Updates

The UK-based non-governmental organization Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has introduced a set of guidelines for private security companies.

The non-governmental organization Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has introduced a set of guidelines for private security companies.

Australia is in the process of establishing its first national set of maritime laws that would apply to all the commercial fleets across its states and territories.

The Maritime Safety National Law Act will become effective January 2013 and replace eight sets of separate regulations.

The Philippines government is responding to questions from the European Union regarding the quality of its seafarer training programs, questions which late last year had the potential to put a large proportion of the international seafarer labor supply in jeopardy.

An ICS press release elaborates upon what is involved in creating its Flag State Performance Table and the organization's hopes the Table will continue to foster quality performing registries.

In a story that intertwines the issues of piracy and U.S.-Iran relations particularly relevant to the maritime industry, the U.S. aircraft carrier John C. Stennis rescued 13 Iranian crew members being held captive by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Oman.

The law firm Seward and Kissel has issued a press release this week in relation to the U.S.’ 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which contains information regarding sanctions against Iran.

The latest development in Turkish-Cypriot relations has Turkey considering an trade relationship with Cyprus based on the China-Taiwan model.

The Greek shipowner that recently expressed concern regarding legislative ambiguities in the German registry policies has spoken further regarding this matter.

The ISRR is pleased to report that the parties working on the Rena salvage operations are preparing to pump the remaining fuel oil from the vessel.

In addition, 42 of the 88 containers that have gone missing have been found, and will be "raised from the sea bed as soon as pollution prevention work has been completed."

The Panama Registry has asserted its commitment to all investigations in spite of accusations otherwise from Nautilus International.

Nautilus accused the flag state of not issuing a report based on the loss of livestock carrier Danny F II in December 2009 off the coast of Lebanon.