]]
Coasts and Oceans
Number 63
Australian Centre for Maritime Studies, October 1998
The Australian Maritime Digest is published monthly by the Australian Centre for Maritime Studies on behalf of the Kindred Maritime Organisations for the benefit of the Australian maritime community.
A Federal Parliamentary inquiry into ship safety has reported that improvements seem to have been made in areas such as quality of ships, operational issues, port state control and crew training and competency.
But the inquiry - undertaken by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Transport and Macroeconomic Reform - expressed concern that the area of crew welfare may have declined.
Mr Paul Neville MP, committee Chair, announcing the committee's findings and 14 recommendations on ship safety in a recent media release, said shipping provided a commercial lifeline between Australia and its trading partners. It was vital that this mode of transport be operated safely, otherwise, human lives, the marine environment and cargo would be endangered.
He said that in listening to people with a range of perspectives on the shipping industry, the committee was struck by the challenge of developing and maintaining a culture of safety, rather than prescribing more rules that may be evaded by a few unscrupulous players. It was clear that Australia has played an important role, thus far, in developing such a culture of safety but there was still a major task ahead.
Many flag states, port states, classification societies, operators, charterers and other parties insist on high standards and act in a responsible manner. Others appear to adopt an approach which seeks to maximise short term returns, even at the expense of lives, cargoes, the marine environment and their own reputations.
This inquiry built on the findings of the earlier reports on Ships of Shame. Members of the committee were appalled by the callous treatment of some seafarers. They heard reports of physical, mental and sexual abuse, as well as financial exploitation and inadequate accommodation. There should be no tolerance of such a culture of fear and intimidation.
The abuse and neglect of seafarers constitute both a violation of human rights and a serious risk factor for ship safety. While these are partly commercially driven, they ultimately derive from a fundamental lack of respect for human life, and are facilitated by a legal framework that can allow perpetrators to hide behind corporate veils or slip through jurisdictional cracks.
Attention should be paid to a ship as a social system as well as a means of transport and a workplace. Without this, the prospect of a global culture of safe shipping is remote. To this end, the committee recommends that the tragic incident involving the MV Glory Cape be further explored, that Australia ratify International Labor Organization Convention 147 and that the Commonwealth provide interim assistance for seafarers' welfare organisations. [continued below...]
The Federal Government will spend an extra $16 million over four years to patrol Australia's remote sub-Antarctic waters against illegal fishing vessels.
The number of patrols in the area will be increased, employing civilian vessels that can remain on station for many weeks at a time. The patrols will act as a major deterrent against unlicensed and illegal fishing vessels. In addition Australia's fisheries laws will be amended to make surveillance and enforcement more effective.
The Australian Government has licensed two vessels to fish the EEZ around the islands for Patagonian toothfish, operating under the tightest environmental controls ever imposed on Australian fishing vessels. (The Heard Island and McDonald Islands Territory is 4000 kilometres south west of Perth. The maximum temperature is 3 degrees, and it snows 256 days a year. Patagonian toothfish is a tasty fish, sold as Australian sea bass in the United States and mero in Japan.)
For further information contact Samantha Cohen (Senator Parer's Office), phone (07) 3309 8111 or 0419 438818. Internet: www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/ media_releases/parer/index.html or www.dpie.gov.au/fish/action/index.html.
International Backing for Toothfish Plan
Efforts by Australian industry to introduce additional measures to conserve Patagonian toothfish resources in the sub-Antarctic received strong international industry backing at a recent fishing meeting in Russia.
The Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC) Chairman, Mr Nigel Scullion, led a delegation which won unanimous backing from the annual meeting of the International Coalition of Fishing Associations (ICFA) for a range of measures to restrict the illegal, unregulated and unreported harvesting of the toothfish in the sub-Antarctic oceans.
The toothfish is the basis of a new and developing fishery for the Australian industry around our remote island territories of Heard and McDonald islands. The fishery is being conservatively managed to ensure its long-term sustainability. However, there have been widespread incidents of poaching by illegal foreign fishing operators using flag-of-convenience vessels within the Australian zone and elsewhere in the region.
