The Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG) has unveiled its latest edition. The RSG 2025 guidelines introduce significant updates to assist manufacturers, Notified Bodies, and market surveillance authorities in adhering to Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational and personal watercraft. This latest edition emphasizes the integration of new harmonized ISO standards, reflecting advancements in technology and safety protocols within the marine industry.
Key updates in the RSG 2025 guidelines include revised criteria for compliance, particularly concerning the installation of lithium-ion batteries and the testing protocols for dual outboard engine vessels. These changes aim to enhance safety and environmental performance, ensuring that watercraft meet contemporary standards. Continue reading “RSG 2025 guidelines published”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have released the results of a report after the installation of an incorrect valve in a pipe to a diesel oil tank led to a fatal fire aboard a cargo vessel docked in LaPorte, Texas.
The 2024/2025 Shipping Industry Flag State Performance, published by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), indicates that flag administrations continue to demonstrate high levels of performance with respect to enforcement of global shipping regulations.
On November 27, 2024, approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia, a bulk carrier shipping a type of coal called “Bailey High Vol Coking Coal” experienced consecutive explosions in the two forward cargo holds. While still under investigation, the explosions are likely a result of the accumulation of methane gas that created an explosive atmosphere and resulted in significant damage to the two associated cargo holds. It was soon discovered that the other five cargo holds also had highly elevated levels of methane that were 
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has reported an increase in the number of commercial vessel incidents in the past year. A total of 1,154 incidents were registered on commercial vessels in 2024. Half of these were accidents and the other half were near misses. This represents an increase of about six percent in incidents compared to 2023, according to Vegar Berntsen, Section Manager, Risk Management and Analysis, Norwegian Maritime Directorate. According to Berntsen, smaller vessels are primarily the ones that sink, with the majority being fishing vessels.
New analysis by the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has found that silicone-based hull coatings could deliver significant emissions reductions, but challenges around application and mechanical strength remain.
