Saturday, March 27, 2010
PARABLE OF SADHU
The Parable of the Sadhu. The weaknessesof an (Industrial) Democracy Perspective on ethics were shown by a classic case, The Parable of the Sadhu (McCoy 1991). Bohen McCoy and his anthropologist friend (and committed Quaker) Stephen were on a very dangerous trek through a treacherous mountain pass in Nepal. There were other completely independent groups from New Zealand and Japan, and a couple from Switzerland, facing the same hazardous passage. An advance party had suddenly discovered an almost naked, barefoot Indian holy man at the 15,500-foot level. The Sadhu was found lying on the ice, shivering and suffering from hypothermia. He was summarily dumped into the care of McCoy and Stephen. Another party departed without rendering any assistance; a third positively refused to lend their pack animal to transport the Sadhu further back down the pass to the nearest village. The students were given this part of the case to decide in small groups what should be done in an ethical manner. The solution of the case and its implications for ethical theory were given to the students after the small-group discussions. Because of the climatic conditions, McCoy and his friend, who were also in poor physical condition themselves, decided to leave the Sadhu at a point where it was physically possible for the him to walk down to a village some 500 feet below. McCoy and his friend Stephen, a deeply committed Quaker, had serious discussions for days afterwards on what should have been done, ethically, for the Sadhu as a fellow human being. As a result, McCoy saw the plight of the Sadhu as similar to ethical situations faced in the corporate world. First of all, the groups in Nepal had no ethical leader. Similarly, when there is no ethical leadership in the corporate world, ethical procedure becomes unhinged. Each individual or group panics, attempts to "bail out," in order to avoid the whole awkward situation. An ethical system with a vertical dimension - from top to bottom - is needed to unite democratic groups. Learning a lesson from the parable of the Sadhu, McCoy sees the need of a strong ethical leader in the modern corporation. Secondly, the individual needs some group support for an ethical position. Stephen tried hard to argue for complete assistance for the Sadhu until his safety was assured, but he received no support from others in the democratic situation. The parable of the Sadhu shows the same need of support for the ethical individual in the modern corporate world. Thirdly, there must be some form of clear process for handling ethical issues. This did not exist in the situation in Nepal. Corporations that have such procedures can gather together and weather the ethical crisis. In such a case, the democratic voice of an individual with a strong ethical vision can be of great support to others.
Friday, March 26, 2010
There is no God.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no
God. They are corrupt, they have done
abominable works, there is none that doeth
good.
Source: Psalm 14:1
KJV
sam d. daguio
God. They are corrupt, they have done
abominable works, there is none that doeth
good.
Source: Psalm 14:1
KJV
sam d. daguio
Attitude
Solving the problem of the toxic energy dump will require me to become a leader in every sense of the word.I will need to risk the possibility of failure. There is no safe harbor. But to take no action is to fail for sure. I might as well get started. My first step is to choose my attitude. I choose my confidence, trust, and faith. I will wind up my clock and get ready to enjoy learning and growing as i work to apply the lessons from the fish market to my toxic energy dump.
"FISH"
"FISH"
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Returning Home
24 March 2010
Three of 12 Filipino seafarers who have been stranded in Greece since July 2009 returned to the country Wednesday and lamented that the Philippine government failed to help them. The other stranded seafarers from other countries were able to go home immediately.
The rest of the stranded Filipino seafarers are expected to arrive in Manila within the week.
Three of 12 Filipino seafarers who have been stranded in Greece since July 2009 returned to the country Wednesday and lamented that the Philippine government failed to help them. The other stranded seafarers from other countries were able to go home immediately.
The rest of the stranded Filipino seafarers are expected to arrive in Manila within the week.
The Filipinos were working as a crew of MV Aeta Sierra, which had been suspected of operating illegally and held for investigation by Greek authorities off the coast of Athens.
Fernandico, who worked as a 2nd Cook on MV Aeta Sierra, that compared to other seafarers from other countries, the Filipinos were the least cared for. For morethan eight months, Fernandico said that they were not paid appropriate wages and they lacked adequate food, water and medicines while onboard the ship. Ellene Sena of the Center for Migrants Advocacy said the seafarers had been seeking assistance from DFA since July but according to Sana " DFA simply had been unresponsive."
Fernandico also claimed that the Philippine Embassy in Greece failed to help them. He said that although they were ofered plane tickets home, they had to turn it down because they would not be able to get their back wages from their employers. With the help of a group of Filipino migrant workers in Greece, the seafarers filed a case before a court in Athens against the owners of MV Aeta Sierra.
