GLENN’S WELCOME NOTE

KIA ORANA!

We are nine months into 2017 and what exciting developments!

First of all, I would like to share that I am renewing my commitment to the Maritime Cook Islands (“MCI”) as CEO. I am glad to have the strong support of the shareholders and my colleagues and we will continue to work hard towards building MCI into one of the top registries in the world.

In June, I was proud to have hosted the most recent annual Deputy Registrar Conference held in the lovely Fort Lauderdale, USA. Themed ‘Planning for Success’, the successful five-day conference saw a lively exchange of feedback from the Deputy Registrars on improving the registry and setting in place critical stepping stones to streamline processes and services in order to better meet our customers’ needs. These conferences are instrumental to our growth and we appreciate all Deputy Registrars who took time off their busy schedule to attend – we certainly hope to see more Deputy Registrars, (if not all) at our next conference which will be held in Singapore in two years’ time.

It is easy to take for granted the gorgeous sights that greet me every day when I am at the Cook Islands. However, all these can be easily destroyed if we have a cavalier attitude towards our environment. Hence it was a landmark victory when the Marae Moana Act was passed by the Cook Islands Parliament.

This will ensure the protection and conservation of nearly two million square km of the marine environment sitting over the entire Cook Islands exclusive economic zone. Moving forward, MCI will work closely with the Marae Moana coordinators towards ensuring vessels entering within and beyond the marine park’s boundaries comply and respect the sanctity of the Marae Moana Act.

In our regular DR focus feature, we are featuring the DR of Uruguay and South America – Dr. Diego Corrado! Dr. Diego’s first encounter with MCI was eight years ago when he was having an issue with a dredger vessel in Montevideo’s port. Catch him here as he speaks about his relationship with MCI.

Happy reading!

 


COOK ISLANDS PASSES THE MARAE MOANA ACT; MCI COMMITS SUPPORT TO THE ACT

Photo: Kevin Iro, Marae Moana Ambassador (Source: Marty Melville / AFP)

Maritime Cook Islands (“MCI”), commits its support to the Marae Moana Act, which has been passed by the Cook Islands Parliament and sees the establishment in the Cook Islands of the world’s largest multi-use marine park.

The Parliament of the Cook Islands has formally established Marae Moana advocating protection and conservation of the marine environment, and ocean surrounding the Cook Islands.

Spanning a total ocean area of nearly two million square kilometres, the marine park is established over the entire Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone, with marine protected areas around every island where no longline, purse seine fishing, or seabed minerals activities are permitted, as a precautionary measure to protect biodiversity including whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and seabirds. Exclusion zones, extending 50 nautical miles from every island are specially reserved for the enjoyment of the local people of each island.

The passing of the ocean-saving legislation resonates with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Goal 14: Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources, which is also part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goals for the shipping industry.

The idea of a marine park was first conceived and presented to the Cook Islands cabinet by Kevin Iro, a board member of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, who has recently been appointed as an ambassador of Marae Moana.

Commenting on the establishment of Marae Moana, MCI CEO Glenn Armstrong said today: “For Cook Islands, a country with land area of only 237 square kilometres, this is a remarkably significant commitment to integrate ocean conservation management – especially knowing that the Act entered into force with bipartisan approval.”

“Moving forward, MCI will work closely with the Marae Moana coordinators towards ensuring vessels entering within and beyond the marine park’s boundaries comply and respect the sanctity of the Marae Moana Act,” Glenn added.

The Marae Moana Act was passed on Tuesday, 11 July 2017. For more information about the Act, please click on this www.maraemoana.gov.ck

 


MCI CELEBRATES DAY OF SEAFARER

On 25th June 2017, the shipping industry celebrated the annual Day of the Seafarer, with ‘Seafarers Matter’ as the theme this year. According to International Maritime Organization (IMO), the aim this year is to particularly engage ports and seafarer centres to demonstrate how much seafarers matter to them by sharing and showcasing best practices in seafarer support and welfare.

Cook Islands participated in the global event for Day of the Seafarer by holding a lunch for all seafarers at Avatiu Wharf.

