"In my first Director’s Log as OCIMF MD, I would like to say it is a true honour for me to assume this role."
Director's Log
In my first Director’s Log as OCIMF MD, I would like to say it is a true honour for me to assume this role.
I am grateful to my predecessor, Capt. Karen Davis, for her four and a half years leading OCIMF through the strategic and organisational improvements which leave OCIMF in a very strong position. It is upon this foundation we will continue to drive improvement and deliver value-adding initiatives to make our industry safer and better.
For those who may not know me, this is something I am passionate about. I am very excited to be leading OCIMF, drawing on my 35+ years of experience in tanker, offshore and terminal operations and assurance, guided by OCIMF’s Executive Committee and membership, alongside our esteemed industry partners and other stakeholders. Together we are United in Purpose to Drive Maritime Safety in the Energy Sector.
At present, we are progressing key publication updates, such as our Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG), and we are also embarking on a major data modernisation effort to help maximise quality and performance insights from OCIMF’s vast data stores. With continual improvement as a core value, we will always strive to optimise our organisation and work practices to enhance our efficiency and work delivery.
I look forward to talking more about our specific activities and deliverables in future editions.
Don Davis
Managing Director OCIMF
Do you have news that you'd like to share with our readers? If so email
Barging news
OCIMF meets EU barging industry in Rotterdam
OCIMF’s new Managing Director Don Davis, accompanied by Publications and Advocacy Director Darron L. Biddle and Barge Adviser Ton Mol, spent a week in the Rotterdam area in July meeting key EU barging industry stakeholders.
Interstream Barging invited OCIMF to tour its chemical barge Einstein, while Transafe welcomed OCIMF to its office, training facilities and simulators. The Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) Platform and Platform Zero Incidents (PZI) hosted an introduction meeting. The week ended with the Green Award Foundation event ‘Navigating the evolving energy landscape’, which included a panel discussion about the energy transition for barges and other vessels. The event also introduced the Foundation's new Executive Director, Saurabh Sachdeva.
OCIMF would like to thank all the hosts for an impressive week.
For more information, contact Ton Mol, Barge Adviser,
Publications news
New information paper out now
OCIMF is delighted to share it has published the information paper Guidelines for usage of Track Guidance Assistants for Inland Navigation (TGAIN).
The information paper provides safe practice recommendations related to performance criteria, installation and implementation of TGAIN devices on board. It also describes recommended types of user training and procedures, as well as considering limitations on the use of TGAIN, human factors, cybersecurity and recommended technical capabilities.
International barging guide updated and translated
The International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-Barges and Terminals (ISGINTT), 2nd edition publication gives recommendations for inland tanker and terminal personnel on the safe carriage and handling of liquid inland tanker cargoes. It has been updated, with editorial corrections, in conjunction with the translation process. Please remove any old versions of the publication from your systems.
ISGINTT, 2nd edition is also available in Portuguese, ISGINTT Guia Internacional de Segurança para Embarcações Tanque e Terminais na Navegação Interior. The French, German and Dutch versions of the publication can be downloaded from https://www.isgintt.org/.
New update to BMP Maritime Security
In July, OCIMF and industry associations released an updated version of BMP Maritime Security with guidance on actions when boarded by activists.
Browse OCIMF publications here
Security news
The ICC International Maritime Bureau mid-year report
On 9 July the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) launched its mid-year report highlighting the lowest level of maritime piracy and armed robbery figures since 1992.
Thirty-eight incidents were recorded, down from 90 incidents for the same period in 2025. During this period, 27 vessels were boarded, five hijacked, three fired upon and there were three attempted attacks. Despite the encouraging figures, the danger to crew continues, with 67 crew taken hostage, two threatened, and one injured. The report estimates that Somali pirates were responsible for 94% of all crew taken hostage, demonstrating their continued capability to board all types of vessels.
The IMB Director Michael Howlett said, “The lowest mid-year level of reported piracy and armed robbery incidents since 1992 is encouraging and reflects the impact of sustained efforts by governments, law enforcement agencies and the maritime community. However, there is no room for complacency. Crew safety remains at risk, and the slight uptick of Somali piracy is a reminder that continued vigilance and regional cooperation remain essential to protect seafarers, global shipping and trade.”
The full report can be found on the ICC IMB website.
ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre Half-Yearly Report
On 14 July, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) released its 2026 Half-Yearly Report on Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia. The ISC reported that from January to June 2026, a total of 35 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia were noted. This represented a 64% decrease compared to the 96 incidents reported in the same period in 2025, the lowest for this period since 2019.
ReCAAP ISC Executive Director, Mr Vijay Chafekar, said: “The sharp decrease in incidents in the SOMS in the first half of 2026 can be attributed to the combination of effective preventive measures by the shipping industry and firm operational response by the law enforcement agencies of the littoral states. The residual petty theft cases are localised in the eastbound lane of the Phillip Channel in the Singapore Strait. These incidents can be contained by implementing visible countermeasures onboard ships.”
The full report can be downloaded here.
BMP Maritime Security
On 6 July, industry associations released an updated version of BMP Maritime Security adding guidance on actions when boarded by activists.
For any queries, contact Russell Pegg, Security Adviser,
Offshore news
OCIMF announces Terms of Reference for support of GOMO
OCIMF is pleased to announce it has concluded a Terms of Reference defining its ongoing support for GOMO | Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations and OCIMF's role on the GOMO Steering Committee, alongside industry partners including International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), International Support Vessel Owners Association (ISOA), and other leading organisations.
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to improving safety, operational excellence, and consistency across the offshore marine industry. By supporting GOMO as the industry’s preferred source of international operational best practice guidance, OCIMF is helping promote greater alignment and reduce duplication across industry publications.
Through its participation on the Steering Committee, OCIMF will contribute to the ongoing maintenance and development of GOMO, support workgroup leadership and participation, and help ensure the guidance continues to evolve to meet industry needs. OCIMF members will also have opportunities to contribute expertise and identify additional best practices for future GOMO updates.
OVID User Forum in Kuala Lumpur
OCIMF will be hosting an in-person OVID User Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 September 2026 for OVID Programme users to discuss the use of the OVID Programme.
The agenda will cover publications updates, OVID User Survey results, OVID inspection statistics, planned improvements to the OVID Programme, use of GOMO | Guidelines for Offshore Marine Operations and Q&A with Inspectors, Vessel Operators, and OCIMF members. This will be followed by a networking hour.
Please click here to register: Kuala Lumpur OVID User Forum
For any queries, contact Christopher Holland, Offshore Adviser,
IMO News
12th session of the Subcommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 12)
III 12 took place from 20–24 July 2026 at the IMO headquarters in London with the following developments of interest to OCIMF membership taking place.
ISM Code related matters
- A comprehensive review of IMO guidelines associated with the implementation of the ISM Code is to begin intersessionally and includes areas such as the existing safety management system, role of DPA, and structure of company audits.
Marine casualty investigation
- Lessons learned from 59 marine casualties between 2017 and 2025, as reported to the IMO by flag and relevant coastal States, noted a disproportionately high number of incidents related to the rupture of high-pressure cylinders. These included portable fire extinguishers, components of lifeboat launching systems and breathing apparatus.
- A review of the IMO Casualty Investigation Code (MSC.255(84)) is underway to address concerns related to quality and timing of report submissions to the IMO by investigation authorities.
Port State Control (PSC)
- In response to rising incidents of machinery failures on ship, PSC guidance for inspectors on enhanced machinery and maintenance inspections is under development and expected to be finalised at III 13 next year.
Crew safety matters – enclosed space entry
- A proposal seeking clarity on requirement for CO2 monitoring on board tankers was met with mixed reactions, but rejected due to procedural reasons.
A summary report of III 12 will be issued to OCIMF members in due course.
137th session of the IMO Council (C 137)
C 137 was held at the IMO headquarters from 6–10 July 2026, with the following developments of interest to OCIMF membership.
IMO Awards
- 2025 International Maritime Prize is to be awarded to Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz, former lead delegate of the USA at IMO, for significant contributions to the development of global maritime policy.
- 2026 IMO Honour for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was awarded posthumously to Mr. Adrian Willyson Brask, Chief Mate and diver of rescue vessel RS 125 Det Norse Veritas, for his determined attempt to rescue a young girl missing in the waters of Nappstraumen, Norway.
For enquiries regarding IMO matters and meeting participation, contact Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Abhijit Aul,