The court ruled in their favor and ordered the ship owners to pay the seafarers' back wages. Sana said that on March 10, the 12 seafarers' received a partial payment of their back wages.
Source: Shiptalk
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Prevention of Heat Stroke and Other Heat-related Illnesses
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the heat or humidity, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature.
Personnel working outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
Symptoms may include:
a. Headache
b. Dizziness
c. Disorientation, agitation or confusion
d. Sluggishness or fatigue
e. Seizure
f. Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
g. High body temperature
h. Loss of consciousness
i. Rapid heart beat
j. Hallucinations
k. Hyperventilating
Prevention is still the BEST thing to do
Precautions include:
a. Hydration. Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol. It is advisable to keep a bottle of water handy especially when working outside the office.
b. Ventilation. Staying in a place where there is plenty of airspace which will help allow your body to naturally cool itself.
c. Clothing. Light colored, loose fitting clothing will aid your body in breathing and cooling itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts such a process and dark colors absorb the sun’s light and heat.
d. Limit strenuous outdoor activity. Stay out of the sun, if possible.
The New Inspection Regime (NIR) of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding
source: Paris Memorandum of Understanding
With the introduction of the NIR the PMoU will change its target of inspecting 25% of individual ships calling at each member State to a shared commitment for full coverage of inspecting all ships visiting ports and anchorages in the PMoU region as a whole.
The Target Factor will be replaced by the Ship Risk Profile. The Ship Risk Profile classifies ships into Low Risk Ships (LRS) and High Risk Ships (HRS). If a ship is neither Low Risk or High Risk it is classified as Standard Risk Ship (SRS).
The company performance criteria for the calculation of the Ship Risk Profile is a new parameter in the PMoU. The PMoU has established a formula which takes into consideration the deficiencies and detentions in the last 36 months of the company’s fleet, based on the IMO company number and compares it to the average of all vessels inspected in the PMoU to determine the performance level. The companies will be ranked into very low, low, medium and high. Any Refusal of Access (Ban) will have a negative impact on the ranking of the companywill be subject to more in-depth and more frequent inspections.
With the introduction of the NIR the PMoU will change its target of inspecting 25% of individual ships calling at each member State to a shared commitment for full coverage of inspecting all ships visiting ports and anchorages in the PMoU region as a whole.
The Target Factor will be replaced by the Ship Risk Profile. The Ship Risk Profile classifies ships into Low Risk Ships (LRS) and High Risk Ships (HRS). If a ship is neither Low Risk or High Risk it is classified as Standard Risk Ship (SRS).
The company performance criteria for the calculation of the Ship Risk Profile is a new parameter in the PMoU. The PMoU has established a formula which takes into consideration the deficiencies and detentions in the last 36 months of the company’s fleet, based on the IMO company number and compares it to the average of all vessels inspected in the PMoU to determine the performance level. The companies will be ranked into very low, low, medium and high. Any Refusal of Access (Ban) will have a negative impact on the ranking of the companywill be subject to more in-depth and more frequent inspections.
Disputes Over Who Pays Ransoms Put Crew Members at Risk
Disputes Over Who Pays Ransoms Put Crew Members at Risk
As pirates increasingly target cargo vessels in the Gulf of Aden, owners are struggling to pay escalating ransom demands — putting their crews at risk, an insurance executive told nearly 100 Korean ship owners and insurance brokers meeting here.
Jonathan Doherty, North Asia regional manager for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, noted that each year an average of 500 Korean ships pass through the Gulf of Aden, currently one of the most dangerous regions for piracy. In 2008, 111 ships, including Korean-owned or manned cargo vessels, were attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, a 200% increase over 2007. Forty-two of those ships were held for ransom, and 889 crew members were taken hostage. Most ransom demands were between $1 million and $4 million per ship.
continue reading
Source: MSNBC
As pirates increasingly target cargo vessels in the Gulf of Aden, owners are struggling to pay escalating ransom demands — putting their crews at risk, an insurance executive told nearly 100 Korean ship owners and insurance brokers meeting here.