IMO created an interactive map showcasing our support for seafarers and Cook Islands was the only country in the South Pacific to hold an event. Video here: http://dayoftheseafarer.imo.org/2017/ 

To show their support, MCI has produced two videos of interviews – one with Jillian Carson, Technical Advisor of Cook Islands Ministry of Transport, and another with Nooroa (Bim) Tou, General Manager of Cook Islands Ports Authority, together with Paula Manarangi, European Manager for MCI, and Josh Mitchell, Director for Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ United Nations & Treaties. They speak on recognising the significant work of seafarers and why they matter. Videos below:

In her interview, Jillian said: “We can’t think of ships transporting goods, transiting the ocean on its own. There are crewing members onboard and then there’s the responsibility to communicate with the relevant people ashore – so it is critical that we recognize that ships connect people and ports.”

Paula highlighted that seafarers undertake one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. She said: “The rate of suicide and casualty among seafarers is triple that of land workers.”

And this makes 25th June a meaningful day, a day to not only celebrate and give recognition to seafarers’ contribution to the international seaborne trade, economy and society, but also to remember the fallen ones – the ones who lost their lives in the line of duty.

 


TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT ATTENDS TWO TRAINING SEMINARS

MLC Seminar on 7th March 2017 by Mr. Giulio Riva, MLC Trainer/Naval Architect
On 7th March 2017, Italian MCI team was involved in a seminar carried out by Mr. Riva in Genoa, Italy. Scope of the seminar include the in-depth analysis of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Amendments which entered into force from January 2017, relating to social security. The seminar was focused on the implementation of new requirements and the role of the Administrations and P&I Club in the application of new guarantees sanctioned in the Amendments.

International Safety Management ISM Seminar on 29th March 2017
The MCI team in Italy was involved in another seminar – this time, carried out by Rachele Andreani in Genoa on 29th March 2017. The seminar was focused on the application of the ISM Code and the role of PSC and Administration in the monitoring of the implementation of its requirements. The aim of the seminar was to give the Italian team supplementary skills on ISM objectives, requirements, implementation, maintenance and assessments techniques. In addition, there was a follow-up on the thematic of the management system audits and reviews.

 


MCI AT THE 25TH SEMINAR FOR PSC OFFICERS IN ASIA PACIFIC

Photo: Tokyo MoU

MCI’s Technical Manager, Brendan Smith attended the 25th Seminar for Port State Control Officers in the Asia Pacific Region & Workshop on Effective Implementation of International Conventions, which was held from 10 to 14 July 2017 in Shanghai, China.MCI’s Technical Manager, Brendan Smith attended the 25th Seminar for Port State Control Officers in the Asia Pacific Region & Workshop on Effective Implementation of International Conventions, which was held from 10 to 14 July 2017 in Shanghai, China.

The Shanghai Maritime Bureau played host to the annual event which acts as a platform for Port State Inspectors to exchange knowledge, professional expertise as well as experience – an initiative to improve the level of expertise of inspectors.

Some of the topics discussed at the seminar include:

– Guide to Seizure Safety Assets Program (CIC) and;

– Guidelines for the Ballast Water Management Convention for Shipbuilding

Organized by the Ministry of Transport Maritime Bureau, it was a gathering of more than 60 attendees – from the Tokyo Memorandum Secretariat, International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as representatives from various international classification societies and member states.

 


MCI DEPUTY REGISTRARS CONFERENCE 2017: A SUMMARY

The 5th meeting of MCI’s international Deputy Registrars took place at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, USA, from 26th to 30th June 2017.

Themed ‘Planning for Success’, the five-day conference aimed to gather feedback from the Deputy Registrars and tackle issues faced by existing clients, on top of streamlining the registration and certification process, and compliance to the system.

The Board stressed the importance of the Deputy Registrars’ contribution and involvement in progressing MCI to become a world class registry or quality classed tonnage through continued improvement of its people, services and systems.

The first two days of the conference was focused on yachts, while the third day covered both yachts and cargo. Cargo was discussed on the final two days.

Day 1
MCI CEO Glenn Armstrong kicked off yacht-focused Day 1 with a ‘Setting the Scene: Programme and Goals’.

Following which, Umberto Bonavita and Stephanie Klein of Robert Allen law firm, took the stage to discuss on ‘Yacht Registration – Competitor Analysis and the business of Yacht Registration’.

