CBS e-Magazine

Celebrities and Politicians Love These Timepieces

huangfeihong — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:32:03 +0300

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huangfeihong — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:17:39 +0300

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http://www.proteusmaritimesecurity.com/

proteus — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:23:16 +0200

Proteus Maritime Security is a maritime security risk management
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Based out of Cyprus and with representatives in the UK, Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka.

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Proteus Maritime Security is committed to protecting personnel, assets,
business profits and reputations.

MARITIME CYPRUS 2011 CONFERENCE

cbs — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:08:09 +0200

The MARITIME CYPRUS 2011 Conference was held in Limassol between 02-05 /10/2011.

The MARITIME CYPRUS Conference is the leading Cyprus Maritime event and its addressed to shipping executives in the industry including owners, managers and delegates from other shipping organizations.

It is organized every two years by the Cyprus Government, in close cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners.

The Maritime Cyprus Conference has grown over the years into one of the world’s most significant shipping conferences.

This year’s Maritime Cyprus Conference was the 12th since its establishment back in 1989.

Its main theme was “The ?s in Shipping: Is it Safe Enough?, Is it Sustainable?, Is there enough Confidence?”.

Aiming at operating as a Forum where important and current issues relating to international shipping are presented by distinguished speakers and subsequently discussed by the international shipping community, the “Maritime Cyprus Conference” plays a key role towards helping to formulate sound and well balanced decisions and policies on crucial shipping issues.

Enriched by the presence and active contribution of distinguished guests including the IMO Secretary General, European Commissioners and other personalities of the International shipping scene who addressed the conference, MARITIME CYPRUS 2011 Conference focused on the crucial matters concerning the international shipping industry today.

The following subjects were addressed in the MARITIME CYPRUS 2011 Conference:

· Countering Piracy

· Seafarers

· Long Term Sustainability and Energy

· The Capital Markets

· Forecasting analysis

· Exploration of new opportunities to recover from the crisis

References:

Department of Merchant Shipping

www.shipping.gov.cy

Shipping Herald, The Maritime Portal

www.shippingherald.com

Message from Mr. Chris Socratous, CBS Managing Director

cbs — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:44:02 +0200

Dear Friends

It is with great pleasure that I address you from the first issue of the CBS e-Magazine.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping (CBS) is a Cyprus based Classification Society, established in 1987 as an independent Non-Governmental Organization.

The establishment of Cyprus Bureau of Shipping aimed at the development of the required infrastructure in Cyprus, in order to effectively support the rapid overall development of the Cyprus Marine Industry, deal with the deficiencies in technical level and confront all needs that aroused from the rapid development in all Marine Industry related services and infrastructure.

Avoiding any drawbacks or compromisation of the Safety, Quality and Working levels of the Cyprus Marine Industry was set as the basic operational principal of CBS.

Over the years and through its Quality Services, CBS gained a reputable position in the Market, with the CBS services being recognized and utilized by the Cyprus Government and many Shipping Companies from all over the world.

Almost 25 years later, CBS is still dedicated to its founding principles, and is in constant pursuit of its initial goals and aims.

Internet and New Technologies are means which allow easy exchange of information, enable interaction and development of relations between Professionals and companies from all over the world.

CBS understands the need for conforming with the requirements of our times in order to take full advantage of all possibilities which arise from the use of Internet and New Technologies. Especially in times of Global recession and of a serious Financial Crisis from which the Cypriot Market still suffers.

Having in mind the above facts, CBS moved on to exploit all new possibilities for its further development and upgrade.

During times of severe recession, the proper course of actions is as follows:

-regroup in terms of improving productivity

-reform by identifying the current and future Market needs and requirements and taking them into consideration

and

-improve and upgrade by adopting all technological advantages and by further developing the Range of Provided Services.

The European Union identified that need and released funds to encourage and financially support Companies to regroup and develop.

Through use of the European Structural Funds in Cyprus and under a Subsidy Scheme of the Cyprus Productivity Centre, CBS was enabled to finance the much needed changes to its structure and provided services.

A detailed Business Plan addressing all the specific needs and requirements was prepared in order to enable CBS to advance to the 2nd Quarter of a Century of its life.

The first results of the Business Plan which is currently being implemented are already visible:

-CBS became the first Cypriot Company to achieve election as Corporate Partner Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects thus obtaining recognition for conforming with the highest standards of professional competence and integrity, not only for its employees but also for the company itself.

-The Internet advantages are exploited in the best possible way, through a set of useful web tools specifically designed and developed to enable not only CBS but all Companies which wish to, to effectively advertise and promote their products, businesses and provided services.

The CBS e-Magazine is yet another step towards achieving the broader aim of CBS:

To assist in any way possible the further development and upgrading of the Cyprus Marine and On-Shore Industry.

I wish you all a nice and enjoyable reading.

The CBS Forum

cbs — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:43:22 +0200

Among other web-tools developed to complement the efforts to effectively promote CBS online, CBS developed the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum was created as a Tool for fulfilling a specific purpose:

To enable the building of an Active Online Community for all people involved in the Marine Industry in Cyprus - from Students to Experienced Professionals (without of course excluding people from abroad).

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum Membership is Free. Our Goal is not to profit but to build a steady growing membership which will finally lead to achieving our Primary Cause.

It is our strong belief that through establishing an Active Online Community, all Members will benefit in various ways.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum is here, aiming to provide us all with new opportunities.