The ICFA annual meting was held in St Petersburg, Russia, from 6-10 September and was attended by fishing industry representatives from 20 of the world's major fishing nations. Mr Scullion was elected Chairman of ICFA for 1998-99.
The proposed measures received strong backing from other nations because of the recognition that industry needs to demonstrate its capacity to work with all parties to ensure new fisheries are managed sustainably from the outset, Mr Scullion reported.
Part of the formula for getting the management right is ensuring that catch levels are set appropriately and adhered to. The control of illegal flag-of-convenience fishing operators is an essential element of this task.
The measures endorsed are:
CCAMLR is the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Australia, with its extensive Antarctic claim area, is a major player in CCAMLR processes. The Australian industry is keen to use the CCAMLR processes to extend the sustainable management practices already in place within the Australian fishing zone.
ASIC will forward the ICFA resolution on toothfish to the Australian Government for inclusion at the forthcoming CCAMLR meeting in October/November. The other fishing nations at the ICFA meeting will also ensure their delegations are fully briefed on the matter.
Mr Scullion's election to the Chairmanship of the international fishing industry peak body is recognition of the leading role Australian industry plays in the development of effective and sustainable fisheries management policies both domestically and internationally. The next ICFA meeting will be held in Fremantle in late 1999.
Other matters addressed by the ICFA meeting covered seabird bycatch from longlining, management of fishing capacity, international fisheries trade, trade in endangered species, Codes of Conduct, biodiversity, whaling, International Year of the Oceans, and Highly Migratory Species and Straddling Stocks.
For further information contact Bill Nagle (CEO ASIC), phone (02) 6281 0383 or 0412 108 616.
The International Southern Ocean Longline Fishing Information Clearing House (ISOLFICH) has received $40,000 from the Federal Government to assist its key role in the fight against illegal fishing.
Illegal fishing is an international problem and ISOLFICH's monitoring and information exchange activities will complement the Government's ongoing diplomatic and other efforts to combat this major environmental problem.
Information provided by ISOLFICH - a joint initiative of industry and conservation groups - to the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) should greatly assist Australia's diplomatic efforts to put in place further measures to combat illegal fishing for Patagonian toothfish.
At CCAMLR'S next meeting, to begin in Hobart in late October, Australia will be pressing for the adoption of further measures to combat illegal fishing for toothfish in the Southern Ocean, including the area around the Australian Territory of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands.
The Government, the fishing industry and conservation groups share a common interest in protecting the Southern Ocean ecosystem. While the Federal Government will maintain its vigilance in the region, Australia's efforts alone cannot successfully combat the serious problem of illegal fishing for toothfish in the Southern Ocean.
For further information contact Philip Connole (Senator MacdonaId's office), phone (07) 4771 3066 or 0417 063605.
Australia has instituted formal dispute resolution processes in order to resolve its current dispute concerning Japan's unilateral experimental fishing program (EFP) for southern bluefin tuna (SBT). In a diplomatic note conveyed to Japan, the Australian Government has informed Japan that Australia believes Japan's EFP places Japan in breach of several obligations under international law.
Australia considers that Japan's unilateral program is inconsistent with its obligations under customary international law, and specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (the Convention).
It is particularly unfortunate that Japan's EFP should commence during the International Year of the Ocean, when international attention is focusing on conserving the world's living marine resources. SBT is an important, highly valued component of Australia's ecosystem, and of the ecosystems of other countries and regions, and its long term sustainability must be protected.
The SBT Convention contemplates a range of mechanisms for resolving disputes between two or more member countries. Urgent consultations with Japan have been requested under Article 16.1 of the Convention, for the purposes of agreeing upon a process for resolving the dispute over the conduct and legality of Japan's EFP.
As a first step, Australia is seeking Japan's agreement to negotiations, aimed at resolving the dispute within 30 days. Given the importance of this matter, Japan is being urged to join Australia at the negotiating table as a matter of urgency.
