MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

1

The Pulse

The MISSION of The Merchant Navy Association is to bring all serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of

companionship, consideration and commitment towards a united lobby for the Community of the Sea

Hi Shipmates,

Please find below more snippets of information since circular #2018-15 was published 14th August 2018.

My thanks to MNA National Secretary, Pete Sinke’s daily publication “Maasmond Maritime - Shipping News

Clippings”, Lloyds List, gCaptain, Maritime London, Flashlight and many others from the T’internet, not

forgetting the items sent in by Readers and any other source I can access.

MNA National Contact Points

National Secretary, Nigel Whitaker 51 Penswick Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, LANCASHIRE, FY5 3BH

Email : mna.nat.sec@gmail.com Tel: 01253 824349

Welfare & Events, Tim Brant, 9 Saxon Way, Caistor, MARKET RASEN, LN7 6SG

Tel: 01472 85 11 30, Email : t.brant@talktalk.net

National Membership Secretary, Roy Glencross 3 The Maples, Old Main Road, FLEET HARGATE,

PE12 8NT Tel 01406 425 527, Mobile: 07738 425875 Email roy.glencross@mna.org.uk

MNA Slop Chest, The Supply Officer:- Sandra Broom sananpete@aol.com 0121 244 0190

If you call her, it may go to an answerphone. Please leave a message and she will call you.

Change of Address???? If any member has changed any of their contact details (Postal, E-mail or

Telephone) it is important that you inform ROY GLENCROSS and copy in Nigel Whitaker, Tim Brant &

myself. If informing by e-mail send to:- membership@mna.org.uk, mna.nat.sec@gmail.com,

t.brant@talktalk.net, R546060@aol.com

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Tug Master’s View of an Unusual Bow

Extremely bowshape of UECC carcarrier AUTO ENERGY seen in Zeebrugge, inner port

photo : Luc de Schutter ©

I would appreciate anyone’s comment on the practicality of this design,

from a mooring point of view.

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

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A Word of Explanation You may have wondered why the SUBJECT line of the accompanying email starts with a

NUMBER. The reason is that I have to send The Pulse out in batches, not exceeding 100, to

keep track of things I find it best to number each one of these batches to avoid missing a batch or

sending twice to the same batch. Nothing sinister.

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Indian VLCC Suffers Explosion Off Oman August 14, 2018 by Mike Schuler

A VLCC belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India

suffered an explosion in a cargo tank on Tuesday off the

coast of Oman, the company has confirmed.

The vessel, named Desh Vaibhav, was underway to Fujairah,

UAE when the explosion took place at around 0935 hours,

the company said.

A stock exchange disclosure said that the fire had been

extinguished and the ship is fully manned and operational.

An earlier update posted to SCI’s said three personnel were

reported missing while one other person with injuries was

being evacuated by helicopter.

“Assistance has been sought from the Oman Royal

Navy and other ships in the vicinity. As per latest

status, the fire has subsided and a firefighting vessel is

expected to reach the vessel shortly to cool down the

tanks,” the statement said.

We understand that the three missing crew members

have been rescued.

AIS ship tracking data showed the Desh Vaibhav as

“Not Under Command” as of 1537 UTC.

Based on reports, the ship is not laden with oil.

A photo that has been circulated on social media

(posted below) shows a damage to a forward cargo

tank consistent with reports, however we are unable to

confirm its authenticity.

The India-flagged M/T Desh Vaibhav was built in

2005 and has a deadweight of 316,409 tonnes. It is

one of four VLCCs operated by the SCI, according to

the company’s website. Confirms Two Casualties from VLCC Explosion

http://gcaptain.com/shipping-company-confirms-two-casualties-from-vlcc-explosion-off-

oman/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28

gCaptain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-d877bb2014-

139894965&mc_cid=d877bb2014&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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File photo shows the Very Large

Crude Carrier MT Desh Vaibhav.

Photo: MarineTraffic.com

This unconfirmed photo shows supposed

damaged to the M/T Desh Vaibhav.

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Italy Refuses Safe Harbor To Migrant Ship M/V Aquarius http://gcaptain.com/italy-refuses-safe-harbor-to-migrant-ship-m-v-

aquarius/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapt

ain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-db227ba8d1-139894965&mc_cid=db227ba8d1&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Container ship MSC CHLOE lost 13 containers, 25 damaged Container ship MSC CHLOE lost 13 40’ containers some 22 nm ESE of Durban, South Africa in vicinity

30 03S 031 26E, at around 2330 LT (UTC +2) Aug 7, said South African Maritime Safety Authority

(SAMSA) on Aug 13 in official statement. The ship was drifting off Durban, awaiting the berth, on

arrival from Port Elizabeth, and was caught in huge swell, rolling some 30 degrees both sides. 13

containers went overboard, 25 containers on board were damaged. Navigational warning was issued on

floating containers, threatening ships sailing in the area. Some of containers which were lost were loaded

with citrus fruits. MSC CHLOE docked at Durban on Aug 9, and as of Aug 13 was still in Durban.

Container ship MSC CHLOE, IMO 9720483, dwt 110442, capacity 9400 TEU, built 2016, flag Portugal,

manager MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING CO. source : Manila Bulletin

http://gcaptain.com/msc-containership-loses-13-containers-overboard-off-south-

africa/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28

gCaptain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-b0a0f96a1e-

139894965&mc_cid=b0a0f96a1e&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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ProLine – total wheelhouse package for the marine professional JRC/Alphatron Marine is pleased to announce the ProLine, a total package with professional equipment

applicable for various sized IMO and non-IMO intercoastal, workboats, tugboats and fishing vessels

ranging from the marine industry.

The ProLine package consists of a full range of mandatory or

non-mandatory equipment, including the re-introduced JRC

JMA-5200/5300 ProLine radar series. This reliable and

upgraded radar system is available from a non-SOLAS2 feet

radome scanner with a 21-inch display up to a MED type

approved radar with 19-inch display with various selectable

scanner units. From searchlight to GPS, gyro to autopilot,

echo sounder to searchlight sonar and even a newly designed

command chair, the comprehensive ProLine includes the most suitable products available to fit a wide

range size and type of vessels. For professionals by professionals with the highest quality and good

conditions. The ProLine package will be officially introduced to the market during the forthcoming SMM

exhibition in Hamburg, Germany and will be available via the JRC/Alphatron Marine subsidiaries in

Belgium, Curacao, France, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain and

the USA. Shipyards with their own or subcontracted co-maker with trained electrical staff in these

countries may also be interested to apply as reseller/partner. It is foreseen that also JRC distributors

worldwide will join in due course. The ProLine package will be sold with a 3-year limited warranty on

parts. Essentially all equipment will be delivered ex-factory and can be integrated where needed. With

direct support from the manufacturers, JRC/Alphatron Marine is now closer to the customer on a whole

new level. The installation diagrams will be available online and training for resellers will be at one of our

training facilities as well as by video training. JRC is a world leading marine electronics producer

specializing in the design and manufacture of industry compliant products. Alphatron Marine is a world-

renowned supplier of integrated bridge solutions, represent major industry brands and manufacturer of

unique complementary products to the JRC portfolio. With the full support of Centers of Excellence in

Tokyo, Rotterdam, Singapore and Houston, the combined synergies bring quality and innovation to

owners, operators and shipyards, redefining the future of ocean, offshore and river navigation.

alphatronmarine.com | jrc.am

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Shipbuilding Contract Signed for Unmanned, Zero-Emission Container Ship

‘Yara Birkeland’ http://gcaptain.com/shipbuilding-contract-signed-for-unmanned-zero-emission-container-ship-yara-

birkeland/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCap

tain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-d877bb2014-

139894965&mc_cid=d877bb2014&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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RETURN OF PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: PIRACY JUMPS 163

PERCENT AMID VENEZUELA CRISIS The Caribbean Sea and coast of Latin America have seen a dramatic rise in piracy, as economic woes and

corrupt officials plague Venezuela and other countries in the region. Piracy in the Caribbean dates back to

the 1600s, and it has even become the inspiration for a Disney franchise. However, such practice is on the

rise again, jumping a dramatic 163 percent last year, according to a study conducted by Oceans Beyond

Piracy. Earlier this year, in April, a gang of pirates attacked four Guyanese fishing boats. Only five of the

20 crew members of the fishing vessels survived. The others were doused with hot oil, attacked with

machetes and thrown overboard. Source : Newsweek

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NC ferry captain suspended after flying ‘Trump 2020’ flag A “Trump 2020” flag landed two state employees week-long

suspensions, according to The Charlotte Observer. The

controversy began when a flag, supporting the re-election of

President Donald Trump, was hoisted on a state-operated

ferry and spotted on July 27, according to WRAL. The flag,

which read “Trump 2020,” flew beside a North Carolina state

flag and United States flag on a ferry in the Outer Banks. The

NCDOT Ferry Division’s Twitter tweeted on July 27, “This

is a taxpayer-funded vessel owned by all the people of North Carolina. It is not a place for anyone’s

political messages.” NC General Statute 126-13 says that state employees cannot “utilize State funds,

supplies or vehicles to secure support for or oppose any candidate, party, or issue in an election involving

candidates for office or party nominations.” According to the Observer, the boat was ferrying passengers

from Hatteras to Ocracoke, and both the captain and a member of the crew decided to fly the campaign

flag. Both have been suspended without pay for one week. NCDOT’s Ferry Division told the Observer

that the suspensions were for “unacceptable personal conduct.” The situation came to light after Facebook

user Catherine Mitchell posted the photo to the North Carolina Ferry System Facebook page of the flag

on July 26. Source: myfox8

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Saving Lives at Sea We’re excited to announce that the third series of Saving Lives at Sea will be airing on BBC Two from

Tuesday (21 August) at 8pm.

