘Ocean Ships’. Like all books issued by Coastal Shipping Publications, value for money! Ocean Fleets (ISBN 978-1-913797-00-3) is a hardback book of 400 pages, lavishly illustrated (150 colour photographs). The price is £30.00 plus £1.50 UK postage and £3.00 overseas postage. Ordering via all good bookshops, or directly via the publisher, Coastal Shipping, 400 Nore Road, Portishead, Bristol BS20 8EZ, UK. Tel/Fax: +44(0)1275.846178, www.coastalshipping.co.uk , e-mail: [email protected]. Alternatively it can be purchased at all good bookshops. ______Britain’s New Polar Research Ship ‘Sir ’ Heads for Open Seas - November 3, 2020 by Reuters NEW BRIGHTON, England, Nov 3 (Reuters) – Britain’s new polar ship, the Sir David Attenborough, headed for the open seas on Tuesday to start trials after a storm delay, before making its maiden voyage to Antarctica next year for climate change research. The 200 million pound ($260 million), state-of-the-art, polar research vessel, with its red hull and a bright yellow crane on its stern, sailed past Liverpool’s historic docks and out into the sea, headed for north People watch as the RSS Sir Wales. David Attenborough leaves Officially the ship is named after the veteran BBC naturalist David Liverpool to begin sea trials in Attenborough, but to many Britons it will always be known as New Brighton, Britain, November “Boaty McBoatface,” after that suggestion topped a public poll to 3, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble name the vessel in 2016. Its departure from Liverpool was delayed by around a week due to stormy weather, a British Antarctic Survey (BAS)spokeswoman said, with calm seas preferred to test and calibrate its specialist equipment for the first time. It will remain at sea for just under a week before berthing in Holyhead, Wales, once the Welsh coronavirus lockdown ends on Nov. 9, the spokeswoman added. The BAS will operate the ship, carrying out ice trials in the Arctic in early 2021 before a journey to the Antarctic in November next year, where scientists say it will transform UK research in polar regions. ($1 = 0.7697 pounds) (Reporting by Phil Noble, writing by Sarah Young, editing by Estelle Shirbon) (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. ______

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The end of a classic from the Meyer shipyard

It is one of the last remaining "Papenburg Sisters", a series of 9 car and passenger that was built by Meyer in Papenburg for Scandinavian and Mexican clients in the 1970s. 50th anniversary reached 50 years ago, on April 29, 1070, the APOLLO (IMO 7006314) was delivered to Rederi AB Slite , which operated the ferry under the brand. The ship also gained a certain fame in under the names GELTING NORD and OLAU KENT. Second career in Canada Since 2000 the APOLLO has been sailing under this name again for Canadian companies in Canadian waters. After several collisions with the ferry pier in 2019, the APOLLO finally had to be withdrawn from service. Then the local idea came up to sink the APOLLO in order to turn it into an artificial diving area. The cost of preparing for it got out of hand, however , so the project had to be abandoned. Now the Dalhousie Marine Recyclers in New Brunswick bought the APOLLO for the symbolic price of 1 dollar to scrap it. source : cruisedeck.de ______New Flying Focus Calendars 2021 For more than 30 years Flying Focus has specialized in maritime aerial photography. Since the company’s start up in 1984 thousands of ships, sea-trials, maiden voyages, special cargo transports, oil platforms etc. have been photographed. Great exposure was generated by their photographic work of ships in rough weather on the . For this purpose especially acquired aircraft. The twin engine Cessna Skymaster, can fly with winds up to 10 Beaufort! All the 3 company owned photo aircraft are equipped with the required safety gear as well as communication and navigation equipment. The aircraft are based at Texel international airport so nearly all maritime photo-flights can be executed most efficiently. On a regular basis Flying Focus is operating for projects further away ranging from the Arctic Circle to the Atlantic Ocean. Flying Focus’ maritime aerial photographer Herman IJsseling conquered the elements of nature under the toughest circumstances to do the work he does best, taking photographs of ships in heavy weather on the North Sea. The heavy-duty Cessna Skymaster demonstrated its use during a number of spectacular flights enduring gale force winds. These heavy weather flights come as a pleasant change for the normal routine photo flights that are executed by the team of Flying Focus almost daily. A selection of 13 impressive heavy weather photos is published in the 2021 edition of the “Gale warning calendar”. The size of the calendars is 30 by 38 cm. The price of the calendars is €18,50 excluding post/package. Also available are books and calendar about Fishery, Offshore Oil & Gaz, Offshore Wind Energy, Shipping, Inland Shipping, Tug & workboats and European Lighthouses. All products can be ordered through the Flying Focus website www.flyingfocus.nl ______15 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Four autonomous vessels sailed the Arctic to more precisely map its seafloor By Erin Blakemore Freezing cold and ringed with treacherous ice, the Arctic isn’t exactly hospitable territory for boats. As a result, maps of the Arctic seafloor aren’t as detailed as they should be. But that didn’t keep four vessels from sailing from Alameda, Calif., into the Arctic on an ambitious mission to make more detailed seafloor maps. The 23-foot-long “saildrones,” as they are known, lacked crews but were packed with instrumentation and the ability to collect data about the ocean. Powered by only the wind and sun, four of the autonomous vehicles successfully completed an 8,000-nauticalmile mapping mission between May and October for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Northwest Passage connects the Atlantic and the Pacific via the Arctic Ocean along the northernmost part of North America. It’s long been sought as a shorter alternative shipping route between Asia, the United States and Europe. But as melting Arctic ice potentially opens the route, NOAA and others want to know more about the topography of the seafloor to help protect wildlife and keep ships safe. Saildrone, which designed the autonomous vehicles, collaborated with NOAA survey partner TerraSond on the mission. When covid-19 travel restrictions prevented the saildrones from launching from Unalaska, Alaska, the boat bots took off from San Francisco Bay instead. Managers tracked them 24/7 as they tooled up the Pacific Ocean, through the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Strait, and to the Canadian border. Along the way, one drone’s failed. The vessel was repurposed as a moving weather buoy instead. The other vehicles used single-beam echo sounder technology to map the seafloor at 65 and 164 feet. Partway through their mission, the team realized that subsistence hunting among the Indigenous communities of Alaska North Slope was beginning early and retooled their mission. There were other challenges, such as concerns about the dwindling amount of sunlight in the far north. But the orange saildrones survived and are on their way back to California after making new contributions to seafloor mapping. ______The Merchant Navy Association’s “Trustees” How to Become a Charity Trustee: a practical guide https://www.gettingonboard.org/how-to-become-a-charity-trustee-2