We look forward to welcome you as a Member to our Online Community.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CBS FORUM

1. Go to http://www.cbs.com.cy/forum/

2. Click on the Apply for Membership Button (on the Top Right Corner of your Screen).

3. Fill in the Apply for Membership Form with the required details.

4. Fill in the Security Check Box as required.

5. Click in the required box in order to state that you agree to the terms of service.

6. Click Sign Up to obtain your Membership to Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum.

After becoming a Member of the CBS Forum, you may click on your username (on the Top of your Screen) in order to design your Profile as you like (relevant options appear on the Top Left Corner of your Screen).

Don't forget to read the relevant Discussion Topics on how to make the best out of your Membership to CBS Forum.

At any point,please feel free to contact us for any problems or additional required information.

Now you have the chance to effectively promote your company by simply exploiting the advantages CBS Forum can offer you.

All you have to do is to provide us with the information mentioned in the following Application Form (in electronic format) by sending a relevant email to cbs@cbs.com.cy.

After your registration as a Member of the CBS Forum (and in any case within 3 working days from the day we receive your email with the required information as described in the CBS e-Magazine),your Company will gain its own space in the Internet along with the ability to update, extend and enrich its content at any given time.

CORROSION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF A BULK CARRIER

cbs — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:34:11 +0300

The article CORROSION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF A BULK CARRIER is currently available only in the CBS e-Magazine (pages 26-32)

Click here to read the CBS e-Magazine

NAVAL ARCHITECTS IN CYPRUS: The need for an Active Professional Organisation in Cyprus

cbs — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:33:13 +0300

Article by Michalis Agapiou
Naval Architect, AMRINA

It is a generally accepted fact as well as common sense, that in any Engineering specialty, having achieved the required Academic Qualifications is merely a step towards the required Professional Competence and that this sole achievement does not prove such competency.

The Practical Training and On-the-job Professional Experience many times overmatch and are more useful than sole theoretical knowledge.

The Professional Competence of an Engineer actually depends on both Academic Qualifications and Practical and On-the-Job Professional Experience, as well as by the Engineer’s ability and commitment to monitor all technological developments, self-educate and thus enable himself to adopt and implement any new technological achievements/requirements in his field of expertise.

Unfortunately the absence of an organised Professional Body for Naval Architects in Cyprus, able to develop the necessary activity and ensure the required and much needed Professional Support is more than obvious.

It is also a fact that in Cyprus, Naval Architecture is not recognized as a unique and separate Engineering Science, and Naval Architects need to be registered as Mechanical Engineers in order to obtain the right to perform their Profession. Even in this case the minimum required professional support to Naval Architects is not met.

For Naval Architects working in Cyprus, the only possibility to maintain and upgrade their knowledge is to join an International Professional Body or follow at their own Professional judgment useful seminars, training courses and events, thus keeping their selves up to date with the latest technological and any other related requirements or information.

The small number of Naval Architects in Cyprus can not and must not be used in any case as an excuse for the absence of the minimum required support and infrastructure, for ensuring their Professional Competence.

On the basis of the above mentioned facts, the need for establishing and fully activating a Professional OrganiSation for Naval Architects in Cyprus able to provide the necessary Professional Support to all people involved in the Design, Construction, Maintenance and Operation of ships or other marine structures, appears as a necessity.

A well organised and active Branch of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in Cyprus can play such a key role. Cypriot Naval Architects can indeed establish their own Professional Organisation provided that they are willing to actively participate in all aspects of such an effort.

CBS recently became the first Cypriot Company to achieve election as RINA Corporate Partner Member, thus proving its commitment to the employment of the highest International standards regarding the Professional Competence of its employees.

Through its close cooperation with RINA, CBS now aims to actively support and participate in all efforts towards the establishment and full activation of a RINA Branch in Cyprus, able to complement the further upgrading of the Cyprus Marine Industry.

Advertorial: Progressive Technologies

cbs — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:31:21 +0300

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For more information, you may visit the Progressive Technologies website:

www.progressivetechnologies.com.cy

MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH - Article by Katalin Sas

cbs — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:29:23 +0300

Maintenance is the subject of the world’s biggest occupational health and safety campaign which is co-ordinated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and its partners in the 27 EU Member States. The Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2010/11 supports a wide range of activities at the national and European level to promote safe maintenance. It highlights the importance of maintenance to eliminate workplace hazards, and to provide safer and healthier working conditions in workplaces throughout Europe.

Our campaign has two main messages. Firstly, that maintenance is vital to keep machines and work environment safe and reliable - lack of maintenance or inadequate maintenance can cause serious and deadly accidents or health problems. Secondly, maintenance itself is a high-risk activity and it has to be performed in a safe way, with appropriate protection of maintenance workers and other people present in the workplace.

With the campaign, we want to raise awareness of the importance of maintenance for workers’ safety and health and of the risks associated with maintenance and in the same time, encourage employers to consider health and safety aspects in maintenance.

Facts and figures

Maintenance is essential to prevent workplace risks, but it is itself a high risk activity for the workers that carry it out. Figures from several European countries indicate that in 2006 around 10-15% of all fatal accidents were related to maintenance operations. It is essential to implement appropriate risk assessment procedures for maintenance operations, as well as employing adequate preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in maintenance activities.

Maintenance-specific risks

In addition to the risks associated with any working environment, maintenance operations involve some specific risks. These include working alongside a running process and in close contact with machinery. Automation typically diminishes the likelihood of human error that can lead to accidents. In maintenance activities, contrary to normal operation, direct contact between the worker and machine cannot be reduced substantially - it is an activity where workers need to be in close contact with processes. Maintenance operations typically include both disassembly and reassembly, often involving complicated machinery. This can be associated with a greater risk of human error and a higher risk of accidents.