This series you’ll be able to see 10 episodes including footage at 17 lifeboat stations that didn’t feature in

series two; there will be some more lifeguard rescues too.

It will definitely be worth tuning in to watch more of the rescues that our frontline lifesavers have carried

out so far this year.

Attached to this newsletter you will find a list of stations that will be included on the show!

Find out more about the series here and be sure to tune in on the 21 August!

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Imagine a future where vessels could undergo surveys without surveyors

onboard At Klaveness that future is already here. Klaveness Ship Management (KSM) set out to explore the road

towards condition-based maintenance back in April 2017 with a working theory that ship owners could

save substantial amounts by addressing maintenance tasks on vessels when needed instead of makers’

recommendation, which normally is maintenance at a set number of hours. In order to achieve class

notation for condition monitoring, it is a requirement to have MPMS notation in place. For KSM, this

meant that some vessels would have to undergo initial MPMS survey. Ship Manager Karl Uno Holm is

excited to share that KSM completed the first ever approved remote initial MPMS survey on the caustic

bulk (CABU) vessel MV BALLARD in June 2018. The survey preparation and execution was done in

close collaboration with DNV GL. The traditional engine room inspection was replaced with a video

recorded by the use of GoPro camera, which was shared with the surveyor in advance of the survey. The

survey was conducted with the surveyor located in Oslo, sharing screen and communicating with Chief

Engineer Dorin Ichim, who was onboard the vessel during port call in Bahrain. Ichim presented the PMS

and the onboard maintenance routines and answered all questions to the satisfaction of the surveyor.

Remote surveys can reduce cost for the shipowner by eliminating travel expenses for surveyors, but most

important can enable parts of, or entire, surveys to be completed while the vessel is at sea. This can

ultimately reduce workload and fatigue for the crew, allowing them to focus more of their attention on

safe cargo- and port operations. Going forward Klaveness will, together with DNVGL, investigate further

survey elements that can be carried out remotely. Source: Torvald Klaveness

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All-Electric Ships on the Horizon as Rolls Launches New Battery System August 16, 2018 by Bloomberg

By Áine Quinn (Bloomberg) — Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc has

begun offering its own battery-powered ship engines in a move

that signals the gathering momentum behind a push toward

hybrid and ultimately all-electric vessels.

While maritime demand for lithium-ion batteries is focused on

providing top-up power for traditional diesel and gas-turbine

ships, the technology could propel fully electric craft over a

limited range, according to Rolls, which previously sourced such

equipment from third-party providers. Branded SAVe Energy, the

new system will be delivered from the group’s marine arm in

Bergen, Norway.

In hybrid mode the batteries will kick in to provide additional

propulsion on vessels spanning ferries to trawlers when a conventional engine is operating at peak thrust,

London-based Rolls said. They can also power “hotel” functions of energy-hungry cruise ships, such as

lighting and kitchens, and in all-electric mode will slash emissions in sensitive seas such as the Arctic

Ocean.

Fully electric ships, like autos, have struggled to penetrate major markets because of their limited battery

capacity and a lack of charging infrastructure. Norway has led the way, with the Ampere

ferry transporting up to 120 cars across the country’s deepest fjord and Kongsberg Gruppen ASA —

which is buying Rolls’s marine arm — developing an electric container ship to carry fertilizer 37 miles

from a production facility to the port of Larvik.

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WATCH: Meet the Shannon, RNLI’s New Class of Waterjet-Propelled, Self-

Righting, All-Weather Lifeboats http://gcaptain.com/watch-meet-the-shannon-rnlis-new-class-of-waterjet-propelled-self-righting-all-weather-

lifeboats/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.com%

29&goal=0_f50174ef03-d877bb2014-139894965&mc_cid=d877bb2014&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Illustration of a ship system setup with

batteries. This example shows a hybrid

system for a tugboat. Credit: Rolls-Royce

Plc

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

100 ships affected with bad fuel loaded in US Gulf, Panama, S'pore INVESTIGATORS are trying to ascertain what is behind a string of cases involving contaminated

bunker fuel being loaded on ships in the US Gulf ports, Panama and Singapore.

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World's largest container ship on maiden voyage By Chen Xia

The COSCO SHIPPING LIBERA, the world's largest

container ship owned by China Ocean Shipping Company

(COSCO), has left the Port of Singapore for Europe on Aug.

6 on its maiden voyage. The ship measures up at 400 meters

long and 58.6 meters wide with a maximum draft of 16

meters. It has a maximum sailing speed of up to 22.5 nautical

miles per hour. The ship can carry 20,119 standard

containers with a maximum weight of 200,000 tonnes.

Despite the giant volume, "the COSCO Libera's carbon

emissions are only 7.045 grams per tonne-nautical mile,

much lower than the target set by Europe for 2030," the ship's captain Gu Mingzhang said.

Approximately 90 percent of the ship's components were made domestically, showcasing China's ship

building capacity. During its maiden voyage, the COSCO SHIPPING LIBERA is carrying 16,586

standard containers of goods sold to European countries. The goods include light industrial products, such

as garments, shoes and hats, as well as food, including frozen chicken and fish The ship launched its

maiden voyage on July 20 from the Port of Tianjin in China After stopping at the Port of Singapore, it

will sail through the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal, and reach the Port of Piraeus in Greece, the

Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the Port of Hamburg in Germany, the Port of Antwerp in Belgium,

and the Port of Rotterdam once again before heading home. All these ports are important links on the sea

route of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Sea transportation is essential to international trade.

According to the Analysis and Prospects of China's Sea Transportation Industry 2018-2025 published by

China Industry Research, over two thirds of international trade and about 90 percent of China's imports

and exports is transported by sea. In the report delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the

Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at 19th CPC National Congress, it was emphasized

that efforts would be stepped up to "build China into a strong maritime country

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Hackensack submarine USS Ling apparently flooded intentionally, memorial

plaques stolen By : Rodrigo Torrejon and Melanie Anzidei, Source : northjersey

Vandals climbed aboard the USS LING, a World War II-era submarine, and set to work.

Armed with tools to cut through locks, they worked to open hatches on the 312-foot long, 2,500-ton

behemoth, letting gallons of Hackensack River water rush into the vessel. These vandals knew the inner

workings of the historic ship, it seems, even opening hatches to the bilges, the lowest compartments of the

submarine. "Locks were cut," said Les Altschuler, vice president of the Submarine Memorial Association,

which is responsible for maintaining the vessel.

"Somebody had to know what they were doing to flood the submarine. We didn’t have enough rain to

flood the boat — somebody opened the hatches." Sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday

morning, the Ling was flooded with several feet of water, Altschuler said. And four bronze plaques,

dedicated to the 52 United States submarines lost during World War II and the sailors who helmed them,

were also wrenched from the ground and stolen, he said. "They desecrated the memorial," Altschuler said.

The plaques were valued at more than $10,000, Hackensack police said in a statement. Jack Brown, a

trustee of the New Jersey Naval Museum in Hackensack, home to the the USS LING SS-297, boards a

dingy with members of the Hackensack police department to check out the damage on the submarine after

it was recently vandalized. The Ling is the featured exhibit of the New Jersey Naval Museum, which

occupies a trailer on land that was once the headquarters of North Jersey Media Group, which published

The Record before the newspaper and NorthJersey.com were sold to Gannett's USA Today Network. …...

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Maersk Supply Service AHTS Selected to Deploy World’s First Large-Scale

Ocean Plastic Cleanup System http://gcaptain.com/maersk-supply-service-ahts-selected-to-deploy-worlds-first-large-scale-ocean-plastic-

cleanup-

system/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptai

n.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-fba72506b4-139894965&mc_cid=fba72506b4&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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U.S. Coast Guard Warns of LED Lighting Interfering with VHF-FM Radio

and AIS Reception August 17, 2018 by gCaptain

The U.S. Coast Guard is warning the maritime community regarding the potential interference of VHF-

FM radio and AIS reception from LED lighting.

The Coast Guard said it has received reports from crews, ship owners, inspectors and other mariners

regarding poor reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, digital selective calling (DSC) and

automatic identification systems (AIS) when in the vicinity of light emitting diode (LED) lighting on-

board ships (e.g., navigation lights, searchlights and floodlights, interior and exterior lights, adornment).

Radio frequency interference caused by these LED lamps were found to create potential safety hazards.

For example, the maritime rescue coordination center in one port was unable to contact a ship involved in

a traffic separation scheme incident by VHF radio. That ship also experienced very poor AIS reception.