Jonathan Doherty, North Asia regional manager for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, noted that each year an average of 500 Korean ships pass through the Gulf of Aden, currently one of the most dangerous regions for piracy. In 2008, 111 ships, including Korean-owned or manned cargo vessels, were attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, a 200% increase over 2007. Forty-two of those ships were held for ransom, and 889 crew members were taken hostage. Most ransom demands were between $1 million and $4 million per ship.
continue reading
Source: MSNBC
THE GREATEST RISK EVER TAKEN
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (King James Version)
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (King James Version)
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wisdom
1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase
learning; and a man of understanding shall
attain unto wise counsels:
2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the
LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his
mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Source:KJV
Sam D. Daguio
learning; and a man of understanding shall
attain unto wise counsels:
2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the
LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his
mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Source:KJV
Sam D. Daguio
Sewage regulations - Ukraine
Ukraine, as a contracting state to MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV, has in place national sewage regulations prescribing the following discharge conditions for sewage in Ukrainian waters:
•Within 4 nautical miles from land no discharge is allowed except from an approved treatment plant certified by the flag state authority or authorized classification society.
•Between 4 and 12 nautical miles no discharge is allowed except from an approved treatment plant or approved system for comminuting and disinfecting sewage certified by the flag state authority or authorized classification society.
The Azov Sea is considered to be an internal sea of the Ukraine, meaning that the 12 nautical miles zone should be measured from the Ukrainian Black Sea coast.
A valid International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate is compulsory under MARPOL Annex IV, but in many cases is reported not to be sufficient to fulfil the SIPABS inspectors’ requirements for the discharge sewage in the above mentioned zones. This is a clear contradiction of MARPOL Article 5 §1 related to acceptance of certificates issued by other parties to the Convention.
All ships calling at Ukrainian ports are subject to sewage water inspection by the State Inspection for Protection of the Azov and Black Sea (SIPABS). And the inspector should rule whether the treated effluent sewage water meets the permissible pollutant concentration, based on discharging sewage tests.
The power of the SIPABS inspectors is sadly a challenge for many ships equipped with Flag State approved and certified sewage treatment plants. Ships with a certified sewage treatment plant are normally discharging sewage within any 12 nautical miles zone, including alongside and at the anchorage, without any problems.
In most cases the SIPABS inspectors are boarding ships upon berthing and on the spot raising allegations that the sewage treatment plant produced effluent sewage water exceeds the permissible pollutant concentration.
In many cases, the ruling by SIPABS inspectors do not correlate with any actual discharging sewage tests nor test carried out in accordance the IMO Resolution MEPC.159 - Guidelines on Implementation of Effluent Standards and Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants related to “Sampling methods and frequency”.
The SIPABS inspectors have been reported to issue administrative fines for an approximate amount of USD 150, which is followed by a pollution claim calculated on the basis of USD 140 per cubic meter of sewage water discharged from the ship (using 200 litres of sewage is a standard daily rate per one crewmember). The fine and claim have to be paid before the ship's departure; otherwise, the ship is detained until at least the provision of bank guarantee serves as a financial security of the claim.
In order to minimize exposure to heavy and randomly given sewage pollution fines, extra caution should be exercised prior to arrival, and the following actions should be considered by all ships calling at Ukrainian ports or waters:
•Sewage overboard discharge valves should be securely locked and sealed in closed position when entering any 12 nautical miles zone in the Black Sea.
•Operation of the sewage system, including securely locking of valves, should be duly documented in the appropriate record books.
•Use holding tank(s) which can store the generated sewage output. (The Ukrainian sewage regulations have an estimated daily rate of 200 litres per crewmember on board)
The discharges of sewage to a port reception facility is a mandatory pre-departure requirement in the sewage regulations, so the holding tank(s) used should comply with MARPOL Annex IV Regulation 3, i.e. having a connection/pipeline for discharge of sewage to a reception facility.
In case of any incident or SIPABS notification of alleged violation of local sewage regulations:
•Inform the P&I Club immediately.
•Do not to accept any liability nor sign any papers other than with “for receipt only and without any prejudice” .
•The alleged sewage pollution claim should be protested by a letter of protest.
•Request in writing a joint sampling/test to be carried out.
Sources: BIMCO
•Within 4 nautical miles from land no discharge is allowed except from an approved treatment plant certified by the flag state authority or authorized classification society.
•Between 4 and 12 nautical miles no discharge is allowed except from an approved treatment plant or approved system for comminuting and disinfecting sewage certified by the flag state authority or authorized classification society.
The Azov Sea is considered to be an internal sea of the Ukraine, meaning that the 12 nautical miles zone should be measured from the Ukrainian Black Sea coast.
