Spotlights archive

Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is a serious insect pest that can be carried on superstructures of vessels and cargo. AGM populations are prevalent in some seaports in Far East Russia, Japan, Korea and Northern China (regulated areas). 

The United States continues to impose ever more stringent and complex economic sanctions on Iran, targeting Iran’s petroleum, petrochemical, and financial/banking sectors. In addition, new sanctions that go into effect 1 July 2013, will target Iran’s ports, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors.

Gard has recently been informed of increased detection of Asian Gypsy Moths (AGM) in the US and Canada on board visiting ships. In this regard, the US and Canadian authorities have updated their joint Notice to Shipping warning of the problem. The Notice also includes the precautions that ship operators should take when trading to ports in China, Korea, Japan and far east Russia, and prior to vessel arriving in North America, in order avoid problems with the US/Canadian authorities, including potential no-entry or quarantine.

Some useful links to circulars and other publications concerning current sanctions. Updated 11 June 2013.

From Gard News 206 (May / July 2012)

Sadly the problem of piracy, especially off the coast of East Africa and in the Indian Ocean, looks set to be with us for the foreseeable future. Like all Clubs and other insurance providers, Gard has received many and different questions concerning piracy from clients and members. While no two cases are identical and each case must be assessed on its own facts, Gard hopes that the collection herein of available loss prevention material from Gard will be considered as useful guidance on the topic of piracy in general.

Like all P&I Clubs and other insurance providers, Gard has received many and varied questions on trading in ice and ice affected waters. We hope that the collection of Gard loss prevention material available on this page will provide useful guidance on trading in ice in general. A list of important resources for this topic with links to publicly available information is also included.

Gard is receiving a number of enquiries arising from the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear incidents in Japan. This updated FAQ provides guidance in relation to these enquiries. Updated 23 August 2011.

The Have a safe journey 2011 calendar is a part of our ongoing loss prevention programme and is aimed directly at crew members onboard the vessels. This year's topic is safety culture.

A compilation of articles previously published by Gard on the carriage of Direct Reduced Iron.

June's reminder from Gard's Loss Prevention Calendar for 2010 about good seamanship is to plan your arrival and berthing.