Other ships in different ports have experienced degradation of the VHF receivers, including AIS, caused

by their LED navigation lights. LED lighting installed near VHF antennas has also shown to compound

the reception.

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Scene from Jakarta anchorage; Tanjun priok Photo : Shaun Beal O/B Pacific Guardian ©

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CHANGE OF PROGRAMME JUST ADVISED FOR ILKESTON & DERBY MARKET PLACE

MERCHANT NAVY DAY MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

Please note that the Erewash Service will now be held at 10:40 for 11am at the War Memorial on

Ilkeston Market Place

Organised by the Ilkeston RBL, not as usual Erewash Council though the Red Ensign will be flown by

the Erewash Borough Council on the actual day Monday 3 September 2018 as previously advertised.

The Derby City Service has Timbershifted from the Friday previously notified and will be at the 11:40hrs

for 12 Noon on Derby City Market Pl meeting at the Quad as normal for Standards to escort the Mayor to

the War Memorial. Sorry for late notice only just been advised today

Terry Hall, Hon. Secretary/Treasurer Derbyshire Submariners

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

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US to act against Iranian ship facilitating terror strikes in Red Sea US to act against Iranian ship facilitating terror strikes in Red Sea The Trump administration is planning

to take action against Iranian ship “SAVIZ” identified as the “mother ship” stationed in the Red Sea

providing targeting information for Houthi anti-ship attacks, which have increased in recent months,

including a late July attack by Iranian-backed rebels on a Saudi oil tanker. Washington Free Beacon

website quoted US officials and military experts familiar with the situation as saying that “SAVIZ” is

believed to be masked as a cargo vessel but has been providing significant military and logistic aid to

Yemen’s Houthi militias.

Speedboats equipped with guns on board the ship “Saviz”

The ship was delisted from US sanctions by the Obama administration as part of its efforts to uphold the

landmark nuclear deal with Iran, US officials confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon. Upcoming

Trump administration action against the Saviz and other Iranian vessels is part of a broader package of

sanctions expected to start on Nov. 5, officials confirmed. Sanctions will target Iran’s port operations,

shipping and shipbuilding sectors, and other affiliates. The Iranian ship “SAVIZ” has been anchored for

more than a year in the Red Sea near the Straits of Bab Al-Mandeb in international waters, according to

satellite photos. According to Iranian news outlets, many of the weapons handed over by the Iranian

regime to the Houthi militias were carried by speedboats from the same vessel. The boats were equipped

with 23 mm ZU guns. SAVIZ itself is equipped with a radar rarely seen on cargo ships, but used to steer

the Houthi militias’ boats when attacking Saudi oil tankers. US officials familiar with the Saviz’s actions

in the Red Sea told the Free Beacon the Iranian vessel is barely attempting to obfuscate its military role in

aiding Houthi rebels in Yemen. “The Iranians aren’t even trying to disguise the military use of the ship,”

said one US official. “You don’t need classified intelligence or satellite photos of the decks to know that

merchant ships simply don’t act this way.”US officials familiar with the movements of the ship “SAVIZ”

in the Red Sea, told Washington Free Beacon, “It is certain that the Iranian ship provides logistical

support for the Houthis in Yemen.” US defense experts with the Washington Institute for Near East

Policy, or WINEP, also have cited the Saviz as providing potential support and logistics to Houthi rebels

as they commit acts of terrorism in the region. — Agencies

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

The Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry branch

Merchant Navy: (1914 / 1918) 1918 – 2018. A ceremony will be held to honour members of the Merchant Navy and remember those of the earlier

and WW1 Mercantile Marine at the Merchant Navy Memorial, Barry which was created in 1996. The

twenty three foot high monument in Portland stone commemorates the merchant seamen of Barry and the

Vale of Glamorgan who died in the First and Second World Wars and bears plaques in tribute and records

their names. The Anchor Memorial at the old dock side tributes all Seafarers; many sailed from the port

but could not return. Our veterans did not forget about us. Let’s not forget about them.

Barry has been noted amongst other things as being a former Merchant Navy Town, our historic port

once described as the “Gateway to the World". During conflict, together with the other South Wales

ports, the part that Barry and her docks, built mainly for coal, was vital.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council along with the local branches of the Merchant Navy Association,

Royal British Legion and other supporters commemorates Merchant Navy Day every year. The Vale

authority will ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ and both remember and honour the brave

Merchant Seafarers who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout our history, but particularly during

the two World Wars and conflicts since.

Since 2000 and the first Merchant Navy Day the Vale Authority working with the Merchant Navy

Association (Wales) Barry branch has honoured the brave men and women who kept our island nation

afloat during conflict and both remember and honour the local brave Merchant Seafarers who have made

the ultimate sacrifice throughout our history.

This year the local annual ceremony will be held on Friday, August 31, ahead of the official day on

Monday, September 3. The ceremony will remember and tribute all seafarers’ past and present.

In wartime, Britain depended on civilian cargo ships to import food and raw materials, as well as

transport soldiers overseas, and keep them supplied. The title 'Merchant Navy' was granted by King

George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by merchant sailors.

Britain’s merchant fleet was the largest in the world during both world wars. In 1939 a third of the

world’s merchant ships were British, and there were some 200,000 sailors. Many 'British' merchant

seamen came from parts of the British Empire, such as India, Hong Kong and West African countries.

Women also sometimes served at sea in the Merchant Navy.

During both world wars, Germany operated a policy of 'unrestricted submarine warfare', or sinking

merchant vessels on sight. Early in WW1 an average of more than 13 ships were being sunk each day. By

the end of the war, more than 3,000 British flagged merchant and fishing vessels had been sunk and

nearly 15,000 merchant seamen had died. During the Second World War, 4,700 British-flagged ships

were sunk and more than 29,000 merchant seamen died.

Since the Second World War, the British Merchant Navy has become steadily smaller, but has

continued to help in wartime, notably during the Falklands War. More recently, merchant seamen have

been vulnerable to pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean.

For the fourth year running, Seafarers UK has campaigned for the Red Ensign – the UK Merchant

Navy’s official flag – to be flown for 3rd September on civic buildings and landmark flagpoles across the

UK. Parish, community, town, city, district and borough councils were all invited to take part, along with

higher-tier local authorities and governments.

The principal Merchant Navy Day service in the UK takes place at the National Merchant Navy

Memorial in Trinity Square Gardens on Tower Hill, London at 12.30pm on Sunday, 9 September.

Organised by the Merchant Navy Association, it is held there each year on the Sunday immediately

following Merchant Navy Day.

The memorial bears the names of 35,842 merchant seafarers, men and women, civilians all, from the

First and Second World Wars, together with the Falklands Campaign for whom there is no grave but the

sea. It is in the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day on 3rd September has honoured the brave men and women who kept

our 'island nation' afloat during both World Wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day

merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK's imports, including half the food we eat,

plenty of the fuel we burn and virtually all the products and goods we take for granted!

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Although Merchant Navy day is now the 3rd of September every year, this year the date falls on a

Monday, participants are encouraged to fly the flag for the whole week! The target is for the Red Ensign

to be flown ashore at 800 locations.

Join the Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry branch at this time in mindful recognition of those

who lost their lives in both times of conflict and peace. We hold dear our past friends and colleagues as

well as all those who sailed near and afar with our countries health and wellbeing in mind.

Seafarers UK intend to raise public awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on seafarers, this

campaign invites Councils and Local Authorities to fly the Red Ensign – the official flag of the UK

Merchant Navy – ashore atop civic buildings and on prominent flagpoles on Merchant Navy Day, 3

September (or the nearest weekend).

This year every Community, Parish, Town and City council has been asked to take part, in addition to

all Borough, District and County councils, plus Unitary Authorities throughout the UK.

Many flag-hoisting ceremonies are attended by local Merchant Navy Association (MNA) and Royal

British Legion members, who welcome being part of the nationally co-ordinated campaign. This year it is

hoped that the Red Ensign will be flown ashore at 800 locations around the UK

There are many locations where the Red Ensign can be freely flown ashore - civic centres, town halls,

public libraries, village greens, churches, sports venues, historic buildings, tourist attractions, ports, etc.

This year hundreds of local flag-hoisting ceremonies will be organised, involving VIPs, civic

dignitaries, Merchant Navy veterans, naval cadets, etc. remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and

support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.' Seafarers UK’s president HRH

The Earl of Wessex said: ‘I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices,

salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’.

The local Merchant Navy Association branch ask that local residents, please support our Merchant

Navy and Mercantile Marine friends. The service to mark Merchant Navy Day, raise the 'Red Duster' and

remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Service. "During WW2, Barry lost a greater

number of men, per head of population, than any other port in Britain."

In this WW1 Centenary year the MNA Barry branch and valued associates will particularly remember

those many men who sailed from Barry, never to return, 100 years ago and in the years since. Further of

note is the Paddle Steamer, PS. Barry, built for, and named after the town, that fulfilled her Channel day

tripping duties in peacetime and was called to arms twice for both World Wars, surviving WW1 serving

as far as Gallipoli and Dunkirk WW2, lost in an enemy attack a year later.