Maintenance often involves exceptional work, non-routine tasks and it is often performed in exceptional conditions, such as working in confined spaces, or weekend and night work. Working under time-pressure is also typical for maintenance operations, especially when shutdowns or high-priority repairs are involved.

Workers are at greater risk when they are working in unfamiliar and frequently changing environments. It is not surprising, therefore, that the subcontracting of maintenance is an aggravating factor in terms of safety and health – numerous accidents and incidents relate to subcontracting maintenance. Data from France shows that, in 2005, maintenance was the most subcontracted function in industry, and that in 2002 maintenance employees were the second most frequent victims of accidents related to subcontracting (after construction workers).

European legislation creates the framework for good practice in maintenance.

Since 1989, a number of European directives have been adopted, laying down a general framework of minimum requirements for the protection of workers at the workplace. These directives also apply to maintenance activities, first and foremost Council Directive 89/391 – the "Framework Directive", including the obligation for the employers to carry out a risk assessment at work.
The Framework Directive lays down the general principles concerning the prevention and protection of workers against occupational accidents and diseases. It contains the general principles of prevention, lays down employers’ obligations concerning the assessment of risks, the elimination of risks and accident factors, the informing, consultation and balanced participation and training of workers and their representatives.

The European Commission produced a Guidance on risk assessment at work to help employers and employees to implement the risk assessment requirements of the Framework Directive. In this guide, maintenance workers were identified as «workers who may be at increased risk». The guide also points out the need to conduct a separate risk assessment for maintenance activities.

On the basis of the Framework Directive a series of individual directives were adopted, all relevant for carrying out maintenance in a safe way. Many of them include specific provisions regarding maintenance activities and requirements for maintenance to eliminate workplace hazards.
For example, a number of individual Directives have been enacted controlling the exposure of workers to potentially damaging physical agents in the workplace such as vibration, noise, electromagnetic fields, optical radiation and ionizing radiation. These directives include a provision aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure among others by means of appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems.

For more information on European legislation see http://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/

THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF NAVAL ARCHITECTS - Article by Mr. Trevor Blakeley, Chief Executive RINA

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:17:09 +0300

«Αn international professional institution, serving the naval architecture profession, the maritime industry and society world-wide»

Founded in the UK in 1860, today the Royal Institution of Naval Architects is a truly international organisation with over 9000 members in over 96 countries. Its members are involved at all levels in the design, construction and maintenance of ships, boats and marine structures, for commercial, naval and recreational use.

Membership is available at all stages of the individual’s career leading to Corporate membership. Corporate membership of the Institution provides a professional qualification which is recognised throughout the global maritime industry as demonstrating the achievement of the highest standards of professional competence. The standard route to Corporate membership is through related academic study at degree or diploma level, followed by a period of professional development. However, the Institution also recognises the importance of experience, which may be accepted in lieu of formal academic qualification. The Institution considers that it is the achievement of professional competence and not the route to gaining that competence which is important.

The Institution recognises its responsibility and relevance to the younger members of the profession and the Institution, in providing assistance to those who are seeking to gain the experience and professional competence required to become a Corporate member and thereby rightly claim to be ‘professionally qualified’. Today, the Institution has links with over 60 universities worldwide through the membership of staff and students, and the many student awards which it makes. It accredits academic courses which meet its membership requirements.

The Royal Institution of Naval Architects also contributes to the improvement of professional standards and maritime safety through its links with such international organisations as the International Maritime Organisation, a United Nations agency where it has Non Governmental Organisation status. The Institution has links with many other national professional societies, and with industry through its Corporate Partner membership for those companies which can demonstrate their commitment to achieving high professional standards amongst their employees.

The Institution accredits company Graduate Training Programmes which meet the Institution’s membership requirements.

The Institution recognises its responsibility to society which it exercises through it Code of Professional Conduct, which is binding on all members. Whilst membership of the Institution is not a statutory requirement to practise as a naval architect in any sector of the maritime industry, nonetheless the achievements of minimum standards and commitment to maintaining those standards, together with a commitment to professional integrity as required by the Code of Professional Conduct, provides a measure of reassurance to society.

The Institution’s founding aim, or mission statement in modern parlance, was “to promote and facilitate the exchange of technical and scientific information, views and discussion”, and through this, “to influence and contribute towards furthering knowledge, understanding and standards”. This aim remains equally valid today. What has changed is the means by which it is achieved.

In the days before technical publications and conferences were as widely available as they are today, the published papers of a professional institution were generally the only means by which developments in such engineering disciplines as naval architecture and marine engineering were disseminated and discussed. Such publications and discussion additionally served to encourage and promote further advances in knowledge and practice. That purpose today is served by the Institution’s wide range of professional activities, such as the publication of international journals, and the organising of conferences and local meetings.

The Institution publishes a wide range of technical journals reporting on research, development and industry developments, and organises some 16 conferences and training courses world-wide each year, covering all aspects of the maritime industry, and available to both members and non members. Increasingly the Institution’s website at www.rina.org.uk is used to access such information through the Institution’s electronic publications and the online technical forums which provide an opportunity for the exchange and discussion of information by all members of the global maritime industry. Members also enjoy access to a world-wide network of professionals through the Institution’s 27 local Branches in 15 countries, including Cyprus.

I would like to extend an invitation to all those engineers who are involved with the design, construction and maintenance of marine vessels and structures to become members of the Royal Institution of naval architects.

