Tag Archives: HM Government

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News story: Grave of Kent born WW2 Pilot Officer finally rededicated after 77 years

Verifying the research submitted was crucial in identifying the final resting place of Pilot Officer (P/O) Hector Garmen Webb of the 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF), who was killed during WW2. A rededication service was held on 8 August 2017 at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway 77 years after he fell.

The service, which was a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by P/O Webb, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, and was conducted by The Reverend Dr David Richardson, RAF Station Chaplain, RAF Halton.

Reverend David Richardson, said:

As someone serving at RAF Halton today, it is such a privilege to be here at this beautiful cemetery to remember the courage and sacrifice of Hector who graduated from Halton nearly 80 years ago.

P/O Webb was just 16 years old when he joined the RAF as an apprentice engine fitter. He later volunteered to train as a pilot and in 1937 he joined 224 Squadron as a Sergeant. He finally received his commission to become a Pilot Officer in 1940.

In the early stages of WW2, 224 Squadron were assigned to provide air cover in support of Operation Primrose – the landing of British troops near Åndalsnes, Norway. On 23 April 1940 P/O Webb’s aircraft (Hudson N7249) was approaching Åndalsnes when he was hit by friendly fire and crashed into a nearby mountain. His 3 crew members ejected and parachuted to safety, however, P/O Webb was sadly killed. He was aged just 24.

P/O Webb’s burial place had remained unknown, until the grave of an unknown airman buried in Åndalsnes Church Cemetery, Norway was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Defence by Hector’s nephew, Ben Sharp. Further research was undertaken by the MOD JCCC to corroborate the evidence and the identification of the “Unknown Airman” grave was found to belong to P/O Hector Garman Webb, meaning his grave could finally be marked with his name.

Ben Sharp who travelled to Norway from the USA to attend the service of his uncle, Hector, said:

It was a very touching ceremony and we were so pleased to see the people of Åndalsnes here to remember him with us.

It is very important for us to take a break in our busy lives and spend time to remember the sacrifices these men made for our freedom. We are especially thankful to the JCCC, CWGC and the local community who have looked after Hector’s grave so well for all these years.

Nicola Nash, JCCC said:

It has been a privilege to work on this case and today’s ceremony was a fitting commemoration for P/O Hector Webb and the ultimate sacrifice he made.

A new headstone bearing P/O Webb’s name was provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

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News story: Professor Sir Michael Rawlins re-appointed Chair

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency announced the re-appointment of Professor Sir Michael Rawlins as its Chair yesterday for a further 3 years.

Since taking up the position of chair at the Agency in 2014, Sir Michael has overseen the Agency’s work as an effective regulator of medicines and medical devices across the UK. He has promoted the first-class science and research carried out in each of the Agency’s centres; the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and MHRA.

Earlier this year, Professor Sir Michael Rawlins was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for the services to the safety of medicines, healthcare and innovation.

Professor Sir Michael Rawlins said:

“I am delighted to serve as the Agency’s Chair for a second term. One of the joys of this job is seeing each part of the Agency continue to deliver innovative science and protect public health.

“I am looking forward to taking on the next challenge, as we seek to continue to play a leading role in both Europe and the world on promoting public health.”

Chief Executive Dr Ian Hudson said:

“Sir Mike has overseen a very successful period in the Agency’s history, and I’m delighted to see his re-appointment, as we move into an equally crucial next stage.

“He has been at the forefront of innovation, development and leadership in the public health sector for more than 3 decades.”

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Press release: FOREIGN FLAGGED SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING JULY 2017

During July, there were three new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port. Seven vessels remained under detention from previous months. A total of six vessels remain under detention at the end of July.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.

  4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure if at all possible.

  5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

  • Full details of the ship. The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
  • Company. The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
  • Classification Society. The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship only.
  • Recognised Organisation. Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State
  • White (WL), Grey (GL) and Black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State.

