This week in THIS ISLAND NATION blog .... an island people, but not insular ... the most dangerous ship's cargo in the world ... an Arctic Convoy Medal .. no Volvo for Ireland... fishing... history and much more ....
A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT
Ireland has contributed much to the maritime world. We are an island people, but not insular or inward-looking and it is particularly through our seafarers that Ireland has reached out to influence the world.
St.Brendan's legendary voyage to the New World in a leather boat was made almost a thousand years before Columbus claimed to discover America, so it is claimed in history. In the 16th century Irish shipowners traded throughout Europe and Irish fishermen developed fisheries in the North Atlantic. Irishmen were instrumental in founding the navies of the United States, Argentina and Uruguay. Irishmen served in the Chinese Imperial Navy and were involved in training the then emergent Japanese Navy in the 19th century. A descendant of an Irish family was Minister for the Marine in France in the 1840s. Irish mariners served in the British Royal Navy from the middle of the 18th century. An Irishman, Charles Davis Lucas, was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for his courageous actions aboard HMS Hecla in the Crimean War. John Philip Holland from Clare designed the submarine. Another Irishman, Charles Parsons, invented the marine steam turbine and Admiral Francis Beaufort invented the wind force scale that is still used today. Edward Bransfield from County Cork was the first mariner in the world to see Antarctica and other Irish explorers are remembered in Polar history, including Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean who sailed with him.
Recognition of the importance of the sea has grown in Ireland in recent years, replacing the ignorance and neglect of governments and politicians in preceding years. Appreciation of the sea has not been a general attribute of the Irish public, but this too has changed. Much damage has been done to Ireland's maritime position by the neglect of earlier years, but there is room for optimism, for hope in the future as public awareness of the sea increases.
Perhaps persistence in making the case for the importance of the sea to this island nation is an essential attribute for those of us who are committed to hearing the voice of the ocean. Just a thought for Christmas, which I hope is a happy time for you and for all seafarers, particularly those at sea away from home during the festive period, who we should particularly remember.
Shipping – THE BURDEN OF RED TAPE
Too many sectors of Irish life are burdened by red tape which is the weapon beloved by bureaucrats that often restricts innovation and development. Take note then of what the Danish Government is doing. The Danish Maritime Authority has started an online survey to identify how much of a burden red tape places on seafarers. It is open to all seafarers, of all nationalities around the world, to take part.
The international ship and crew management trade association, InterManager, is supporting the survey. Its Secretary General, Capt.Kuba Szymanski, said the project is intended to provide "a better understanding of seafarers' views on administrative work required on board ship and the burden of red tape which has to be dealt with, so that there will be a basis for new initiatives to improve the job of the seafarer."
No personal information will be disclosed about anyone who takes part in the survey. It can be accessed at: http://survey.enalyzer.com
FIRST NEW SHIP FOR DANGEROUS CARGO
Nickel ore has been described by the bulk carrier owners' association, Intercargo, as "the world's most dangerous cargo". In response to this level of concern the first ship specially-built in the world to carry this cargo has gone into service with the Japanese company, JX Shipping. The Jules Garnier II, has been constructed to meet regulations imposed by the United Nations body for safety at sea, the International Maritime Organisation in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Code.
The problem with nickel ore is that it can liquefy during transport, affecting a ship's stability and therefore safety. Such incidents have been blamed for the sinking of four vessels and the loss of 66 seafarers between 2010 and 2011.
CREW WAGE INCREASES
A survey of major shipping owners in Europe and Asia as indicated that there is an increasing shortage of ships' crews and, as a result, seafarers wages will have to be increased to acquire suitable, experienced staff aboard ship. The survey also showed that crew competence and skills are both declining, so shipowners can expect to have to meet extra costs for better crews. There is a forecast of an increase of between 2 and 3 per cent for wages next year, with shipowners also needing to improve on-board conditions.
Ports – GALWAY PLAN TO BE FINALISED
The planning application for the development of Galway Harbour is expected to be completed next year and to be submitted as a development of major national importance to Bord Pleanala. The first phase proposes to move all commercial activity from the present inner dock, inside the present harbour gates, to a new harbour to be constructed between Hare and Mutton Island. This could cost around €50m and would include major reclamation work. Raising money for the project will be a major task.
Maritime History – ARCTIC CONVOY STAR
The UK Government has announced that it will award an Arctic Convoy Star Medal as recommended by a Committee appointed to investigate the neglect of honouring seafarers who served on these convoys in horrendous and exceptionally dangerous conditions during World War Two. Colman Shaughnessy of the Radio Officers' Association has been in touch with me about this development and says there must be Irish seafarers who served on these vessels who would be entitled to such a medal. The Association, which covers the UK and Ireland, where it has membership, has been supporting a campaign for this recognition for many years by the Merchant Navy Association.
"There will be more news subsequently," says Colman. "I hope the medal can be conferred posthumously and that the families will have the honour of possessing their relatives' badge of courage."
More details about the Arctic Convoy Star Medal are to be made available by the British Ministry of Defence in the New Year.
TITANIC PLAN
Bought at an auction last year by a private individual for a sum thought to be in excess of stg£200,000 the original plan of Titanic, used at the British Inquiry to enable witnesses to indicate which part of the ship they were referring to, has gone on display at Titanic Belfast, according to the official newsletter of the Irish Titanic Society, 'White Star Journal.' The 32-foot long plan of the ship carries markings made by expert witnesses during the Inquiry showing were the ship was damaged in the iceberg collision.
Fishing – NEW FISHERIES IN DONEGAL
New fisheries are possible for inshore fishermen in Donegal over the next few months. A lesser spotted dog fishery for Inishowen fishermen using gill nets with a mesh size above 90mm, deployed within three nautical miles of shore for ten days a month is one. Also under consideration by the European Commission, according to reports, is a gill net fishery for sand dogs.
Sailing – VOLVO CHANGES
The route for the next Volvo Race 2014-15 is expected to be announced early next month, but Ireland will not feature after being involved in the last two stagings of the event through Galway where there remains some disagreement and unhappiness apparently over the outcome of costs and payments. Volvo has decided to allow one extra crew member for in-port racing and announced a series of rule changes allowing extra crew members for all-female and mixed teams and making it compulsory to have at least two under-30 crew members on each team. The next race will be the 12th running of the event which will be sailed in a one-design 65-footer.
Race CEO Knut Frostad said: "Our main objectives are to broaden the platform of entry to the Volvo Ocean Race while retaining our position as an event for the elite in the sport and to engage more and more fans going forward. The crew changes will make women's and mixed teams more competitive, while rules for on-board multimedia reporters will ensure continuance of the stunning visual contents we have come to expect from the boats. At the same time, we're making sure teams open up the race to younger sailors through our under-30s rule. The fact that we've announced this so soon after the last race shows our commitment for getting things done quickly but efficiently so everyone entering knows what to expect."
Details of the scoring system for the race will be added at a later date.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
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Tom MacSweeney on Twitter: @TomMacSweeney