Unfortunately, this year's fishing under the EFP could not be stopped, since it ended on 31 August. However, Japan appears set on repeating the program in similar vein next year and possibly beyond. Australia's efforts to resolve the dispute are therefore being directed at ensuring this kind of program is not repeated, and that appropriate remedial action is taken with respect to the impact of this year's fishing.
By insisting on catching an extra 1400 tonnes (over and above Japan's previously agreed SBT catch limit of 6065 tonnes), Japan has only itself to blame if critics accuse it of using the experiment as a vehicle for a de facto increase of some 23 per cent in its quota.
For further information contact Samantha Cohen (Senator Parer's Office), phone (07) 3309 8111 or 0419 438818. Internet: www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/ media_releases/parer/index.html or www.dpie.gov.au/fish/action/index.html.
The Federal Government will spend $2.2 million this year on community projects to protect fisheries habitat.
A new information package has been launched as part of the $10.4 million Fisheries Action Program which is funding community projects on a dollar-for-dollar basis to protect and restore fish habitats such as seagrass and estuaries, and to help rebuild fish populations.
The information package will help potential applicants for funding to understand the program's focus and priority areas.
The Government has funded 59 projects to date, including:
Copies of the package are available from the FAP coordinators in each state and territory.
For further information contact Samantha Cohen (Senator Parer's Office), phone (07) 3309 8111 or 0419 438818. Internet: www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/ media_releases/parer/index.html or www.dpie.gov.au/fish/action/index.html.
Australian industry is well placed to capture a significant slice of the estimated $1.5 billion which the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is expected to spend on simulation projects over the next five years.
A study recently released by Defence's Industry and Procurement Infrastructure Division identifies Australian industry as possessing a significant capability in the growth technology field of simulation.
Simulation is the modelling of a 'real-world' situation with the aid of devices such as flight trainers, mission simulators and computer-based trainers. Simulators are used widely throughout the ADF enabling the Navy, Army and Air Force to hone their skills at sea, on the battlefield and in the air faster, at lower risk, and a fraction of the cost.
The Navy uses bridge and tactical training simulators; the Army uses battlefield simulators; and the Air Force has a variety of simulators for transport, fighter, strike and maritime patrol aircraft.
The Simulation Study was commissioned to investigate the nature of ADF simulation acquisition, the number and state of in-service simulators and the level of capability of the Australian defence simulation industry. It also supports and addresses objectives in the draft Defence Simulation Master Plan which aims to develop a coordinated approach to modelling and simulation across Defence.
Simulation technology embraces a variety of skills including development of software, research and development, systems engineering and systems integration.
The study identifies more than 100 Australian companies as having some simulation capability, with more than half demonstrating a high capability. Seventy companies had specific experience with ADF simulators and 25 had a manufacturing capacity.
While the study does not suggest that all of the ADF needs can be met in Australia, a significant number of current simulation acquisitions could be undertaken using the capabilities demonstrated by the Australian simulation industry.
One conclusion, however, was that the workload in the simulation industry is very uneven because of year-to-year fluctuations in the Defence acquisition program. This makes it difficult to develop, employ and retain relevant capability and skills in Australia and it was this that led to one of the key recommendations of the study - for the Department to adopt a systematic approach to maximise the benefits for industry, as advocated in the recently released Defence Strategic Industry Policy.
A Defence Industry Simulation Workshop will be held towards the end of the year to discuss the findings of the study and how to implement its recommendations.
For further information contact John Pluck, phone (02) 6266 3487.
A settlement was reached recently in relation to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) litigation concerning the waterfront.
The settlement, endorsed by the Federal Court of Australia, provides that a damages fund of up to $7.5 million, funded by Patrick Stevedore Holdings Pty Ltd, will be available for small businesses damaged by the boycotts during the dispute.
The Maritime Union of Australia has provided a formal undertaking to the Federal Court not to repeat boycotts alleged to be unlawful by the ACCC during the dispute.