A valid International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate is compulsory under MARPOL Annex IV, but in many cases is reported not to be sufficient to fulfil the SIPABS inspectors’ requirements for the discharge sewage in the above mentioned zones. This is a clear contradiction of MARPOL Article 5 §1 related to acceptance of certificates issued by other parties to the Convention.
All ships calling at Ukrainian ports are subject to sewage water inspection by the State Inspection for Protection of the Azov and Black Sea (SIPABS). And the inspector should rule whether the treated effluent sewage water meets the permissible pollutant concentration, based on discharging sewage tests.
The power of the SIPABS inspectors is sadly a challenge for many ships equipped with Flag State approved and certified sewage treatment plants. Ships with a certified sewage treatment plant are normally discharging sewage within any 12 nautical miles zone, including alongside and at the anchorage, without any problems.
In most cases the SIPABS inspectors are boarding ships upon berthing and on the spot raising allegations that the sewage treatment plant produced effluent sewage water exceeds the permissible pollutant concentration.
In many cases, the ruling by SIPABS inspectors do not correlate with any actual discharging sewage tests nor test carried out in accordance the IMO Resolution MEPC.159 - Guidelines on Implementation of Effluent Standards and Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants related to “Sampling methods and frequency”.
The SIPABS inspectors have been reported to issue administrative fines for an approximate amount of USD 150, which is followed by a pollution claim calculated on the basis of USD 140 per cubic meter of sewage water discharged from the ship (using 200 litres of sewage is a standard daily rate per one crewmember). The fine and claim have to be paid before the ship's departure; otherwise, the ship is detained until at least the provision of bank guarantee serves as a financial security of the claim.
In order to minimize exposure to heavy and randomly given sewage pollution fines, extra caution should be exercised prior to arrival, and the following actions should be considered by all ships calling at Ukrainian ports or waters:
•Sewage overboard discharge valves should be securely locked and sealed in closed position when entering any 12 nautical miles zone in the Black Sea.
•Operation of the sewage system, including securely locking of valves, should be duly documented in the appropriate record books.
•Use holding tank(s) which can store the generated sewage output. (The Ukrainian sewage regulations have an estimated daily rate of 200 litres per crewmember on board)
The discharges of sewage to a port reception facility is a mandatory pre-departure requirement in the sewage regulations, so the holding tank(s) used should comply with MARPOL Annex IV Regulation 3, i.e. having a connection/pipeline for discharge of sewage to a reception facility.
In case of any incident or SIPABS notification of alleged violation of local sewage regulations:
•Inform the P&I Club immediately.
•Do not to accept any liability nor sign any papers other than with “for receipt only and without any prejudice” .
•The alleged sewage pollution claim should be protested by a letter of protest.
•Request in writing a joint sampling/test to be carried out.
Sources: BIMCO
Friday, March 19, 2010
Memorable Quotes on Risk Management
"It's through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we've always mapped our path at [Dell]. There's always an opportunity to make a difference."
- Michael Dell, Dell
- Michael Dell, Dell
MARITIME QUOTES
"A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships were built for."
- Admiral Grace hopper
"There are no extraordinary men...... just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with."
- Admiral William Frederick Halsey Jr.
- Admiral Grace hopper
"There are no extraordinary men...... just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with."
- Admiral William Frederick Halsey Jr.
Henri Frederic Amiel....
“Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary line and adding to one’s liberty.”
Islamist cargo taken
Somali pirates said on Wednesday they had hijacked a boat carrying charcoal
from the rebel-held south of the Horn of Africa nation to Dubai.
The government said this week that illegal charcoal exports to Gulf states
were a big source of income for rebel groups such as al Shabaab that
control parts of Somalia.
“We have hijacked a boat laden with charcoal shortly after it was seen off
by armed al Shabaab from Kudha port,” a pirate called Hassan told Reuters.
“The boat was en route to Dubai where it initially came from.”
Staff at the al Shabaab-controlled southern port of Kismayu further north
from Kudha said the boat had been chartered by Somali traders and was
seized in waters off Kismayu.
The staff, who declined to be named, said the boat had earlier brought food
into Kismayu before picking up the charcoal at Kudha port.
Somali sea gangs have plagued the busy shipping lanes off Somalia for
several years earning ransoms worth millions of dollars from most vessels
captured.
Besides the ships held for ransom, pirates also hijack vessels to be used
as so-called motherships which ferry the gunmen and their speedboats far
out to sea to launch attacks.
from the rebel-held south of the Horn of Africa nation to Dubai.