The Royal Institution of Naval Architects aims to promote the highest standards of professional competence and integrity, not only by individual members of the Institution, but also by the companies and organisations which employ them. Over 100 companies and organisations have chosen to demonstrate their commitment to achieving and maintaining high professional standards in their engineers by becoming Corporate Partner members of the Institution.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping is the first Corporate Partner member in Cyprus.

It is an honour and a privilege for the Royal Institution of Naval Architects to be invited to contribute to the first issue of the CBS e-Magazine.

I wish it every success in the future.

THE HARMONIZED VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:13:47 +0300

The Contracting Parties* to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (also known as the Barcelona Convention) recently adopted the Harmonized Voluntary Arrangements for Ballast Water Management in the Mediterranean Region.

The Harmonized Voluntary Arrangements for Ballast Water Management in the Mediterranean Region provide guidance for voluntary Ballast Water exchange and Management options to vessels transiting the Mediterranean Sea Area.

The arrangements are of voluntary interim nature and will be applicable from the 1st day of January 2012, until the time that the Ballast Water Management Convention enters into force.

In general, each vessel calling at a port within the Mediterranean Sea area is required to have on board a Ballast Water Management Plan complying with requirements of the Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of Ballast water Management Plans developed by the International Maritime Organization and to keep a record of all ballast water operations carried out (or in case the operation was not undertaken, the reasons why the ballast water exchange was not carried out*).

According to the adopted Harmonized Voluntary Arrangements for Ballast Water Management in the Mediterranean Region:

All Ships entering or leaving the waters of Mediterranean Sea area from or to the Atlantic Ocean (Straits of Gibraltar), or from or to the Indian Ocean through the Red Sea (Suez Canal), should undertake ballast water exchange before entering or after leaving the Mediterranean Sea area, and at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in waters at least 200 meters in depth.

In certain situations and in order to avoid delays for the ship or deviation from a ship’s intended voyage or even in cases where safety reasons* suggest so, the required ballast water exchange should be undertaken before entering or after leaving the Mediterranean Sea area, as far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases in waters at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land and in waters of at least 200 meters depth.

In both cases, the Ballast Water Exchange has to be in accordance with the standard set out in the D-1 Standard of the Ballast Water Management Convention (Sequential, Flow Through or Dilution Methods are accepted as meeting the D-1 Standard)

Further to the above, and in cases Ships are engaged in traffic between:

1. ports located within the Mediterranean Sea area; or

2. a port located in the Black Sea area and a port located in the Red Sea area; or

3. a port located in the Black Sea and a port located in the Mediterranean Sea area; or

4. a port located in the Red Sea area and a port located in the Mediterranean Sea area.

The ballast water exchange should be undertaken as far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases in waters at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land and in waters of at least 200 meters depth.

In certain situations and in order to avoid delays for the ship or deviation from a ship’s intended voyage or even in cases where safety reasons** suggest so, the required ballast water exchange should be undertaken in areas designated by the port State for that purpose.

Sediments collected during the cleaning or repairing operations of ballast tanksshould be delivered in sediment reception facilities in ports and terminals, or be discharged beyond 200 nautical miles from the nearest land of the coastline when the ship is sailing in the Mediterranean Sea area.

*Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (also known as the Barcelona Convention):

Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

**Note:
If the safety or stability of the ship is threatened by a ballast water exchange operation, this operation should not be undertaken. The reasons should be entered in the ballast water record book and a Report should be submitted to the maritime authorities of the Port of destination. (Regulation B-4 of the Ballast Water Management Convention)

Reference:
IMO BWM.2/Circ.35, 15 August 2011
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004
Communication received from the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC)

Cyprus Bureau of Shipping offers high quality services for the development of Ballast Water Management Plans.

You may contact CBS Head Office at cbs@cbs.com.cy in order to request a Quotation for this service.

You may also request a Quotation online, by filling in and submitting an online Services Request Form available on our website: www.cbs.com.cy

WORKING SAFELY WITH LIFTING EQUIPMENT

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:58:56 +0300

Article by Richard Tindale

Designed to improve productivity and safety, aerial lifts play a key role in combating construction’s biggest killer; falls from height. Construction accounts for more than half of all fall-related fatalities across Europe and the number of construction-related deaths in Cyprus is 5.0 per 100,000 workers; twice the EU average.

The aerial lift industry was born out of the need to work more safely at height. However, while aerial lifts undoubtedly help to save lives, they are not a “magic bullet” solution. Choosing the wrong equipment for the terrain, operating the machinery in the wrong conditions, or failing to check for potential hazards before use could all lead to serious - or even fatal - accidents.

This article is a common sense guide on how to keep contractors safe, while still ensuring they get the best out of their aerial lifts. This article should in no way be taken as advice that supersedes or replaces the EU Work at Height regulations, national health and safety legislation, or the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Right Tools for the Job

There is a huge and sometimes baffling array of aerial work platforms available today, so if you prefer to own your machines outright rather than rent, it is important that the lifts you purchase are as flexible and suitable as possible. It can be tempting to “make do” with an in-house machine rather than rent another lift that is properly suited for the job. This can be a false economy, as the most appropriate lift will not only almost always be the safest option, but also the most productive and efficient.

Basic safety questions to ask when specifying a lift are:

Is the job indoors and outdoors - or both?
What maximum working height do I need?
What lift capacity is required/How many people do I want working in the lift at once?
Will the machine be static and working on a small area, or moving around?
Are there any restrictions on floor or ground weight at the job site?
Do I need “up-and-over” capabilities to reach the work area?