The damages fund will be administered by a trustee and payments will be subject to proof of losses arising from the waterfront dispute. Small businesses which do not have an alternative claim for compensation, such as insurance, will be given priority over other claimants on the fund. A limit will be set on individual claims.
The undertaking is for two years and there is an associated dispute settlement procedure. The undertaking does not apply to normal industrial relations actions protected under the TPA or Workplace Relations Act 1996. It also does not apply to lawful conduct to ensure compliance with relevant occupational health and safety legislation nor for the protection of international seafarers through the MUA's flags of convenience campaign.
'The ACCC is satisfied with the outcome,' ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan FeIs, said. 'Its objectives were:
These objects have been met and the ACCC has agreed to settle the case.
For further information contact Professor Allan Fels (Chairman, ACCC). phone (016) 373536 pager, or Ms Lin Enright (Director, Public Relations, ACCC), phone (02) 6243 1108.
The Federal Government has signed a $4.5 million contract for the supply and installation of a secure, law enforcement communication network in the Torres Strait.
Motorola Australia Pty Limited was selected to carry out the work. The company has extensive experience in radio communication projects and will install a state-of-the-art digital system that will enable close interaction between Federal and State law enforcement agencies. Maintenance will be subcontracted by Motorola to a Torres Strait company, providing a boost to the regional economy.
The network, which will be installed progressively over the next 12 months, will enable secure, reliable communications between law enforcement officers, including ground staff and those embarked in aircraft and vessels.
The network will use some existing infrastructure. However, it will also require the construction of a number of new towers and storage facilities on some sites. It will represent a significant investment by the Government on this critical part of Australia's sea boundary.
Customs is also looking at the best way to maximise the benefits of the new two-way radio communication system, which has the capacity to also provide all Torres Strait Islanders with health and emergency access.
The network is being funded as a major component of the Government's National Illicit Drug Strategy aimed at enhancing Australia's fight against illicit drugs.
For further information contact Andrew Hall (Media Adviser to Minister for Customs), phone (02) 6277 7790 or 0419 996766, email: ahall@dist.gov.au. Internet: www.dist.gov.au or www.customs.gov.au.
Western Australian shipbuilders Austal Ships has purchased the Image Marine Group. The Image acquisition provides Austal with increased production capacity and will facilitate diversification and broadening of its product base.
While Australia's core business will remain in the manufacture of high quality aluminium fast ferries up to 130 metres in length, the additional production facilities will enable the company to participate in the sizeable market for smaller high speed craft and special purpose vessels down to 20 metres in length.
'Image is a very good and well managed company that has earned a good reputation for their quality work in the smaller size aluminium vessel sector; they have already built a 30-metre catamaran under subcontract to Austal for the discerning Japanese market,' sai's Managing Director and Chairman, John Rothwell.
'We see the expertise of Austal exd Austalpanding into a broader base, already indicated in the successful tender for eight patrol boats for the Australian Customs Service in May 1998.'
Operationally, the name of Image and the company principals will remain unchanged.
For further information contact John Rothwell (Managing Director/Chairman, Austal Ships), phone (08) 9410 1111, fax (08) 9410 2564 or Mark Stothard (Marketing Manager, Image Marine Group), phone (08) 9437 3333, fax (08) 9437 3344.
An Australian and New Zealand initiative to increase protection for great whales has been supported by the South Pacific Forum.
The Forum, which met recently in the Federated States of Micronesia, has reiterated its support for the moratorium on commercial whaling and supported a proposal to establish a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary for great whales to complement the existing Indian and Southern Ocean sanctuaries.
Australian Environment Minister Robert Hill said the decision was an important step towards Australia's ultimate goal of a global sanctuary for whales. Australia and New Zealand informed the International Whaling Commission in May this year that they intended to explore the development of a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary with countries in the region.
Australia now looks forward to working with New Zealand and Pacific countries to present a formal proposal for consideration to the IWC.
Many great whale populations, particularly in the southern hemisphere, have been reduced to levels dangerously close to extinction. The South Pacific region is believed to be used by sperm, humpback, Bryde's and minke whales for calving, calf rearing and mating. A range of other species appear to regularly migrate into the region, like the fin, sei, and blue whale, one of the world's most endangered whale species.
