Ship's Log

News and insights from the maritime world

Title: Adrift Container Reporting Tool Translation: Tool for reporting the loss or sighting of containers adrift.

Title: Adrift Container Reporting Tool Translation: Tool for reporting the loss or sighting of containers adrift.

At its 11th session in September 2025, the IMO’s CCC Sub-Committee examined new obligations regarding the reporting of containers lost at sea. The measure adopted—namely the obligation to report the loss of containers and the sighting of drifting containers—has been in force since 1 January 2026. Summary: - In September 2025, the IMO CCC Sub-Committee reviewed new reporting requirements for containers lost at sea. - The adopted rule requires reporting both container losses and sightings of drifting containers. - The requirement has been effective since 1 January 2026.

By Alain Auclair•
#shipping#maritime-law#Sécurité Maritime

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Mooring Lines — A Risk-Based Approach

Mooring Lines — A Risk-Based Approach

The safety of mooring operations is a pillar of maritime safety in Canada. The shipowner’s responsibility is engaged under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Understanding OCIMF guidelines, especially MEG4, is essential to align practices. Summary: - Mooring safety is foundational to Canada’s maritime safety. - Shipowners are legally accountable under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. - Familiarity with OCIMF guidance—especially MEG4—is essential to standardize practices.

#Formation Maritime#Sécurité Maritime#shipping
Alain Auclair•
Latitude Maritime Leads Pre-Delivery Training for Naval Large Tug CFAV CANSO

Latitude Maritime Leads Pre-Delivery Training for Naval Large Tug CFAV CANSO

In January 2026, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Latitude Maritime provided familiarization training ahead of the delivery of the Naval Large Tug CFAV CANSO. Over 31 sailors and officers took part in a program combining classroom instruction, dockside drills, and at-sea exercises, supervised by instructors and experts in the vessel’s key systems. This essential step is intended to ensure the safe and efficient commissioning of this new class of harbour tugs.

#automation#Environnement#Formation Maritime
Francois Laplante•
Title: Captain’s Night Orders — Formal Command Instructions

Title: Captain’s Night Orders — Formal Command Instructions

As part of maintaining onboard safety standards and complying with the requirements of the STCW Code and the Canadian Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR), officers of the watch on the bridge are reminded that the proper execution of the Captain’s night orders is an essential professional obligation. Summary: To uphold onboard safety and comply with the STCW Code and Canada’s Marine Personnel Regulations, bridge watch officers must rigorously and correctly carry out the Captain’s night orders as a core professional duty.

#Formation Maritime#Sécurité Maritime
Alain Auclair•
Captain with his officer of the watch observe a developing situation

Calling the Master: Regulations, Responsibility, and Best Practices for Officers of the Watch

For the officer of the watch on the bridge, calling the Master in a timely manner is neither a sign of weakness nor an unjustified interruption. It is an act of professional responsibility. At sea, safety relies as much on technology as on human communication. The officer of the watch represents the Master, but major decisions rest with the Master, especially in cases of doubt. Summary: Promptly calling the Master is a professional duty, not a weakness. Maritime safety depends equally on technology and clear human communication. While the officer of the watch acts on the Master’s behalf, decisive calls—particularly when uncertainty arises—remain the Master’s responsibility.

#shipping#Formation Maritime
Alain Auclair•
Training Development for New Pilot Boat Captains

Training Development for New Pilot Boat Captains

Since 2024, the Laurentian Pilotage Authority (APL) has mandated me to develop training for new pilot boat captains and a safety management system. This dual component aims to strengthen operational reliability, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the APL's technological modernization.

Alain Auclair•
Large Naval Tugboats Project (NLT)

Large Naval Tugboats Project (NLT)

The Naval Large Tugs (NLT) project enabled the Royal Canadian Navy to replace its older vessels with a modern, versatile fleet. A comprehensive suite of training and technical guides was developed to ensure operational readiness and operational sustainability. Summary: The Royal Canadian Navy modernized its fleet through the NLT project, replacing aging vessels with versatile new tugs and underpinning their deployment with robust training and technical documentation to guarantee readiness and long-term operational sustainability.

Richard Caron•
Modernizing Maritime Training: An Expert Contribution to the Emirates Naval Training Center

Modernizing Maritime Training: An Expert Contribution to the Emirates Naval Training Center

This article presents the contribution of a CAE expert to the United Arab Emirates Naval Training Centre’s program, focused on the design and development of advanced maritime training. The integration of simulation technologies has modernized the infrastructure and strengthened the skills of naval personnel. Summary: An expert from CAE supported the UAE Naval Training Centre by designing and developing advanced maritime training, leveraging simulation technologies to modernize infrastructure and enhance naval personnel competencies.