Ask the Experts

The leading body on aerial lift safety is IPAF, the International Powered Access Federation (www.ipaf.org). IPAF provides guidance on the safe use of all aerial lifts.

The Right Training

While it is vital that the operator has the correct training and qualification to use the aerial lift, training should not start and end at the platform. Excellent training courses are now available specifically for construction managers to help them minimize the risks to their employees and colleagues. Additionally you can also train ground personnel so they understand how to safely rescue any co-workers who become trapped in the platform.

The Right Safety Equipment

Operators of boom lifts (IPAF category 1b and 3b) in particular are vulnerable to the “catapult” effect – if the machine is involved in an impact collision while elevated, or there is a sudden drop in the terrain (such as driving over a drain that subsequently collapses), there is a likelihood that the boom will whiplash and hurl the occupants from the platform. Therefore, occupants of a boom lift should wear personal fall protection equipment while in the platform. In line with IPAF’s guidance, Snorkel strongly recommends a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard, tied as short as possible.

In general, the industry does not recommend the use of personal fall protection equipment in scissor lifts or vertical lifts (IPAF categories 1a and 3a), which by their nature are unlikely to catapult an occupant - in fact a harness can limit an operator’s capabilities to take evasive action if a scissor lift falls over. Snorkel’s advice is to always check the manufacturer’s instructions and carry out a specific risk assessment.

Risk Assessment

Having selected the right lift for the job, it is crucial that you check the job site for potential hazards:

Always conduct a thorough risk assessment.

When working outdoors, top of your check list should be nearby power or telecoms cables and most importantly the terrain – is the ground firm? Are there any drains, kerbs or potholes that could imbalance the lift? Boom lifts in particular are at their most vulnerable when fully elevated. If your operator drives an elevated boom over a kerb or has a drain collapse under a wheel, they are at risk of being catapulted out of the platform - and there is a possibility that the lift will fall over, crushing any people or property below. Also check the wind speed before operating any aerial lift. Each lift has a specific tolerance and you should only use the machine if you are operating well within these limits; check the operator’s manual for details. Pay particular attention to those lifts that are principally for indoor use, such as electric vertical lifts and slab scissors. They can only be used in relatively light winds and the lift capacity may be substantially reduced for outdoor operation – for example from two people with tools (227kg) indoors, to one person outdoors.

OLYMPIAS AND THE TRIREME TRUST

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:07:05 +0300

Article by Professor Boris Rankov, Chairman of the Trireme Trust

The Trireme Trust was formed in Britain in 1982 by John Morrison, former President of Wolfson College in the University of Cambridge, John Coates, formerly Deputy Director of Ship Design and Chief Naval Architect at the British Ministry of Defence, and Frank Welsh, a banker and writer. Its aim was to find funding for the reconstruction of an ancient Athenian trireme to a design by Coates from evidence compiled by Morrison.

The trireme was the most important warship type of the ancient world, powered by 170 oars with one man at each oar, intended to operate principally as a ramming weapon. It was used continuously by Greek and Roman navies in one form or another from perhaps the 6th century BC to the 4th Century AD, a life span of some 850 years. Triremes, like all ancient warships, had positive buoyancy once they had been holed and their crews had evacuated, and thus no wrecks have been discovered to date. Any reconstruction therefore had to be based on such evidence as was available, literary, epigraphic and iconographical, and most crucially on the remains of the sheds in which these ships were housed, including those in Zea Harbour in the Piraeus and at Kition in Cyprus, which provide measurements for their maximum length and beam.

Coates set out to design a viable ship which met all the criteria for dimensions, operation and performance which had been derived from the ancient evidence by Morrison. In doing so, he found that the ancient evidence on the one hand and naval architectural requirements on the other constrained and defined his design within very narrow parameters. The design was subsequently subjected to wide-ranging discussion at an international colloquium held at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich in 1983, and underwent a number of refinements. Meanwhile, the search for funding to build the reconstruction eventually bore fruit when the Greek Ministry of Culture, headed by the actress Melina Mercouri, and the Hellenic Navy agreed both to pay for and build the ship. It was decided that she should be named Olympias, the «ship of the Olympic Games», to publicise Athens’ bid for the Games in 1996.

Cyprus: Advancing to a New Energy Era

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:52:08 +0300

The arrival of the Noble Homer Ferrington Drilling Platform to Block 12 «Aphrodite» and the first exploratory drilling on the 19th of September 2011, marked the official entrance of Cyprus into a New Energy Era.

Block 12 «Aphrodite» is located outside the Southern Coast of Cyprus and within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. It shares borders with the Israelian Field Leviathan which is within the Exclusive economical zone of Israel, and which is currently the largest Natural Gas source discovered in the last decade.

All Facts lead to the conclusion that Block 12 «Aphrodite» situated just 34 km away from Leviathan, might hold similarly large quantities of Natural Gas.

Following the steps of the Republic of Cyprus towards the Natural Gas era:

12 December 1988: Cyprus proceeds το the ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

February 2003: Cyprus signs an Agreement on the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt

January 2007: Cyprus signs an Agreement on the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone with Lebanon

16 February 2007: Cyprus announced, the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of Hydrocarbon Exploration Licences and subsequent Hydrocarbon Exploitation Licences (Blocks 6, 7 and 12).

Three major Companies apply, and their applications are reviewed especially in regards of their economical adequacy, to carry out the required works on their own resources.

Finally, the Republic of Cyprus decides to proceed only with the Block 12 case.