Existing traditional or cultural use of whale products by South Pacific nations would not be affected by the Sanctuary.
Australia offered to host a regional workshop in October.
For further information contact: Matt Brown (Senator Hill's office), phone (02) 6277 7640 or 0414693, or David Kay (Environment Australia), phone (02) 6250 0240.
Forty-five projects along Western Australia's beaches and coastline will benefit from Natural Heritage Trust and State Government funding of $960,000 to support a range of Coastcare/Coastwest projects.
Under the jointly funded program, $534,000 is being provided through the Natural Heritage Trust's Coasts and Clean Seas initiative for projects developed by community groups and coastal managers, with the WA Government contributing a further $427,200.
From Esperance to Broome, Coastcare funding is making an important contribution to protecting some of Western Australia's most valued coastal areas and marine life. Local communities are recognising the stresses being placed on the coast, and through Coastcare they are taking action.
In the International Year of the Ocean it is significant that more Australians than ever before are involved in protecting the environment, including volunteers in over 700 Coastcare groups who are protecting beaches and cleaning up coastal waters round the country.
Along with the environmental benefits, the projects will improve the recreation and tourism potential of the west coast and strengthen partnerships between local communities, local government and other agencies.
Dune protection is a key focus of a number of the grants this year. The South Cottesloe Coastcare Association is to undertake a $33,000 dune restoration project and, near Albany, the Bay of Isles Aboriginal Community will use $11,800 to continue dune protection works on Middle Island.
At Cape Peron, the Friends of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park will use a $31,500 grant to rehabilitate and revegetate the headland and control visitor access to vulnerable areas of this unique coastal environment.
Coastcare is implemented as a partnership between the Commonwealth, States and Local Government under the $125 million Coasts and Clean Seas component of the Natural Heritage Trust.
The Commonwealth and State Governments provide matching funding for Coastcare grants. Local governments provide financial and in-kind support for Coastcare projects.
For further information contact Matt Brown (Senator Hill's office), phone (02) 6277 7640 or Steve Manshee (office of WA Planning Minister), phone (08) 9481 2133.
Other findings include the following issues.
The committee received 33 submissions and supplementary submissions. It held a public forum in Sydney on 14 July 1998 in which 23 participants joined members of the committee to examine ship safety issues.
The Committee's recommendations include:
Copies of the report are available from Government Info Shop and at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ctmr/index.htm. Copies have been sent to each organisation which made a submission and to each witness who participated in the public forum.
For further information contact Paul Neville MP (Committee Chair), phone (07) 4152 0744 or Meg Crooks (Committee Secretary), phone (02) 6277 4601.
Cunard Line recently carried out an emergency response exercise on board its flagship Queen Elizabeth 2, with Lloyd's Register Ship Emergency Response Service (LR SERS). The exercise was designed to test procedures to assist the ship in an emergency involving structural damage. Cunard enrolled its entire fleet in SERS along with the Queen Elizabeth 2 in September 1995.
SERS is a 24-hour, 365-days-a-year land-based technical support service for ships in the event of an accident. A team of experienced naval architects assisted by a computer model of each ship in SERS, and advanced PC-based damage calculation and simulation software developed by LR, can predict how the stability, strength, oil outflow and floatability of a damaged vessel will respond to various proposed remedial actions.
The scenario for the exercise, which was chosen to be representative of what could happen on voyages undertaken by the vessel, was a collision with another vessel. This was assumed to have occurred in way of a watertight bulkhead.
After the completion of the exercise, an LR SERS Exercise certificate was issued to Cunard as proof of the exercise. This can be used to reassure flag and port state authorities - and passengers - of Cunard's commitment to emergency preparedness.
The QE2 exercise was one of some 30 carried out by SERS in the first half of this year.
ASP Ship Management based at Melbourne has won LR's Ship Emergency Exercise Award for the second time in a row. The award recognises outstanding commitment to staging emergency exercises.