The Merchant Navy Association’s “Trustees” are referred to as “National Councillors”,Currently they are all members of various Branches, BUT, we do not have a National Councillor to represent ‘National Only’ members (i.e. not in a Branch) If you are a National Only member and you have thought that you might like to become more involved in the Association then let us know. Contact the Secretary at [email protected] or myself at [email protected] ______U.S. Officially Exits Paris Agreement with Election Outcome Uncertain https://gcaptain.com/us-official-quits-paris- agreement/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCa ptain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-0d1a31d7d4- 139894965&mc_cid=0d1a31d7d4&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______Greek Authorities Temporarily Release Maersk Launceston Captain ______A new "Inside Ship" video Steering gear failure: action on the bridge https://www.ukpandi.com/news-and-resources/videos/steering-gear-failure_action-on-the- bridge/?dm_i=33T,748P0,LGE99N,SS8IT,1 UK P&I Club ______16 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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MARITIME CHARITIES LAUNCH TRAINING FUND FOR SEAFARERS FACING DUE TO COVID-19

The Maritime Charities Group (MCG), together with MCG members the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and Trinity House, has joined forces with the Marine Society to launch a bursary fund for seafarer training. The fund is aimed at merchant seafarers who are based in the UK and are facing redundancy as a direct result of Covid-19. Applicants will be eligible for up to £500 towards training that will help them get a new job in the industry.

This ground-breaking initiative comes from an alliance of maritime welfare charities, industry and trade unions who have been working together to find to the looming employment crisis and the inevitable impact on the health and welfare of merchant seafarers and their families.

Speaking about the initiative, Commander Graham Hockley LVO RN and Chair of the MCG, said: “The cruise and ferry sectors have been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn caused by Covid-19. We know from our trade union contacts that around 2,000 merchant seafarers are already facing redundancy and more are likely to follow. Jobs are in short supply but the market will pick up so now’s the time to invest in training and skills development.”

He continued: “Whether it’s a CV writing course, interview skills or a new training certificate, the maritime charities want to help. We’re making money available for training that will help merchant seafarers who’ve been made redundant due to Covid to stay in the industry. It’s not meant to replace support from employers or to let them off the hook, but it will help plug the gap for those who aren’t getting that support - and it’s available now.”

Each of the charity partners has an important role to play: MNWB brings its welfare expertise; Trinity House promotes maritime careers; and the Marine Society brings extensive experience of running similar funding schemes together with providing information, advice and guidance on maritime education and training. “It’s a truly collaborative venture. By working together to make funds available we’re doing what we do best,” added Commander Hockley.

Reflecting on the success of the partnership, Peter Tomlin MBE MNM, Chief Executive of MNWB, said: “We know from our work with maritime welfare charities that redundancy is becoming an issue and we want to do what we can to help. By contributing £10k to the fund we can help seafarers prepare for a new job in the sector and make a real difference to their future prospects. We also host the Seafarer Support website, a unique source of information from over 140 UK maritime charities. So if you and your family are struggling to cope, check out www.seafarersupport.org to see what help you can get.”

