This Update is intended to keep our friends informed about what's new at VMSL and in Vanuatu.
NEW FORMAT
This is the first UPDATE in the new format. Let us know what you think. Email with your comments.
ICE BREAKING EMERGENCY EVACUATION VESSELS
We are excited to announce that Vanuatu just registered the first 2 of what we hope to be a fleet of 12 IBEEVs which will work off Kazakhstan. Each vessel will be capable of evacuating up to 350 oil production personnel from production “islands” in the Northeast Caspian Sea should there be a major H2S incident. The vessels operate in relatively shallow water and can break ice up to 60 cm thick. They have sufficient reserve air that personnel can survive and vessel engines can operate in a positive pressure atmosphere, without relying on an outside air supply, for up to an hour while the vessel heads for safety away from the incident area. The units are accessed from the center of the islands through positive pressure “umbilical” tunnels which protect the personnel.
MAIIF 15 was an unqualified success. The meeting was held in Panama City, Panama, from 14 to 18 August 2006. Forty-seven delegates from 26 countries, representing 29 authorities, were in attendance. The only issue which held the country’s attention more than the MAIIF meeting was the public referendum on the Canal which attracted a 79 % positive response.
Goodbye and hello!
After 7 years with VMSL, Tom Horan, Senior Manager – Safety, has taken a position with the National Cargo Bureau. Good luck, Tom! Art Bjorkner, ex-serving master mariner, ex-submariner, and retired shipping company executive, has joined us as Senior Manager – Safety. Other VMSL personnel changes include: Liz Baddoo and Yudy Barba have moved to Boston and Florida, respectively. They have been replaced by Nazha Talmi, seafarer documentation, and, Raul Gaubeca, ship registration. Also, Sanaa Dabhi, services and marketing, has returned from a short leave of absence. Welcome to the VMSL family, Art, Nazha and Raul, and welcome back, Sanaa!
INTERNATIONAL WORKBOAT SHOW
VMSL will exhibit at the IWBS in New Orleans, November 29 – December 1. Look for us at Booth 2265. For every new ship registration contracted during the show, VMSL will offer a 75% discount on the initial registration fee for those presenting a copy of this UPDATE to the booth manager. (Limited to first time registrants.)
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION CD AND FEES CALCULATORS
When you visit us at IWBS, ask us for a copy of our new information CD, “All you ever needed to know about registering a ship with Vanuatu,” and our ever-popular, “Fees Calculator.” A special prize will be given to the first 5 people who can identify the classical music played on the information CD, and name the famous actress who played in a 1979 movie which featured the music. If you cannot attend the show email us at requesting either the information CD, or the “Fees Calculator,” or both.
Master’s Signature ON INSPECTION REPORTS
Masters are reminded that, upon completion of a safety inspection, their signature is required on the inspection report certifying the accuracy of the report. Lately, we have received reports where the inspectors’ statements have been found to be wrong but with the masters’ signatures. This is embarrassing to the master and ship owner, and creates additional work. Masters: please review the inspector’s report for accuracy before he leaves the vessel.
France-Oceania Forum
Vanuatu participated in the Second France-Oceania Forum held in France in June 2006. The forum brings together heads of government from French-speaking countries in Oceania. This was interesting for Vanuatu: although French is one of the official Vanuatu languages, the present Prime Minister, who attended, is not French educated.
Grand Hotel Sold
The Grand Hotel, Port Vila’s newest and tallest, had its new owner finally resolved after many court challenges, via the purchase by a new holding company associated with Iririki Island Resort. Iririki faces the Grand across a channel of water in the Port Vila harbor, and is expected to market the Grand’s facilities (including a full casino license) together with the newly developed hotel & residence facilities on Iririki Island.
Visit by China Leader
The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China visited Vanuatu in August and has invited our Head of State to visit China as a guest of that country. Vanuatu endorses the “One China” policy.
Aerochutes in Vanuatu
Motorized parachutes have come to Vanuatu, joining such other aerodyne activities as jet boat rides, ultra-light flights, hang gliding and parasailing. Aerochute flying is now available to tourists in “2 man” machines with a qualified and licensed pilot. Now one can discover wonderful Vanuatu sights, in the sea, on the land, and in the air.
EUROPEAN UNION Recognizes Vanuatu’s Standards
The EU has awarded Vanuatu a 100 million vatu budgetary grant in recognition of Vanuatu’s leading Pacific nation status in public finance management. The EU feels that Vanuatu’s high standard with strict regulations and norms for public finance management justified the special EU support to encourage continuance of the good performance.
Historic Land Summit Held
After 25 years of independence, a week long land summit reviewed land matters and, in particular, the recent upsurge in land acquisition by expatriates – mainly waterfront land near the capital, Port Vila. Land has been sold, sub-divided and resold at high prices and custom owners are concerned about ensuring proper long term development going forward. Western and Asian investors have discovered the attractions of Vanuatu, but the benefits are not evenly distributed and the demands in infrastructure (roads, police, utilities, etc.) are under-funded.
Pacific Arts Collection
The new Pacific and Asia Museum in Bali, Indonesia, has a Pacific gallery which will be the home of some of the most admired works of art from the Pacific, especially Vanuatu. World famous Vanuatu artist duo Nikolai Michoutouchkine and Aloi Pilioko are organizing the gallery and including some of their own valuable works. Art examples have been drawn from almost all the Oceania countries.
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