VMSL Update issue 3-06, for the July to August 2006 quarter.
This Update is intended to keep our friends informed about what's new at VMSL and in Vanuatu.
SECURITY LEVELS REMAIN AT LEVEL 2 IN NIGERIA AND SOMALIA There has been no change in the Security Levels since our last Update.
PARIS MOU ON PORT STATE CONTROL As this Update goes to press, the Paris MOU on PSC has yet to release its 2005 PSC annual report although it has issued the “black/grey/white” list of countries. Vanuatu remains on the “grey” list by only 0.01 percentage points, reflecting the fact that 4 ships were detained in the 3 year period 2003-2005. Had even 1 more ship been inspected but not detained, Vanuatu would have been on the “white” list. In all other areas including the US, the Asia/Pacific, and the Indian Ocean areas, Vanuatu’s PSC scores are excellent.
FLEET / SAFETY LETTER 06086 A FLEET / SAFETY LETTER entitled “GUIDANCE ON VOLUNTARY SELF ASSESSMENT FOR SHIP SECURITY” has just been released. Check www.vanuatuships.com for details.
CERTIFICATES OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS (CRAs) We continue to receive numerous requests for CRAs. Copies of CRAs will be emailed or faxed only after we have received the original completed application (not a faxed or emailed copy) with all supporting documentation. The fee for this additional step in the endorsement process is $100.00 per CRA, which may include one or several seafarers. The application cover letter should clearly request a CRA.
MAIIF 15 The Panama Canal Authority will host the Marine Accident Investigators International Forum’s annual meeting, MAIIF 15, during the week of August 14 – 18, 2006. Don Sheetz, who has represented the Vanuatu ship registry at MAIIF for 15 years, intends to present 4 papers, time permitting: the death of a surveyor; the death of a derrick-man; the effects of Katrina/Rita on the Gulf of Mexico MODU fleet (with thanks to the IADC for providing material); and a quick overview on the confusing issue of pilots (federal, state and docking) in the United States.
NATIONAL CARGO BUREAU Don Sheetz is pleased to announce that he was recently elected to the National Cargo Bureau. He remains a member of the Marine Society of New York; an associate member of the Council of American Master Mariners; and a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, all of which are esteemed professional organizations. FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTATION Approximately two years ago we identified a fraudulent “Liberian” license issued to a Nigerian national applying for a Vanuatu endorsement. The applicant was escorted off the vessel and banned from ever serving on Vanuatu vessels again. Recently that same individual attempted to re-apply for a Vanuatu endorsement. Vanuatu’s policy is very strict regarding the submission of false documentation of any kind: the applicant will be banned for life from serving on Vanuatu vessels. No “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts!” No mitigating circumstances! Banned! Forever!
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Vanuatu – HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH The most deservedly happy place on the planet is Vanuatu, according to a radical new index. The index has been compiled to draw attention to the fact that it is not necessary to use up the earth's resources to achieve long life and happiness. The Happy Planet Index has been constructed using three factors: life expectancy, human wellbeing and damage done via a country's "environmental footprint." Vanuatu is at the top because its people are satisfied with their lot, live to nearly 70, and do little damage to the planet. For more details log on to: www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2006/07/13/2003318583.
Group Executive Chairman Savagely Beaten -- UPDATE In our last Update we reported that Tom Bayer was savagely attacked on 5 April 2006. I am pleased to report that Tom is slowly recovering from his ordeal and has returned to work. To date no perpetrators have been identified.
New Legislation Vanuatu has recently passed legislation affecting the financial centre. The legislation includes: Insurance Act Unit Trust Act Insurance Regulation Protected Cell Companies Act Insurance Guidelines Financial Transaction Reporting (Amendment) Act Mutual Funds Act Protection of Fraud (Investments)(Amendment) Act For electronic copies contact
. Three Agreements with China Vanuatu’s Agriculture Minister has signed 3 agreements with China which cover major developments in Vanuatu: a) A major palm oil project (in spite of the regular threats of cyclone destruction and expert opinion that Vanuatu’s latitude is too far south to make growing oil palm possible); b) A floating dry dock for ship repair; and, c) A fish processing plant which should boost employment on fishing vessels and at the processing plant. The polluting nature of such plants has yet to be addressed and the location of the plant has yet to be finalized.
Vanuatu’s Foreign Reserves Increase With a sharp increase in private investment (mainly in holiday real estate) and increased aid, Vanuatu’s foreign reserves were sufficient to cover 6.2 months of imports by the end of May. This is a healthy economic indicator.
Vanuatu Economy Expanding Not only has import cover increased, the total money supply increased by 12.3% in the year to May, and domestic credit (public & private together) expanded by 21%. Private sector credit on its own grew by 22.6%. This has fueled a robust economic situation which may overheat the economy. Port Vila inflation was up by 4.5% for expatriates according to the annual PITCO Consumer Price Index for the 12 months to the end of May.
New Zealand Increases Air Services WITH VANUATU Commencing in July there will be 3 round trip services per week to Auckland, New Zealand. A new agreement between the two governments now allows up to 4 services per week. The extra service will be on Sundays.
Vanuatu Volcano exceeds Mt. Etna Ambae’s volcano is now releasing more than 5,600 tons of gas per day which exceeds that of Mt. Etna in Italy which releases 4,000 tons of gas each day. Fortunately, the Vanuatu volcano seems to be reducing its energy emissions.
World Class Data Centre Vanuatu’s Pacific Data Solutions Ltd. is completing a massive transmission tower and office complex that will thrust Vanuatu to the forefront of world data processing. It will specialize in servicing its own worldwide data processing requirements in the on-line gaming business and is licensed to service other holders of Vanuatu gaming licences.
New Zealand supports Vanuatu The New Zealand government has boosted their aid to Vanuatu’s primary education department. It has committed 79.7 million Vatu (US$700,000) for its education assistance program in 2006/2007. The funding will support curriculum development and training for school principals, teachers and bursars in English as a second language.
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