SHIPS DETAINED IN JUNE 2017

Vessel Name: CAP FERRAT

GT: 39996

IMO: 9209128

Flag: Cyprus (White list)

Company: Cyprus Sea Lines Co Ltd

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: NKK/BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and Place of Detention: 21st July at Immingham

Summary: Fourteen deficiencies with ten grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Damaged No
10102 – Type approval equipment Not as required No
04109 – Fire drills Lack of training Yes
18313 – Cleanliness Not hygienic Yes
03103 – Railing, gangway, walkway and means of safe passage Not as required No
11124 – Embarkation arrangement survival craft Missing Yes
06105 – Atmosphere testing instrument Malfunctioning Yes
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Not as required Yes
04108 – Muster list Incomplete Yes
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required Yes
05114 – Reserve source of energy Not as required Yes
10118 – Speed and distance indicator Inoperative Yes
18427 – Ship’s occupational safety and health policies and programmes Not as required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 27th July 2017

Vessel Name: ARISTIDIS

GT: 23270

IMO: 9327413

Flag: Marshall Islands (White list)

Company: Capital Ship Management Corp

Classification Society: ABS

Recognised Organisation: ABS/LR

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: ABS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: ABS

Date and Place of Detention: 19th July 2017 at Royal Portbury

Summary: Eight deficiencies with six grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01120 – Statement of Compliance CAS Invalid Yes
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions Not as required Yes
18314 – Provisions quantity Insufficient No
11131 – On board training and instructions Lack of training Yes
11134 – Operation of Life Saving Appliances Lack of familiarity Yes
10105 – Magnetic compass Not as required Yes
11105 – Rescue boat inventory Not as required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 22nd July 2017

Vessel Name: OCEAN VANTAGE

GT: 2182

IMO: 8405440

Flag: Panama (White list)

Company: Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd

Classification Society: BV

Recognised Organisation: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and Place of Detention: 8th July at Royal Portbury

Summary: Thirteen deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
04114 – Emergency source of power – Emergency generator Inoperative No
07114 – Remote means of control (opening, pumps, ventilation, etc.) machinery spaces Not as required Yes
01137 – Civil liability for Bunker oil pollution damage cert Missing No
01123 – Continuous synopsis record Invalid No
01123 – Continuous synopsis record Entries missing No
01315 – Oil record book Not properly filled No
01308 – Record of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest Incorrect entries No
10199 – Other (navigation) Other No
01310 – Signs, indications Not as required No
07118 – International shore connection Not as required No
18324 – Cold room, cold room cleanliness, cold room temperature Not as required No
01202 – Certificate for rating for watchkeeping Not as required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 13th July 2017

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: REGGAE

GT: 1567

IMO: 8500408

Flag: Panama (White list)

Company: Voda Denizcilik Ve Districet Ltd

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: National Shipping Adjuster Inc

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 27th June 2017 at Leith

Summary: Nineteen deficiencies with four grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07112 – Emergency escape breathing device and disposition Not as required No
18425 – Access/structural features (ship) Missing equipment No
04109 – Fire drills Lack of training No
04108 – Muster List Incomplete No
10105 – Magnetic compass Not readable No
09232 – Cleanliness of engine room Insufficient No
15150 – ISM Not as required No
03108 – Ventilators, air pipes, casing Damaged No
02101 – Closing devices/watertight doors Inoperative No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions Not as required No
18203 – Wages Not according SEA Yes
11117 – Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition Missing No
02105 – Steering gear Not as required No
11108 – Inflatable liferafts Insufficient No
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Not as required Yes
18314 – Provision quantity Insufficient Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages Not according SEA Yes
10116 – Nautical publications Not updated No
13102 – Auxiliary engine Missing No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Vessel Name: TOBA

GT: 44200

IMO: 9710543

Flag: Marshall Islands (White list)

Company: Seaways Maritime International SA

Classification Society: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV GL/NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 19th June 2017 at Liverpool

