The legendary sea ferry “Heroes of Shipka,” which had been operating on the Ilyichevsk-Varna route since the late 1970s, was seriously damaged in a shahed attack on August 31.
Vyacheslav Kharkavenko, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Sea Port Authority, reported that the following vessels were also damaged by drone strikes this summer: 🔘 July 3 — Aj Rose🔘 July 6 — Marika and Zeibek🔘 July 8 — Amadore🔘 July 23 — Ingulsky dredger🔘 August 8 — Moayad🔘 August 31 — NS Pride ⚠️ Since […]
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AMS in the US: What is it and why should a seafarer know it?
A seafarer recently contacted us with the question:💬”What is an AMS and how do I fill it out?” AMS (Automated Manifest System) is a US automated system through which a shipowner or agent submits cargo and crew information to the port in advance. 🎓 Important for seafarers: 🔘 The data is entered by the company/agent, […]
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Who has the right to refill fire extinguishers on board a vessel?
A recent controversy has arisen: can the crew refill portable fire extinguishers themselves if they are rechargeable? 🤔 💬 The answer is clear: NO. Only certified shore service. What do the rules say? 🔘 SOLAS II-2/10.3.4:Maintenance and refilling must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and international standards. 🔘 IMO MSC.1/Circ.1432:Refilling of […]
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US imposes new port charges for Chinese ships
USTR charges for Chinese-built and Chinese-owned ships will come into effect in the US on October 14, 2025. The main blow will fall on Chinese carriers Cosco Shipping and OOCL, which could pay more than $1.5 billion in 2026 📊 According to HSBC: 🟢Cosco Shipping — expenses will amount to about $1.53 billion,🟢OOCL — about […]
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New rules for Ukrainian drivers in Poland
Until September 30, 2025, Ukrainians with PESEL UKR could use Ukrainian driver’s licenses without replacing them with Polish ones But from October 1, 2025, Ukrainian drivers who have been in Poland for more than 180 days are required to exchange their national licenses for Polish ones! ❗️ Otherwise, there is a fine of 2,000 zlotys […]
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