Industry News
Seas The Day
Pacifc World Record Row Attempt
As one of our employees is taking on a World Record attempt to row across the Pacific Ocean unaided and unsupported, we are proud to be supporting her and her team mate. You can track their progress via this link to their website and monitor their daily positions.
Pacific row - 3000+ miles done, nearly halfway...
Imagine spending months at a time on a small boat rowing across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Rowing up to 15 hours per day on a 2hrs on / 2hrs off schedule! That's what Jess and Mims have done for the past 2 months. With so many more miles ahead, please support them and if you're in the Pacific, swing by to say hello and offer moral support. You can track their progress via their website and follow them on Instagram.
S100 - Official ENCs - Follow the progress
As we have mentioned before, the first phase of S100 layers of Official ENC information will be released in the New Year. While this is not necessarily going to make any dramatic changes to navigation in the world of Superyachts, it is something we advise all those involved in the safety of navigation to be aware of. The latest update information from the UKHO can be viewed at this link.
8 July 2025
ECDIS Training - Let us be clear about it
The term ‘Type Specific’ was withdrawn nearly 10 years ago and replaced with ‘Type Familiarisation’ training. In accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1503/Rev.2 dated 28 Nov 22, there is no formal requirement for crew to conduct online ECDIS Familiarisation courses as these are not Flag State accredited. A short article about this including most common Type Familiarisation questions can be downloaded here: Article Questions
Pay As You Sail Permits - A reminder
A gentle reminder that for vessels operating on the Pay-As-You-Sail (PAYS) system on their ECDIS, yes, your ECDIS will alert you every 3rd month that the permit is going to expire at the end of that month. Do not worry about this, it is normal. Within the last 7 - 10 days of that month the new PAYS permit will automatically be issued by the UKHO so that when you run your weekly update it will download and advance your new expiry date to 3 months later.
ECDIS keyboards - Wireless are not approved.
It has come to light that a number of new build yachts are no longer being provided with hardwired keyboards to their ECDIS. Instead the most common set-up is to use a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard. We get it - bridge designers do not want ugly keyboards making a mess of the glass touch screen or pure foil set-up. However, be advised Class authorities have not approved any non-hardwired keyboards to the ECDIS so when it comes to an audit you will need to demonstrate using the on screen keyboard.
Pacific row - 1500+ miles done, a few more to go...
Having departed Peru in May, Jess and Mims have cracked on at a great pace and this weekend notched up their 1500th mile as part of their unsupported Pacific crossing. This hasn't been without more challenges including the low voltage from the solar charging system and pipes bursting in the water maker. However they remain undeterred and continue to plough on west to their Australian destination. We'd ask any vessels near them to offer moral support for which you can track their progress via their website and follow them on Instagram.
MAIB Safety Digest and CHIRP report
The MAIB have issued their latest Safety Digest which we highly recommend to crew and management for discussion at crew safety meetings. In their usual style, the MAIB have used a lighter tone to explain and describe the chosen incidents which all convey a serious message.
Concurrently, the latest CHIRP Superyacht report has been published. It is unlikely there won't be a vessel out there which can't relate to at least one of the incidents or something similar possibly getting close to happening onboard.
The latest reports can be downloaded from these links: MAIB CHIRP
9 June 2025
LLoyd's Register Yacht Safety Culture and Wellbeing Survey
Lloyd's Registry recently issued an email to the Superyacht industry requesting participation in their Safety Culture and Wellbeing survey. The survey is anonymous and designed to use the results to adopt a safer and more supportive working environment. Obviously the greater number who participate, the more accurate the results will be. It is requested you pass this link to all crew for their involvement.
Pacific Row - They're off...(again)
Having set off last month at a crackin' pace, 7 days into their Pacific row challenge, the rudder on (former employee) Jess and Miriam's boat suffered catastrophic failure. During a slow recovery to Peru, UK based manufacturers pulled out all the stops to create four new reinforced replacements which they personally took out to avoid any delays in customs. Now installed and tested, the intrepid duo are back at sea buoyant in positivity. Good luck ladies. Track their progress via their website.
Witherby Connect update
For vessels using the Witherby Connect service to e-books, an update has recently been issued on the software providing faster performance improved import / export and more annotation options. This service is a Flag approved replacement for carrying many of the required regulatory publications in hard copy. Download the user manual from this link or contact us for further details.