The aim of LR's Ship Emergency Exercise Award is to recognise those companies contracted into SERS who demonstrate an outstanding commitment towards carrying out emergency exercises as part of their safety management system.
ASP was judged the winner on the basis of a score calculated from the ratio of the number of exercises carried out with SERS to the number of ships participating in SERS, taking into account the variety of accident scenarios (collisions, groundings, and so on).
ASP, which has 15 ships in SERS, held a total of 12 emergency exercises with SERs during 1997. They covered all ships types in the company's fleet -bulk carriers, container ships, ro-ro ships, passenger ro-ro ships, chemical tankers, oil tankers and research vessels - with accident scenarios featuring fire, collisions, hull damage and grounding with hull damage.
For further information contact Barry Leser (LR Press and PR), phone +44 171 423 2308, email barry.lester@lr.org.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has repeated its 'Millennium Bug' alert.
In the latest edition of its Safety Aboard publication, the authority has warned ship owners and operators about the potential for software difficulties with onboard computer systems on the change of date to 1 January 2000.
The problem is due to some computer systems utilising only two digits when referring to the year and assuming it is prefaced with '19'.
Since the century is not accounted for in the program, the system cannot differentiate between the years 1900 and 2000.
When the system date changes from 1999 to 2000 the system may interpret the new year as 1900 instead of 2000.
Ships are fitted with a number of sophisticated computer systems which carry out a variety of functions on board the vessel, from navigation to communications and control of engine and cargo control systems.
AMSA has informed ship owners they should be aware that some of these computer systems may have problems on the change of date to the year 2000.
In the case of software systems approved for use by a classification society, owners have been advised to seek guidance from the relevant classification authority regarding the possible year 2000 problem. Owners with other onboard computer systems have been advised to check with the software manufacturer regarding possible problems on the change to the year 2000.
Ships' computer system types that may be affected are:
A spokesman for AMSA's Ship and Personnel Safety Services business unit says during ISM code audits AMSA surveyors will check for documentary evidence that the potential risks associated with this problem are being addressed as an integral component of the vessel's risk management approach.
'The issue has the potential to cause serious safety and environmental problems should critical electronic components and equipment fail to operate as required on the stroke of midnight on 31 December 1999', he said.
'AMSA is of the view that unless proper risk management procedures and actions are taken, the 'Year 2000' problem may pose a serious threat to the seaworthiness and safe operation of Australian and foreign ships, their crews and the marine environment.'
For further information contact AMSA Public Relations, phone (02) 6279 5032, fax (02) 6279 5858.
8-9 October 1998
Preservation and Protection of the Marine Environment
University of Wollongong
The Conference is being organised by the Centre for Maritime Policy, University of Wollongong, and the Ocean University of Qingdao, China.
The Conference will address issues associated with the integration of marine science and law to develop policies and regimes for the preservation and protection of the marine environment.
The conference will examine the following themes:
Contact: Centre for Maritime Policy, phone (02) 4221 4883, fax (02) 4226 8866, email cenmarpol@uow.edu.au.
20-21 October 1998
Association of Maritime Education and Training Institutions in Asia Pacific: 2nd Annual General Meeting and Conference
Shanghai Maritime University.
The theme of the conference is 'Education for Safer Ships and Cleaner Oceans'.
Contact: Rod Short, Executive Secretary, PO Box 104, Legana, TAS 7277, phone/fax: (03) 6330 1834.
3-5 November 1998
Ausmarine '98 Exhibition and Conference
Function and Exhibition Centre, Victorian Quay, Fremantle.
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
18 November 1998
50 Years on & Gearing up for the 21st Century
University of New South Wales
Seminar topics:
Organised by the Sydney Branch of the Institute of Marine Engineers.
Contact Mr L.J. Prandolini, Hon. Sec., Sydney Branch IMarE, 58 Melba Drive, East Ryde NSW 2113, phone (02) 9878 1914, fax (02) 9878 4669, email sbimare@msn.com.
5-7 January 1999
Hydro 99 - Information Management
University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
Organised by The International Hydrographic Society.