#digitalization#Analyse de Besoins#Environnement
Richard Caron•
Emergency and Crisis Management at the CAE Brunei Multi‑Purpose Training Centre (MPTC)Translation: CAE Brunei Multi‑Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) – Emergency and Crisis Management:

Emergency and Crisis Management at the CAE Brunei Multi‑Purpose Training Centre (MPTC)Translation: CAE Brunei Multi‑Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) – Emergency and Crisis Management:

The Brunei Multipurpose Training Centre (MPTC) supports training in aviation, defense, and crisis management in Southeast Asia. The programs developed strengthen coordination, decision-making, and operational preparedness in accordance with international standards. Summary: MPTC in Brunei advances aviation, defense, and crisis-management training across Southeast Asia, enhancing coordination, decision-making, and operational readiness to international standards.

#logistics#innovation#sustainability
Richard Caron•
Title: Cameroon Maritime Certification Center Project Translation: Maritime Certification Center Project — Cameroon:

Title: Cameroon Maritime Certification Center Project Translation: Maritime Certification Center Project — Cameroon:

The Maritime Certification Center project in Édéa, carried out as a public–private partnership with the Government of Cameroon, aims to strengthen national capacity in maritime training and certification. It promotes international cooperation and alignment with recognized maritime safety standards. Summary: A public–private initiative in Édéa, developed with the Government of Cameroon, is establishing a Maritime Certification Center to bolster national training and certification capabilities while advancing international cooperation and compliance with recognized maritime safety standards.

#shipping#logistics#innovation
Richard Caron•
Hydrocarbon Handling Facilities (IMH) Operator Training

Hydrocarbon Handling Facilities (IMH) Operator Training

A specialized training program has been developed for operators of Quebec’s Oil Handling Facilities (OHFs) to meet Transport Canada requirements. This first French-language course, tailored to the realities of St. Lawrence terminals, will be offered starting in fall 2025. Summary: A new French-language training program for Quebec OHF operators, designed to meet Transport Canada standards and adapted to St. Lawrence terminal operations, will launch in fall 2025.

#shipping#maritime-law#Sûreté Maritime
Alain Auclair•
Contribution to the Establishment of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Security

Contribution to the Establishment of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Security

In 2015, Alain Auclair helped establish the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Security Team, designed to bolster coastal protection and the security of vessels. Since its first deployment in 2017, this unit has become a major operational asset in Canada and abroad. Summary: Alain Auclair played a key role in launching the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Security Team in 2015. Operational since 2017, the unit now stands as a significant asset for coastal defense and vessel security both domestically and internationally.

#shipping#logistics#innovation
Alain Auclair•
Solution ISPS and Latitude Maritime: Strengthening Maritime Training in Cameroon — Functional Analysis and 2024 Recommendations

Solution ISPS and Latitude Maritime: Strengthening Maritime Training in Cameroon — Functional Analysis and 2024 Recommendations

Functional analysis of maritime training in Cameroon by Solution ISPS and Latitude Maritime, with 2024 strategic recommendations. Summary: A formal assessment by Solution ISPS and Latitude Maritime examines the state and effectiveness of maritime training in Cameroon. It delivers targeted strategic recommendations to guide policy, capacity building, and industry alignment in 2024.

#shipping#innovation#sustainability
Francois Laplante•
Specialized Maritime Training — François Laplante Consultant Supports the Joseph Savard

Specialized Maritime Training — François Laplante Consultant Supports the Joseph Savard

Discover how François Laplante, Consultant (Latitude Maritime), designed the M/V Joseph Savard crew training program, optimizing performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Summary: A concise case spotlight on how François Laplante of Latitude Maritime tailored the M/V Joseph Savard’s crew training to deliver tangible improvements in performance, safety, and compliance.

#shipping#innovation#ports
Francois Laplante•
Latitude Maritime - Specialized Commissioning Training for Naval Large Tugs

Latitude Maritime - Specialized Commissioning Training for Naval Large Tugs

Tailored professional training for the Royal Canadian Navy to master the advanced technology of the Naval Large Tugs upon commissioning. Needs assessment, content development, and hands-on onboard training with experts. Summary: Bespoke training for the Royal Canadian Navy on newly commissioned Naval Large Tugs, covering needs analysis, curriculum development, and expert-led practical instruction onboard.

#shipping#innovation#sustainability
Francois Laplante•