The government said this week that illegal charcoal exports to Gulf states
were a big source of income for rebel groups such as al Shabaab that
control parts of Somalia.
“We have hijacked a boat laden with charcoal shortly after it was seen off
by armed al Shabaab from Kudha port,” a pirate called Hassan told Reuters.
“The boat was en route to Dubai where it initially came from.”
Staff at the al Shabaab-controlled southern port of Kismayu further north
from Kudha said the boat had been chartered by Somali traders and was
seized in waters off Kismayu.
The staff, who declined to be named, said the boat had earlier brought food
into Kismayu before picking up the charcoal at Kudha port.
Somali sea gangs have plagued the busy shipping lanes off Somalia for
several years earning ransoms worth millions of dollars from most vessels
captured.
Besides the ships held for ransom, pirates also hijack vessels to be used
as so-called motherships which ferry the gunmen and their speedboats far
out to sea to launch attacks.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Seafarers' deaths mystery
12.03.2010
French police are investigating the deaths of three seafarers onboard the Greek product tanker " Arionas".
Local sources said that police are not convinced that food poisoining was to blame, as has been suggested by some authorities.Doctors were assisting the inquiry into the deaths, at the time of writing.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was sailing through the English Channel, laden with 27, 850 tonnes of fuel oit, when French coastguards received an emergency call from the captain.
The ship had a crew of 2o Russians and Filipinos. It was on voyage from Cyprus to Rotterdam, the French marine authority said.
Arionas is managed by Capital Ship Management of Piraeus and is currently in Le Havre, according to AIS.
Source: Tanker Operator
French police are investigating the deaths of three seafarers onboard the Greek product tanker " Arionas".
Local sources said that police are not convinced that food poisoining was to blame, as has been suggested by some authorities.Doctors were assisting the inquiry into the deaths, at the time of writing.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was sailing through the English Channel, laden with 27, 850 tonnes of fuel oit, when French coastguards received an emergency call from the captain.
The ship had a crew of 2o Russians and Filipinos. It was on voyage from Cyprus to Rotterdam, the French marine authority said.
Arionas is managed by Capital Ship Management of Piraeus and is currently in Le Havre, according to AIS.
Source: Tanker Operator
Something worth reading....
Each year, Time magazine does a story on “10 ideas that are changing the world.” This year, the editors have made it a more forward-thinking feature, labeling it “10 Ideas for the Next 10 Years.” In this issue we will see several risk management-related angles in some of the trends they expect to shape the coming decade.
Something worth reading.. grab your copy now... =)
extracted from: http://www.riskmanagementmonitor.com/
COSCO Shipping to order 18 vessels
March 17 2010, Baird Maritime
COSCO Shipping has revealed that it has budgeted over US$570 million to purchase 18 new multi-purpose and heavy lift vessels. COSCO’s heavylift subsidiary in Guangzhou has two 50,000DWT semi-submersible vessels nearing completion. More at Baird Maritime >>
COSCO Shipping has revealed that it has budgeted over US$570 million to purchase 18 new multi-purpose and heavy lift vessels. COSCO’s heavylift subsidiary in Guangzhou has two 50,000DWT semi-submersible vessels nearing completion. More at Baird Maritime >>
Princess Cruises Honors Copenhagen as 2009 “Port of the Year”
March 17 2010, CruiseIndustryNews
Princess Cruises has named Copenhagen as its “Port of the Year” for 2009 – a distinction awarded as the result of passenger satisfaction surveys. Copenhagen is the first port outside of North America to earn this honor. The annual award is given to one of Princess’ 33 worldwide turnaround ports that earn the highest scores for the year, as rated by passengers on each cruise. More at CruiseIndustryNews >>
Princess Cruises has named Copenhagen as its “Port of the Year” for 2009 – a distinction awarded as the result of passenger satisfaction surveys. Copenhagen is the first port outside of North America to earn this honor. The annual award is given to one of Princess’ 33 worldwide turnaround ports that earn the highest scores for the year, as rated by passengers on each cruise. More at CruiseIndustryNews >>
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Love
Love is not a feeling, it is an activity and an investment. The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth". Love is primarily actions towards nurturing the spiritual growth of another." by M. Scott Peck
Indonesia completes massive terror drill
March 16, 2010
Indonesia completed a massive anti-terror drill involving its military and police on March 13, reported the Bernama News Agency.