7 May 2025
ITU publications available digitally - 2025 Edition
A quick reminder the 2025 editions of the ITU List V and Maritime Mobile publications are now available in DVD, USB and the more popular, e-book download. These publications are required by most Flag States for carriage so please contact us if you'd like to place an order.
Going near Nice in June?
You may or may not be aware the United Nations Ocean Conference is taking place in Nice, France between 9 - 13 June. We have been informed that not only will there be travel restrictions in place as 193 countries send thousands of delegates, but security restrictions on navigation will be in place between Villeneuve-Loubet and St Jean Cap Ferrat leading up to and after the event. With possible climate activists in the area, yachts who don't wish to draw attention to themselves may like to consider an alternative location to cruise.
Pacific Row - They're off...! (well they will be on Tuesday)
Our former work colleague Jess and her teammate Miriam will finally be leaving Peru on Tuesday (8th) to attempt the record breaking unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. You can track their progress via their website or by downloading the YB Races app and selecting 'Seas the Day Ocean Rowing 2025'. To any vessels near their route, please keep an eye out for them not just for COLREGS purposes, but to pass by and cheer them on.
COSWP 2025 Edition
The MCA have announced the release of the Code Of Safe Working Practices 2025 Edition. This is a new physical publication required to replace last years edition and it will be superseded next year by the next edition. Copies are available on a limited supply and will be added to client orders.
7 April 2025
ITU List V - 2025 Edition
The 2025 edition of the ITU List V - List of Ship Stations & Maritime Mobile Service Identity Assignments has now been released. This publication, required by most Flag States for carriage, is available in USB or e-book format so please contact us if you'd like to place an order.
Going near Nice in June?
You may or may not be aware the United Nations Ocean Conference is taking place in Nice, France between 9 - 13 June. We have been informed that not only will there be travel restrictions in place as 193 countries send thousands of delegates, but security restrictions on navigation will be in place between Villeneuve-Loubet and St Jean Cap Ferrat leading up to and after the event. With possible climate activists in the area, yachts who don't wish to draw attention to themselves may like to consider an alternative location to cruise.
Garmin Product Update
Garmin have published an update to their marine software and products which you may find of interest. Further details can be downloaded from this link.
CS Guide to Helicopter / Ship Operations (6th Edn) - Replacement page
For those vessels carrying the new edition of this publication, we have been informed that one page was incorrectly printed. A replacement can be emailed to you. Vessels using the e-book format won't be affected as the page has automatically been updated.
Onboard crew fire training - A busy season ahead
The DG Maritime fire trainers are getting busy for a bumper Spring. With the highest number of applications for their time onboard to train new builds, post refit and operational yachts, our team of skilled professionals will be out regularly to provide our Nautical Institute accredited training meeting Continual Professional Development. If you'd like to join the growing number of vessels taking advantage of this service, get in touch soon.
7 March 2025
Have you heard, official ENCs are changing?
For those of you operating with ECDIS as the primary means of navigation or who utilise official Electronic Navigational Charts and are familiar with the S57 format, the new S100 series of charts and layers are due in 2026. Watch this space as further information will be released over the coming months.
Timezero - Changing computer
We thought we'd issue some guidance and advice to those who use the Timezero software and charts as we're seeing a spate of users changing PCs and there are key points to remember:
- Tracks, marks, POIs and other user data is not backed up automatically. Users must make backups if they want to save this data.
- If ONLY TimeZero license has been removed from the old PC then all the other files should be there. However, to extract it, the license must be installed on the old PC again then do a backup collection to save the data. (TZ version must be the same on both PCs.)
- If TZ has ben uninstalled completely then the data is lost and it cannot be recovered as the uninstall process deletes everything related to TZ.
If you've lost or damaged the original PC on which the software is running but you do have your TZ code, let us know as the server can be reset. If you've lost the TZ code, you'll need to purchase a new licence.
Pacific Row - The countdown continues...
As we've mentioned over the past few months, one of our team will be embarking on a world record attempt to row the Pacific Ocean unassisted and unaided. Jess and her teammate Miriam have now left the UK and flown to Peru for their last month of preparation. We'll keep you posted on their progress. Further information can be found and charitable donations made at this link.