Friday, August 31, from 10:00 until10:30 - The Merchant Navy Monument, the Vale of Glamorgan

Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry.

Source:- The Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry branch

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Cruise passenger rescued after 10 hours at sea branded a 'stupid woman' https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/08/21/cruise-passenger-rescued-after-10-hours-at-sea-branded-a-stupid/

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Massive waves of garbage crash ashore in Manila, Philippines https://mashable.com/video/garbage-waves-philippines/?europe=true#8SG4jb6.0iqT

Literal garbage crashed ashore in the

Philippines capital's waterfront as a

result of heavy rain and flooding

from over the weekend. Ocean

Conservancy reports that China,

Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and

Vietnam dump more plastic into the

sea than the rest of the world

combined.

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

11

The Pulse

Port Rashid in Dubai The five-blade propeller is made of bronze and weighs 40 tonnes - By : John Dennehy

It comes as the former flagship

of the Cunard Line will in

October formally launch as a

floating hotel. “There was a lot

of work involved,” a QE2

representative told The National.

"It took six days to remove the

propeller, it was then trucked to

the port, craned onto the quay,

polished and bolted to the dock.

“Having the propeller on the

quayside makes it very clear that

she is not moving anywhere,”

she said. The old cruise terminal

where QE2 is now permanently based has also been turned into a museum documenting the rich history

of a liner that is redolent of a glamorous era on the high seas. The installation of the propeller adds to that

Both propellers were installed in 1988 when the liner was converted from steam power to diesel. They

were made by Dutch firm, Lips and the now more-efficient QE2 would serve another 20 years for Cunard

before being sold in 2007 to Dubai in a $100m deal. But the 2008 recession scuppered plans to turn her

into a floating hotel off Palm Jumeirah. Years of uncertainty followed but the vessel was quietly restored

in Dubai over the past two years. Lifeboats were removed, rooms revamped and the liner was fixed to the

dock for its soft launch in April as a floating hotel. The work cost about US$100 million (Dh367.25m)

and took at least 2.7 million man hours. Inside many of the classic features remain. Hamza Mustafa, chief

executive of PCFC Hotels, QE2’s new operators, said the retro look is its chief selling point. “You’ve

walked into a time capsule. This is QE2 during her heyday,” he said.

The QE2 Story, a website run voluntarily by enthusiasts of the liner and unconnected to the current

operators, has more details. “The propellers carried QE2 approximately three million nautical miles -

much of it at high speeds of around 29 knots. Her original propellers [1967 to 1986] took her 2.6 million

miles.” QE2 was built in the shipyards of John Brown in Clydebank, Scotland and the 293.5 metre vessel

had completed more than 800 Atlantic crossings by the time Dubai entered the picture. The ship could

reach a top speed of 34 knots following its conversion from steam to diesel – faster than many of today's

vessels. QE2 had three sets of propellers. Along with the set now in Dubai, two were made for her launch

in 1967. When the ship underwent the conversion in the late 1980s, one of these sets were turned into golf

clubs. Some of these crop up at auction houses to this day. Source: The National

See... https://www.theqe2story.com

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Safety Alert: Don’t Forget About Pilot Gangways and Ladders! http://gcaptain.com/safety-alert-dont-forget-about-pilot-gangways-and-

ladders/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapta

in.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-3ae5672340-139894965&mc_cid=3ae5672340&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Maersk to send container ship through the Arctic The world’s largest shipping company, Maersk, will soon be the first to send a container ship through the

Arctic along Russia’s Northern Sea Route, the High North News of Norway reported Monday The

VENTA MAERSK, capable of carrying 3,600 containers, is part of a new generation of 1A feeder

container ships Maersk had designed to ply the icy waters of the Baltic Sea. It will be among the largest

ice-class ships to operate year-round. The vessel is slated to leave St. Petersburg, Russia in early

September, travel west along the NSR and arrive in Europe around Sept. 20. Source : The Chronicle Herald

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

12

The Pulse

Rainbow Warrior returns home to celebrate oilfree milestone announcement Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior has a long history of being at

the centre of world-first environmental movements. In the

1980s, it was bombed by the French Secret Service for its

part in the nuclear-free movement. Now, the newest iteration

of the ship, RAINBOW WARRIOR III, is embarking on a

New Zealand-wide tour to celebrate the Government's April

oil ban announcement. Former first mate Martini Gotje was

in the mess room with the ship's engineer when the first

bomb went off on the Rainbow Warrior in 1985. In the time

it took him to get up on deck to check what had happened,

the second bomb exploded. Gotje, now 69, remains working

for Greenpeace as an advisor who researches and "keeps an

eye" on vessels coming to New Zealand for oil drilling. He said the government's announcement is a big

step forward –for now. The RAINBOW WARRIOR 's first stop of the tour is to Matauri Bay on

September 10., the final resting place of the original RW that was bombed in 1985. Rainbow Warrior's

crew is proud to be able to celebrate the ban of new offshore oild and gas exploration, Captain Hettie

Geenen said. "But by no means is it the end of oil drilling in New Zealand," Gotje said. "I'm waiting for

the Government to come up with detailed plans on how to achieve this – to transit from oil-based energy

to renewable energy. The Oil Free Seas tour will send the

Rainbow Warrior all around the country, stopping in centres

including Auckland, Whangaparaoa, Napier, Wellington,

Taranaki, Kaikōura and Dunedin. AINBOW WARRIOR

captain, Hettie Geenen, said the crew was excited to sailing

home to New Zealand and proud to be able to celebrate the

ban of new offshore oil and gas exploration. "This tour means

a lot for the crew. It's connection with the past and the

present," Geenen said. "It's representing the importance of

speaking up, of people power. "We hope with having the Rainbow Warrior here it will encourage more

governments take the same decision. It's time – it's needed for our planet, our climate and the people."

Greenpeace climate campaigner Kate Simcock said the ban followed a decade of escalating public

pressure against the oil industry "In 2018, there has never been a greater threat than climate change, and

it's driven by the relentless pursuit of more fossil fuels to burn." Simcock said it's fitting that Prime

Minister Jacinda Ardern has called climate change her generation's "nuclear free moment. "The Rainbow

Warrior is the link between these two important historic events." Source : Stuff

_____________________________________________________________________________________

RNLI donations stolen after thieves break into lifeboat station

Hundreds of pounds worth of RNLI charity donations

have been stolen from a lifeboat station.

The crime took place between 4pm on Saturday, August 18,

and 8am the following day. A Facebook post by the lifeboat

station read: “Incredibly sad that we should be posting about

a break in at our lifeboat station. “Discovered this morning,

damage to various doorways, windows and two RNLI

collection boxes stolen, emptied and dumped on the beach

just west of the station. “We have remained fully functional throughout the police visit and visits from

scenes of crime. “If anyone thinks that they have any information. Please do get in touch with us.” A

representative from the lifeboat station said the crime was “incredibly soul-destroying and sad”. It is

understood the thieves broke in after forcing open windows, according to a Norfolk Police spokesman.

The force is are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should contact 101 and quote CAD

reference 126 of August 19. Source: Eastern Daily Press

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RAINBOW WARRIOR captain, Hettie

Geenen, said the crew was excited to

sailing home to New Zealand

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

13

The Pulse

RNLI - back on BBC Two! Did you watch the first episode of Saving Lives at Sea series

3 on Tuesday? It was fantastic, wasn’t it?

This series, you’ll be able to see 17 lifeboat stations that

didn’t feature in series 2 and there will be more lifeguard

rescues too. So it’s definitely worth tuning in to watch more

of the rescues that our frontline lifesavers have carried out so

far this year.

Take a look at the video trailer for the series here. Or

https://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/play/U6UxwdMo

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Carrier Ale, the Queen’s Head Pub and the HMS Queen Elizabeth, A quick two-question quiz —

First question: What do US aircraft carriers have that the newest British carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth,

lacks? The answer is aircraft. The UK’s new aircraft carrier will be conducting flight trials with two

borrowed US planes. Its own planes have begun to be delivered as of last June but are not expected to be

deployed on the ship until 2019.

Second Question — What does the HMS Queen Elizabeth have which all US carriers lack? A proper

English pub, of course. The pub, known as the Queen’s Head, was christened recently aboard the Queen

Elizabeth and will be available to officers and senior enlisted during the ship’s maiden transit of the

Atlantic.

As reported by the Military Times: The Wiltshire-based Wadworth

brewery, which created an ale specifically for the ship’s December

2017 commissioning — a beverage appropriately named “Carrier

Ale” — was instrumental in bringing the pub to life.

“It has been a long time in the planning, well before the carrier

was commissioned last year,” brewery CEO Chris Welham said in

a Wadworth press release. “The Mess looks really great and will

provide a relaxing environment along with some fine beer for the

team on board when they have some downtime.”

By sometime next year, HMS Queen Elizabeth will have her

planes, while the US Navy will still not have a single official pub

aboard any of its ships. The ships of the U.S. Navy officially

became dry under General Order No. 99, issued on July 1, 1914.