Although the news story did not say if the drill was a reaction to intelligence reports of an impending terror strike on oil tankers in the Malacca Straits, it cited Tanjung Priok as being one the sites participating in the drill. As part of the drill at Priok, police and military forces were asked to cripple a terrorist group that intended to hijack an oil tanker.
Indonesia has lately been on the alert for terror threats especially in the run-up to US president Barack Obama’s visit.
Saturday’s drill had also included dry runs at the airport, the nation’s stock exchange and other key installations in the country.
Indonesia completed a massive anti-terror drill involving its military and police on March 13, reported the Bernama News Agency.
Although the news story did not say if the drill was a reaction to intelligence reports of an impending terror strike on oil tankers in the Malacca Straits, it cited Tanjung Priok as being one the sites participating in the drill. As part of the drill at Priok, police and military forces were asked to cripple a terrorist group that intended to hijack an oil tanker.
Indonesia has lately been on the alert for terror threats especially in the run-up to US president Barack Obama’s visit.
Saturday’s drill had also included dry runs at the airport, the nation’s stock exchange and other key installations in the country.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hellooooo!!
Hello RM people!!
Just a wish from an old seadog
passing by.
Taal Volcano Crater Jumping?
Not a bad choice.
Vavooo!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
HUMOR
>Using humor can actually increase productivity! Robert Half International conducted a survey of 100 vice presidents of major corporations. The study revealed that 84% thought employees with a sense of humor performed better than people with little or no sense of humor. Don't just get real, get funny!
>Your sense of humor may advance your career. In another study of 737 CEOs, 98% said they would hire a person with a good sense of humor over someone who lacks a sense of humor.
>Humor can improve your business relationships. Customers like people with whom they feel comfortable... and people buy from people they like. Using humor can make people feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease. In addition to these three reasons, humor and laughter reduce stress!
"Francis Kong"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Life is difficult
This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult--once we truly understand and accept it--then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.
COURAGE
"COURAGE is the strength of purpose that enables one to overcome FEAR & DIFFICULTY"
JOHN MAXWELL
JOHN MAXWELL
IMF: China to lead Asian recovery with 8.5% growth in 2009
Special Report: Global Financial Crisis
ISTANBUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected on Thursday that China will grow by 8.5 percent this year and 9.0 percent in 2010, saying China will lead Asia out of the economic recession.
Recent indicators point to a strengthening recovery in Asia "led by a rapid rebound in China, where growth accelerated to an annual rate of 7.1 percent in the first half of the year," IMF said in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) issued in Istanbul on Oct.1.
Asia's growth momentum will build during the second half of 2009, forming the basis for a generally moderate recovery in 2010,said the report.
China and India will lead the expansion this year and will grow at 8.5 percent and 5.4 percent respectively, boosted by large policy stimulus which is increasing demand from domestic sources, it said.
"The policy stimulus in China could support recoveries in other parts of Asia," the report said.
According to the report, China will see growth rise to 9.0 percent in 2010, while "emerging" Asia will grow by 5.0 percent this year and 6.8 percent in 2010.
While the manufacturing-oriented economies such as South Korea and Singapore slumped and had recorded peak declines in industrial production of about 25 percent by the end of 2008, only China, Indonesia and India escaped a severe recession, said the report.
The intensifying rebound in Asia can be linked to three factors, said the report, namely expansionary fiscal and monetary policy, are bound in financial markets and capital inflows and the growth impulse for industry following large inventory adjustments.
IMF on Thursday raised its 2010 growth forecast for the world economy to 3.1 percent from 2.5 percent, saying the global recession "is ending."
The WEO presents the IMF's analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups which are classified by region and stage of development, and in many individual countries. It focuses on major economic policy issues as well as on the analysis of economic developments and prospects.
ISTANBUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected on Thursday that China will grow by 8.5 percent this year and 9.0 percent in 2010, saying China will lead Asia out of the economic recession.
Recent indicators point to a strengthening recovery in Asia "led by a rapid rebound in China, where growth accelerated to an annual rate of 7.1 percent in the first half of the year," IMF said in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) issued in Istanbul on Oct.1.
Asia's growth momentum will build during the second half of 2009, forming the basis for a generally moderate recovery in 2010,said the report.
China and India will lead the expansion this year and will grow at 8.5 percent and 5.4 percent respectively, boosted by large policy stimulus which is increasing demand from domestic sources, it said.
"The policy stimulus in China could support recoveries in other parts of Asia," the report said.