Summary: Sixteen deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18203 – Wages Not according to SEA Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages Missing No
18205 – Measures to ensure transmission to seafarer’s family Not adequate No
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Not as required Yes
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Invalid No
01140 – Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (Part I and II) Missing No
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained No
01308 – Records of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest Incorrect entries No
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained No
18314 – Provisions quantity Insufficient No
11101 – Lifeboats Not properly maintained No
07118 – International shore connection Not as required No
11117 – Lifebuoys inc. provision and disposition Not as required No
03199 – Other (load line) Not as required No
03103 – Railing, gangway, walkway and means of safe passage Not properly maintained No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 15th July 2017

Vessel Name: SECCADI

GT: 1596

IMO: 9123295

Flag: Panama (White list)

Company: Voda Gemi Isletmeciligi AS

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: National Shipping Adjusters Inc Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 20th June at Runcorn

Summary: Eleven deficiencies with six grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
12220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Not as required Yes
18203 – Wages No records Yes
18203 – Wages Missing Yes
18203 – Wages Not according to SEA Yes
18203 – Wages Not adequate Yes
18201 – Fitness for duty – work and rest hours Not as required No
18313 – Cleanliness Signs of vermin No
18314 – Provision quantity Insufficient Yes
18308 – Furnishing Damaged No
18302 – Sanitary Facilities Damaged No
15150 – ISM Not as required No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Vessel Name: TAHSIN

GT: 1598

IMO: 9055187

Flag: Panama (White list)

Company: Voda Denizcilik IC Dis Tacaret Ltd

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: NKK/NASHA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 2nd June at Sharpness

Summary: Twelve deficiencies with eight grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18327 – Ventilation (working spaces) Inoperative Yes
10116 – Nautical publications Missing Yes
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate Missing No
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Invalid Yes
11128 – Line-throwing appliance Expired No
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Expired No
01202 – Certificate for rating for watching Missing Yes
18203 – Wages Not according SEA Yes
10111 – Charts Missing Yes
05106 – INMARSAT ship earth station Not as required Yes
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
03104 – Cargo & other hatchways Damaged No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Vessel Name: MALAVIYA SEVEN

GT: 3001

IMO: 9087312

Flag: India (Grey List)

Company: GOL Offshore Ltd

Classification Society: IRS

Recognised Organisation: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: IRS

Date and Place of Detention: 5th October 2016 at Aberdeen

Summary: Five deficiencies with five grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes Not as required Yes
18203 – Wages Missing Yes
01220 – Seafarers employment agreement (SEA) Invalid Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages No records Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Vessel Name: SEA TRIDENT

GT: 964.

IMO No: 7393169.

Flag: PANAMA (white list)

Company:

Classification Society: Expired

Recognised Organisation: Expired

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC:

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC:

Date and Place of Detention: 17 June 2016, West Cowes

Summary: Seventeen deficiencies with seventeen grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01101 – Cargo ship safety equipment cert Expired Yes
01102 – Cargo Ship safety construction cert Expired Yes
01104 – Cargo ship safety radio cert Expired Yes
01108 – Loadline cert Expired Yes
01117 – IOPP (International Oil Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01119 – International Sewage Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01124 – International Air Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01137 – Civil liability for bunker oil pollution damage cert Expired Yes
01199 – Other certs (Certificate of class) Expired Yes
01201 – Certificates for master and officers Missing Yes
10111 – Charts Not updated Yes
10116 – Publications Nautical Not updated Yes
11108 – Inflatable liferafts Expired Yes
11116 – Distress flares Missing Yes
07109 – Fixed fire fighting extinguishing installation Not as required Yes
07110 – Fire fighting equipment & appliances Not as required Yes
01140 – Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Missing Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification Society: Unclassed.

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2017

Notes to Editors

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector at www.seavision.org.uk

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on: +44 (0) 2380 329 401 Press releases and further information about the agency is available here.

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Press release: Scotland’s HALO Trust is leading mines clearance and supporting the local economy

International Development Secretary Priti Patel praised Scotland’s HALO Trust for taking the lead in bringing British ingenuity and bravery to mine clearance in some of the world’s most fragile countries, during a visit to the organisation’s headquarters just outside Dumfries today.

Ms Patel announced support to HALO, Manchester-based Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Norwegian People’s Aid, which will help to make 15 million square metres of land safe again and enable 15,000 community visits to educate people – especially children – on the dangers of living with landmines.