The post Carrier Ale, the Queen’s Head Pub and the HMS Queen

Elizabeth, appeared first on Old Salt Blog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Meyer Werft Floats AIDAnova, the World’s First LNG-Powered Cruise Ship http://gcaptain.com/meyer-werft-floats-aidanova-the-worlds-first-lng-powered-cruise-

ship/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.c

om%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-ee28f24e79-139894965&mc_cid=ee28f24e79&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Australia Cancels Livestock Shipper’s Live Export License After Sheep

Deaths at Sea http://gcaptain.com/australia-cancels-livestock-shippers-live-export-license-after-sheep-deaths-at-

sea/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.c

om%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-ee28f24e79-139894965&mc_cid=ee28f24e79&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Carrier Ale

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

14

The Pulse

Piracy Feared as Chemical Tanker Goes Missing in Gulf of Guinea By Angus MacSwan

DAKAR, Aug 22 (Reuters) – A tanker vessel with 19 crew members on board, most of them Georgians,

has gone missing in pirate-plagued waters off Gabon in West Africa and no word has been heard from it

for a week, the ship’s managers and the crew agency said on Wednesday.

Communication was lost with the Panama-registered

Pantelena at about 2 a.m. local time on Aug. 14, at which

time it was about 17 miles from the port of Libreville, in

Gabon, Athens-based Lotus Shipping said in a statement.

The head of the Georgian crew agency Ialkani, Anzhela

Oganesyan, said two Russian nationals and 17 Georgians

were aboard the tanker. She said she had no news so far

about the vessel’s fate.

The Georgian government also said 17 of its citizens were

serving on the Pantelena.

The Russian RIA news agency reported the Russian Embassy

in Gabon as saying two Russians were on the tanker and it

was in contact with their relatives.

Lotus gave no further details on the cargo and crew, and did not say if it believed the Pantelena had been

hijacked by pirates. The vessel is a dual purpose oil or chemicals tanker.

“We at Lotus Shipping, acting on behalf of the vessel’s owners…have set as our first and foremost

priority to safeguard the safety of the crew and with their interest in mind we cannot provide any

additional media comments at this point in time,” it said.

The Pantelena was on route from Lome to Libreville and was last seen nearing the Gabon coast at 9 p.m.

on Aug. 13, according to ship tracking data on Reuters, which lists the ship as a double-hulled oil tanker

managed by Lotus.

While piracy has decreased worldwide, the Gulf of Guinea has become an increasing target for

pirates who steal cargo and demand ransoms. Piracy-related issues were a decade ago focused off the East

African coast, particularly Somalia’s unpoliced waters.

Ships in the Gulf of Guinea were the target of a series of piracy-related incidents last year, according to a

report in January by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), which highlighted the waters off West

Africa as an area of growing concern.

Ten incidents of kidnapping involving 65 crew members took place in or around Nigerian waters, the

IMB said. Globally 16 vessels reported being fired upon, seven of which were in the Gulf of Guinea.

(Reporting by Edward McAllister and Angus MacSwan in Dakar and Marta Ardashelia in Tiblisi, Editing

by Toby Chopra)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2018.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

NWA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE OFFSHORE FATIGUE The National Workboat Association (NWA) is launching an ‘Understanding Fatigue’ campaign to combat

crewmember fatigue on offshore energy support vessels (OESVs)

”For information on the ‘Understanding Fatigue’ campaign, and to access further resources, please visit:

http://www.workboatassociation.org/news/understanding-fatigue/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

RMS LEINSTER 1918 – 2018 – HOLYHEAD REMEMBERS – Wednesday, 10 October 2018 at 11am – Ecumenical Service at St. Cybi’s Church, Holyhead in

remembrance of those lost. Special welcome to family members of those on RMS Leinster. Reading of

the ‘Roll of Honour’. All welcome.

Following on from the service, a one minute silence and laying of wreaths and other tributes at

the Holyhead War Memorial, the Cenotaph. All Welcome. https://rmsleinster100.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

File photo shows the Panama-flagged

chemical tanker Pantelena. Photo:

MarineTraffic.com

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

15

The Pulse

New Zealand - Biofouling Update The UK Club have received the following update from local correspondents P&I Services Limited,

regarding biofouling regulations in New Zealand.

QUOTE

On 15th May 2018, the Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) came into force. CRMS sets out the

requirements for management of biofouling risks associated with ships entering New Zealand Territorial

Waters (within the 12nm limit). CRMS is monitored and implemented by the Ministry for Primary

Industries (MPI). In the preceding four years, MPI operated a voluntary "clean hull" protocol which has

seen some ships being found to have unclean hulls on inspection and in some cases ordered out of New

Zealand Territorial Waters for cleaning. As of May 15th 2018, the CRMS became mandatory. Ships

which do not comply with the CRMS risk being ordered to leave New Zealand ports and New Zealand

Territorial Waters.

At a recent briefing given by MPI, the point was made very strongly that the recently elected Government

in New Zealand, which has the Green Party of New Zealand as one of its coalition components, intends to

set a high bar on biosecurity risks across the board. The importance of ship operators taking ownership

of this problem and having put in place measures to ensure a clean hull prior to the ship's arrival in New

Zealand was stressed.

UNQUOTE

Download: New Zealand - Biofouling - Craft Risk Management Standard (1.9 MB)

https://www.ukpandi.com/fileadmin/uploads/uk-pi/Documents/2018/New_Zealand_-_Biofouling_-

_Craft_Risk_Management_Standard.pdf Source: - UK P&I Club

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Fines increased for marine polluters – Australia - Date: 16/08/2018

Source: HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

The Club has recently been notified by our correspondent in Australia, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers,

of an increase in fines for those polluting Australian waters.

Below is an excerpt from HWL Ebsworth Lawyers latest article on the matter. Members can read the full

article on their website here.

QUOTE

A new financial year brings with it an increase in the fines for those polluting Australian waters. Ship

owners, charterers, masters, operators and their insurers should be aware of potential liabilities for fines

in Australia on top of pollution clean-up and damage claims.

As at 1 July 2018, a majority of States (and the Northern Territory) have increased their penalty unit

value in accordance with their annual indexation adjustments. The Commonwealth has also completed its

three year increase of the applicable penalty unit in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

Click here for a table of the applicable fines across Australia.

The State and Territory legislation and penalties apply to oil spills that are within, or migrate to within, 3

nautical miles of the coast. Beyond 3 nautical miles the Commonwealth legislation will apply.

The discharge of oil in Commonwealth, State or Territory waters is a strict liability offence for Owners

and Masters and potentially crew members and those involved in the operation and maintenance of the

ship. The Commonwealth legislation expressly includes Charterers in the list of those strictly liable.

These penalty unit increases mean that the maximum fine for a spill in Commonwealth waters has

increased to $4.2 million for a Master and $21 million for a corporate Owner or Charterer.

Both Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the relevant State regulators and port authorities continue

to police this area strictly. We recommend that our readers take these risks into account when involved in

trade to Australia. Should a spill occur owners should take immediate steps to mitigate the physical

damage and manage the resulting liabilities and penalties with care.

UNQUOTE

Source of Information

Loss Prevention / Joe Hurley, Partner at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and Chris Sacré, Special Counsel

Source: - UK P&I Club

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

16

The Pulse

Cruise Ship captain reveals what REALLY happened when British woman

plunged into seas for 10 hours Brit Kay Longstaff, 46, is alleged to have rowed with her partner in the days before she plunged

into the Adriatic Sea from the NORWEGIAN STAR

By Louie Smith

The captain of a cruise ship told passengers that a British woman who spent 10 hours in the sea after

plunging overboard had actually "JUMPED". Passengers revealed what the captain told them over the

Tannoy system after Brit Kay Longstaff fell into the Adriatic Sea from the NORWEGIAN STAR. The

46-year-old air hostess is alleged to have rowed with her partner in the days before she plunged overboard

and is said to have been having a "tough time" on board the cruise. Kay claimed she fell from the seventh

deck of the 294m liner, before spending 10 hours floating in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia until she was

plucked from the waters by the coast guard. But other tourists insisted it would have been “impossible” to

accidentally slip over the chest-high railings surrounding the decks. American Eddie Palladino, 60, who

was on the cruise with his wife and two children, said: “We were woken up by alarm bells going off and

then there was an announcement from the captain. “He said: ‘I’m calling to alert you now that we have a

reported jumper off the ship and we’re now in a search and rescue mission.’ “He didn’t say anything

about an -accident and called her a ‘jumper’. "The railings right across the ship are very high. I’m 6ft tall

and would have to climb up to get over them. She didn’t fall by -accident. Her shirt was found on the

deck. I’m happy she survived… it’s a miracle. A worker on the ship later -reportedly wrote on Facebook:

“She didn’t fall, she jumped. It was on my ship. “I spoke [to her] throughout the whole week. She was

arguing with her fella the whole time.” Croatian officials say CCTV images show Kay was alone at the

time of the incident at 11.45pm on Saturday, 60 miles off the coast. Her partner Craig Rayment was said

to be in bed when the drama unfolded. The electrician reported her missing at 2am, several hours after she

vanished. After finally being rescued at 9.40am on Sunday and taken to the Croatian city of Pula, Kay

told a local TV station how “singing” and “yoga fitness” helped her survive the night. The expat, said to

live in Marbella, added: “I fell off the back of the - NORWEGIAN STAR and I was in the water for 10

hours. So thes wonderful guys rescued me. I am very lucky to be alive.” Croatian Ministry of Maritime