Trinity House is another key player, as explained by Commodore Martin Atherton OBE RN, Secretary to the Corporation: “Most people know us for our vital work maintaining lighthouses and other aids to navigation and safety at sea, but we also have a long-standing and important function supporting seafarers as a grant-giving charity. So contributing to this new bursary fund sits perfectly with our ethos. The aim is to enable those currently in the industry to stay in the industry if possible and prevent unnecessary hardship further down the road. We are very pleased to be a part of it.”

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The bursary is aimed at UK Merchant Navy seafarers of all ranks and departments who can demonstrate a planned route back into a maritime-related role, whether seagoing or shore-side. Applicants can self-select whatever training or qualifications they feel will help them. This can include generic skills such as interview preparation or CV writing tailored to a maritime industry. Courses can include MCA-approved and STCW refresher qualifications, maritime-related professional diplomas or ICS qualifications.

The fund currently stands at £20k, with equal contributions from MNWB and Trinity House. MCG is funding the administration of the scheme which is being handled by the Marine Society. Explaining their involvement and how the scheme will work, Darrell Bate, Director of Maritime Training and Development, said: “We want to make the process as simple as possible for anyone applying for this new funding. All they need to do is prove that their job is being made redundant, find a course that fills a gap in their training or skills, and apply online through a dedicated page on the Marine Society website. We can also provide information about what’s out there, so if you need help with ideas just get in touch.”

The fund has already received a warm welcome and applicants are starting to come through. Mark Carden, Assistant National Secretary at the RMT, said: “Redundancies in the ferry sector have already hit the 1,000 mark so anything the maritime charities can do to fund retraining for merchant seafarers is incredibly welcome.”

To find out more about the MCG redundancy and retraining bursary fund and how to apply go to https://www.marine-society.org/redundancy-fund

______Antwerp: Drones to help with port area controls Drones will be used to support enforcement and control in the Antwerp port area. To this end, Port of Antwerp and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) have joined forces. The port of Antwerp covers more than 120km² and contains sensitive industrial infrastructure. The use of drones can make a major contribution to overall safety in this complex environment. After all, drones enable port authorities to manage, inspect and supervise a large area quickly and safely. This is why Port of Antwerp, in collaboration with the FPS Mobility and Transport, has concluded an agreement with EMSA. The drone pilot will accompany Port Authority Officers during their enforcement tasks and provide them with a bird’s-eye view of the situation on the ground. The images can also be accessed remotely, so they can be shared quickly with emergency services if necessary. Privacy is paramount here: the images are only used for monitoring purposes and are not stored. The drone will not only be used during regular checks, but also in the event of incidents in order to gain a quick insight into the situation. The imagery of oil incidents will also be used by the University of Antwerp to train algorithms to automatically detect oil incidents in the future. According to Port of Antwerp, the use of drones will play an increasingly important role in the port of the future. As part of Port of Antwerp’s participation in the SAFIR project, extensive tests have already been carried out to investigate the feasibility of manned and unmanned drones at the port. The ultimate goal of these projects is a network of autonomous drones that can provide a ‘live feed’ of the various port activities, in the context of a smart, safe and efficient port. Paul Wauters, Harbour Master at Port of Antwerp: “This collaboration with EMSA allows us to use new technologies in our enforcement, in order to respond to incidents more quickly and to create a safer port for port users.” Port alderman Annick De Ridder: “We are doing everything we can to ensure a safe port and drones will become indispensable for this in the near future, including at our port. Innovation is crucial to guarantee the sustainable growth of our port in the long term. This collaboration also confirms that the port is the ideal environment in which to test and further develop innovative technology.” Source : Port of Antwerp ______