The UK Government’s work with HALO is a key part of the economy in Dumfries and Ms Patel met with many local businesses who contribute to Britain’s lifesaving work overseas and help to create jobs in the UK.

This included Penman Engineering who make armoured vehicles; Soltyre, bespoke tyre makers for rough terrain; and ScotJCB who make heavy duty machinery.

Ms Patel was joined by the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, during her visit.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

Landmines are indiscriminate weapons of war that maim and kill innocent children every day. Scottish organisations like HALO Trust are at the forefront of the UK’s efforts, bringing British ingenuity, determination and bravery to save lives and make some of the world’s most fragile countries safer and more stable.

I’m pleased to have met with so many of the local companies that provide the specialist equipment HALO needs to carry out its dangerous and difficult work – they represent the best of British expertise.

By involving British businesses in our lifesaving work overseas, we are supporting local economies right across the UK and helping to create and protect jobs.

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:

This is a great example of how the UK’s aid commitment to help those most in need around the world also works here at home in our national interest. Scotland is at the heart of the UK’s international aid efforts – with hundreds of staff working in East Kilbride as well as contracts going to many Scottish companies.

The companies working with the HALO Trust are making a real contribution to some of the poorest communities on earth – and in doing so are creating jobs and driving growth in Scotland. This is just one example of why our aid strategy is so important and why we are so proud to be meeting our commitment as a world-leader in international aid.

HALO Trust is one of the leading global NGOs on demining. Since 1988 the HALO Trust has destroyed over 1.6 million landmines and nearly 12 million unexploded ordnance. The HALO Trust currently works in 20 countries or territories. Last year they:

  • made 74 million square metres of land safe, directly benefitting 1.8 million people
  • destroyed 395,000 mines and unexploded ordnance
  • delivered mine risk education session to 330,000 children and adults (including 91,500 children)
  • ensured that 61% of cleared land was released for agriculture which is vital for communities

The UK is one of the world’s leading contributors to demining. New support announced earlier this year at Kensington Palace will make safe land, equivalent to the size of over 20,000 football pitches, and help 800,000 people live their lives free from the threat of mines.

Notes to Editors

  • Today’s announcement is an £8.1m funding extension to the current Global Mine Action Programme, which is delivered by HALO, MAG and Norwegian People’s Aid.
  • This funding allocation is for the financial year 2017/18.
  • Local companies in Dumfriesshire have benefitted from over £5 million of business from the HALO Trust over the past 10 years.
  • The UK’s work removes and destroys landmines, but also focuses on education to ensure the local community is aware of the risk.
  • The UK was a founding signatory of the Mine Ban Treaty and a number of UK organisations such as Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the Halo Trust are at the forefront of global efforts to make the world mine-free.
  • With concerted effort we can make a real difference. Through the support of UK aid, Mozambique was declared mine-free in 2015, joining 26 countries that have completed mine clearance in the past 20 years.
  • More than 60 million people still live with the daily threat of injury or death and the basic rights of safe access to health services, education, agricultural land and infrastructure continue to be denied to communities around the world.
  • The UK government confirmed it would be tripling its support for demining this year at an event at Kensington Palace.
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News story: Process update on the Secretary of State’s consideration of the proposed merger between 21st Century Fox Inc. and Sky Plc.

Process update, 8 August 2017.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has written to Ofcom under section 106B(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002, seeking further clarification in relation to representations made on the Secretary of State’s referral decision.

After assessing the large number of representations made in relation to the Secretary of State’s referral decision, a number of these raise new evidence and/or comment on the Ofcom assessment.

Any referral decision by the Secretary of State must be taken on the basis of a valid assessment of all the relevant evidence. For this reason the DCMS has asked Ofcom to advise on a number of points arising from these representations. The Department has asked that the advice is provided as soon as possible and no later than 25 August 2017.

All effort continues to carry out this process in a transparent and timely way. The Department’s letter to Ofcom and Ofcom’s response will be published in due course.

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