Affairs spokesman David Radas added “She was really lucky, the weather was ideal. “The water was

around 25C and there were no waves or currents, which is unusual for the northern Adriatic Sea.” Kay,

originally from Gloucestershire, was discharged after receivin treatment for mild hypothermia and was

said to have been reunited with Craig. When contacted, he said: “I’m not interested in talking.” Kay’s

dad, retired police officer Ron Longstaff, said he had no idea of her brush with death until after the

rescue. The 76-year-old retired police superintendent from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, said that she had

been going through a distressing period recently, but refused to give any more details. He told the Daily

Mail : "She’s (been) going through a very hard time She wouldn't want to be upsetting me and of course

she is." He added: “I’m rather pleased I hadn’t heard she’d fallen into the sea.” Kay, who works for a

private jet firm, had joined her family for week-long cruise around the Greek islands. Her cabin and the

scene of the fall have been taped off but Croatian police said they are not investigating the -incident as a

potential crime..Norwegian Cruise Line refused to comment on claims their captai described Kay as a

reported “jumper”. Source : Irish Mirror

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Web Alert: Off-specification bunkers, Houston area - Widespread issue

The issues with contaminated bunker supplies in the Houston area earlier this year continue and

have begun to spread worldwide.

At present, the source and magnitude of the contaminated bunkers has not been satisfactorily identified

and the number of cases is still increasing. The club is presently dealing with a number of cases, but the

issue is reported to be impacting over 150 cases worldwide, with varying levels of severity. One

grounding so far has been a direct result from the use of these contaminated bunkers.

The contaminants - The main contaminants are phenol and styrene which cannot be identified from

standard tests on the bunker sample under ISO 8217, ……………………. Source: The Standard Club

_____________________________________________________________________________________

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

17

The Pulse

BOOK REVIEW by : Frank NEYTS

“Into the Abyss” Recently Whittles Publishing released Volume 1 of ‘The Diving

Trilogy’, an updated and expanded maritime title. Volume 1 was

released under the title ‘Into the Abyss. Diving Adventure in the

Liquid World’. Rod MacDonald signed as author for the three titles.

‘Into the Abyss’, the first volume in The Diving Trilogy, is a

fascinating collection of true life diving adventures from Rod’s long

and varied diving career. It follows his progression from novice diver

in the 1980s through the dangers of the deep air diving era and on to

trimix diving in the 1990s where divers began to use commercial

mixed breathing gases as the sport of technical diving was born. This

opened up vast, previously inaccessible, swathes of the seabed,

ushering in a great era of discovery of virgin shipwrecks, lost in time.

Rod takes the reader to famous shipwreck sites around the world,

from the sunken Japanese Fleet at the bottom of Truk Lagoon and

Palau in the Pacific, to diving the third largest whirlpool in the world

– the Corryvreckan Whirlpool off the west coast of Scotland. He

describes this and many other terrifying incidents involving him and

his colleagues. The book is filled with danger, drama and excitement and chronicles his all-consuming

passion, taking the reader on a spellbinding journey beneath the waves. “Into the Abyss” (ISBN 978-1-

84995-383-2) is issued as a paperback. The book counts 201 pages and costs £19.99 or $25.95. The book

can be ordered via every good book shop, or directly with the publisher, Whittles Publishing, Dunbeath

Mill, Dunbeath, Cairness IKW6 6EG, Scotland (UK), e-mail: info@whittlespublishing.com ,

www.whittlespublishing.com .

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Missing Tanker Docks in Togo After Suspected Hijacking By Marta Ardashelia TBILISI, Aug 24 (Reuters) – A tanker with 19 crew members on board has docked

at a port in Togo after going missing for over a week in a suspected hijacking off the West African coast,

the crew’s agency said on Friday. ….. http://gcaptain.com/missing-tanker-docks-in-togo-after-suspected-

hijacking/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCap

tain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-4e06ed4100-139894965&mc_cid=4e06ed4100&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Photos: Check Out the Bridge on Crowley’s New LNG-Powered ConRo El

Coquí http://gcaptain.com/photos-check-out-the-bridge-on-crowleys-new-lng-powered-conro-el-

coqui/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain

.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-4e06ed4100-139894965&mc_cid=4e06ed4100&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

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Arab coalition thwarts Houthi boat bomb targeting commercial ships off Yemen The Arab coalition said on Thursday it had foiled an attack by Houthi

militants using speed boats full of explosives to target commercial vessel

COL. TURKI AL-MALIKI, spokesman for the alliance, said its forces

managed to thwart the boat, which was launched from the shore near the

port of Hodeidah “The coalition’s forces have taken the necessary

measures to protect merchant ships of the alliance,” Al-Maliki said He

said the militia and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards continue to threaten

international shipping routes and global trade and that protecting the Bab

Al Mandeb strait is an international responsibility. source: Arab News

_____________________________________________________________________________________

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

18

The Pulse

Former Rafael fishing captain pleads guilty to dumping net rather than allow

inspection Thomas Simpson, the former captain of a fishing vessel partly owned by Carlos Rafael who dumped his

fishing vessel’s net to the ocean floor rather than allow it to be inspected, has pleaded guilty in a Boston

federal court to interfering with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Simpson was the captain of Bulldog in

May 2014 when the USCG boarded his ship to perform a routine inspection, recounts a statement from

the Department of Justice. When the boarding officer asked Simpson to reel in his net, the now 57-year-

old South Portland, Maine, man instead let out more of the cable. Then, even as the Coast Guard officer

saw what Simpson was doing and ordered him to stop, he allowed the net to drop until it became detached

and sank. Later, USCG and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hired a salvage

company, at a cost of about $15,000, to retrieve the net and discovered it was using “three distinct and

separate layers of netting in violation of commercial fishing regulations” “When two or more fishing nets

are placed on top of each other, the size of the openings are reduced,” the statement explains. “The

reduced size net openings hinder younger, smaller fish from being able to escape the net.” Simpson, who

is scheduled to be sentenced in late November, could receive up to five years of prison with three years of

his term under supervised probation. He's also facing a possible fine of $250,000.If the name of the ship,

Bulldog, sounds familiar, that’s because it was one of four ground-fishing vessels a federal judge, in

Boston, ordered Rafael to forfeit his interest in back in October. Rafael, often referred to as “the

Codfather”, was sentenced to 46 months of prison on a variety of charges related to his effort to hide his

illegal harvesting of the species. Bulldog had endorsements for eight different species. The Justice

Department statement does not specific which kind of fish Simpson was harvesting at the time of the

inspection effort. Source: Undercurrent News

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Two killed as floods hit Taiwan Two people have been killed and one seriously wounded

after damage caused by a storm in Taiwan, according to the

The News Lens International A tropical depression, formed

over Taiwan, triggered a massive deluge across the island.

Violent waves caused five cargo ships and oil tankers to run

aground off Kaohsiung Harbour. Of the 66 crew onboard the ships, 52 have been rescued so far. The

Central Weather Bureau issued a rare advisory of 'extremely torrential rain' as the storm loomed,

indicating that more than 500mm of rain was expected in just 24 hours. The alert prompted the closure of

many schools and offices. A staggering amount of rain has already been recorded in some locations -

Tainan City, in southwest Taiwan, reported 840mm in the 24 hours up until 07:00 GMT on Friday. This

is approximately the amount of rain that would be expected in July and August combined. The deluge led

to widespread flooding, with streets submerged and cars were seen floating in the street. Heavy rain is

forecast across the majority of the island, with only Taipei City, Keelung City, Kinmen County and

Liengchiang County expected to remain relatively unscathed. Over the next 24 hours, the storm

Source : Al Jazeera

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Breaking the Sound Barrier

Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson,

commander of the @usairforce F-35

Heritage Flight Team, performs a

high-speed pass in an F-35A

Lightning II over Lake Michigan

during the Chicago Air and Water

Show in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 19,

2018

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

19

The Pulse

Book Review By : Frank NEYTS - “Deeper into the Darkness” Recently Whittles Publishing released Volume 3 of ‘The

Diving Trilogy’, an updated and expanded maritime title.

Volume 3 was released under the title ‘Deeper into the

Darkness’. Rod MacDonald signed as author for the three

titles.

