West of England News

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  <channel>
    <title>West of England News</title>
    <link>http://www.westpandi.com/</link>
    <decription>List of news items.</decription>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alert - High Density Fuels in Santos, Brazil</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Density-Fuels-in-Santos-Brazil/</link>
      <description>A new DNVPS Bunker Alert has just been published:
High Density Fuels in Santos, Brazil</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Density-Fuels-in-Santos-Brazil/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 3 2012/2013 - Alaska Pollution Requirements</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-3-20122013/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs
New requirements affecting oil tank vessel owners and owners of vessels carrying oil as “secondary cargo”1 operating in certain areas of Western Alaska when going to or from a port in the United States
As from 14 May 2012 the US Coast Guard (USCG) will require compliance with new Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) for certain vessels operating in Western Alaska.
Historically it has not been possible for tank owners operating in Western Alaska carrying oil to comply fully with the vessel response planning requirements of the Oil Pollution Act 1990 and the USCG allowed waivers of the regulations. In 2010 the USCG announced that shipowners would b ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-3-20122013/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 16:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
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      <title>Piracy - Performance of PMSCs and PCASPs</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Performance-of-PMSCs-and-PCASPs/</link>
      <description>Many Members now place Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) aboard their vessels when sailing through the High Risk Area after signing an agreement with a Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC) following a favourable contract review by the Managers.
The number of PMSCs offering such services has grown significantly in recent years, and the market continues to be flooded with new entrants. However, although the terms of the contract may be acceptable, this does not necessarily mean that the armed guards or the security company itself will perform to expectations.
Members who are unsatisfied with the performance of a PMSC or PCASP are invited to report their concerns t ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Performance-of-PMSCs-and-PCASPs/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alert - High Sodium Fuels in Panama Canal, Panama and Surrounding Ports</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Sodium-Fuels-in-Panama-Canal-Panama-and-Surrounding-Ports/</link>
      <description>A new DNVPS Bunker Alert has just been published:
High Sodium Fuels in Panama Canal, Panama and Surrounding Ports</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Sodium-Fuels-in-Panama-Canal-Panama-and-Surrounding-Ports/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Indonesia - Export of Unprocessed Minerals including Nickel Ore</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Indonesia---Export-of-Unprocessed-Minerals-including-Nickel-Ore/</link>
      <description>On 6 May 2012 the Indonesian government began enforcing the provisions of Ministry Regulation No.7/2012 "Improvement of Added Value of Minerals through Minerals Processing and Purification Activities". The Regulation prohibits the export of various unprocessed ores (including nickel, copper, iron, iron sand, bauxite, chromium, lead, zinc and manganese) by mining companies who obtained their production licences before 6 February 2012. The legislation is intended to encourage the development of mineral processing plants in Indonesia.
Exceptions may be made in the case of mining companies which:

Have a Production Operation IUP (mining licence) with Clear and Clean (C&amp;amp;C) mineral stat ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Indonesia---Export-of-Unprocessed-Minerals-including-Nickel-Ore/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 11:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alerts</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alerts1/</link>
      <description>Three&amp;nbsp;new DNVPS Bunker Alerts have been published and added to the DNVPS Bunker Alerts webpage:

Low Flash Point Gas Oils in Barcelona, Spain
High Density Fuels at Valletta and Surrounding Ports, Malta
High Density Fuels at Philadelphia and Surrounding Ports, USA
</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alerts1/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alert - High Abrasive Fuels in Amsterdam and Surrounding Ports, The Netherlands</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Abrasive-Fuels-in-Amsterdam-and-Surrounding-Ports-The-Netherlands/</link>
      <description>A new DNVPS Bunker Alert has just been published:
High Abrasive Fuels in Amsterdam and Surrounding Ports, The Netherlands</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Abrasive-Fuels-in-Amsterdam-and-Surrounding-Ports-The-Netherlands/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alert - High Sodium Fuels in Mumbai, India</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Sodium-Fuels-in-Mumbai-India/</link>
      <description>A new DNVPS Bunker Alert has just been published:
High Sodium Fuels in Mumbai, India</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alert---High-Sodium-Fuels-in-Mumbai-India/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>DNVPS Bunker Alerts</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alerts/</link>
      <description>Four new and two updated DNVPS Bunker Alerts have been published and added to the DNVPS Bunker Alerts 2012 webpage:

Update - High Abrasives Fuels in Fujairah and Surrounding Ports, United Arab Emirates
Low Flash Point Gas Oil off Campeche, Mexico
High Density Fuels at Panama Canal, Panama and Surrounding Ports
Update - High Water Fuels in Novorossiyisk, Russia
Low Flash Point Samples in Vladivostok and Surrounding Ports, Russia
High Density Fuels in New Orleans and Surrounding Ports, USA
</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/DNVPS-Bunker-Alerts/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Senegal - Customs Fines in Dakar</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Senegal---Customs-Fines-in-Dakar/</link>
      <description>The Club has been advised by Senegal P&amp;amp;I / France P&amp;amp;I of a recent rise in the number of customs fines being imposed in Dakar if discrepancies are found between the goods listed in the customs declaration submitted by the Master (eg manifests, ship’s stores, bunkers)&amp;nbsp; and the actual quantities of such goods on board. Any errors may lead to fines of up to four times the value of the undeclared goods.
At the present time the definitions of “smuggling” and “contraband” in the Senegalese Customs Code are being interpreted very broadly by local customs officers. Vessels trading to Dakar are therefore advised to be particularly careful when preparing customs declarations, ensuring ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Senegal---Customs-Fines-in-Dakar/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SOLAS - ECDIS Data Presentation Checks</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---ECDIS-Data-Presentation-Checks/</link>
      <description>Following a number of navigational incidents during 2011 it has been found that some older models of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) using Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) are unable to display the latest IMO approved chart features, such as particularly sensitive sea areas and archipelagic sea lanes.
In order for ECDIS users to ascertain whether or not their equipment is working correctly, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) has produced two fictitious ENC datasets that ECDIS operators can use to check the operation of the system by comparing the chart symbols displayed on their ECDIS units against those shown on the instruction sheet.
The fict ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---ECDIS-Data-Presentation-Checks/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dominican Republic - Submarine Cables off Puerto Plata</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Dominican-Republic---Submarine-Cables-off-Puerto-Plata/</link>
      <description>Santo Domingo Correspondents Schad Expertise, Frederic Schad Inc. have advised that a number of underwater submarine telecommunication cables have been laid from Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. According to reports, it would appear that the locations of the cables have not yet been promulgated by Notices to Mariners.
Members are advised to ensure that vessels trading to Puerto Plata are aware of the presence of these submarine cables. In particular, vessels planning to anchor in the area off Puerto Plata should stay well clear of the Arcos 1 and Fibralink submarine cables.
Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Dominican-Republic---Submarine-Cables-off-Puerto-Plata/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>India - Armed Guard Reporting</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/India---Armed-Guard-Reporting/</link>
      <description>Following a recent incident where armed guards on board a tanker off the Indian Coast mistakenly fired at a fishing vessel, the Indian Director General of Shipping has published Merchant Shipping Notice No. 7 of 2012 “Navigation off the Indian coast – transgressing of fishing nets – mistaking fishing boats with pirate skiffs”.
The Notice contains general guidance on fishing activities off the Indian coast, including a warning that fishing vessels may head towards ships they believe may be approaching their nets in an effort to alert the bridge watchkeeping officer.
In addition, vessels with armed guards are urged to report their presence to the Indian Navy / Indian Coastguard when with ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/India---Armed-Guard-Reporting/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Bulletin - The use of ECDIS Alarms</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---The-use-of-ECDIS-Alarms/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Bulletin has just been published:
The use of&amp;nbsp;ECDIS Alarms&amp;nbsp;</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---The-use-of-ECDIS-Alarms/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Iran Sanctions - European Union Measures against Iran – Updated FAQs</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Iran-Sanctions---European-Union-Measures-against-Iran--Updated-FAQs/</link>
      <description>Further to our Notice to Members No.1 2012/2013 concerning the recent EU Council Regulation 267/2012 which implemented further sanctions measures against Iran, the International Group has issued a revised set of FAQs to help guide Members on the impact on the Regulation. A copy of the FAQs can be found by clicking here.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Iran-Sanctions---European-Union-Measures-against-Iran--Updated-FAQs/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 2 2012/2013 - BIMCO "GUARDCON" Contract for the Employment of Security Guards on Vessels</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-2-20122013/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs&amp;nbsp;
BIMCO “GUARDCON” Contract for the Employment of Security Guards on Vessels
Members are referred to BIMCO’s GUARDCON contract for the employment of security guards on vessels (GUARDCON), published on 28 March 2012.&amp;nbsp;
The decision as to whether or not to employ guards (either armed or unarmed) is an operational one for Members. In making that decision Members must always comply with Flag State law as well as any applicable local laws. Members are also reminded of their obligation to follow the due diligence principles set out in MSC.1/Circ.1405 together with Best Management Practices (currently Version 4, August 2011).&amp;nbsp;
Nevertheles ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-2-20122013/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 1 2012/2013 - Iran Sanctions - New European Union Measures against Iran - Council Regulation 267/2012</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-1-20122013/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,&amp;nbsp;
Iran Sanctions - New European Union Measures against Iran - Council Regulation 267/2012&amp;nbsp;
The latest round of EU measures against Iran implementing Council Decision 2012/35 (23 January 2012) – see Notice to Members No.32 2011/2012 - in relation to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products were published in Council Regulation 267/2012 issued on 24 March 2012.&amp;nbsp;
The material provisions of Regulation 267/2012 Arts 11 - 14 substantially reflect the corresponding provisions in the Council Decision. There is no "carve-out" in respect of third party liability insurance although there remains a grace period during which the EU ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-1-20122013/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>China Pollution Regulations</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/China-Pollution-Regulations---New-FAQs/</link>
      <description>The International Group has published an updated set of FAQs to help provide guidance to Members on complying with the requirements to contract with an oil spill response operator before entering a mainland PRC port.
These FAQs can be found on the comprehensive webpage maintained by Managers on this topic and Members are advised to check back with this page at regular intervals.
Any specific queries should be addressed to your normal contact at the Managers or to Management Director Tony Paulson (tony.paulson@westpandi.com).</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/China-Pollution-Regulations---New-FAQs/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Brazil - Liquefaction of Bauxite Cargoes</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Liquefaction-of-Bauxite-Cargoes/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
The Club has recently been advised by P&amp;amp;I correspondents in Brazil that several vessels have experienced cargo liquefaction problems after loading bauxite at various ports in the Amazon Bay region, particularly Trombetas. No casualties have been reported, and at the present time it would seem that the issues have been largely confined to delays and additional costs at the discharge port.
Bauxite is listed in the IMSBC Code as a Group C cargo, i.e. one which is neither liable to liquefy, nor to possess chemical hazards. It is classified as Group C on the basis that it will comprise of 70% to 90% lumps of between 2.5mm and 500mm and 10% to 30% powder, wit ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Liquefaction-of-Bauxite-Cargoes/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
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      <title>Egypt - Carriage of Weapons, Ammunition and Armed Guards - Further Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Weapons-Ammunition-and-Armed-Guards---Further-Update/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
The Club has been advised by Eldib Pandi, Alexandria of a further change in the requirements governing the carriage of weapons, ammunition and armed guards on vessels within Egyptian waters.
Following a recent Egyptian Ministry of Defence conference to discuss this issue, agents are now required to make a declaration 48 hours prior to arrival in the case of vessels which are due to call at Egyptian ports or transit the Suez Canal and have weapons, ammunition or armed guards on board. The agents are required to provide the Port Police, Military Intelligence, Coast Guard and Customs with a copy of the declaration. Also the Suez Canal Authority or the Port Aut ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Weapons-Ammunition-and-Armed-Guards---Further-Update/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>International Group of P&amp;I Clubs Annual Review 2011/12</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/International-Group-of-PI-Clubs-Annual-Review-201112/</link>
      <description>The International Group of P&amp;amp;I Clubs has published its first Annual Review which provides an overview of the Group, key activities and areas of engagement. A pdf version of the Annual Review can be downloaded here:

and further information is available on the International Group's website http://www.igpandi.org/.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/International-Group-of-PI-Clubs-Annual-Review-201112/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>IMO - Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces aboard Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/IMO---Revised-Recommendations-for-Entering-Enclosed-Spaces-aboard-Ships/</link>
      <description>On 30 November 2011 the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted Resolution A.1050(27) “Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships”. The revised recommendations replace Resolution A.864(20) published in 1997.
Changes in the Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces aboard Ships&amp;nbsp;
The revised recommendations update and expand the previous guidance and include a number of changes as follows:
Section 2 - Definitions
Two new definitions have been included in the guidelines for an “adjacent connected space” and an “Attendant”. An “adjacent connected space” is defined as “a normally unventilated space which is not used for cargo but which may  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/IMO---Revised-Recommendations-for-Entering-Enclosed-Spaces-aboard-Ships/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>USA - State of New York Ballast Water Requirements - Further Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---State-of-New-York-Ballast-Water-Requirements---Further-Update/</link>
      <description>In June 2010 Members were advised of New York State’s stringent new ballast water management requirements which would affect the majority of vessels falling within the ambit of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulations from 1 January 2012. Such vessels, when in New York State waters, would not be permitted to discharge ballast water unless it had been treated to a standard 100 times more stringent than that required by IMO’s “International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water &amp;amp; Sediments 2004” which has not yet entered into force.
Further to the above the Club advised in February 2011 that the implementation date had been extended to 1 August 2013 in o ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---State-of-New-York-Ballast-Water-Requirements---Further-Update/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>New THINK Loss Prevention Safety Posters Published</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/New-THINK-Loss-Prevention-Safety-Posters-Published/</link>
      <description>A further four posters have been added to the Club’s popular THINK series of Loss Prevention safety posters, raising awareness of some of&amp;nbsp;the common causes of shipboard accidents.
The second set of posters in the series cover the following topics:&amp;nbsp;

The importance of not overloading electical sockets

 
Guarding and fencing openings through which personnel could fall

 
The need to isolate and drain systems prior to commencing maintenance

 
Using and hooking on safety harnesses when rigging accommodation ladders

&amp;nbsp;
Members will be sent a complimentary set of all four posters. Further hard copies may be obtained by contacting the&amp;nbsp;Loss Prevention Departm ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/New-THINK-Loss-Prevention-Safety-Posters-Published/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Bulletin - Cargo Ventilation and Precautions to Minimise Sweat</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---Cargo-Ventilation-and-Precautions-to-Minimise-Sweat/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Bulletin has just been published:
Cargo Ventilation and Precautions to Minimise Sweat&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---Cargo-Ventilation-and-Precautions-to-Minimise-Sweat/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - California Sewage No Discharge Zone</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Sewage-No-Discharge-Zone/</link>
      <description>On 9 February 2012 the Final Rule establishing the California No Discharge Zone (NDZ) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Final Rule will enter into force 30 days after being published in the Federal Register. It is expected that the new regulations will become mandatory from mid-March 2012 although an exact date has not yet been advised by the EPA.
The new regulations will prohibit the discharge of treated and untreated sewage in an area along the California coast from the Oregon border to the Mexican border within California marine waters extending seawards a distance of three nautical miles from the baseline as determined by the Convention on th ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Sewage-No-Discharge-Zone/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Egypt - Carriage of Weapons, Ammunition and Armed Guards - Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Weapons-Ammunition-and-Armed-Guards---Update/</link>
      <description>The Club has recently been advised by Egyptian Marine Insurance Consultations and Services (EMICS), Alexandria of a further change in the regulatory requirements governing the carriage of weapons, ammunition and armed guards on vessels within Egyptian waters.
A free translation of the new requirements is reproduced below for guidance:

The Egyptian Government forbids the presence of any weapons / armed guards on board commercial vessels as per the rules and regulations of the International Maritime Organisation.

In the case of the presence of weapons on board commercial vessels calling at Egyptian ports, Masters shall lock the weapons in a safe compartment and issue a certificate r ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Weapons-Ammunition-and-Armed-Guards---Update/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 34 2011/2012 - New Bye-Laws</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-34-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
New Bye-Laws&amp;nbsp;
At its meeting on 8 February 2012 the Board passed the following Bye-Laws which can also be found in the Rule Book 2012/13 under The Third Schedule.&amp;nbsp; Together with the Association’s Rules and Constitution and a Member’s Special Terms of Entry, Bye-Laws constitute the contract of indemnity insurance between the Association and Members and Joint Members.&amp;nbsp; These Bye-Laws take effect from 20 February 2012.&amp;nbsp;
Carriage of Steel&amp;nbsp;
Members considering carriage of the following types of steel:&amp;nbsp;
Hot rolled steel in coils or bundlesCold rolled steel in coils, packs or bundlesGalvanised steelStai ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-34-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
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      <title>Australia - Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Industry Passage Plan - Updated</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Australia---Great-Barrier-Reef-and-Torres-Strait-Industry-Passage-Plan---Updated/</link>
      <description>The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has recently published an updated Industry Passage Plan covering the mandatory coastal pilotage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
Although compliance with the Industry Passage Plan is not obligatory, AMSA encourages all Masters that are due to transit any of the compulsory pilotage areas in the Great Barrier Reef and/or Torres Strait to consider the recommendations when preparing their passage plans.
The&amp;nbsp;passage plan&amp;nbsp;contains a preamble, lists of standard waypoints to be followed through the compulsory pilotage areas and chartlets of the areas covered.&amp;nbsp;
The Passage Plan Preamble contains general informatio ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Australia---Great-Barrier-Reef-and-Torres-Strait-Industry-Passage-Plan---Updated/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Intercargo Guide for the Safe Loading of Nickel Ore</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Intercargo-Guide-for-the-Safe-Loading-of-Nickel-Ore/</link>
      <description>The sinking of “Vinalines Queen” in December 2011 while on passage from Morowali, Indonesia to Ningde, China was a tragic reminder of the risks associated with the carriage of nickel ore. Within the space of 14 months, 4 vessels and 66 lives have been lost.
In addition to the discussions being held at IMO and the action taken by the International Group of P&amp;amp;I Clubs, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has produced a useful Guide for the Safe Loading of Nickel Ore. The Guide aims to help masters, ship operators and other industry stakeholders understand the problems and apply the necessary safeguards.
Members are reminded that they are required to cont ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Intercargo-Guide-for-the-Safe-Loading-of-Nickel-Ore/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 33 2011/2012 - Renewals 2012/2013</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-32-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs
RENEWALS 2012/2013&amp;nbsp;
CLASS 1 (P &amp;amp; I)
We refer to Notice to Members No 25 dated November 2011.&amp;nbsp; This Notice provides an update.
1.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;INTERNATIONAL GROUP POOLING AND&amp;nbsp;REINSURANCE&amp;nbsp;2012/2013
For 2012 the individual Club retention is to remain unchanged at $8&amp;nbsp;million each vessel each incident.&amp;nbsp; The Pool retention will also remain unchanged at $60&amp;nbsp;million.&amp;nbsp; The first layer of the Group’s excess of loss reinsurance programme for $500&amp;nbsp;million will take effect at this figure, but the Pool will co-insure 25% of risks within the layer.&amp;nbsp; ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-32-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Immigration Fines and Filipino Seafarers</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Immigration-Fines-and-Filipino-Seafarers/</link>
      <description>Previously the Club has published a number of news articles regarding fines levied in the case of seafarers joining or departing vessels in Brazil with a Seaman’s book issued by a country that has not ratified either ILO convention No. 108 or No. 185, or without a valid Brazilian visa in their passport.
Club correspondents Brazil P&amp;amp;I, Santos have advised that as of 19 January 2012, the Philippines has ratified ILO convention No. 185. Therefore Filipino seafarers may now sign on to and be repatriated from vessels in Brazil using their Seaman’s book, and no longer need to obtain a Brazilian visa.
Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Immigration-Fines-and-Filipino-Seafarers/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 32 2011/2012 - Iran Sanctions - Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-32-201120121/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,&amp;nbsp;