According to the report, China will see growth rise to 9.0 percent in 2010, while "emerging" Asia will grow by 5.0 percent this year and 6.8 percent in 2010.
While the manufacturing-oriented economies such as South Korea and Singapore slumped and had recorded peak declines in industrial production of about 25 percent by the end of 2008, only China, Indonesia and India escaped a severe recession, said the report.
The intensifying rebound in Asia can be linked to three factors, said the report, namely expansionary fiscal and monetary policy, are bound in financial markets and capital inflows and the growth impulse for industry following large inventory adjustments.
IMF on Thursday raised its 2010 growth forecast for the world economy to 3.1 percent from 2.5 percent, saying the global recession "is ending."
The WEO presents the IMF's analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups which are classified by region and stage of development, and in many individual countries. It focuses on major economic policy issues as well as on the analysis of economic developments and prospects.
Bus bother
A Danish ro-ro ferry had to return to port after crew discovered a fire ina bus on the vehicle deck.
The 2,200-gt Vesborg (built 1995), operated by Nordic Ferry, headed back to Tars only 10 minutes after leaving for Spodsbjerg on 7 March, a local report said.
A fire alarm had sounded, alerting crew to dense smoke coming from the bus,caused by oil catching fire.
The blaze was quickly extinguished and there was no danger to the 19passengers. The ship was later able to complete its voyage.
Source: "JAMS LRO NEWS"
sddaguio
The 2,200-gt Vesborg (built 1995), operated by Nordic Ferry, headed back to Tars only 10 minutes after leaving for Spodsbjerg on 7 March, a local report said.
A fire alarm had sounded, alerting crew to dense smoke coming from the bus,caused by oil catching fire.
The blaze was quickly extinguished and there was no danger to the 19passengers. The ship was later able to complete its voyage.
Source: "JAMS LRO NEWS"
sddaguio
Friday, March 12, 2010
Maritime Education and Training crucial for safe operations
The STCW Code requires that all seafarers should be properly qualified for the position that they hold on board, and the ISM Code requires the company to define the responsibilty, authority and level of competence required of each member. And ,instructors, supervisors and assessors are required to be 'appropriately qualified'. But these are minimum sets and are not sufficient to cope with the systems aboard many of today's ships.
It is therefoe incumbent on the ship owner or ship manager to adopt best industry standards in respect of the recruitment and training of seafarers; and to ensure that they receive the training necessary for them to carry out their duties- including the operation and /or maintenance of technically complex and multi-discipline systems. They must also be regularly updated , tested and drilled, through programmes of on-job and continuation training.
It is therefoe incumbent on the ship owner or ship manager to adopt best industry standards in respect of the recruitment and training of seafarers; and to ensure that they receive the training necessary for them to carry out their duties- including the operation and /or maintenance of technically complex and multi-discipline systems. They must also be regularly updated , tested and drilled, through programmes of on-job and continuation training.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing Professional Development a notion of lifelong learning. In the Maritime context , CPD can be defined as:
The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadcasting of knowledge and skills, and the develoment of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individual's woking life' at sea and ashore.
Extract from: NI-Alert /Capt Martin Burley,MNI
The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadcasting of knowledge and skills, and the develoment of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individual's woking life' at sea and ashore.
Extract from: NI-Alert /Capt Martin Burley,MNI
R.D Laing quotes
Niccolo Machiavelli
All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it's possible), but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.
Possible risk factors for HIV infection
You should be tested for HIV if you:
- Have had unprotected sex with many sex partners.
- Have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Use illegal injected drugs.
- Had blood transfusions or received blood products before 1985.
- Have a sex partner with any of the above risk factors.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
German ship faces leak inquiry
The Shanghai maritime authority is investigating a German container ship suspected of being involved in a chemical leak. Maersk Seville is the first foreign ship arriving in Shanghai to face inquiries for allegedly violating newly enacted national regulations on the prevention and control of marine pollution.More at Shanghai Daily >>
A New Way to Shut Down An Oil Pipeline
Tot
al's Girassol crude shipments halted in Angola after swordfish puncture
al's Girassol crude shipments halted in Angola after swordfish puncture Source: MOLT Link
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
dissect!
Magdalena Abakanowicz:
It is easy to follow, but it is uninteresting to do easy things. We find out about ourselves only when we take risks, when we challenge and question.
from my favorite author
M. Scott Peck:
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The necessity of Challenges
Staying put in one's comfort zone usually slackens discipline and dulls the brain; it needs to be exercised regularly, kept alert and productively responsive by the challenges we encounter and readily welcome and tackle along the way. Beware: comfort zones are danger zones!