The author takes the reader diving to explore many more

famous wrecks around the UK from the Great War. These

include HMS Pathfinder and HMS Audacious – the first

British battleship to be lost to enemy action in WWI. The

wreck of HMS Hampshire on which Lord Kitchener perished

is visited along with HMS Vanguard, which blew up at

anchor in 1917 in Scapa Flow. The K-class submarines lost

in the Firth of Forth during the Battle of May Island in 1918

are dived, along with UB-116, the last German submarine to

be sunk in action in October 1918. Rod then leaps forward in

time to the Pacific during WWII and visits the American

shipwrecks from the Battle of Guadalcanal, along with

daring penetrations into the stunning Japanese wrecks lying

on the bottom of the Truk and Palau Lagoons. The latest

developments in shipweck exploration taking place at Scapa

Flow are recounted before the book concludes with the

scandalous desecration of the naval war graves of many nations at Jutland, the South China Sea and the

Java Sea. “Deeper into the Darkness” (ISBN 978-1- 84995-360-3) is issued as a paperback. The book

counts 340 pages and costs £19.99 or $25.95. The book can be ordered via every good book shop, or

directly with the publisher, Whittles Publishing, Dunbeath Mill, Dunbeath, Cairness IKW6 6EG, Scotland

(UK), e-mail: info@whittlespublishing.com , www.whittlespublishing.com .

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Four injured in crane incident, Swire confirms by David Weston

Vessels contractor Swire Blue Ocean has confirmed that four

workers were injured during a "crane related work incident"

at the Port of Eemshaven on the Pacific Osprey vessel.

The incident took place on early evening on 23 August.

According to Swire, the box section of the crane boom on the

vessel "collapsed on to the bridge". "One of our crew

members sustained a serious injury during the incident. Three

other crew suffered minor injuries during the same incident,"

Swire said in a statement. "The four affected crew received

prompt medical attention and were taken to hospital as was

one other crew member who was suffering from shock. Three

of the five crew have since been discharged from hospital.

"One crew member remains in a critical condition in hospital

whilst the other crew member is currently in hospital under observation," the firm added. Local news

reports indicate a medical emergency helicopter was called to the scene. The vessel is reportedly working

on EnBW’s 497MW Hohe See offshore wind project in the German North Sea. The vessel itself suffered

"material damage". "The crane was undergoing maintenance at the time of the incident and the vessel has

suffered significant damage as a result," the vessels supplier said. Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Swire Blue

Ocean, said: "The safety and well-being of our people is always our first priority. All support and

resources have been mobilised to assist those affected. We are managing the incident closely and

cooperating fully with the local authorities." Source : windpoweroffshore

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The PACIFIC OSPREY

Photo : Flying Focus Aerial Photography

www.flyingfocus.nl ©

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Merchant Navy Association Boat Club (MNABC) Recommend Boat Owners

to Consider Registration with the MCA’s CG66 Scheme The Following has been passed on to me from Clive Edwards (MNABC)

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have today

joined forces to reveal RYA SafeTrx as HM Coastguard’s new official voluntary safety identification

scheme.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hm-coastguard-adopts-rya-safetrx-as-new-safety-id-scheme

RYA SafeTrx is free to download from Apple app store or Google Play. Once downloaded, boaters can

run unlimited free trips using the app. In addition to the Sail Plan mode, the app has a tracking option

called Track Only mode, which enables boaters to analyse their speed and performance on the water

while racing or cruising. For customers who do not wish to use the mobile app, there is an option to

register their details online at https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/login.html

In partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), HM Coastguard will be introducing the

world-leading RYA SafeTrx as our new official safety identification scheme.

RYA SafeTrx builds on the advantages of the CG66 scheme to assist HM Coastguard with Search and

Rescue in UK territorial waters and it provides enhanced functionality if used together with the optional

mobile app. RYA SafeTrx is free, and you do not need to be a member of the RYA to register. You can

get more information about RYA SafeTrx here.

If you choose to register, there are two ways to do this:

You can enter your details via the RYA SafeTrx App, which can be downloaded from the Apple app store

or Google Play.

If you do not wish to use the mobile app, there is an option to register your details online at

https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/login.html.

With RYA SafeTrx becoming our new official safety identification scheme, we will stop taking new

registrations to CG66 on 11 July.

Existing data:

The information currently held on our CG66 database will be retained and used by our Search and Rescue

(SAR) teams alongside the SafeTrx data for the next two years. If your information is no longer valid the

best course of action is to register on SafeTrx as this will supersede information held on CG66.

CG66 data will continue to be held securely and not shared with any third parties or used for any other

purpose other than for the MCA to carry out its SAR function.

The Coastguard will be able to access the RYA SafeTrx database and check boat records in exactly the

same way as we do now with CG66. There is no requirement for existing users to remove or update their

data in CG66. However if you do wish to remove your information from our existing CG66 database,

please contact us at CG66.Enquiries@mcga.gov.uk.

Please do take the time to have a look at RYA SafeTrx and sign up to the app. It will only take a couple of

minutes and could be invaluable to you in an emergency at sea.

To find out more about how the MCA look after personal data, your rights and how to contacts our data

protection officer please go to www.gov.uk/mca

Thank you

HM Coastguard

Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas

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MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

21

The Pulse

Cruise ship rescues 3 fishermen from North Sea; 2 missing The PACIFIC PRINCESS cruise ship turned

around Saturday in the North Sea to rescue three

men in a lifeboat who had sent up a flare,

according to an Associated Press journalist

onboard the ship. Two other men from their

capsized fishing boat were still missing. The

captain announced to the passengers that the ship,

which was heading back to Dover after an eight-

day

cruise

around the British Isles, was changing its course to rescue the

men, who were floating in a black lifeboat with an orange

cover, journalist Diana Heidgerd reported. She said the

rescue took place late Saturday afternoon in 6-foot (1.8-

meter) seas off the coast of Norwich. Authorities on the ship

maneuvered close to the lifeboat and pulled the men aboard.

Ship authorities would not comment on the identities or

condition of the rescued men but said the U.K. coast guard

had been notified. Passengers saw a coast guard helicopter

searching the water Saturday night for two missing crew

members from a fishing boat that authorities said had

capsized. Source: KIRO7

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The Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter - The Trade Journal 227 September 2018

1. Latest Derbyshire Submariners Newsletter The Trade Journal 227 Sept 2018 is available for

down load from our web pager on http://www.godfreydykes.info/TJ%20227%20Sept%202018.pdf

2. Derbyshire Addressees Please note the short notice Change of Plans for Merchant Navy Day

in both Derby & Ilkeston basically

Derby Now Monday 3 Sept 2018 12:00 Derby City Council/D&D Ex Services

Ilkeston Monday 3 Sept 2018 11:00 Local RBL Branches

Full details in this latest newsletter

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Watch: Incredible Whale Watching Close Call in Alaska http://gcaptain.com/watch-incredible-whale-watching-close-call-in-

alaska/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptai

n.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-4e06ed4100-139894965&mc_cid=4e06ed4100&mc_eid=4c72dd3685

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Merchant ship that helped win the war. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8qDxqBvK3NA

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Fly the Red Ensign – Can anyone beat this? For the past seven years here at the Dumfries branch we have been flying the Red Ensign from some

public buildings. Two years ago we managed to have 14 red ensigns flying. Last year we had 15 flying.

This year we will have the grand total of 23 red ensigns flying in Dumfries and Galloway. From Stranraer

in the west to Lochmaben in the east. From Sanquar in the north to Eastriggs in the south.

Arthur F Murphy. Chairman. MNA Dumfries branch.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The PACIFIC PRINCESS

photo : Wouter van der Veen ©

The sunken Z 19 SONJA in better times

approaching the port of Zeebrugge Photo :

Dirk Neyts ©

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Sir Adrian Swire obituary https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sir-adrian-swire-obituary-

8j2c6vhrz?shareToken=ecb7df5779b25ca6b59ff4b8f0d8c84d

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The PS WAVERLEY built 1946 at Llandudno Pier, North Wales preparing for a trip along the Anglesey

coast. The WAVERLEY is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steam in the world.

Photo : Dennis Oliver

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The Golden Globe Race So Far — Dismasting in the Southern Ocean The ongoing 2018 Golden Globe Race is a 50th-anniversary homage to the 1968 Sunday Times Golden

Globe Yacht Race, the first single-handled nonstop around-the-world sailboat race. In the 1968 race, Sir

Robin Knox-Johnston was the winner and the only contestant to complete the race. Last June, 18 solo-

sailors set off in sailboats similar in size and equipment to that used by Sir Robin 50 years ago. Each

sailor is racing for 30,000 miles, alone, non-stop, with no outside assistance.

The racers are using sextants and paper charts rather than GPS and chart plotters, judging the weather by

reading a barometer rather than getting updates from weather routing services, and relying on wind vanes

rather than autopilots. The racers are all sailing on production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 –

10.97m) designed prior to 1988. For safety, each boat will have a satellite transponder and an emergency

kit, equipped with a race-supplied GPS and satphone.

So, how is the retro-race going so far? After 58 days, 11 of the 18 entrants are still actively racing. Most

recently, Norwegian sailor Are Wiig’s 32′ boat was rolled 360 degrees and dismasted in the Southern

Ocean off Africa. Wiig had been one of the fleet leaders until his self-steering vane broke. After hand

steering for seven hours, he hove the boat to, which was

when he suffered the capsize.

Fortunately, Wiig was unhurt and is working on a jury rig

which he plans to use to sail to Cape Town. As Wiig has not

requested nor received assistance, he is technically still in the

race, at least until he reaches a harbor.

Of the seven sailors who have either withdrawn or are no

longer actively competing, three have quit following wind

vanes breaking or problems related to steering.