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______19 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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INTERCARGO: Charterers preventing crew change must be held to account INTERCARGO, the body representing the interests of dry bulk sector operators, has learned that in a number of instances, charterers in the dry bulk sector have been preventing much needed crew changes from taking place during the period of the charter, despite the ship owner agreeing to accept the associated costs. In these instances, charterers have been seen to simply ignore relevant provisions and charter party clauses that could be employed. Indeed, it has been reported that bulk carriers changing crews in certain countries in SE Asia are INTERCARGO: Charterers preventing crew change must be held to account INTERCARGO, the body representing the interests of dry bulk sector operators, has learned that in a number of instances, charterers in the dry bulk sector have been preventing much needed crew changes from taking place during the period of the charter, despite the ship owner agreeing to accept the associated costs. In these instances, charterers have been seen to simply ignore relevant provisions and charter party clauses that could be employed. Indeed, it has been reported that bulk carriers changing crews in certain countries in SE Asia are being treated as ‘toxic’ by charterers for the 14 days following crew change. In a statement INTERCARGO says: “INTERCARGO strongly condemns the non- compassionate practices of some charterers of dry bulk carriers, in their rejection of crew change outright during the charter period. This flies in the face of industry wide efforts to offer seafarers the essential rest that they have been so long without during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which is essential to the safe operation of the shipping sector. “Ironically, this appalling practice has been reported primarily in the dry bulk sector, where the prevention of seafarer fatigue is of special concern. Bulk carriers on tramp trading routes call at many more ports than other shipping sectors, piling added strain on an already fatigued workforce with no hope of crew change. A crew must be well rested to operate a ship in compliance with the voyage instructions from the charterers: to load and discharge the cargo, ballast and de-ballast, wash, dry and present cargo holds, open/close hatch covers and carry out the multitude of associated tasks to ensure safe operation of the vessel. It is very disappointing that dry cargo charterers do not understand or wish to take responsibility for the concept of the common venture which exists under a time-charter. “INTERCARGO wishes to state unequivocally that this issue goes further than the charterer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities, and displays a clear lack of appreciation of one of the greatest humanitarian crises to affect the maritime sector. being treated as ‘toxic’ by charterers for the 14 days following crew change. In a statement INTERCARGO says: “INTERCARGO strongly condemns the non-compassionate practices of some charterers of dry bulk carriers, in their rejection of crew change outright during the charter period. This flies in the face of industry wide efforts to offer seafarers the essential rest that they have been so long without during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which is essential to the safe operation of the shipping sector. “Ironically, this appalling practice has been reported primarily in the dry bulk sector, where the prevention of seafarer fatigue is of special concern. Bulk carriers on tramp trading routes call at many more ports than other shipping sectors, piling added strain on an already fatigued workforce with no hope of crew change. A crew must be well rested to operate a ship in compliance with the voyage instructions from the charterers: to load and discharge the cargo, ballast and de-ballast, wash, dry and present cargo holds, open/close hatch covers and carry out the multitude of associated tasks to ensure safe operation of the vessel. It is very disappointing that dry cargo charterers do not understand or wish to take responsibility for the concept of the common venture which exists under a time-charter. “INTERCARGO wishes to state unequivocally that this issue goes further than the charterer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities, and displays a clear lack of appreciation of one of the greatest humanitarian crises to affect the maritime sector. ______Remembrance

