Philippines ratification marks global milestone for decent work for seafarers The Philippines is the 30th Member to have its ratification registered and join the group of the “first 30” ILO countries to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring decent work for seafarer and a level playing field for quality shipowners. The ratification by the Philippines will enable the Convention to come into effect as binding international law on 20 August 2013. This is good for all Filipino seafarers but how about Phil local domestic shipping industry's comment on this new development ? Is this also a good news for them ? I just hope that they will also comply with the MLC 2006 for the benefits of our seafarers.

OPA 90

The passing of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) after the Exxon Valdez disaster has led to the requirement to replace single hull petroleum tankers with double hull tank vessels sailing in U.S. waters. This requirement was soon adopted by the IMO and became a worldwide regulation. This means that, now, tank vessels worldwide are carrying thousands of extra tons of steel in order to meet the double hull requirements. Though these double hulls reduce the threat of oil pollution as a result of grounding, they significantly increase the amount of energy needed to propel a vessel and increase the amount of air pollution into the atmosphere. As a result, the maritime industry’s carbon footprint and criteria pollutant emissions also increased.

North American emission control area comes into effect on 1 August 2012

The North American Emission Control Area (ECA), under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), comes into effect from 1 August 2012, bringing in stricter controls on emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter for ships trading off the coasts of Canada, the United States and the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.