October 2008: The Republic of Cyprus grants permission to Noble Energy to explore Block 12 in order to determine whether it contains important and exploitable quantities of Natural Gas.

December 2010: The Republic of Cyprus signs an Agreement on the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone with Israel

August 2011: The Republic of Cyprus signs a production-sharing agreement with Noble Energy regarding the Block 12's commercial development.

14 September 2011: The semi-submersible Drilling Platform Noble Homer Ferrington departs from NOA Field (Israel) heading to the Drilling Point set in Block 12 (Cyprus).

16 September 2011: The Drilling Platform Noble Homer Ferrington arrives and anchors at Block 12.

19 September 2011: Noble Energy commences the exploratory drilling in Block 12.

December 2011 – February 2012: According to Noble Energy, within 90 to 120 days from the initial exploratory drilling date, it is expected to start extracting Natural Gas.

A new Licensing Round for the grant of Hydrocarbon Exploration Licences and subsequent Hydrocarbon Exploitation Licences is expected to begin soon and already major Companies have expressed interest and in some cases they even acquired seismic acquisitions in an attempt to identify the prospects which arise from such an investment.

NOBLE ENERGY

Founded by Lloyd Noble in 1932, Noble Energy has nearly 80 years of success in the energy industry.

As one of the first independent producers to explore in the Gulf of Mexico, Noble Energy helped shape the industry and its own future success.

Today, Noble Energy is an S&P 500 company with reserves of 1.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent and assets totaling over $13 billion at year-end 2010.

Noble Energy through its activities has gained recognition for innovation, flexibility, exploration proficiency and its technical capabilities in developing hydrocarbon resources, and holds an impressive record of success in various regions of the world.

Noble Energy has core operations onshore in the U.S., primarily in the DJ Basin, in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, offshore Eastern Mediterranean, and offshore West Africa.

Noble Energy has been operating in the Mediterranean Sea, offshore Israel, since 1998. The company has a 47 percent interest in the Mari-B field, the first offshore natural gas production facility in Israel. Production from Mari-B began in 2004 and sales volumes have increased as Israel’s power demand and pipeline infrastructure have expanded tremendously.

Significant new exploration discoveries at Tamar, Dalit, and Leviathan will help meet Israel's energy needs and drive new potential for natural gas in the future.

MARI-B: Noble Energy recently completed two additional development wells at Mari-B. Combined with additional compression work in 2011, these new wells will support near-term gas deliverability and serve as injection wells for storage in the future.

TAMAR: The Company also has 36 percent operated working interest at Tamar, with gross mean resources of 8.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Tamar was the largest deepwater natural gas discovery in the world in 2009. Sanctioned by the Company in September 2010, initial expectations target commissioning first gas from Tamar at the end of 2012.

LEVIATHAN: Leviathan represents the largest exploration success in Noble Energy’s history, with gross mean resources of 16 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Supported by 3D seismic acquisitions in 2009 and 2010, Noble Energy has identified a number of additional prospects offshore Israel and Cyprus, with plans to drill three to four exploration / appraisal wells in 2011.

Reference:

Noble Energy Website

http://www.nobleenergyinc.com/

CYPRUS

Block 12—Aphrodite: All facts lead to the logical conclusion that Block 12 «Aphrodite» situated just 34 km away from Field Leviathan, might hold similarly large quantities of Natural Gas.

The most positive estimations mention that the Hydrocarbon resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus are sufficient to cover the European energy needs for the next 100 years. The overall value of these Hydrocarbon resources, according to the same estimations reaches 80 billion dollars.

CBS TRAINING SUBDIVISION

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:43:17 +0300

Cyprus Bureau of Shipping has recently established its Training Subdivision.

Head of the Subdivision, Dr. Andreas Ioannou, on the CBS Training Subdivision goals:

The CBS Training Subdivision has to perform a dual role:

To further improve and upgrade the Quality of CBS provided services, by providing high quality Training to the CBS Engineers and Surveyors.

To contribute towards the improvement and further upgrade of the Cyprus Shipping Standards, by providing low-cost but high-quality Training Services to all people involved in the Cyprus Marine Industry.

CBS as an active Classification Society based in Cyprus, with 25 years of experience, is uniquely placed to offer the much needed Professional Development Support to all people involved in the Cypriot Marine Industry.

By exploiting the benefits CBS enjoys as the first Cypriot Company to achieve election as Corporate Partner of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, we plan to prepare a complete Training Program which will address the needs for Continuous Professional Development.

CBS will seek separate approval and recognition for each and every one of the Training Courses in order to ensure their contribution to the Continuous Professional Development of the participants.

The Quality of the Training Courses will be assessed by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in respect of Trainer Qualifications and experience, employed Training Methods and efficiency of the overall Training Materials.

CBS is now organizing its first Training Course.

The course will be a 5-day Course on ISM Code and ISPS Code.

Successful completion of the Course will lead to the issuance of separate Certificates of Successful completion of ISM Code and ISPS Code Training Courses.

Arrangements will be made so that the interested parties will have the opportunity to attend both or one out of the two courses.

Our goal is to achieve High Quality recognized Training, at the lower possible cost for the participants.

This will benefit all Companies as well as Professionals seeking to further improve and upgrade their Professional Qualifications.