My local Fire Station commemorating Remembrance Day, well worth watching. https://www.facebook.com/DWFRSFerndownFireStation/videos/172881344461173 Gareth Peaston ______20 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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36 Filipino Seafarers Still Missing 57 Days After Ship Capsized Off Japan Authorities are still receiving appeals from the families of 36 Filipino seafarers who went missing almost two months ago when their ship capsized off Japan. They continue to urge the authorities to carry on the search and rescue missions for their loved ones. Wife of missing seaman Ronald Fortun, Mary Joy Fortun, pleaded to lawmakers in an emotional state for help on Thursday during a committee hearing of overseas workers’ affairs at the House of Representatives. She says that even though she is grateful to the government of the Philippine and Japan, she believes their efforts have not been sufficient. Adding to that she also said that owner of the M/V GULF LIVESTOCK 1 has stopped paying her husband’s salary. She said, “I would like to appeal to this body to please help us, maawa kayo sa amin, hinihingi lang po namin sa may-ari sa pamamagitan po ng ating gobyerno na tulungan kami na missing Australians from GULF magkaroon ng (Have mercy on us, we are just asking the owner throughLIVESTOCK our gove 1rnment carrier Imageto help Credits: us have) Twitter search and rescue.” GULF LIVESTOCK 1 had a crew of 43 members out of which 39 were Filipino, they also carried around 5,800 live cows. This enormous vessel capsized in the seas of southern Japan on September 2 amid a typhoon after facing engine difficulties. One of the Filipino crewmen was found dead, while two others were rescued alive. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), among the four other crew members on the ship one was from Australia, one from Singapore, two were from New Zealand. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. has requested the Japan Coast Guard to continue search and rescue missions, and that Tokyo has given guaranteed for “robust patrol operations” in the East China Sea. “As of the moment, the Japanese Coast Guard has not found any significant clue but continues the search for the missing crew… Other nearby countries have also assured cooperation,” Arriola said. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Hans Cacdac said the families of the missing mariners have received a livelihood package, financial aid of P200,000, and scholarship for one dependent until they graduate from college. The families of the two survivors have gotten psychosocial counselling, stress debriefing, a similar scholarship for one dependent, and P100,000, while the family of the deceased seaman has been provided with death and burial assistance along with livelihood and scholarship benefits. Source: gmanetwork.com ______Australian authorities help rescue listing livestock carrier By ; Sam Chambers Australian maritime authorities brought a badly damaged livestock carrier into the port of Geraldton following a tense operation to get the listing ship to shore. The Marshall Islands-flagged BARKLY PEARL had sustained damage to its hull and was approximately 120 km north of Geraldton when the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) got involved. An AMSA jet flew over the ship yesterday evening, confirming damage to the starboard side of the vessel, which was listing to port.AMSA said it held concerns about the integrity of the vessel and the potential for environmental issues and issued a direction for the vessel to make its way to safety in the port of Geraldton in Western Australia. The 27-year-old ship is controlled by Singapore-based Drako Shipping. Source : Splash 247 ______21 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Maersk Training invests seven figures into Aberdeen Maersk Training has recently announced a significant investment of $1million into its UK business, headquartered in Aberdeen. Maersk Training has recently announced a significant investment of $1million into its UK business, headquartered in Aberdeen. The funding will support the investment in its people, growing the headcount and upgrading facilities, courses and innovation in Aberdeen, which is the organisation’s hub for all training activity in UKCS for oil and gas and renewables globally. The investment will bring a significant upgrade to its fire and helideck training ground in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, as well as increasing Maersk Training’s offering in OPITO mandatory courses to complement its existing offering within oil and gas and renewables in Aberdeen and its five other UK sites. The investment ensures Maersk Training remains at the forefront of all three sectors whilst maintaining the training excellence that its customers have come to expect. Maersk Training is leading the way for offshore training, providing immersive learning methods for the oil and gas sector, as well as being leaders in the wind and renewables market offering accredited Global Wind Organisation (GWO) approved courses. Bucking the trend amidst the pandemic, this year alone the company has introduced an upgrade to its Training Management Service (TMS), to improve processes for companies dealing with fewer headcount, and reintroduced its modular training units offering an effective and safer solution for delegate training. Maersk Training UK Head of Commercial, Scott Taylor, said: “This investment will help showcase the Aberdeen facilities within the UK training sector. It is a direct illustration of Maersk’s dedication to the longevity of the oil and gas market, not only in Aberdeen but throughout the UK. “Maersk has a strong focus and commitment to the North-east region and looks to further growing its industry leading profile in renewables. The company has seen significant changes this year with the introduction of a new leadership team, so it is great to see the company further invest in its people and the future of the Aberdeen business.” To find how Maersk Training in the UK can assist in your company’s training efforts visit https://www.maersktraining.com/ source : Energy Voice ______The Late John Rix The Funeral of shipmate John Rix of Axe Vale branch and former editor of "Full Ahead" took place at Yeovil crematorium on the 5th November , supported by four Standards from the south west (2) Axe vale and Weymouth Portland and district. Members of the Merchant Navy Association were led by Vivien Foster OBE our National President. ______Danish-Owned Tanker Attacked In Gulf Of Guinea Danish shipping company Torm said one of its tankers was attacked by suspected pirates in the Gulf Of Guinea on Saturday, but the 20-strong crew was reported unharmed. The crew of the TORM ALEXANDRA, which was sailing off the coast of Benin, saw suspected pirates approach the 183-meters long vessel and took refuge in a designated security room, Torm spokesman Joakim Norholm Vasehus told DPA. It was not known whether the suspected pirates were still on board and the crew, comprising 19 Filipinos and one person from Montenegro, was still in the security room, Vasehus said. The tanker left Lome in Togo on Friday and was heading for Libreville, Gabon. Torm's fleet is specialized in carrying refined oil products. Maritime piracy and armed robbery are a recurring threat to ships in the Gulf of Guinea. Source: GNA ______Thome Group Wins the Mission to Seafarers Innovation Award ______22 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Guest Book Message Date: Saturday 7th of November 2020, 15:05:32 Name: Christine Marsh

