The Hong Kong Convention (HKC) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009 to ensure that ships, when recycled at the end of their life, do not pose risks to human health, safety, or the environment. It was created in response to unsafe and polluting shipbreaking practices, especially in South Asia. After years of delay, the HKC met the conditions for entry into force on 26 June 2023 and became legally binding on 26 June 2025. The long-overdue entry into force in 2025 offers a real opportunity to transform an industry long associated with environmental degradation and human suffering into one of safe, regulated, and environmentally sound practice. Barry discusses the convention, it's delays, the IMO's procedures and the required documentation. Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.
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Suez - The Modern Crisis
The Suez Canal is a 193-kilometre (120-mile) artificial waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said in the north to the Red Sea at Suez in the south. Completed in 1869, it allows ships to transit between Europe and Asia without circumnavigating Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, reducing voyage times by approximately 8,000–10,000 kilometres (4,300–5,400 nautical miles).The Canal is not just a man-made marvel—it is a critical enabler of the global economy. By providing the shortest maritime link between the East and West, it underpins the efficiency of international shipping and supply chains. While it faces operational and geopolitical challenges, its centrality to trade continues to drive investment, innovation, and international cooperation.After the first transit of an ultra large container ship on the 21st June for the first time in over a year and a half, Barry discusses the canals problems and when they maybe overcome. Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.
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Containership Fires - The Heat is ON.
Containership fires pose significant dangers due to the complex nature of cargo stowage, the vast quantities of goods onboard, and the difficulty of accessing and extinguishing fires deep within container stacks. These fires often involve hazardous materials, such as chemicals, batteries, or flammable goods, which may be misdeclared or improperly stored, increasing the risk of rapid escalation. Once ignited, a fire can spread quickly through multiple containers, producing toxic smoke and intense heat that endanger the crew and compromise the ship’s structural integrity. Containment is challenging due to limited firefighting systems, and delays in response can lead to catastrophic damage, environmental pollution, loss of cargo, and even total loss of the vessel.Barry discusses some of the probable reasons for these fires being so commonplace and some of the measures that could be taken to reduce the frequency and perhaps more importantly the severity of these lethal events.Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.
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Tunnel Talk - The Mighty(ish) Bow Thruster
A bow thruster is a transversal propulsion device installed in the forward (bow) section of a ship, allowing it to move laterally (sideways) without forward motion. It is especially valuable for low-speed manoeuvres such as berthing, unberthing, or holding position in dynamic positioning (DP) systems. While it greatly aids ship handling, it comes with several limitations.The bow thruster was first developed in the mid-20th century to improve low-speed manoeuvrability in increasingly larger ships. Early versions appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly on Scandinavian ferries, using simple mechanically driven side propellers. By the 1970s, tunnel-type bow thrusters became standard on tankers, ferries, and cruise ships, often powered by diesel or electric motors. Barry discusses the humble bow thruster - how it is measured, some of the limitations and gives real world accounts of when the thruster may let you down.Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.
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The Pilot as the Masters Aide - Beyond MPX
When a pilot steps on board, two experts meet—each with a distinct role and vital knowledge. But how well that knowledge is shared can mean the difference between a smooth berthing and a costly incident. Whether you're a seasoned master mariner, an experienced pilot, or just starting your journey at sea, this blog unpacks the procedures, challenges, and real-world lessons behind effective communication on the bridge.The MPX is not just a formality. It is a structured, safety-critical process that ensures mutual understanding between the ship's master and the pilot regarding the voyage plan, vessel characteristics, operational constraints, local conditions, and potential hazards. It is where bridge resource management meets local knowledge — and where effective communication can prevent misunderstanding, delay, or incident.But beyond the technical requirements of the MPX lies a deeper connection - the mutual respect and understanding fostered by two professionals drawing on each other’s knowledge to overcome critical safety hurdles - when done properly the pilot can become the Master’s aide - allowing him or her to seek professional opinion or just vents about onboard challenges. A good pilot is not just a good assistant, but a sound and dependable maritime friend.Barry discusses this relationship and how during his 25 years pilot career he has advised Masters beyond the passage planning, ship handling and navigational spheres.Come and Visit our Website https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.
Captain Barry Sadler discusses maritime topics including recent changes to maritime practices, shipping incidents, new legislation, real life lessons from his ongoing pilotage career, hot MCA examination topics and maritime issues in general. With 40 years experience in the professional maritime field, Barry's take on various nautical and shipping matters is in depth and accurate with insightful views on all affairs maritime. If you work, watch or enjoy the sea his podcast will inform and entertain you.
New Zealand