For any further information on the upcoming CBS Training Courses please contact us at cbs@cbs.com.cy

THE BULGARIAN SHIP HYDRODYNAMICS CENTRE

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:28:36 +0300

Article by Dr. Rumen Kishev

The Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre (BSHC), Varna was established 34 years ago with the financial and expert support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a scientific research and experimental center in the field of hydrodynamics of ships, floating objects and marine-based facilities. BSHC performs a wide spectrum of fundamental and applied research in the fields of ship hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, water transport, ocean and coastal engineering, sea and river crises and disasters, sea ecology, facilities for fisheries and aquacultures, renewable energy sources, national security and defense.

In parallel with the scientific R&D activity and in cooperation with national high schools and universities, the Centre also performs training of students, cadets, PhD students, post-graduate students and trainees in the fields of its competence: ship theory, fluid mechanics, river and marine constructions.

The infrastructure of buildings and facilities of BSHC is situated in the south end of the city of Varna – the second by size commercial port of the Republic of Bulgaria at the west coast of the Black Sea.

The scientific research and training infrastructure of BSHC comprises of two large towing tanks and one wave basin, cavitation tunnel, wind tunnel, wave flume, CAD-CAM systems for design and manufacturing of ship propellers, fan impellers, turbines, wind generators, ship models and details with complex geometry, technical laboratories for preparation of the tests, numerous training rooms and a large lecturing hall.

Detailed information about the parameters of the experimental facilities and the tests and researches carried out in them may be downloaded from the web-site of the Centre (www.bshc.bg).

BSHC utilizes unique for the country and world-wide acknowledged professional software products such as: FLUENT, n-Shallo, Star CCM+ for CFD analyses; NAPA – for project design of the ship; HECSALV - for calculation of the hydrostatics, stability and general strength of the ship, for solving of emergency situations and planning of salvage operations; MORA - for calculation of the dynamic characteristics of floating and anchored marine engineering facilities, ROMEO - for analysis and design of mooring systems for floating structures; SWAN - for modeling of the sea waves in the sea coastal zone, MIKE 21 - for simulation of waves, currents and sediment transport in rivers, river entrances, bays and seas, MIKE FLOOD - for simulation of floods. The Centre is also in possession of software packages (Mantis, Terra Tools, Vaps) for generation of the synthetic 3D picture of the navigation environment when simulating the dynamics and ship steering. Due to the intensive working cooperation with the University in Iowa-USA, BSHC has a licensed access to the software product CFDSHIP-IOWA and to the powerful calculation cluster of ONR-US Navy, USA.

The main BSHC research activities are directed towards numerical and experimental investigations of numerous scientific and applied problems such as:

Hydro and aerodynamic design optimization of transport vehicles:

Complex hydrodynamic design of ships, river push tow trains, drilling platforms, fish farms, offshore terminals and pipelines, investigation of the aerodynamics of transport vehicles, simulation research of the qualities of ships in operational conditions.

Water transport along Danube River and along the Rein-Main-Danube water route:

Hydrodynamic researches of barges, tug boats, ships and convoys for river navigation, development of intermodal transport schemes along the Rein-Main-Danube water route, simulations for control of convoys along the Danube River and the inner water routes of Europe, virtual research of the behaviour of floating vessels and compositions in dangerous regions for navigation, simulator training of ship masters.

Research of the risk factors of national and regional importance, environmental protection:

Research of the risk factors in ship navigation and development of corresponding measures for improving the stability at wave and wind conditions, analysis of ship wrecks at sea and river, development of ship information systems ERS for reaction under emergency situations and for ship on-board information systems for control of the stability of ship loading, steering in intensive transport traffic conditions, systems for fuel saving when navigating in waves and wind; aerodynamic research of the noise and the exhaust gases by transport vehicles, air flows and vibrations of civil engineering structures, numerical and physical modelling of hydrodynamic and litho-dynamic processes in the coastal zone of Black Sea and Danube River in the process of design of efficient port facilities and coastal protection measures, mathematical and physical simulation of floods in the lower Danube River.

New energy sources:

Hydrodynamic efficiency of the facilities for energy production from marine sources and from open river streams, aerodynamic research and design of small wind generator systems.

Special tasks for the Navy and NATO:

Design, production and experimental investigations of multi-purpose autonomous underwater apparatuses, investigations of high speed catamarans at shallow water, investigation of vessels with water jet propulsion, development of virtual reality systems for training.

BSHC is a member of the following international professional organizations:

International Towing Tanks Conference (ITTC) since 1972
European Council for Maritime Applied R&D (ECMAR) - since 2007
European Technology Platform WATERBORNЕ since 2005
International Maritime Association of Mediterranean (IMAM) – since 1978
Technology Platform of the Mediterranean and Black Seas – since 2009

Since July 1st 2010, the Centre became a part of the Institute of Metal Science, Facilities and Technologies «Acad. A. Balevski» as a detached research unit with preserved scope of activities.

ADVERTORIAL: CYPRUS BUREAU OF SHIPPING

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:16:21 +0300

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping (CBS) is a Cyprus based Classification Society established in 1987 as a Non-Governmental Organization.

The establishment of Cyprus Bureau of Shipping aimed at the development of the required infrastructure in Cyprus, in order to effectively support the rapid overall development of the Cyprus Marine Industry, deal with the deficiencies in technical level and confront all needs that aroused from the rapid development in all Marine Industry related services and infrastructure.

Avoiding any drawbacks or compromisation of the Safety, Quality and Working levels of the Cyprus Marine Industry was set as the basic operational principal aim of CBS.

Over the years and through its Quality Services, CBS gained a reputable position in the Market.