Email: [email protected] Number: 104

Hello - My dad Antony Rutherford served on several Clan Line ships from around 1939 to 1951. Some of the sailings were as convoy for other ships. He is 96 in December 20 - is there anyone that would remember him? ______Scanner operators at APM Terminals among arrested for facilitating exit of container with cocaine Five people were arrested Tuesday morning involved in a load of pineapple contaminated with cocaine to leave Costa Rica for the last July Two women in charge of operating the scanners at the APM Terminals dock, in Moín (Limon) were detained for providing false information about a container loaded with fruit and containing 990 kilos of cocaine morning. The drug hidden in the shipment of pineapple that left the Limon megaport was seized on August 17 in the port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Realted to the same case, three other employees of the port terminal were arrested on Tuesday morning. The press office of the Public Ministry reported that the arrested took place during a series of raids carried out in Limón, Moín, Pocora and San Ramón de Alajuela. Iimportant evidence for the development of the investigation and cash was seized during the raids by several judicial agencies, including the Organismo de Investigacion Judicial (OIJ) and the Drug Control Police (PCD). The three men arrested are surnamed Herrera Valderramos (the carrier), Hadden Ulloa and Cerdas Fonseca, and two women identified as Garita Fernández and Gómez Pérez. “APM Terminals is collaborating with the judicial authorities after the arrest of people linked to our terminal in Moín. As a responsible company, we do not tolerate actions contrary to the law. As this topic is under investigation, we cannot comment further on it,” said the operator of the megaport in a statement. According to the judicial report, prior to July 30, the defendants had been contacted by people, not yet identified, linked to drug trafficking. It is presumed that these unknown persons recruited the suspects. Police were able to determine that Herrera was in charge of transporting the 990 kilos of cocaine from Siquirres to the megaport. After that, it was established that Hadden, who was the coordinator of the terminal gate entrance allowed the cargo to enter.Once the truck was in place, it is presumed that the third man, Cerdas, allowed Herrera to park the container to be shipped.According to the evidence collected so far, the two women were in charge of the scanners, for which, apparently, they reported false data regarding the truck and container, allowing to leave the Limon port for Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. On August 17, Dutch police seized the illegal drugs. Source : qcostarica ______ONE Aquila diverted after container collapse in bad weather By : Marcus Hand The Ocean Network Express (ONE) containership ONE AQUILA has been diverted after it suffered a collapsed container stack in severe weather while enroute to the Port of Long Beach in the US. The 2018-built, 14,052 teu, Panama-flagged ONE AQUILA suffered a loss of containers in severe weather on 30 October. The vessel had been due to call at the Port of Long Beach on the US West Coast but due to the “vessel situation and various factors” has now been diverted to Tacoma with an expected arrival of 6 November. A ONE customer advisory said that surveying and reworking of collapsed containers would be carried out in Tacoma subject to approval from the authorities. “This is only the interim report of the progress and ONE will be advising all customers regarding those plans as they are concluded in due course,” the container line said. Source : Seatrade Maritime News ______Cruise Lines Rehiring Crew for Ship Restart and Crew Change ______23 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Salvage update: containers lost, ship sinks and vessels ground in storms by Martyn Wingrove In just one week, three containerships, one cargo vessel and an offshore flotel have become maritime casualties, with lost containers and damaged vessels Storms in the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and off northern Europe have left a trail of maritime accidents and salvage opportunities for tug owners. One containership has partially sunk and two lost cargo in storm conditions off north and west Europe and off the US west coast. In the northern Pacific, a deepsea large containership has reported damage to at least 100 containers. ONE AQUILA suffered collapsed containers due to severe weather conditions while it was sailing from China to Long Beach, California. Ocean Network Express (ONE) confirmed the ship changed cause after loss of the container stacks to Port of Tacoma, near Seattle, for an emergency survey, repairs and discharge of the collapsed containers “After completion of the discharge operations and repair works, the vessel is to continue its voyage as per its original service rotation,” said ONE in a statement. ONE AQUILA is now due at Long Beach on 26 November and Oakland on 4 December 2020, subject to the progress of operations at Port of Tacoma. Off Portugal, 1998-built containership SOUTHWESTER issued distress signals on 5 November after flooding in the engineroom. There was risk the ship could capsize and sink, although the Portugal Maritime Safety Authority said this Vanuatu-flagged, 5,400-dwt ship was still afloat. The authority said two tugs were contracted to tow this maritime casualty to a safe port. Flooding occurred around 30 nautical miles off Figueira da Foz, Portugal, as SOUTHWESTER was sailing from northwest France to Seville, Spain. According to Maritime Bulletin, 14 crew on board were rescued by a nearby cargo ship. Also in Europe, more than 30 containers were lost from a ship in a storm off Scotland. UK coastguard responded to Dutch cargo ship FRANCISCA after it reported the loss of 33 containers as it passed Pentland Firth en route from Iceland to Rotterdam. Her Majesty’s Coastguard said it sent an emergency towage vessel and an aircraft to assist Francisca on 2 November. Northern Lighthouse Board and the aircraft were assisting in the search for the lost containers, File photo of the FRANCISCA photo : Marcel Coster © of which two were reported ashore in South Hoy in the Orkney Islands. It is thought other containers on FRANCISCA could be in danger of falling overboard. Also this week, HM Coastguard dispatched emergency towing vessel, Ievoli Black, on 2 November, to assist a cargo vessel that reported engine problems north west of the Shetland Isles. Crew on this cargo ship completed repairs and the vessel proceeded on its voyage.However, cargo ship Sema was less fortunate as it sailed along the Don Sea Canal in Russia.According to Fleetmon, Sema grounded while en route to Turkey from Rostov with a cargo of millet on 3 November. Tugs were mobilised to refloat the vessel. In Mexico, tugs will be required to refloat a former cruise ship and offshore accommodation vessel after it grounded during its tow to a dismantling shipyard in Tampico. Enchanted Capri (ex-cruise ship Azerbaijan) has been used as an offshore floatel in the Gulf of Mexico since 2009, but was sent to lay-up this year.It was decommissioned and was being towed from lay-up to a scrapyard with a skeleton crew of four on board. According to Fleetmon, Enchanted Capri, was anchored during a storm and waiting for weather to improve, but its anchor dragged and the ships was grounded. Tugs will be mobilised to refloat the ship and tow it to the decommissioning shipyard. Source : Riviera Maritime Media ______A68 iceberg on collision path with South Georgia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54798031 ______