Right after lunch, Ed Ion of Helix PR addressed MCI’s current marketing activities while MCI’s Katrina Matheson spoke on MCI’s branding. Glenn then closed the discussion with one on ‘Super Yacht Market’ before breaking into afternoon tea.

Guest speaker Dr. Alex Antoniou presented on ‘Customer Perspective’, followed by a tour of Sharkwater at Bahia Mar Marina, where a christening ceremony took place.

Day 1 ended with welcome cocktails by Bahia Mar’s pool.

Day 2
The Cook Islands Yacht Code Workshop took place in the entire morning of Day 2 – which is still focusing on yachts.

Glenn clarified issues pertaining to price list after lunch and guest speaker David Maass of Alley, Maass, Rogers & Lindsay, spoke on ‘US Cruising Permits’.

The visit to Maritime Professional Training School (MPT) marks the end of Day 2.

Day 3
Day 3 focused on both yachts and merchant. The day started off with an introduction by Conference Chairman, Ed Ion, followed by a ‘Setting the Scene: Programme and Goals’ by Glenn.

Paolo Favilli from MCI’s Technical Department then presented on ‘Vetting’ while Glenn and Katrina delivered updates from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Cook Islands Yacht Squadron (CIYS)/ Cook Islands Ship Owners Association (CISOA) respectively.

After morning tea, MCI’s Italy Manager, Paula Manarangi touched on ‘MCI Systems’. Registrar of Ships, Moeroa Mamanu-Matheson discussed on fleet management while Eleanor Goodwin, STCW Manager, updated on the progress of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Still on STCW, Day 3 continued with a discussion on the opportunities in STCW training and certification by Paula.

Guest speaker Alejandro Hernandez of Diseno & Consultoria S.A. talked about seaman’s books, before delegates break for afternoon tea.

Last speakers for the day were guest speakers from MPT, Ted Morley and Melany Saramago who spoke on yacht seafarer training and STCW.

The evening of Day 3 was spent on river cruise, Jungle Queen, where dinner was served.

Day 4
Day 4’s agenda was on the Technical Department’s plan and how it affects the Deputy Registrars.

The day kicked off with an introduction of the people within the new Technical Department and their plan, moving ahead.

MCI’s Brendan Smith addressed updates on the Tokyo MoU while Rachele Andreani addressed Paris’. Before breaking for lunch, Brendan spoke about non-conventional vessels.

After lunch, Rachele provided updates on ISM / ISPS /MLC and PSC Assistance.

Guest speaker LT Jon Taylor of the U.S. Coast Guard gave more insights on the Federal agency.

It was ‘Steak Night’ for Day 4’s dinner – where delegates were served top-grade, certified meat at posh and renowned steak restaurant, Chima Steakhouse. What a meal that was!

Day 5
MCI’s Brendan and Paolo started off the final day of the conference with an update on new conventions – Ballast Water Management and the Polar Code.

Katrina then presented the communication efforts so far by MCI and its analysis. Following which, board director Garth Broadhead, discussed on ‘MCI’s Board Perspective’.

Right after the last lunch of the conference, Glenn spoke on ‘Tolunay Casualty Investigation’ and the conference ended with Ed wrapping up the meeting with a summary of agreements reached.

The highlights from the conference can be viewed here.

 


20TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA

Photo: Hon. Henry Puna, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Hon. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China

To mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cook Islands, China’s President Xi Jinping and His Excellency Tom Marsters, the British Queen’s Representative to the Cook Islands, exchanged congratulatory messages on Tuesday, 25 July 2017.

In his message, Marsters acknowledged that the two countries have witnessed significant progress – political trust has significantly deepened; more active people-to-people and cultural exchanges; and China-Islands economic and technological partnership agreement has yielded impressive returns.

Xi echoes Marsters’ message and hopes to further solidify China-Cook Islands strategic partnership in various fields.

And to celebrate this monumental day, a special reception was held at the Edgewater Resort in the Cook Islands, on 17 July 2017.