Contact: Ron Whitmore, phone (02) 9489 2091, fax (02) 9489 2048, email seacon@sydpcug.org.au.
23-25 February 1999
Work Boat World Asia 99 exhibition and conference
World Trade Centre, Singapore
Contact: Mark Balla, Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
27-29 April 1999
Oceanology International 99 Pacific Rim, a marine science and ocean technology exhibition and conference focusing on the Indo and Pacific Regions. Theme: 'Enabling Technology for a Sustainable Environment'.
World Trade Centre, Singapore.
The Conference Committee invites speakers to present abstracts on Marine Environmental Management, Marine Information Technology, Marine Biology/Biotechnology, Acoustics, Operational Modelling and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The topics are intended as a guide and are not exclusive. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9 October 1998.
Copies of the call for papers and full information on all aspects of the Oceanology International series of events are available from Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd, owners and organisers of the OI series of events, Ocean House, 50 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3LZ UK, phone +44 (0)181 949 9222, fax +44 (0)181 949 8186/8168, email oi99@spearhead.co.uk , Internet www.spearhead.co.uk.
6-8 July 1999
Asia-Pacific Fishing '99 exhibition and conference
Cairns Convention Centre
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
28-30 September 1999
Indian Ocean Fisheries: Past, Present and Future, Conference in association with Indian Ocean Week
Fremantle, WA
Conference Themes: History and Heritage; Production, Management & Marketing; National and International Issues: Conflict or Cooperation.
Contact: The Convenor, Indian Ocean Fisheries Conference, Maritime History Department, WA Maritime Museum, Cliff Street, Fremantle WA 6160, phone (08) 9431 8442 or (08) 9431 8488, fax (08) 9445 7224, email sally.may@museum.wa.gov.au.
31 January - 4 February 2000
Stability and Operational Safety of Ships and Ocean Structures: 7th International Conference on Stability of Ships and Ocean Vehicles
Launceston, Tasmania
Organised by the Australian Maritime Engineering CRC Ltd.
The conference will address a wide range of topics related to the theme, including: Damage stability of RoRo vessels; Capsizing of vessels in following and quartering seas; Stability of high speed craft; Design and regulatory aspects; Model testing and correlation; Computer techniques in research and operations; Stability of ocean engineering structure; Stability in operations; and The human/vehicle stability interface.
Call for papers: The deadline for abstracts to be submitted is 30 September 1998 and authors will be notified of acceptance by 30 November 1998. Complete papers will be required by 30 April 1999, giving time for review and final selection.
Contact/submit abstracts to STAB Conference Secretariat, AMECRC Ltd, PO Box 986, Launceston TAS 7250, fax (03) 6326 6261, email STAB2000@crc.amc.edu.au. Internet: www.amc.edu.au.
22-24 February 2000
Indo-Pacific Fishing 2000
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
The Conference will attract vessel designers and builders, operators and owners, fisheries research and development, management and markets, suppliers and financiers, processors and port operators. Every facet of the international commercial fishing industry will be invited and represented.
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
Availability of Publications:
Organisations or persons wishing to obtain copies of publications or relevant Hansard volumes mentioned in this issue at nominal cost can apply to:
Capital Monitor, PO Box 2891, Canberra City ACT 2601, Phone (02) 6273 4899; Fax (02) 6273 4905
ORDER FORM
Annual subscription: $40.
Cheques payable to KINDRED MARITIME ORGANISATIONS.Please send me one copy of the Australian Maritime Digest monthly for the next 12 months.
Name [Mr/Mrs/Ms]
Position
Organisation
Address
State Postcode
1. Please charge my Bankcard MasterCard Visa
Card No.
Name of Account Holder:
Signature Expiry date
2. Please find enclosed my cheque/money order for $40.00 payable to KINDRED MARITIME ORGANISATIONS.
Please send the coupon to: Australian Maritime Digest, c/- PO Box 55, RED HILL ACT 2603
Phone: (02) 6295 0056 Fax: (02) 6295 3367