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CREW CHANGES IN SINGAPORE SINGAPORE expects to conduct some 500 to 600 crew changes per day in the coming months in a boost to efforts to tackle a problem created as a result of coronavirus lockdown measures around the world. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said that since March, crew changes had been facilitated in Singapore for more than 50,000 crew of nationalities signing on or off ship. The operation involved ships of different flags and more than 2,900 companies and 3,500 ships, said MPA chief executive Quah Ley Hoon. Speaking on a webinar, she said Singapore had kept its place among the top five ship registries in the world despite the impact of the pandemic, reaching the 96m gross tonnage milestone in 2020. “While the pandemic has thrown Maritime Singapore many challenges, it also presented us with opportunities to emerge stronger,” she said. “To do this, MPA will strengthen partnerships to drive digitalisation and decarbonisation of shipping and ensure that the Singapore Registry of Ships is adaptable and agile in the new normal. Examples of the way the health crisis has accelerated the adoption of technology include a rapid increase in the number of remote inspections the flag state has carried out since June in order to minimise the risk to crews and surveyors on ships. ______Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Departs on Second Round of Sea Trials By : Emrys Thakkar The MARDI GRAS cruise ship which is the largest ever constructed for Carnival Cruise Line has departed on the second round of sea trials. The Carnival cruise ship Mardi Gras has set off on her second round of sea trials from the Meyer Turku shipyard in . According to the Cruise Ship Tracker, the new vessel departed just after 9:00 AM local time and is now sailing in the . No details have yet been released about the sea trials, but they usually last several days and cover a wide range of technical aspects that can only be done at sea. These include propulsion systems and making sure the MARDI GRAS is seaworthy. Sea Trials are an important part of the construction process, and Mardi Gras has already completed her first set of trails in October, as Cruise Hive posted here. The first sea trials lasted for 10 days at sea before returning to Turku, Finland. MARDDI GRAS is the first in the fleet powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), so making sure there is an understanding of the new systems is more important than ever. Bridge and engine crew will need to familiarize themselves with the new ship before official sailings begin in 2021. What’s Next for Mardi Gras? Once sea trials are complete, work will continue on the vessel at the Meyer Turku shipyard’s wet dock. The majority of construction has already been completed, and even the interior spaces are in the completion stages. Cruise Hive already posted photos from inside the Mardi Gras last month, and work has been coming along nicely. The first roller coaster at sea named BOLT has already been installed, and tests are well underway on one of the most anticipated cruise ship features Carnival has ever introduced The XL-class Carnival cruise ship will finally be delivered to Carnival Cruise Line before the new ship debuts in February 2021. The ship has been delayed twice due to the suspension of operations in the cruise industry and the impact on the shipyard. She was originally scheduled to debut on August 31, out of Copenhagen. The debut was then pushed back to November 14 out of Port Canaveral, Florida, but unfortunately, that could not go ahead, and now she will debut out of Port Canaveral on February 6, 2021. Mardi Gras will sail week-long itineraries in the Caribbean, and there will undoubtedly be new health measures in place to make sure guests and the crew can remain safe. Carnival has suspended all operations from North America until January 2021, and before any sailings can begin, the cruise line will need to follow requirements for the CDC Conditional Sailing Order. Hopefully, Mardi Gras won’t be delayed again. The ship is 180,800 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy along with 1,735 international crew members. Source : cruisehive ______25 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Collision RIX STAR / RIX PARTNER

On Nov 7th RIX STAR and RIX PARTNER of Latvian Rix Shipmanagement collided on the Kiel Canal near Rendsburg. Tugs RADE and FLEMHUDE of Küstendienst GmbH were quickly on the scene and assisted in berthing the two vessels. RIX STAR, built in 1991 as JUPITER by Peene-Werft in Wolgast, is seen with damage to her bow as she sailed afterwards to dock in Rendsburg for inspection. Photo’s : Martin LochteHoltgreven & Frank Behling ©