The post The Golden Globe Race So Far — Dismasting in the

Southern Ocean appeared first on Old Salt Blog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Are Wiig’s Olleanna

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

Passengers headed home after Squamish tour company vessel ran aground in

the Arctic All passengers safe and no environmental damage was

detected, according to One Ocean Expeditions

The passengers who were on a One Ocean Expeditions' ship

that ran aground in the Arctic Friday have now landed in

Edmonton and are on the final leg of their trips home. Friday

morning, the ship, the AKADEMIK IOFFE, became

grounded in the western Gulf of Boothia, in the Canadian

Arctic. The 117-metre long vessel, which was launched in

1989, can accommodate 96 passengers and 65 crew, according to One Ocean’s website. There was no

word on damage to the vessel or how the ship ran around. There was no environmental damage, the polar

tour company’s spokesperson said. By Saturday morning, the company reported that all passengers had

been safely transferred by zodiac to the AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV, a sister vessel to the one

which ran aground. Also on Saturday, the AKADEMIK IOFFE was floated and a full vessel systems

check was successfully performed, according to the company, which is headquartered on Second Avenue

in downtown Squamish “We regret the inconvenience to our passengers,” said Catherine Lawton, general

manager of the polar tour company. The company is co-ordinating with the ship’s owners to have the

AKADEMIK IOFFE transferred for review and repair “We are proud to be enabling world-class

scientific research and educational programming in cooperation with partners such as the Royal Canadian

Geographical Society and on this specific voyage the Northwest Passage Project. From research into

climate trends, ice patterns, and the impact of micro-plastics on our oceans, we look forward to carrying

on this important work” she added “In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to assist the ship’s

owners and government agencies with their review of the incident.” Two of the company’s other

upcoming polar expeditions have been cancelled. “We can confirm the AKADEMIK IOFFE Aug. 23 —

Pathways to Franklin — and Sept. 1 Classic Northwest Passage and Greenland voyages have been

cancelled to allow [the] assessment and repair to take place,” said a news release from One Ocean on

Sunday. Source: Squamish Chief

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TUG AND LIFEBOAT – WORKING IN HARMONY By Peter Barker Tugs and lifeboats carry out similar work in emergency situations and an incident off the Dutch coast

recently demonstrates that charitable services provided by lifeboats can play a useful role assisting the

commercial towage sector. The small tug HANS was 11 miles off the Dutch coast at Scheveningen and

towing a 40m long pontoon when it encountered steering problems around midnight in adverse weather

conditions. The towline had to be released with the unladen barge drifting in a northerly direction

influenced by wind and current The Netherlands Coastguard was informed of the situation and the

KNRM lifeboat station at Scheveningen alerted. The ‘Arie Visser’ class lifeboat KITTY ROOSMALE

NEPVEU was tasked to assist while the nearby offshore support vessel VOS STAR was asked to monitor

the Hans and the barge on radar. When the lifeboat arrived, the coastguard requested it to follow the

drifting barge and with the crew of the tug soon able to re-establish use of its steering gear it also headed

for the barge to re-connect the tow. The crew on board Hans undertook several attempts to establish a

towing connection again but were hampered by adverse weather conditions including force six winds and

two metre waves. With HANS encountering difficulties making the connection, the lifeboat was asked to

assist and in a typical example of seamanship skill and innovation was able to transfer a towline which

again after several attempts was secured to the barge. The line was then connected to a buoy which the

crew on Hans were able to retrieve and attach to the steel towing wire on its winch. Just over two hours

after the lifeboat was alerted tug and barge were once again connected and the situation brought under

control. HANS in the port’s approaches and with the duty of escorting the convoy taken over by the Port

of Rotterdam Authority patrol boat RPA 15, KITTY ROOSMALE NEPVEU was released and returned

to Scheveningen arriving back home five hours after initially setting out.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

File photo of the AKADEMIK IOFFE

Photo : Alan Soutar ©

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

First female skipper of world's last ferry of its kind A 21-year-old has qualified as a skipper on the world's last

sea-going, manually-operated, turntable ferry. Isabelle Law

worked summer jobs on the MV GLENACHULISH, which

is almost 50 years old and serves the oldest crossing to Skye

from the mainland Ms Law, from Skye, is the first woman to

take charge of the boat. She said: "It is quite unique for a

woman to be a skipper, so hopefully it will encourage other

people to follow their dreams." The Troon-built MV

GLENACHULISH crosses the Kylerhea Straits between

Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye. A car ferry has crossed the

straits since 1934. The current service has been run by a

community-owned company since 2007. It took over the

route after long-time ferryman Roddy MacLeod retired. Ms

Law realised that she wanted to help to keep the ferry service

going while working on the MV GLENACHULISH during

her school holidays. She said: "To be the skipper would help

them out in years to come." About her job she said: "It is not

intimidating, but it is a huge task to take on” "You are in charge of this vessel and you are in charge of the

passengers' safety.” "But I've got amazing helpers that have helped me to achieve this, and they are

constantly helping me out to learn how to handle the vessel." Source: BBC

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A MATELOT’S FAREWELL TO HIS TOT

You soothed my nerves, and warmed my limbs, and you cheered my dismal heart.

Procured my wants and obliged my whims, and now its time to part.

Mid endless perils of the deep, and miseries untold.

You summoned sweet forgetful sleep, cocooned me from the cold.

Ten years ago the pound o’leaf, that cast its fragrant spell.

About the ship expired in grief, and sadness of farewell.

Though guest might find the party bare, when’ere they chose to come.

Your hospitality was there, a tot of pusser rum.

Two hundred years ago and more you filled this storm tossed sailors need.

Now you’ve been killed by spite distilled, from jealousy and greed.

Now petty clerks, those scrawny berks who never saw a wave.

Or felt the spray on heaving decks consign you to your grave.

Alas, however I protest to save myself from hurt.

They tell us that its for the best, to keep us more alert.

And so the time has come, old friend, to take the final sup.

Our tears are shed. This is the end. Good bye and bottoms up.

(Rum issue abolished R.N. 31/7/70 -RNZN 28/2/90)

Stolen from NAVAL NEWS AND MARITIME HISTORY AUGUST 2018

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Isabelle Law began working on the ferry

during her school summer holidays

MV GLENACHULISH

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

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The Pulse

SEPTEMBER THE THIRD - Merchant Navy Day.

Our Country celebrates centenaries and the cenotaph’s just cause,

We remember Airmen, and Soldiers from the wars,

The Navy and Civilians and Miners from the pit,

Royalty and Land Girls - all those that did their bit.

Now the Merchant Navy, has its special say,

Flying its Red Ensign on the Third September day,

From our public buildings in Britain and abroad,

So the population may look up and applaud.

Reminding everybody of the sacrifice they made,

Shipping vital cargoes in a mortal wartime trade,

Mostly sailing unarmed or with very poor defence,

Causalities and losses were appalling and immense.

Round the world they voyaged `cross oceans near and far,

Magnetic mines abundant on both sides of the bar,

Torpedoes launched from U boats, bombs aimed from the sky,

Salvoes fired from raiders, intent that ships would die.

Often in awful conditions, at work in numbing cold,

Through voracious seas of the Arctic with explosives in the hold,

Or the white heat of the tropics, steaming into hell,

Living on tons of petrol dreading the enemy’s shell.

Our lads ran the gauntlet braving marauder’s might,

Showing a stubborn Red Duster every day of the fight.

If they survived - they returned, not once but again and again,

Hence lifeblood brought to nations by indefatigable men.

On all the seas and rivers where British seamen go,

From the tropics to the edges, of where the icebergs grow,

You will see the ruddy bunting of bright or smoky red,

It’s our Merchant Navy Ensign flying overhead.

Joe Earl

_____________________________________________________________________________

Bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman: “Which book has helped you most in

your life?”

The woman replied, “My husband’s check book!!”

******

A prospective husband in a book store: “Do you have a book called ‘Husband – the Master of

the House?’”

Sales girl: “Sir, fiction and comics are on the 1st floor!” _____________________________________________________________________________________

What is the story about your tattoo?

Were you drunk or were you sober?

MNA CIRCULAR 2018-16 30th August 2018

26

The Pulse

Fun for the Elderly

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.

Well, for example, the other day, Jeanie my wife and I went into town and visited a shop. When

we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.

We went up to him and I said, 'Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?'

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him an a--hole. He glared at me and

started writing another ticket for having worn-out tyres.

So Bev called him a s--t head. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the

first.

Then he started writing more tickets.

This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home.

We weren't too concerned about the vehicle's owner because of the sticker on the back window

"I support the Greens".

We try to have a little fun each day now that we're retired. It's important at our age. _____________________________________________________________________________________

That’s all from me now folks.

Good Health, Fair Winds and Calm Seas. Take Care.

Yours Aye,

Malcolm

Malcolm Mathison

National Vice-Chairman

Merchant Navy Association

Tel: 01472 277 266 Mob: 07831 622 312 Email: R546060@aol.com

www.mna.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1135661

If you do not wish to receive these eNewsletters in future, please reply to this email stating

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