— The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc. —
CAMM Positions
04-03: Double-Hull Bulk Carriers
Position
04-03
Double-Hull Bulk Carriers
More Inspections rather than drastic measures
CAMM opposes the drastic legislation being contemplated by some Port States requiring double-hulled bulk carriers in certain trades. It is CAMM’s view that the traditional single-hulled bulk carrier that is properly staffed, loaded, maintained, inspected and classed is as inherently safe as any other type vessel.
The many incidents over the past few years regarding the break up and loss of bulk carriers give illusion to the uninformed that a single hull bulk carrier’s design is somehow flawed. Closer inspection of the details of most incidents however point to poorly maintained vessels flying flag of convenience colors, registered under suspicious class standards with distant owner’s that avoid trade in ports where Port State Control inspections are properly conducted.