Iran Sanctions – Update&amp;nbsp;
Background&amp;nbsp;
On 23 January 2012 The European Union Foreign Affairs Council agreed to introduce further measures impacting on trade that would or could support the furtherance of the Government of Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Specifically the Council has introduced new measures to prohibit the trade and transportation of crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products. The new measures are set out in Council Decision 2012/35 on Iran and it is anticipated will be incorporated in a Council Regulation. The text of the Council Decision can be found at:&amp;nbsp;
http://eur-lex.europa.eu ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-32-201120121/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mobile Website Launched - List of Correspondents now electronic</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Mobile-Website-Launched/</link>
      <description>The West of England has launched a new mobile version of the Club website, enabling easier access to important information whilst on the move.
The new site offers a slimmed down version of our desktop site but retains the key elements essential for mobile users:

Contacts – quick access to contact details for staff in all of our offices
Correspondents – full contact information for the Club’s network of correspondents
Vessel Search – up-to-date search of vessels currently entered in the Club
Publications – latest news and Notices

The new site is designed to work with a wide variety of devices and phones including iPhones, Android smartphones and BlackBerrys. Mobile devices are a ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Mobile-Website-Launched/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Safety Alert - Zinc Concentrate from Bar, Montenegro</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Zinc-Concentrate-from-Bar-Montenegro/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Safety Alert has just been published:
Zinc Concentrate from Bar, Montenegro</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Zinc-Concentrate-from-Bar-Montenegro/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 31 2011/2012 - US Voyages - Carriage of Persistent Oil - Application of 50% Rebate on Voyage Premium</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-31-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
US Voyages – Carriage of Persistent Oil - Application of 50% Rebate on Voyage Premium
Members are reminded of the requirement to disclose to the Club on a quarterly basis any US voyages involving tank vessels together with the nature and, in the case of cargoes of persistent oil, the quantity of the cargo carried on each such US voyage, for the purposes of the additional premium system for tankers carrying persistent oil to or from the United States.
Members are requested to note that the voyage premium for voyages involving the loading or discharging of persistent oil as cargo solely at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) o ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-31-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Standard and Poor's</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Standard-and-Poors/</link>
      <description>Standard and Poor’s have advised the Managers that they have lowered the West of England’s public information rating from BBBpi to BBpi. &amp;nbsp;The Managers believe this action is surprising and unwarranted for the following reasons:-

The West of England is not interactively rated by S&amp;amp;P. An unsolicited pi rating is based solely on published information with the result that S&amp;amp;P are relying primarily on published data from the Club’s Report and Accounts dated February 2011 which evidenced stronger financial performance than 12 months earlier. Additional up-to-date data could not be considered due to the nature of a pi rating.
AM Best, the Club’s interactive rating agency since  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Standard-and-Poors/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turkey - Environmental Pollution Fines - Updated</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Environmental-Pollution-Fines---Updated/</link>
      <description>The Club continues to encounter instances of vessels being fined in Turkish waters for pollution by substances other than oil. Section 8 of the Turkish Environmental Code 1983 states (in part) that:
“It is prohibited, to introduce into, store in, transport to or remove from the receptor area any discharge or waste in such a way as to inflict damage on the environment or in a way directly or indirectly in contradiction with the standards and methods specified in the pertinent regulations, or to engage in similar activities”.
This provision is widely interpreted and rigorously enforced, to the extent that vessels have even been fined for pumping out clean ballast water. Ships at anchor o ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Environmental-Pollution-Fines---Updated/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 30 2011/2012 - Class 1 &amp; Class 2 - Rules Changes for 2012</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-30-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Notice to Members
NOTICE is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association will be held at 1000 hours on Wednesday, 8 February 2012 in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, 20354 Hamburg, Germany for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following SPECIAL Resolution:
SPECIAL RESOLUTION
THAT alterations to certain Rules of Class 1 and Class 2 (as hereafter set out with commentary) be made to take effect from noon GMT on 20 February 2012:-
INTRODUCTION
Unless stated otherwise, those parts of the 2011 Rules where it is proposed that changes are made are attached with the changes m ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-30-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turkey - Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Order Regulations</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Turkish-Straits-Maritime-Traffic-Order-Regulations/</link>
      <description>Vitsan Mümessillik ve Müşavirlik A.Ş, Istanbul, have provided the Club with a free translation of the new “Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Order Regulations Enforcement Directives”.
Members are advised to ensure that their vessels transiting the Turkish Straits are aware of and comply with the regulatory requirements and that vessels of 500 GT or more, and those engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods, are able to provide documentary evidence that they have P&amp;amp;I cover in place.
Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Turkish-Straits-Maritime-Traffic-Order-Regulations/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 29 2011/2012 - US Pollution California - Changes in Certificates of Financial Responsibility (COFRs) Requirements</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-29-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
US PollutionCalifornia – Changes in Certificates of Financial Responsibility [COFRs] Requirements
Members are requested to note that the Californian (CA) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) has recently amended the relevant provisions in the CA Code of Regulations (CCR) on evidence of financial security and renewal procedures for CA Certificates of Financial Responsibility (COFRs).
The amendments include a requirement for tank and non-tank vessels entering CA marine waters during the 30 day post renewal period from 20th February to submit their Certificate of Entry (CoE) for the new policy year within three working days prior to ente ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-29-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/China-Pollution-Regulations/</link>
      <description>The Managers are pleased to announce that a new website page has been developed to assist Members in complying with these Regulations by providing reference materials and the latest news and information on what has been a rapidly changing situation in China.
The webpage can be found by following the link on the website home page or by clicking here.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/China-Pollution-Regulations/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 28 2011/2012 - Regulations of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships – UPDATE</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-28-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
Regulations of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships – UPDATE
Members are referred to the Association’s circular No 26 2011/2012 of December 2011.
Matters have developed significantly and rapidly in the PRC over the past two weeks.&amp;nbsp; The International Group (IG) has liaised further with the China MSA, various ship pollution response organisations (SPROs), shipowners and other interested parties in order to clarify a number of issues and to work towards ensuring, so far as possible, that there are suitable contractual arrangements in place to permit Members to be ab ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-28-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>U.S. Proposed Legislation Introducing Restrictive Trade Measures on Ships Calling at U.S. Ports: Iran, North Korea, and Syria Sanctions Consolidation Act of 2011</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/US-Proposed-Legislation-Introducing-Restrictive-Trade-Measures-on-Ships-Calling-at-US-Ports-Iran-North-Korea-and-Syria-Sanctions-Consolidation-Act-of-2011/</link>
      <description>This report alerts members to the U.S. Government's legislative proposals which are likely to introduce tougher measures in support of trade embargoes on Iran, Syria and North Korea.
The measure most directly impacting the shipping industry is a proposed new "180 day rule," which provides that vessels may not knowingly call at any port in the United States to load or unload cargo or engage in the trade of goods or services if the vessel previously entered a port in Iran, North Korea, or Syria during the 180-day period preceding the arrival of the vessel in the United States.
This proposal, which is similar to current US policy for Cuba, has passed the House of Representatives and could ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/US-Proposed-Legislation-Introducing-Restrictive-Trade-Measures-on-Ships-Calling-at-US-Ports-Iran-North-Korea-and-Syria-Sanctions-Consolidation-Act-of-2011/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 27 2011/2012 - Directive 2009/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the Insurance of Shipowners for Maritime Claims ("Insurance Directive")</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-27-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
Directive 2009/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the Insurance of Shipowners for Maritime Claims (“Insurance Directive”)
Members have previously been advised that EU Member States are required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the EU Insurance Directive before 1&amp;nbsp;January 2012.&amp;nbsp;
The Insurance Directive requires shipowners of ships having a gross tonnage (gt) of 300 or greater to maintain insurance to cover maritime claims subject to limitation under the Protocol of 1996 to Amend the International Convention on Limitation ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-27-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A.M. Best Rating Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/AM-Best-Rating-Update/</link>
      <description>Specialist insurance rating agency A.M. Best has this week re-affirmed the financial strength rating of West of England at A- (“Excellent”), negative outlook.&amp;nbsp; The rating acknowledges “WOE’s excellent risk-adjusted capitalisation and its legal right to make supplementary calls to its members, as well as its good business profile”&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Best expect the Club to show an underwriting loss of US$15 million at 20 February 2012 compared with US$37 million for the previous year and that the investment environment will remain volatile.
Despite an adverse economic environment and continuing uncertainty in investment markets the Club’s invested assets have remained at substantially the  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/AM-Best-Rating-Update/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - New Vessel General Permit Proposals</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---New-Vessel-General-Permit-Proposals/</link>
      <description>The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently redrafted the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for public review and comment. The new VGP will replace the existing 2008 VGP when the latter expires on 19 December 2013.
The proposed changes include the following:

The addition of fish hold effluent to the 26 vessel discharges covered by the present permit 
Numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels
More stringent effluent limits for oil to sea interfaces and for exhaust gas scrubber wash water
The authorisation of electronic record keeping
A single annual report in place of the one time report and the annual non-compliance report