The reception was attended by His Excellency Du Qiwen, Special Envoy for the Pacific Islands Forum; Wang Lutong, Ambassador to New Zealand; and Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna. The reception was also attended by cabinet ministers and members of Parliament, just to name a few – bringing the total number attendees to 130.

 


DR FOCUS: DR. DIEGO CORRADO

Dr. Diego Corrado’s first encounter with MCI was eight years ago when he was having an issue with a dredger vessel in Montevideo’s port. Dr. Diego recounts fondly of that fateful day and commended on the fast service rendered by the staff at MCI and how friendly they were.

Fast forward to today, MCI enjoys a significant presence in Uruguay and South America in general.

And because he is heavily involved in vessel registration, Dr. Diego is often thought to be a lawyer. Quite the contrary! Find out what he majored in – Dr. Diego reveals it here!

 


CAPE TOWN AGREEMENT OF 2012

The Regional Workshop on the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 opened today in Rarotonga. Representatives from maritime administrations and fishery authorities from around the Pacific will over the course of 5 days deliberate the Cape Town Agreement 2012 – one of the international instruments that provides safety standards for fishing vessels of 24m in length and over.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has been assisting with the organisation of the workshop and with resource personnel from key organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and other international and regional partners, participants will have the opportunity to better understand the Agreement and ask pertinent questions.

“This is the first of its kind for our Pacific region and we are delighted to be able to host” said Secretary of Transport, Ned Howard, at the opening.

With a history of 40 years, the Agreement began under the IMO with the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels 1977, modified to the 1993 Protocol, and in 2012 the Cape Town Agreement was adopted as a renewed commitment by the international community to bring the Provisions of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol into force. However, five years later, the Cape Town Agreement is yet to come into force and the purpose of the workshop is to provide governments with the assistance they may need in implementing the Agreement.

“For the Cook Islands, we will be interested to know what ratification of the Cape Town Agreement will offer the Cook Islands and our Pacific region in a tangible manner” said Mr Howard who in his opening remarks encouraged all participants to capitalise on this opportunity to learn, ask questions, absorb what facilitators are here to say, so that by the end they return better informed of the options available to governments and the Pacific region.

Article from: Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration

 


WORLD MARITIME DAY 2017: CONNECTING SHIPS, PORTS AND PEOPLE

Each year the IMO celebrates World Maritime Day, which is a global event held in countries all over the world. This will be the second year that the Cook Islands Maritime Industry and Government come together to celebrate the day.

This year’s theme is “Connecting ships, ports and people” which will be held on Thursday 28th September 2017 at Avatiu Wharf. We have put together a schedule for over 550 students to focus their attention on the importance of shipping, safety and marine environment.

For this year’s event, we will see a guest appearance from Maui and Moana, students will be able to board the local vessel Layar Mas 291, there will be forklift demonstrations, refrigerated containers, Search and Rescue overboard demonstrations, Cooks from local boats cook off and may more activities throughout the day.

 


ADDRESSING FISHING VESSELS SAFETY

Fishing continues to be considered the most hazardous occupation in the world, and despite the improvement in technology, the loss of life in the fisheries sector is unacceptably high.

To address the issue, IMO has held a regional seminar in Rarotonga, Cook Islands (28 August – 1 September) on the ratification of an important IMO legal instrument called the Cape TownAgreement, providing Member Governments with the assistance needed to implement the treaty.

To improve the safety of fishers and fishing vessels, IMO has, over the years, put in place, several initiatives, culminating with the adoption of the Cape Town Agreement. It is expected that the Agreement will eliminate difficulties encountered by a number of States with substantial fishing fleets in implementing a previous agreement, the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol, and will provide international standards for the safety of fishing vessels which could be implemented by all States concerned.

In addition, many Member States believe that there is a link between safety at sea, forced labour and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The entry into force of the Agreement will improve safety at sea in the fisheries sector worldwide but will also be a useful tool in combatting IUU fishing and reducing pollution from fishing vessels, including marine debris.

The seminar was organized by IMO in collaboration with The Food and Agriculture Organization FAO, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Community (SPC). It was attended by participants from 10 countries in the Pacific region. The seminar was facilitated by IMO’s Sandra Allnutt, FAO’s Ari Gudmundsson and a consultant.

Article from: IMO