______Daily ferries to France starting from January to bypass Brexit congestion Services will take at least 18 hours, making journey longer than current direct route favoured for timesensitive loads By : Simon Carswell Direct daily ferry sailings between Ireland and France will begin from January to help traders and hauliers bypass the to avoid delays caused by EU-UK border checks post-Brexit. Stena and Irish Ferries will start running the new direct services from Dublin and Rosslare to Cherbourg in France to provide hauliers with a frequent service with continental Europe. The ferry services will take at least 18 hours, making the journey longer than the current direct route through the UK to mainland Europe favoured by hauliers transporting time-sensitive loads. …………………………….. Source:- Irish Times ______REMEMBRANCE - The MNA Representation at The Cenotaph We were most privileged to have two Merchant Navy Veterans, Michael Clarke and Colin Dellar, attend the Service out of the 25 Veterans who were present.

Michael Clarke, MNA Member, was interviewed by Sophie Raworth on the BBC Andrew Marr Show.

On BBC i-player, go to Andrew Marr Show on 8 November which started at 09.00 hours and Michael Clarke is interviewed by Sophie Raworth at 44 minutes after the programme start. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3530961920292768&id=100001369849170&sfnsn=scwsp mo I tried the above link, but it did not work for me ______26 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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Capt Hartgrove & Richard Watkinson at the memorial with Charles Challenger who attended our brief service at Ipswitch. ______VB10000 Starts Cutting Golden Ray Wreck

https://gcaptain.com/vb10000-starts-cutting-golden-ray- wreck/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptai n.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-4473de1703-139894965&mc_cid=4473de1703&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______27 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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NAVAL CONTROL’S FAREWELL TO THE LAST MERCHANT NAVY CONVOY FROM GIBRALTAR. 4th JUNE, 1945 - (S/S “ORION”)

Adieu! Adieu! The days at last are past When Commodore’s eyes popped, and Captains gasped, When frenzied Yeomen flew the flag of death, And sailors marrow curdled, and their breath Froze in their whiskers. No Convoys now No more the raucous shouts shall emanate but still professional From lookout men, mouths wide and eyes dilate, diligent and delivering Who, swallowing the surreptitious smoke, Yell’d warning to the lounging gunner bloke, their cargo And clutched their lifebelts.

You who have viewed the frothing, curling spume, Whose evil swirl denoted coming doom, Never need more review the days of sin In one quick second’s spin And count your cash.

Free is the ocean now, the skies serene; Gone to their doom, Luftwaffe, submarine; Foreboding fear and nerve benumbing blight Are all behind you and the dread of night Sans your pyjamas!

Thus do we joke, who kept the tryst with fear From day to day, by week and month, and fear; You who have sailed in close-linked company; We who have watched in prayerful sympathy With eyes of pride. Egyptian Capt Joseph Imad ready to depart from Rotterdam Now at this moment when brave array Waalhaven with the MV JORD (ex You keep the last glad meeting of the free, NJORD of rederij Visser Shipping And fronting seas once more violate, B.V. from Sneek) heading for Steam towards home - fit sins of all Our Great - Kolding in Photo : The last convoy. Rotterdam Pilot Maurice Jacobs ©

Naval control bidding you all “Goodbye” Breaks out this signal with bedimmed eye - “England expects - ?” Nay! Rather let it be “England gives thanks, and humbly, so do we For duty done. ______Q. What is a terminal illness? …… ……. A When you are sick at the airport. (Irrefutable) ______30 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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An Engineer dies. And goes to Hell. Dissatisfied with the level of comfort, he starts designing and building improvements. After a while, Hell has air conditioning, flush toilets and escalators. The engineer is a pretty popular guy. One day God calls and asks Satan, “So, how’s it going down there?” Satan says, “Hey things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.” God is horrified. “What? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake – he should never have gone down there! You know all engineers go to Heaven. Send him up here! “ Satan says, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff. I’m keeping him.” God says, “Send him back up here or I’ll sue.”

“Yeah, right,” Satan laughs, “and where are you going to get a lawyer

______A man inserted an 'ad' in the classifieds: 'Wife wanted.' Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: 'You can have mine.' Anonymous ______31 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #20 10th November 2020

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------We are pleased to say we are now able to offer our supporters the facility to make donations via our Just Giving page. This is a secure means of making payments and enables us to claim Gift Aid from the Treasury. Go to www.justgiving.com Click on ‘Search' at the top right- hand side and type in Merchant Navy Association. ______

That’s all from me now folks.

Stay Safe Shipmates

Good Health, Fair Winds and Calm Seas. Take Care.

Yours Aye, Malcolm

Malcolm Mathison National Vice-Chairman Merchant Navy Association Tel: 01472 277 266 Mob: 07831 622 312 Email: [email protected] www.mna.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1135661

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