Challenges satisfy man's sense of adventure. It's his innate desire to continually discover, as expressed in the popular TV series Star Trek, "to boldly go where no man has gone before." Life is indeed an unending series of outstanding discoveries and developments, from the invention of the wheel to the spanking new 800 passenger Airbus A380 megajet. This largest passenger aircraft in the world has practically made possible the reinvention of the dream of flying - and at 15,000 kilometers non-stop! After fifteen years in the making, with inevitable challenges along the way, SUCCESS finally!
Challenges satisfy man's sense of adventure. It's his innate desire to continually discover, as expressed in the popular TV series Star Trek, "to boldly go where no man has gone before." Life is indeed an unending series of outstanding discoveries and developments, from the invention of the wheel to the spanking new 800 passenger Airbus A380 megajet. This largest passenger aircraft in the world has practically made possible the reinvention of the dream of flying - and at 15,000 kilometers non-stop! After fifteen years in the making, with inevitable challenges along the way, SUCCESS finally!
" Francis J. Kong "
Sunday, March 7, 2010
STX improves energy efficiency with FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1
5. Mar. 2010 | Potsdam - Korean shipbuilder STX has licensed the design software FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1. The computer aided engineering software allows STX to improve the energy efficiency of its products and to enhance its design work. The FRIENDSHIP-Framework achieves increased energy efficiency through facilitating the simulation-driven design and the optimization of flow-exposed surfaces like ship hulls, propellers, turbines, pumps and other units in a holistic, consolidated design process.
STX's license of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1 is part of a design package, which Friendship Systems offers in collaboration with Swedish flow expert and cooperation partner FLOWTECH. Both software systems perfectly match.
The FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1 provides distributed computing, a functionality that allows the effective use of idle or even remote IT infrastructures and, as a consequence, the acceleration of long and intensive tasks, such as variant generation and optimization. In addition, the software's data management is enhanced with faster file handling and lighter workload for designers. In case of system failures, the new feature Crash Recovery can retrieve an open project to its latest state and thus save valuable work. Release 2.1 of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework was launched late last year. The software is produced by GL's Friendship Systems.
Being the fourth largest shipbuilder worldwide, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding has a track record of more than 700 delivered ships including container vessels, tankers, naval ships, LNG, submarine and offshore vessels. With the 2009 acquisition of shipbuilder STX Europe (former Aker Yards) as largest shipbuilder in Europe, STX has incorporated know-how also in cruise shipping.
Friendship Systems is focusing on realizing simulation-driven design of functional surfaces by tightly coupling geometric modeling and flow simulation. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding is the second commercial customer of software developer Friendship Systems in Korea-along with shipbuilder DSME and academic licensor PNU.
Sources: BIMCO
STX's license of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1 is part of a design package, which Friendship Systems offers in collaboration with Swedish flow expert and cooperation partner FLOWTECH. Both software systems perfectly match.
The FRIENDSHIP-Framework 2.1 provides distributed computing, a functionality that allows the effective use of idle or even remote IT infrastructures and, as a consequence, the acceleration of long and intensive tasks, such as variant generation and optimization. In addition, the software's data management is enhanced with faster file handling and lighter workload for designers. In case of system failures, the new feature Crash Recovery can retrieve an open project to its latest state and thus save valuable work. Release 2.1 of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework was launched late last year. The software is produced by GL's Friendship Systems.
Being the fourth largest shipbuilder worldwide, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding has a track record of more than 700 delivered ships including container vessels, tankers, naval ships, LNG, submarine and offshore vessels. With the 2009 acquisition of shipbuilder STX Europe (former Aker Yards) as largest shipbuilder in Europe, STX has incorporated know-how also in cruise shipping.
Friendship Systems is focusing on realizing simulation-driven design of functional surfaces by tightly coupling geometric modeling and flow simulation. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding is the second commercial customer of software developer Friendship Systems in Korea-along with shipbuilder DSME and academic licensor PNU.
Sources: BIMCO
Friday, March 5, 2010
ECDIS: training standards
The training standards set by IMO for ECDIS in IMO Model course 1.27 provide what should be a common standard for implementation throughout the world. In reality, this training standard has been interpreted into variety of different forms, creating limited scope for enforcement of what should be a consistent and accredited training standards.
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