CBS services have been recognized and utilized by:

-Τhe Cyprus Government and more specifically by:

The Ministry of Communications & Works
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism
The Ministry of Defense
The Ministry of Justice & Public Order
The Ministry of Agriculture / Department of Fisheries and Marine Research
The Cyprus Ports Authority
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus

-Τhe British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus

-By more than 600 shipping and other companies.

Today, CBS is a modern and flexible Organization, able to closely monitor, interprete and adjust to any new Market requirements and technological developments.

CBS operates under a certified IS0 9001 system and it is fully authorized by several Flag Administrations.

Its primary purpose is to provide independent, unbiased and technically sound services in determining the fitness of the structural, mechanical and equipment aspects of ships and other marine structures.

This is carried out by establishing and maintaining regulations and standards or applying acceptable rules for the design, construction' and operation of ships and other marine structures. Traditional classification services are offered by qualified and experienced surveyors through its exclusive offices.

CBS Personnel meets the highest International Standards in regards of Professional Competence (which are a mixture of recognised Academic Qualifications and sufficient On-the-Job practical experience). Recently, CBS achieved its election as Corporate Partner of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, a success which underlines CBS’ commitment in employing the highest Standards in respect of Professional Competence of its employees and providing High Quality Services according to the International Standards and Regulations.

The Mission of CBS is to satisfy the Needs of its Customers, while working towards achieving its broader aim:

Promoting Safety and Protection of Property, Life and the Environment.

In the years to come, CBS aims at offering its wider services to the marine and land industries with the purpose of further upgrading the standards of Cyprus shipping as well as assisting the land industry in general.

Through its revised network of services CBS aims also to serve the needs and requirements of a fast changing business environment in a truly globalised world economy.

To view the whole range of the CBS Provided Services please visit the relevant space on the top right corner of the CBS Website

EDITORIAL COMMENT

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:03:59 +0300

Dear Friends

The present publication is the first issue of the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine, is part of a set of Web tools we have developed, in order to promote Cyprus Bureau of Shipping in the Internet.

At the same time, the CBS e-Magazine aims to play a wider, more advanced and more important role: To become a useful tool able to significantly contribute to the overall upgrade and constant progress of the Cyprus Marine Industry.

The possibilities and advantages which arise from the effective use of the Internet in regards of ease of    information exchange, relations development and promotion of businesses, services and products, can and need to be put in good use.

The New CBS Website was designed and developed in a way which enables the most effective use of these possibilities and advantages, not only for CBS but for the whole Cyprus Marine Industry.

The opportunities for effective e-Marketing and targeted promotion which arise for all companies (especially for the ones which up to now did not have the capability and/or resources to develop and maintain the necessary software), in a period of intense economic crisis, is the best proof for all the above.

The development of the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping Forum and the ambitious goal that has been set,
-developing and maintaining an active Online Community for all those involved in any way in the Marine Industry-, if achieved, can contribute positively to the overall upgrade and further development of the Cyprus Marine Industry.

   An active Online Shipping Community can provide crucial advantages to all Community Members:

-Free advertising possibilities

-Targeted e-Marketing, to an audience which actually constitutes by all possible strategic partners /clients

-Ease in searching for specific services/products and multiple choices for such services/products providers, all gathered in a single place.

At the same time, the active participation of Professionals from the Marine Industry is encouraged through the publication of articles, and research results as well as through the establishment of dialogue on technical matters and technological developments in the field.

Publishing the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine, in the form and with the thematology that has been carefully chosen, upgrades it to a valuable tool for information on the latest technological and other developments in the International Marine Industry.

We are certain that our efforts will be positively evaluated and effectively used through your active participation and contribution.

We wish you a nice and enjoyable reading.

Message by Mr.Yiannakis L. Omirou President of the House of Representatives (for CBS e-Magazine)

cbs — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:40:08 +0300

Translation by CBS (The original message -in Greek- is available below)

In my message for the publication of the first issue of the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine, I have to congratulate at first those involved in this publication and wish good luck to the ambitious yet painful task they have undertaken.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine comes to cover a vast gap in the Public Media (both printed and electronic) which concerns the broader Maritime Sector. In current times of specialization and necessity for continuous updating in scientific, technological and even ecological developments and innovations, I am certain that the Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine will be a milestone for the Sector.

The relationship of Cypriots with the Sea and Shipping was, is and will remain inevitable, due to the island character of our Country. The political, economical and social importance of Shipping for Cyprus was realised from the early years of the Republic of Cyprus and so all governments from 1960 and on invested in its development. Through time, it was realized that the benefits the Republic of Cyprus enjoyed from the Shipping Industry were far greater than the investment itself and so Shipping came to be one of the most important resources for the economical reinforcement of the State.

The global financial crisis which blights the International economy since 2008 and up to this day, has affected -as it was expected- the International trade and of course the Shipping Industry. The European Union foresaw the negative course of the Shipping Industry and in cooperation with the member-states through the European commission set the determination of the strategic goals in respect of the sea-transportations until 2018 as its basic pursuit. More specifically, it aimed at the improvement of competitiveness , the attraction of more young people in the seafaring profession, the prevention and confrontation of terrorist actions, the reinforcement of port investments, the ecological performance of Shipping etc.

It is the Cyprus Republic’s obligation to study all the above measures and come up with ways to impose them, always in close cooperation with all involved parties, so that the Cyprus Shipping Industry is immediately revitalized.

The Cyprus Bureau of Shipping e-Magazine comes at a critical time and is expected to contribute to the recovery of the Shipping Industry by enabling its readers to monitor the current European and International developments and the investors of the field to maintain direct contact with highly competent professionals and potential clients.

I wish you a great success.