In addition, a Small  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---New-Vessel-General-Permit-Proposals/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - Vessel General Permit One Time Report Submission Deadlines</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---Vessel-General-Permit-One-Time-Report-Submission-Deadlines/</link>
      <description>Further to the Club’s news article regarding the submission of Vessel General Permit One Time Reports via the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online reporting system, there has been a change in the deadline for the submission of reports for vessels which obtained Vessel General Permit (VGP) coverage on or prior to 19 September 2009. The original deadline was 19 December 2011. However, due to problems with the EPA’s preferred online report system, the deadline has been extended and reports may now be submitted by the 6 February 2012 at the latest.
For vessels that obtained VGP coverage after 19 September 2009, the One Time Report must be submitted between 30 to 36 months later. The ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---Vessel-General-Permit-One-Time-Report-Submission-Deadlines/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Safety Alert - Barytes - Danger of Liquefaction</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Barytes---Danger-of-Liquefaction/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Safety Alert has just been published:
Barytes - Danger of Liquefaction</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Barytes---Danger-of-Liquefaction/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Testing of Refrigerant Gas to Detect Chlorine Contamination</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Testing-of-Refrigerant-Gas-to-Detect-Chlorine/</link>
      <description>Following the Club’s news article Explosions involving Refrigerated Containers Serviced in Vietnam advising that a number of refrigerated containers have exploded due to the use of contaminated refrigerant gas containing chlorine, Cambridge Refrigeration Technology have now published a Guide to Flame Testing R-134a for Chlorine Contamination.
As the source of the contaminated refrigerant gas has not yet been determined, Members are advised to ensure that stocks of R-134a on their vessels, and subsequently delivered on board, are tested for chlorine contamination at the earliest opportunity. Vessels should ensure that the safety precautions set out in the Guide are followed. If gas conta ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Testing-of-Refrigerant-Gas-to-Detect-Chlorine/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 26 2011/2012 - Regulation of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-26-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships 
Background
We refer Members to previous circulars on the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (“the Regulations”), and the postponement of the requirement that owners/operators of (a) any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or (b) any other ship above 10,000 gt enter into a pollution clean-up contract with a Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) approved pollution response company before the ship enters a PRC port.
Members were previously ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-26-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Bulletin - Asian Gypsy Moth</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---Asian-Gypsy-Moth/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention&amp;nbsp;Bulletin has just been published:
Asian Gypsy Moth</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Bulletin---Asian-Gypsy-Moth/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>STCW - Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/STCW---Manila-Amendments-to-the-STCW-Convention-and-Code/</link>
      <description>In June 2010 significant changes to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers) Convention and Code were agreed at an IMO Diplomatic Conference in Manila in order to bring the Convention and Code up to date with new developments. These changes, known as “The Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code” are due to enter into force on 1 January 2012 and are the first major revisions since the Convention and Code were updated in 1995.
The IMO has advised that amongst the amendments adopted, the important changes include:&amp;nbsp;

Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluatio ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/STCW---Manila-Amendments-to-the-STCW-Convention-and-Code/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SOLAS - Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Amendments-to-the-International-Maritime-Solid-Bulk-Cargoes-IMSBC-Code1/</link>
      <description>On 20 May 2011, the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) Maritime Safety Committee at its eighty-ninth session adopted Resolution MSC.(318)89 regarding amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. Contracting governments may apply the new requirements, in whole or in part, on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2012. Compliance with the amendments becomes mandatory on 1 January 2013.
As a result of changes in world trade, new solid bulk cargoes with their own particular hazards are often introduced and presented for shipment. Similarly, some cargoes that were previously only shipped in very limited quantities and were not included in the IMSBC Code are ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Amendments-to-the-International-Maritime-Solid-Bulk-Cargoes-IMSBC-Code1/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SOLAS - Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code - Reminder</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Amendments-to-the-International-Maritime-Dangerous-Goods-IMDG-Code---Reminder/</link>
      <description>On 21 May 2010, the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) Maritime Safety Committee at its eighty-seventh session adopted the amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code contained in Resolution MSC.294(87). Contracting governments have been able to apply the new requirements, in whole or in part, on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2011. Compliance with the amendments becomes mandatory on 1 January 2012.
Of the many changes to the IMDG Code, those of particular interest include:

A number of new entries for calcium hypochlorite (UNs 3485, 3486 and 3487, Class 5.1). This commodity has led to a number of severe fires on board vessels¹.
A new entry for  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Amendments-to-the-International-Maritime-Dangerous-Goods-IMDG-Code---Reminder/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 25 2011/2012 - Renewals 2012/2013</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-25-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
RENEWALS 2012/2013
1. CLASS 1 (P &amp;amp; I)
a) Advance Call Rates / Time-Charter Fixed Premium Adjustments 2012/2013
The Executive Committee on behalf of the Board has considered the likely level of claims for the forthcoming policy year and the basis on which both mutual premium rates and time-charter fixed premium rates should be set for all Members for 2012.
It is anticipated that the cost of claims for 2012 will continue to increase as compared with the current year and that investment returns during the next financial will remain modest. The Committee therefore decided that, in order that future premium levels reflect the  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-25-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MARPOL Annex VI - Reduction of the Fuel Oil Sulphur Limit</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL-Annex-VI---Reduction-of-the-Fuel-Oil-Sulphur-Limit/</link>
      <description>Members are reminded that an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI is due to enter into force on 1 January 2012 which will further reduce the emission of sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter. As of that date, vessels operating worldwide will be required to use fuel oil with a sulphur content of not more that 3.5% m/m by weight in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI regulation 14.1.2. When vessels are within Emission Control Areas (ECAs) or jurisdictions where more onerous regulatory requirements are in place, vessels must also comply with the stricter fuel oil sulphur limits as applicable.
MARPOL Annex VI allows vessels to comply with the regulations by using either fuel oil with a sulphur co ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL-Annex-VI---Reduction-of-the-Fuel-Oil-Sulphur-Limit/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turkey - New Fuel Oil Sulphur Regulations</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---New-Fuel-Oil-Sulphur-Regulations/</link>
      <description>From 1 January 2012, new regulations concerning limits on the sulphur content of fuel oil used by vessels in Turkish ports and waters and on board Turkish flagged vessels will enter into force.
Information published by the Turkish Chamber of Shipping and the Turkish General Directorate of Marine Transport suggests that the forthcoming requirements will be as follows:

All vessels either alongside in Turkish ports or sailing within inland waterways shall use fuel oil containing not more than 0.1% sulphur by mass.
All passenger vessels engaged on regular routes shall, whilst within Turkish territorial waters, use fuel oil containing not more than 1.5% sulphur by mass.
Turkish flagged  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---New-Fuel-Oil-Sulphur-Regulations/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 24 2011/2012 - Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-24-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from ShipsWe refer Members to previous circulars on the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (“the Regulations”), and&amp;nbsp;the postponement of the requirement that owners/operators of (a) any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or (b) any other vessel above 10,000 gt enter into a pollution clean up contract with a Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) approved pollution response company before the vessel enters a PRC port.
Members were previously info ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-24-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Egypt - Carriage of Armed Guards, Weapons and Ammunition through the Suez Canal</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Armed-Guards-Weapons-and-Ammunition-through-the-Suez-Canal/</link>
      <description>In August 2011 the Egyptian Ministry of Defence announced a prohibition on the carriage of armed guards, weapons and ammunition on vessels transiting the Suez Canal. However, the requirements were not enforced at the time due to discussions with other Egyptian authorities regarding the possible negative impact of such regulations on the volume of shipping using the Suez Canal.
The Club has been advised by Egyptian Marine Insurance Consultations and Services (EMICS), Alexandria that the regulations have since been amended. Vessels are now permitted to transit the Suez Canal with armed guards, weapons and ammunition on board, provided a letter endorsed by the vessel’s flag state is submit ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Egypt---Carriage-of-Armed-Guards-Weapons-and-Ammunition-through-the-Suez-Canal/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MARPOL - Oil Record Book Entries - Further Revised Guidance</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Oil-Record-Book-Entries---Further-Revised-Guidance/</link>
      <description>Although updated only recently, the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee’s “Guidance for the Recording of Operations in the Oil Record Book Part 1 – Machinery Space Operations (All Ships)” contained in MEPC.1/Circ.736/Rev.01 has been revoked and replaced by a new revised edition: MEPC.1/Circ.736/Rev.02.
The new revised guidance is intended to ensure compliance with MARPOL requirements for making entries in the Oil Record Book (ORB) Part 1 – Machinery Space Operations, and includes examples of ORB entries showing the correct use of the different codes and item numbers, along with explanatory notes.
Members are advised to forward the IMO guidance document to their vessels to ensur ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Oil-Record-Book-Entries---Further-Revised-Guidance/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Explosions involving Refrigerated Containers Serviced in Vietnam</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Explosions-involving-Refrigerated-Containers-Serviced-in-Vietnam/</link>
      <description>The Club has received information regarding problems with refrigerated containers serviced in Vietnam between late March and late April 2011. At least four refrigerated containers have exploded leading to a number of fatalities. Although all incidents to date have occurred after discharge or prior to loading, the possibility of further explosions ashore and afloat cannot be ruled out.
The precise cause has not yet been identified, but it is suspected that the containers affected may have been recharged with suspect refrigerant gas during servicing. One theory is that the refrigerant may have contained methyl chloride which, after reacting with the aluminium inside the compressor, formed ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Explosions-involving-Refrigerated-Containers-Serviced-in-Vietnam/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - Vessel General Permit One Time Report</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---Vessel-General-Permit-One-Time-Report/</link>
      <description>Members trading vessels to the United States will be aware that the Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulations require them to submit a “one time report” to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for each of their vessels between 30 to 36 months after obtaining permit coverage.
Although it has been possible to submit the one time report in hard copy, the EPA strongly recommends the use of its online reporting system. However, the system has been experiencing problems and has only become fully operational very recently.
As the electronic reporting system is now working, Members with vessels trading to the United States who have not done so already are urged to submit their one time repo ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---Vessel-General-Permit-One-Time-Report/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Amazon and Pará Rivers Ballast Water Regulations</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Amazon-and-Para-Rivers-Ballast-Water-Regulations/</link>
      <description>Since October 2005 it has been mandatory for all vessels planning to discharge ballast water in Brazilian ports and terminals to conduct a ballast water exchange whilst on passage. There is also an additional requirement for vessels proceeding to ports or terminals in the Amazon and Pará Rivers to conduct a second ballast water exchange at prescribed locations in order to reduce the salinity of the ballast water. Certain vessels are exempt, including warships, vessels with sealed ballast tanks not subject to discharge and ships whose design characteristics do not allow ballast exchange.
However, the Club has been advised by Brazmar Marine Services Ltda than an increasing number of eligi ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Amazon-and-Para-Rivers-Ballast-Water-Regulations/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turkey - Stowaways</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Stowaways/</link>
      <description>The Club has been advised by Kalimbassieris Maritime, Istanbul, of a significant&amp;nbsp;increase in the number of persons attempting to stowaway on vessels calling at Turkish ports.
Turkey is the natural crossing point into Europe for refugees and economic migrants from Syria, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. However, due to the high level of security at Turkish border points, they often find that a land crossing into Europe is not possible. Therefore they may look for other ways to reach their intended destination.
Due to the&amp;nbsp;significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants attempting to cross into Europe, there has been a corresponding rise in stowaway attempts from Turkish por ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Turkey---Stowaways/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Withdrawal of Concession regarding the Transit of Filipino Seafarers through Brazilian Ports</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Withdrawal-of-Concession-regarding-the-Transit-of-Filipino-Seafarers-through-Brazilian-Ports2/</link>
      <description>Further to our news article of 26 September 2011 concerning “Brazil – Withdrawal of the Restriction on the Transit of Filipino Seafarers through Brazilian Ports”, Santos correspondent Brazil P&amp;amp;I has now advised that the Federal Police have withdrawn the concession that allowed the unrestricted movement of Filipino seafarers through Brazilian ports.
Members are therefore advised to follow the guidance contained in our news article dated 13 April 2011 “Brazil – Immigration Fines – Further Update” as all seafarers not in possession of a Seaman’s Book issued by a country that has ratified either ILO Convention No.108 or No.185 will need a valid Brazilian Visa in order to join or leave a ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Withdrawal-of-Concession-regarding-the-Transit-of-Filipino-Seafarers-through-Brazilian-Ports2/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy - Revised IMO Guidance on the use of Armed Security Personnel in the High Risk Area</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-IMO-Guidance-on-the-use-of-Armed-Security-Personnel-in-the-High-Risk-Area/</link>
      <description>The IMO has recently published MSC.1/Circ.1405/Rev.1 “Revised Interim Guidance to Shipowners, Ship Operators, and Shipmasters on the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) on Board Ships in the High Risk Area”.
At the same time as providing comprehensive guidance on the use of PCASP the IMO emphasises that the employment of PCASP should not be regarded as an alternative to Best Management Practices and other protective measures, and that the use of PCASP should only be considered after a full risk assessment has been completed.
Members planning to employ PCASP are reminded that they should send a draft copy of the proposed employment agreement to the Club for revi ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-IMO-Guidance-on-the-use-of-Armed-Security-Personnel-in-the-High-Risk-Area/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - California Air Resources Board Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule - Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Air-Resources-Board-Amendments-to-the-Ocean-Gonig-Vessels-Fuel-Rule---Update/</link>
      <description>Further to our news article of 23 September 2011 entitled “USA – California Air Resources Board Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessel Fuel Rule”, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has now issued an update concerning the implementation of the new requirements.
The administrative process to bring the amendments into effect is in progress, and CARB expects that the legally effective date of the new requirements will be between 28 October 2011 and 27 November 2011. In order to provide vessels and owners with sufficient lead time to comply with the new requirements, CARB will begin to enforce the amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule on 1 December 2011.
Members are therefor ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Air-Resources-Board-Amendments-to-the-Ocean-Gonig-Vessels-Fuel-Rule---Update/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Philippines - Terrorist Attacks in Surigao</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Philippines---Terrorist-Attacks-in-Surigao/</link>
      <description>Translations: Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Manila correspondents Pandiman advise that terrorists, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, have reportedly attacked two mining companies in Claver town in northern Surigao. Several hostages are thought to have been taken, and tugs and landing craft used by the mining companies are said to have been destroyed. Ports in this region are used to export nickel ore.
Members planning to fix or send vessels to load nickel ore in Surigao, Philippines are advised to contact Pandiman for the latest information before doing so.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Philippines---Terrorist-Attacks-in-Surigao/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Press Release</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Press-Release/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
London, 27th September – The West of England P&amp;amp;I Club, a leading International Group Club, held its AGM in Luxembourg on September 21st and is pleased to report that at mid-year its Policy Year balances reflect the continuing stability of prior years and that claims for the current Policy Year (2011) are developing within forecasts.
As a result of measures taken at the February 2011 renewal, claims costs are forecast to be significantly lower than for 2010. In particular, as a result of changes in business underwritten at and since the renewal, the Club has less exposure to long tail personal injury claims which is expected to reflect p ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Press-Release/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 22 2011/2012 - Class 1 (P&amp;I) Policy Year Balances and Mid-Year Financial Update August 2011</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-22-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
CLASS 1 (P&amp;amp;I) POLICY YEAR BALANCES AND MID-YEAR FINANCIAL UPDATE AUGUST 2011
At their meeting on 21 September 2011 the Board reviewed the latest policy year balances as at August 2011 compared with the position at February 2011 and the Club’s overall financial position at mid-year.
CLOSED POLICY YEARS (2008 AND PRIOR)&amp;nbsp;
Since February 2011 there has been no significant movement in the projected cost of claims for all closed years either for the Club’s Members or for the Pool.
OPEN POLICY YEARS
2009/2010
The 2009 policy year continues to develop with a lower frequency of claims than in prior years and with fewer larg ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-22-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Withdrawal of the Restriction on the Transit of Filipino Seafarers through Brazilian Ports</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Withdrawal-of-the-Restriction-on-the-Transit-of-Filipino-Seafarers-through-Brazilian-Ports/</link>
      <description>Further to previous news articles regarding restrictions in Brazil on the movement of seafarers that do not possess a Seaman’s Book issued by a country that has ratified either ILO Convention No.108 or 185, the requirements have now been partly relaxed.
Santos correspondents Brazil P&amp;amp;I have advised that, according to reports, the General Co-ordination of the Immigration Affairs in Brasilia has revoked all restrictions on the movement of Filipino seafarers through Brazilian ports, even though the Philippines has ratified neither of the ILO Conventions.
The result of this change is that Filipino seafarers may now join and sign off vessels, or proceed ashore using their Seaman’s Book  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Withdrawal-of-the-Restriction-on-the-Transit-of-Filipino-Seafarers-through-Brazilian-Ports/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy - Industry Guidance on Citadels &amp; Revised International Group FAQs</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-International-Group-FAQs/</link>
      <description>Translations: Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Industry Guidance Relating to the Construction and Use of Citadels
Detailed information on the construction and use of citadels has been produced by the shipping industry organisations who are signatories of Best Management Practice (BMP) with support from EUNAVFOR, CMF, NATO and UKMTO.
The document is entitled “Guidance Relating to the Construction and Use of Citadels in Waters Affected by Somali Piracy” and may be downloaded from the secure section of the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) website.
Members may also contact the Loss Prevention department if they would prefer to receive a copy by email.
Piracy – Revised International G ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-International-Group-FAQs/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - California Air Resources Board Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Air-Resources-Board-Amendments-to-the-Ocean-Going-Vessels-Fuel-Rule/</link>
      <description>As Members are aware, the State of California has in force strict regulatory requirements concerning the type and sulphur content of fuel used by vessels within State waters. These are set out in the “Fuel Sulphur and Other Operational Requirements for Ocean Going Vessels within California Waters and 24 Nautical Miles of the California Baseline” regulation, more commonly referred to as the “Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule”. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has recently published Marine Notice 2011-1 advising of amendments to this regulation.
The amendments were endorsed by CARB in June 2011 and, subject to review and approval by the California Office of Administrative Law, may en ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---California-Air-Resources-Board-Amendments-to-the-Ocean-Going-Vessels-Fuel-Rule/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Itajaí Port Situation Following Heavy Rains</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Itajai-Port-Situation-Following-Heavy-Rains/</link>
      <description>Club Correspondents Brazil P&amp;amp;I, Santos have issued a circular entitled “Itajaí – Port Situation After Weeks of Heavy Rains” advising of a number of problems in the Rio Itajaí-Acu port complex and the Itajaí-Acu river following weeks of heavy rain which have flooded approximately 40% of the city.
The heavy rains are causing the river to flow at speeds of up to 10 knots. Operations in the port have been suspended and vessels are either being diverted to other ports or are waiting outside.
At present, damage to infrastructure appears to be limited to subsidence at Berth 1 operated by APM Terminals. Since areas of the river valley have also been flooded it is possible that sediment may ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Itajai-Port-Situation-Following-Heavy-Rains/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy - Kidnap and Ransom Insurance</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Kidnap-and-Ransom-Insurance/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Given the ever increasing problem that piracy presents, we are pleased to announce the relaunch of our facility which is designed to assist those members wishing to purchase Kidnap and Ransom insurance.
For more information please see:
http://www.westpandi.com/About-Us/Underwriting/Piracy---Kidnap-Ransom-/
&amp;nbsp;</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Kidnap-and-Ransom-Insurance/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trinidad and Tobago – Offshore Curfew Zone</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Trinidad-and-Tobago--Offshore-Curfew-Zone/</link>
      <description>On 21 August 2011 the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency in response to drug trafficking concerns and imposed a curfew which is currently in force between 2300-0400 hours in many towns and cities. On 14 September 2011 Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that the curfew has now been extended to cover the coastal waters of Trinidad and Tobago up to 3 miles offshore. The same curfew hours apply.
It is understood that discussions are taking place as to how the curfew will apply to commercial vessels, but until the situation becomes clearer, Members are advised to contact local P&amp;amp;I correspondent Teal Pandi &amp;amp; Marine Services Limited for the lat ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Trinidad-and-Tobago--Offshore-Curfew-Zone/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 21 2011/2012 - Sanctions in Respect of Syria</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-21-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs, Sanctions in Respect of Syria A number of economic sanctions have been in place for some time in the United States and in the European Union in relation to Syria. The scope of those sanctions has been recently extended and this Notice provides an update on the current position.United States Sanctions Property and all interests in property belonging to the Syrian Government and/or certain designated individuals and entities have been frozen. The individuals and entities concerned have been listed in the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list maintained by the United States Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). The OFAC list is not exhaustive, because an entity or  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-21-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 20 2011/2012 - Sanctions in Respect of Libya</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-20-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs, Sanctions in Respect of Libya As result of the regime change in most of Libya, the European Union has removed a number of entities from its sanctions list. These include the ports of Tripoli, Al Khoms, Brega, Ras Lanuf, Zawia and Zuwara together with a number of banks and oil companies. Details of the entities removed from the list can be found on HM Treasury’s UK website at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/fin_sanc_councilreg_eu_872.pdfEuropean Union sanctions remain in place in respect of certain individuals and entities in Libya and that list can be found in the Consolidated List of all such individuals and entities on HM UK Treasury’s website at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/sanction ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-20-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 19 2011/2012 - Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement 1996</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-19-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs,
Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement 1996 (as amended September 2011)
The Inter-Club New York Produce Exchange Agreement, which was first formulated and entered into by Clubs in 1970 (the ICA), provides a relatively simple mechanism whereby liability for cargo claims arising under New York Produce Exchange Form (NYPE) or Asbatime charterparties and / or contracts of carriage authorised under such charterparties, can be swiftly and fairly apportioned between Owners and Charterers. The purpose behind the development of the ICA was to avoid costly and protracted litigation.
The ICA, since its inception, has been amended on two occasions. ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-19-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MARPOL - Oil Record Book Entries - Revised Guidance</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Oil-Record-Book-Entries---Revised-Guidance/</link>
      <description>At a recent meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee MEPC.1/Circ.736/Rev.01 “Guidance for the Recording of Operations in the Oil Record Book Part 1 – Machinery Space Operations (All Ships)” was approved and published, replacing MEPC.1/Circ.736.
The revised guidance is intended to ensure compliance with MARPOL requirements for making entries in the Oil Record Book (ORB) Part 1 – Machinery Space Operations, and includes examples of ORB entries showing the correct use of the different codes and item numbers, along with explanatory notes.
Members are advised to promulgate the IMO guidance document to their vessels to ensure compliance with MARPOL requirements regarding  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Oil-Record-Book-Entries---Revised-Guidance/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Safety Alert - Passage Planning in Confined Waters and Traffic Separation Schemes</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Passage-Planning-in-Confined-Waters-and-Traffic-Separation-Schemes/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Safety Alert has just been published:
Passage Planning in Confined Waters and Traffic Separation Schemes</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---Passage-Planning-in-Confined-Waters-and-Traffic-Separation-Schemes/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 18 2011/2012 - US Pollution NRC and MSRC - MSRC Addendum Concerning Use of Dispersants</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-18-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
US PollutionNRC and MSRC – MSRC Addendum Concerning Use of Dispersants
Tank Vessel Owners
Members will be aware that United States Coast Guard regulations now require vessel response plans for tank vessels to include an oil spill response organisation (“OSRO”) capable of applying dispersants by air as part of a clean up operation. Pending finalisation of the implementation of these regulations both main OSROs – National Response Corporation (NRC) and Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) – received permission to have their customers’ plans continue without a dispersant capability until 21 August 2011. This period has now been extended to 30 September 2011.&amp;nbsp; From thi ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-18-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MARPOL - New Guidelines for the Carriage of Bulk Blends of Petroleum Oil and Bio-Fuels</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Blends-of-Petroleum-Oil-and-Bio-Fuels/</link>
      <description>The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee has recently approved the “2011 Guidelines for the Carriage of Blends of Petroleum Oil and Bio-Fuels”. The new guidelines, contained in the Annex to MEPC.1/Circ.761, are effective from 1 September 2011, when they will replace the existing interim guidelines.
The carriage provisions are based on the volumetric composition of the bio-fuel blend; products containing 75% or more petroleum oil are to be carried in accordance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex I, products containing more than 1% but less than 75% petroleum oil are to be carried in accordance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex II and the conditions detailed in the guideline ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/MARPOL---Blends-of-Petroleum-Oil-and-Bio-Fuels/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention - MARS Reports</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention---MARS-Reports/</link>
      <description>The Club is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Nautical Institute’s Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme (MARS).
The scheme is a confidential arrangement whereby maritime personnel can submit reports concerning dangerous occurrences, near misses and accidents anonymously to the Nautical Institute for&amp;nbsp;publication in the monthly MARS Reports.
MARS reports are intended as a loss prevention tool whereby personnel&amp;nbsp;involved in marine activities can learn lessons from previous incidents and hopefully avoid the occurrence of similar&amp;nbsp;events in the future.
Monthly MARS reports will be added to the MARS Reports section of the website once published, however, the MARS da ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention---MARS-Reports/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 17 2011/2012 - Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-17-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from ShipsWe refer Members to previous circulars on the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (“the Regulations”), and&amp;nbsp;the postponement of the requirement that owners/operators of (a) any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or (b) any other vessel above 10,000 gt enter into a pollution clean up contract with a Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) approved pollution response company before the vessel enters a PRC port.
Members were previously informed that the MSA Notice issued on 20 May 2011  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-17-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy Update - Best Management Practices Version 4 Published</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy-Update---Best-Management-Practices-Version-4-Published/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Following further consultation with industry, the fourth edition of “Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy” (BMP4) has now been published. The amendments were made with the involvement and support of the International Group of P&amp;amp;I Clubs.
The contents of BMP4 have been updated to include:

Expanded&amp;nbsp;reporting requirements for liaison with Naval/Military forces
Company and ship Master’s planning sections in a checklist format
Further advice on the use of ship protection measures
Additional guidance on the use of citadels
A copy of the MSCHOA Vessel Movement Registration Form
Additional advice for ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy-Update---Best-Management-Practices-Version-4-Published/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 16 2011/2012 - US Pollution MSRC - Agreement Concerning Use of Dispersants</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-16-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
US Pollution: MSRC – Agreement Concerning Use of Dispersants
Members will be aware that United States Coast Guard regulations now require vessel response plans for tank vessels to include an oil spill response organisation (“OSRO”) capable of applying dispersants by air as part of a clean up operation.&amp;nbsp; Pending finalisation of the fine detail of the regulations and their implementation however both main OSRO’s – NRC and MSRC – received permission to have their customers’ plans continue without a dispersant capability for a period of six months.&amp;nbsp; That period expires on 22 August 2011 and from which date operators of tank vessels must include a dispersant capability  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-16-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ivory Coast - Wheat Shortage Fines in Abidjan</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Ivory-Coast---Wheat-Shortage-Fines-in-Abidjan/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
The Club has been advised by Ivory P&amp;amp;I, Abidjan, of alleged shortages of wheat discharged in Abidjan leading to the imposition of fines by the Customs Authorities.
In&amp;nbsp;most cases the draught survey figures will show either a small surplus or a small shortage of cargo, as would be expected, however, shore figures derived from the shore scales at the two principal wheat importers in Abidjan; Les Grands Moulins d’Abidjan and Les Moulins Modernes de Côte d’Ivoire, consistently show shortages of between 40 and 160 m.t. Discrepancies have also been found between the quantities recorded by the truck weighbridge operated by the stevedores a ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Ivory-Coast---Wheat-Shortage-Fines-in-Abidjan/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Report and Accounts 2011</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Report-and-Accounts-2011/</link>
      <description>The Club’s Report and Accounts at 20 February 2011 are now available to view on this website.
As announced in the Club’s June Notice to Members, the Accounts show an increase in the free reserve to $183 million, further strengthening of reserves and an 8.7% investment return leading to an increase in investment assets to the highest level in the Club’s history.
&amp;nbsp;</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Report-and-Accounts-2011/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>USA - New Washington State Oil Pollution Notification Protocol</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---New-Washington-State-Oil-Pollution-Notification-Protocol/</link>
      <description>Washington State has advised of a change to its oil spill reporting requirements.
Previously, only actual oil spills occurring in state waters needed to be reported. However, Washington State’s Department of Ecology has announced that as from 22 July 2011, a vessel’s owner or operator must report any emergency that results in a discharge or a substantial threat of oil discharge into state waters, or that may affect the state’s natural resources, within one hour of the onset of the emergency.
The report is to be made to the Department of Ecology via Washington State’s Emergency Management Division. The amendment is intended to facilitate early action by the authorities to help mitigate  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/USA---New-Washington-State-Oil-Pollution-Notification-Protocol/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SOLAS - Evaluation of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems and the use of Fall Preventer Devices</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Evaluation-of-Lifeboat-Release-and-Retrieval-Systems-and-the-use-of-Fall-Preventer-Devices/</link>
      <description>In response to accidents resulting from the incorrect use or failure of on-load release systems on lifeboats, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has recently adopted changes to SOLAS and the Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Code in an effort to prevent such incidents.
New SOLAS Regulation III/1.5 and the amendments to Chapter IV of the LSA Code concern on-load release mechanisms fitted to new and existing cargo and passenger vessels. They are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013.
SOLAS Regulation III/1.5 also specifies other important dates:

“For ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014, on-load release and retrieval systems shall comply with the LSA Code, as amende ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/SOLAS---Evaluation-of-Lifeboat-Release-and-Retrieval-Systems-and-the-use-of-Fall-Preventer-Devices/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IMSBC Code - "Group A" Cargoes - Charter Party Clause</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/IMSBC-Code---Group-A-Cargoes---Charter-Party-Clause/</link>
      <description>Members will be familiar with the problems that have been experienced with particular cargoes classified as “Group A” in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. “Group A” cargoes may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit, and recent incidents involving nickel ore, Indian iron ore fines and Brazilian sinter feed have resulted in the International Group and the Club issuing various Notices and Alerts.
Since many of the difficulties are derived from inaccurate test certificates provided by cargo interests, it is often necessary to instruct a surveyor to take samples and send them to a reliable laboratory for analysis an ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/IMSBC-Code---Group-A-Cargoes---Charter-Party-Clause/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Port State Control - Paris and Tokyo MOUs - Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Structural Safety and Load Lines</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Port-State-Control---Paris-and-Tokyo-MOUs---Concentrated-Inspection-Campaign-on-Structural-Safety-and-Load-Lines/</link>
      <description>The Paris and Tokyo MOUs on Port State Control have announced that they will be running a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) from 1 September 2011 until 30 November 2011 covering compliance with structural safety requirements and the Load Line Convention.
Although the Concentrated Inspection Campaign is being implemented by the Member States of the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, it has been reported that States party to the Viña del Mar, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Black Sea MOUs will also be focusing on structural safety and load line compliance during Port State Control inspections while the campaign is running.
The Paris and Tokyo MOUs have advised that in the past eight years  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Port-State-Control---Paris-and-Tokyo-MOUs---Concentrated-Inspection-Campaign-on-Structural-Safety-and-Load-Lines/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Port Health Requirements in Rio de Janeiro and São Francisco do Sul</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Port-Health-Requirements-in-Rio-de-Janeiro-and-Sao-Francisco-do-Sul/</link>
      <description>Club correspondents Brazil P&amp;amp;I, Santos have advised that Brazilian legislation regarding ship’s air-conditioning systems and the control of specimens of synanthropic fauna harmful to health are being enforced by the Brazilian national health surveillance agency ANVISA in the ports of Rio de Janeiro and São Francisco do Sul.
Resolution 72, dated 29 December 2009, states as follows:
Section V - Air-conditioning Systems
Art. 60.
The components of the vessel’s air-conditioning system must be kept in a good condition of maintenance, operation, control and cleanliness.
§ 1 &amp;nbsp; The compartment containing the mixing chamber for return air and renewal air shall be for the exclusive us ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Port-Health-Requirements-in-Rio-de-Janeiro-and-Sao-Francisco-do-Sul/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>United Arab Emirates - Dubai Anchorage Regulations  </title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/United-Arab-Emirates---Dubai-Anchorage-Regulations/</link>
      <description>Club correspondents Inchcape Shipping Services, Dubai, have advised of the introduction of new anchorage areas and regulations off the coast of the Emirate extending to the edge of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has issued a Maritime Bulletin announcing the introduction of the new requirements. The bulletin also states that ships that anchor outside the approved anchorages without authorisation, or which engage in unauthorised Ship to Ship (STS) transfer or bunkering operations, will be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.
Five new approved anchorages have been specified:

Port Jebel Ali Anchorage (short term)
Port Rashid Anchorage ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/United-Arab-Emirates---Dubai-Anchorage-Regulations/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>European Union - EMSA Maritime Accident Review</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/European-Union---EMSA-Maritime-Accident-Review/</link>
      <description>The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has recently published its fourth annual&amp;nbsp;Maritime Accident Review of accidents involving commercial ships and fishing vessels within the European Union, including Norway and Iceland, during 2010. 
Although the Review does not focus on the root causes, it highlights the key points of significant accidents which occurred throughout last year and features various statistics based on the information that EMSA has received.</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/European-Union---EMSA-Maritime-Accident-Review/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Venezuela - Robbery of Anchored Vessels off Puerto la Cruz</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Venezuela---Robbery-of-Anchored-Vessels-off-Puerto-la-Cruz/</link>
      <description>Club Correspondent Venepandi, Caracas, have advised that anchored vessels are being subject to acts of robbery off Puerto la Cruz.
Vessels have been boarded and robbed when anchored in the vicinity of Barcelona City during the hours of darkness. The robbers are taking advantage of the remote location of the anchorage which is situated well away from the port, populated areas and naval assets, and a lack of onboard vigilance.
Crew members have been threatened with high calibre firearms, gagged and beaten.
It is reported that vessels proceeding to the oil terminal in Jose and other facilities in the area are being ordered by Port Control to anchor off Barcelona City. If such an instruct ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Venezuela---Robbery-of-Anchored-Vessels-off-Puerto-la-Cruz/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2011/2012 - The Bribery Act 2010</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Club-Correspondents-and-Contractors/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs The Bribery Act 2010 The following information is addressed to all West of England Correspondents but it applies equally to our relationship with all other contractors who undertake work for or provide goods or services to the West of England. If you are such a contractor we request that you read this notice.
West of England information on its Bribery Prevention Policy following the entry into force of the United Kingdom’s Bribery Act 2010 Introduction
1. Correspondents should already be aware of the guidance on anti-bribery measures issued by International Group of P&amp;amp;I Clubs in their Guidelines for Correspondents (available  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Club-Correspondents-and-Contractors/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 15 2011/2012 - Condition Surveys: Tankers Which Have Carried Heavy Fuel Oil As Cargo</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-15-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
TO ALL TANKER MEMBERS
Dear Sirs
CONDITION SURVEYS: TANKERS WHICH HAVE CARRIED HEAVY FUEL OIL AS CARGO
As in previous years and in accordance with International Group practice, the Club is required to carry out condition surveys of seagoing tankers aged 10 years or more if they have carried heavy fuel oil (HFO) as cargo during the previous policy year, unless: 

the ship has undergone a P&amp;amp;I Club condition survey during the previous 12 months; or&amp;nbsp;
the ship has undergone a class Special Survey during the previous 6 months; or
the ship is currently rated as CAP 1 or CAP 2 by an IACS classification society.Members who operate tank ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-15-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 14 2011/2012 - Sanctions In Respect Of Libya</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-14-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs 
SANCTIONS IN RESPECT OF LIBYA 
We refer to our Notice to Members No. 3 2011/2012. 
The council of the European Union has agreed by Council Decision 2011/332/CFSP on 7 June 2011 to extend the existing asset freeze to 6 port authorities in Libya and this decision will be incorporated shortly into a European Union regulation. 
The port authorities concerned are those of: 
Tripoli Al Khoms Brega Ras Lanuf Zawia Zuwara 
The practical effect will be to prohibit payment of port charges and other charges to these port authorities and hence may prevent vessels using the ports concerned.
Further details of this proposed extension by  ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-14-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine  - Fines for Dirty Ballast Water</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Ukraine---Fines-for-Dirty-Ballast-Water/</link>
      <description>The risk of vessels being fined for allegedly discharging dirty ballast water in Ukrainian ports has been highlighted in the past. However, Club correspondent Dias Marine Consulting PC, Odessa, has recently advised that such cases are now resulting in fines of between US$ 40,000 to US$ 60,000. We are therefore repeating the recommendations previously made by Dias to minimise the likelihood of ballast water samples being found to contain excessive amounts of oil, iron or suspended solid content when tested.
1.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Ballast tanks should be well maintained and coated with no loose scale or rust present in order to keep the iron content of the ballast water within accepta ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Ukraine---Fines-for-Dirty-Ballast-Water/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brazil - Ship Sanitation Control Certificates</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Ship-Sanitation-Control-Certificates/</link>
      <description>Club correspondents Representacoes Proinde (Rio) Ltda. Rio de Janeiro, have advised that fines are being imposed in certain ports in Rio de Janeiro State if vessels are unable to produce evidence that insect and rodent infestation have been subject to control procedures within the previous six months. Unlike most other countries, holding a Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate is not considered to be sufficient. Fines are not governed by a set tariff and are typically in the region of US$ 10,000.
Earlier this year the Brazilian National Sanitation Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) started to enforce Article 80 of Resolution RDC No. 72 in Itaguai, Rio de Janeiro, Arraial do Cabo and s ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Brazil---Ship-Sanitation-Control-Certificates/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Loss Prevention Safety Alert - The Risk of Scalding and Serious Injury when Working on Steam Systems</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---The-Risk-of-Scalding-and-Serious-Injury-when-Working-on-Steam-Systems/</link>
      <description>A new Loss Prevention Safety Alert has just&amp;nbsp;been published:
The Risk of Scalding and Serious Injury when Working on Steam Systems</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Loss-Prevention-Safety-Alert---The-Risk-of-Scalding-and-Serious-Injury-when-Working-on-Steam-Systems/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Financial Progress Continues Strongly at West of England</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Financial-Progress-Continues-Strongly-at-West-of-England/</link>
      <description>Following its Board meeting in Greece on May 25th, the West of England is pleased to confirm that the clear financial progress reported last year has continued strongly throughout 2010.
The Club’s strategy continues to be to concentrate on making significant progress on all financial fronts.The Report and Accounts as at 20th February 2011 will show an excellent return on investments of more than 8%, positive cash flow, improving underwriting ratios, and a continuing strengthening in the claims and IBNR provisions. The result is an increase in net assets to nearly $700 million, the highest level in the Club’s history, and in the free reserve from $169 million to $183 million. 
This figu ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Financial-Progress-Continues-Strongly-at-West-of-England/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 13 2011/2012 - Class 1 and 2 Policy Year Balances</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-13-201020111/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;


Dear Sirs
CLASS 1 AND 2 POLICY YEAR BALANCES
The Board reviewed the latest policy year positions as at February 2011 at their meeting on 25&amp;nbsp;May.
The clear financial progress reported a year ago has continued strongly during 2010.&amp;nbsp; 
Positive cash flow and a substantial investment return of more than $45&amp;nbsp;million (8.7%) on liquid assets have contributed to an 11% increase in the Club’s total net assets at year end to nearly $700&amp;nbsp;million, the highest level in the Club’s history.&amp;nbsp; 
Reflecting an improving combined ratio and reduced claims projections for 2008 and 2009 the free reserve has increased by 8% to $183&amp; ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-13-201020111/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 12 2011/2012 - Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-12-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Chinese &amp;nbsp;Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs, 
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships 
We refer Members to previous circulars on the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (“the Regulations”), and the postponement of the requirement that owners/operators of (a) any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or (b) any other vessel above 10,000 gt enter into a pollution clean up contract with a Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) approved pollution response company before the vessel enters a PRC port.
These requirements were postp ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-12-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy - Revised Guidance on the use of AIS in the High Risk Area off Somalia</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-Guidance-on-the-use-of-AIS-in-the-High-Risk-Area-off-Somalia/</link>
      <description>EUNAVFOR and NATO have recently issued revised guidance concerning the use of AIS in the piracy High Risk Area of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean (an area bounded by Suez to the north, 10°S and 78°E).
IMO Resolution A.917(22) “Guidelines for the onboard operational use of shipborne automatic identification systems (AIS)”, as amended by Resolution A.956(23) provide that “If the master believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety or security of his/her ship or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off.”
Therefore, in accordance with the foregoing IMO Resolutions, Best Management Practices (Version 3) advises that: “The Maste ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Revised-Guidance-on-the-use-of-AIS-in-the-High-Risk-Area-off-Somalia/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Piracy - Save our Seafarers Campaign</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Save-our-Seafarers-Campaign/</link>
      <description>Several leading shipping industry organisations, including the International Group of P&amp;amp;I Clubs, are supporting the Save our Seafarers campaign which urges governments to take a tougher stance against piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The campaign has six key priorities:

Reducing the effectiveness of the easily identifiable mother ships
Authorising naval forces to hold pirates and deliver them for prosecution and punishment
Fully criminalising all acts of piracy and intent to commit piracy under national laws, in accordance with their mandatory duty to co-operate to suppress piracy under international conventions
Increasing naval assets available ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/News/Piracy---Save-our-Seafarers-Campaign/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 11 2011/2012 - Japan - Update - Class 2 Defence Cover</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-11-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
In its report of 3 May the International Atomic Energy Agency described the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant as follows:&amp;nbsp; 
“Overall, the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains very serious.”
While it is reported that on 5 May workers entered a Fukushima reactor building for the first time since the tsunami, it appears likely that a complete shutdown of the plant may take many months to achieve. 
The answers to frequently asked questions in our Notice to Members No 6 of 2011/12 are likely therefore to remain relevant for some time and trading of vessels in the area is likely to continue to be affected by radioactivity risks. 
Members wh ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-11-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 08:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No. 10 2011/2012 - Carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite - Frequently Asked Questions </title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-10-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
Carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite - Frequently Asked Questions
Further to Notices to Members No.12 1999/2000 and No.11 2000/2001 on “Recommendations for the Carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite”, the International Group has prepared the following list of Frequently Asked Questions to clarify some of the issues that have been raised by Members: &amp;nbsp; 
01&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; What is calcium hypochlorite? &amp;nbsp; 
This chemical is a white or yellowish solid that is soluble in water. There are several products manufactured as water purification and bleaching agents, which contain calcium hypochlorite (CH) as their active ingredient. The three most common products are two high strength typ ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-10-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 9 2011/2012 - Ivory Coast - Sanctions</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-9-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs
Ivory Coast - Sanctions
Further to our Notice to Members No. 29 2010/2011 of January 2011, the European Union has modified the sanctions against the Ivory Coast to remove the ports of Abidjan and San Pedro from the list of sanctioned entities. HM treasury in the UK published the following on 8 April http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/fin_sanc_euivorycoast_reg348_120411.pdf&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;and other EU states are understood to have published similar amendments to their sanctions regulations implementing the EU decision. Members subject to the EU sanctions are advised to check with the regulating authority in the EU state to confirm the reported amendment before trading or resuming tra ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-9-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 8 2011/2012 - Charterparty Clauses - Indemnity for Insured Risks</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-8-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
Charterparty Clauses – Indemnity for Insured Risks
A number of the International Group Clubs have recently been made aware of a clause that some charterers have been seeking to incorporate into their charterparties, in particular in the container trades. &amp;nbsp;For the reasons set out below the clause has the potential to prejudice an Owners P&amp;amp;I cover and should not be agreed without considering the full implications of doing so. 
There are different versions of the clause but the most common form is:
"Notwithstanding anything stipulated in this contract to the contrary, Owners are responsible for and shall keep Charterers free from all insured risks as covered by P&amp;amp ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-8-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 7 2011/2012 - Iran Sanctions Update</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-7-20112012/</link>
      <description>Translations: Vietnamese &amp;nbsp;
Dear Sirs, 
Iran Sanctions Update
&amp;nbsp;We last updated Members on 12 October. There have been a number of significant developments since then, which are outlined here in more detail than in earlier reports. Members have been seeking the Club’s advice in relation to sanctions legislation and are encouraged to continue to do so. Because of the very broad scope of the legislation and particularly The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, HR 2194 (CISADA), such advice can only be given in general terms about the degree of risk of sanctions being imposed under CISADA as the Club sees it. It is not a substitute for detaile ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-7-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 6 2011/2012 - Japan - Update and Frequently Asked Questions</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-5-201120121/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs
Japan – Update and Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The Club has been getting a number of enquiries from Members and their brokers about risks and insurance implications arising from the earthquake, the resulting tsunami and about nuclear incidents in Japan. The following FAQs are intended to give some guidance in response to those enquiries. They reflect the position at 22 March 2011 and update our Notice to Members No. 4 of 2011/12. They are not intended to be comprehensive.
More detailed enquiries about the matters covered by these FAQs and about the situation in Japan in general may be made to your usual contact at the Managers for handling by our Japan claims an ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-5-201120121/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 5 2011/2012 - New Series of Safety Posters</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-5-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs, 
NEW SERIES OF SAFETY POSTERS
In order to raise awareness of some of the common causes of shipboard accidents, the Loss Prevention department has produced a new series of safety posters entitled “Think!”. &amp;nbsp; 
The posters use cartoons to highlight good practice and emphasise the potential consequences of not doing so. The safety message is communicated in eleven principal maritime languages. &amp;nbsp; 
The first four posters in the series cover the following topics: &amp;nbsp; 
 
The need to wearhigh visibility safetyclothing while working
 
The importance of ensuringthat exposed shaftsare fitted with guards
 
Cleaning up spills atthe earliest opportunity toprevent slips ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-5-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 4 2011/2012 - Japan</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-4-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
JAPAN 
Members will be concerned to know as much as they can about the consequences of the devastating earthquake off the Japanese coast last week. The situation is changing rapidly from day to day, particularly so far as nuclear risks arising from damage to the power plant at Fukushima are concerned.&amp;nbsp; Whilst the current flow of information about the overall situation in Japan is considerable, we hope that the following may be of assistance:
The situation in Japanese ports and shipyards
Our correspondents in Tokyo advise that the following ports in south to north order are reported to have been seriously damaged:&amp;nbsp; Kashima, Hitachinaka, Hitachi, Onahama, Soma, Sen ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-4-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 3 2011/2012 - Sanctions in Respect of Libya</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-3-201120121/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs, 
SANCTIONS IN RESPECT OF LIBYA 
A number of new sanctions have recently been imposed in respect of Libya. 
United Nations Resolution 1970/2011 
This resolution was adopted by the UN Security Council on 26 February 2011. It requires UN states to prevent the delivery or supply or sale to Libya by their nationals, or from or through their territories, or by ships or aircraft registered in those states, of arms, military and paramilitary equipment as well as financial or other assistance for military activities, technical help, training and mercenaries. The sanctions do not extend to arms, military equipment or related services supporting UN personnel, the media and humanitari ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-3-201120121/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 2 2011/2012 - West of England (Hellas)</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-2-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs
West of England (Hellas)
We are pleased to announce that with effect from 20 February 2011 Ian Clarke has been appointed as Director of the West of England (Hellas) and has become the Club’s legal representative in Greece.
Ian qualified as a solicitor and joined the Club in 2005.&amp;nbsp; He has extensive experience in both P&amp;amp;I and FD&amp;amp;D claims and was most recently Team Leader for Claims Team 3 in London.
Ian will work with our Team in Piraeus to broaden and strengthen the claims handling and advisory services for the Membership in Greece.&amp;nbsp; He will maintain and develop the Club’s business in Greece working with the Underwriting Department and in particular Tom Bow ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-2-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>No. 1 2011/2012 - US Vessel Response Plans - Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-1-20112012/</link>
      <description>Dear Sirs,
US Vessel Response Plans - Salvage and Marine Firefighting RequirementsFinal Rule - 31 December 2008Deadline for Implementation - 22 February 2011 - further update
Salvage Agreements
This Circular Applies To Owners Of Tank Vessels Carrying Oil Calling At US Ports.
We refer to Circular No. 13 2010/2011 concerning the above, which provided a list of salvor contracts/funding agreements which had been reviewed by the International Group and to an update provided in Circular No. 21 2010/2011.
Since this date T&amp;amp;T Bisso have introduced an Addendum to their contract. 
The T&amp;amp;T Bisso Addendum with footer T&amp;amp;T Bisso SMFF Agreement Addendum February 2011 enables the owner ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Notice-to-Members/Notice-to-Members-No-1-20112012/</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Reports and Accounts</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Reports-and-Accounts/</link>
      <description>
2011

 Report and Accounts 2011 Financial Statements 2011 

2010

 Report and Accounts 2010 Financial Statements 2010 

2009

 Report and Accounts 2009 Financial Statements 2009 

2008

 Report and Accounts 2008 Financial Statements 2008 

2007

 Report and Accounts 2007 Financial Statements 2007 

2006

 Report and Accounts 2006 Financial Statements 2006 

2005

 Report and Accounts 2005 Financial Statements 2005 

2004

 Report and Accounts 2004 Financial Statements 2004 

2003

 Report and Accounts 2003 Financial Statements 2003 

2002

 Report and Accounts 2002 Financial Statements 2002 

2001

 Report and Accounts 2001 Financial Statements ...</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/Publications/Reports-and-Accounts/</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 15:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Rules Of Classes 1 &amp; 2</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/About-Us/Rules/</link>
      <description>Rules of Classes 1 &amp;amp; 2</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/About-Us/Rules/</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Underwriting Guides and Forms</title>
      <link>http://www.westpandi.com/About-Us/Underwriting/Underwriting-Guides/</link>
      <description>Underwriting Guides and Forms</description>
      <guid>http://www.westpandi.com/About-Us/Underwriting/Underwriting-Guides/</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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