Bulk carriers are a vital component of the global transportation and trade industries. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimates there are more than 5,000 bulk carriers operating throughout the world. The IMO has instituted and oversees a number of rules and regulations to ensure safe operation of these large vessels.The Definition of a Bulk CarrierThe definition of a bulk carrier varies among IMO and International Association of Classification Societies publications. For...

All those who wish to possess a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must hold a current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).Further, the United States Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center works in partnership with the TSA to conduct background investigations as part of its credentialing and licensing operations. As such, it is highly recommended maritime workers and crewmembers maintain current and valid...

MARPOL is an acronym for “marine pollution.” The term MARPOL 73/78 is used to refer to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (as later modified by the Protocol of 1978). MARPOL is under governance by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).MARPOL is a significant international marine convention intended to protect and preserve marine environment and water quality. Any person or company that operates a vessel in federal or international waters should...

All vessels traveling on the high seas or within federal navigable waters are subject to an onboard United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspection. The scope, duration and nature of the vessel inspection will vary depending on: size (gross tonnage) of the vessel; whether the vessel is used for recreational or commercial purposes; the number of passengers aboard; and where the vessel is being navigated (for instance, the Great Lakes versus the high seas, or a Western river). Vessel operators,...