Daily Archives: February 2, 2021

The untimely death of a family member can be very devastating. Not only have you lost the love and support of someone who is very important to you, but it can also have a major financial effect on you. If the death of your loved one was due to the negligence of another person or company, you may have thought about suing them. If they died while working or traveling at sea, there are Houston maritime lawyers that you can hire to represent you.

Whenever you bring a civil lawsuit against anyone, you will have a limited time to file it. This time period is called the statute of limitations. The Death on the High Seas Act has a three-year statute of limitation. The clock begins ticking the second the accident happens.

What is DOHSA?

The Death on the High Seas Act offers a legal solution for families who have lost a member because of negligence.

As with all wrongful death cases, only a spouse child, or dependent relative may file such a suit. The death must have taken place in a vessel at sea or on a plane that was at least 12 nautical miles into international waters. It was enacted by the United States Congress in March of 1920.

You can seek compensation for things such as funeral expenses, loss of future wages, proven financial losses caused by the death, and psychiatric treatment for family members.

Proving Negligence

In order to recover compensation in a death on the high seas complaint, you will have to establish that the crew was negligent, or that the vessel your relative was traveling in should not have been allowed to operate.

An attorney may use inspection records for a ship or plane in order to prove this. They may also subpoena previous work reports on the ship's crew. They may try to prove that the crew failed to follow safety protocols.

An attorney may try to establish that the crew did not receive proper training. They will review the records of any medical treatment given to the decedent to see if there was impropriety or negligence involved in the medical care provided by the ship's Infirmary. it is not uncommon for cruise lines to hire doctors who have not been trained in the United States.

Finding an Attorney

The attorney that you select should be a specialist in maritime law. They should have a staff that is large enough to take the time needed to research your case. They should have an excellent reputation online and be able to provide you with references.

Nothing can ever replace a family member. However, compensation can help you move on with your life and teach a cruise line or a shipping company to be more careful in the future.

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Statute of Limitations for the Death on the High Seas Act - State-Journal.com

The NOAA Ocean Prediction Center is predicting seas in excess of 60 feet associated with a low pressure system that has rapidly intensified in the North Atlantic off the northeast coast of the U.S.

Low pressure rapidly intensified yesterday and overnight, and continues to produce #hurricaneforce winds to 75 kt today, the Ocean Prediction Center said in an update posted to Facebook.

At 12:00 UTC, National Weather Serviced meteorologists analyzed significant wave heights of 52 feet, or 16 meters, associated with the storm. The latest NWS North Atlantic High Seas Forecast showed a Hurricane Force Wind Warning is in effect for the area with seas forecasted to build to 60 feet, or more than 18 meters, over the next 24 hours!

.24 HOUR FORECAST LOW 46N42W 954 MB. WITHIN 360 NM SE AND 180 NM NW QUADRANTS WINDS 55 TO 75 KT. SEAS 44 TO 60 FT. NOAA Hurricane Force Warning issued 1630 UTC FRI JAN 29 2021.

Remember, significant wave height is the average height of the tallest 1/3 of waves, so individual waves can be much larger and may be more than twice the significant wave height.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the world record for the tallest significant wave height was recorded by North Atlantic buoy located between Iceland and the United Kingdom in February 2013. The wave height: a whopping 62.3 feet, or 19 meters!

The previous record of 18.275 meters (59.96 feet) was measured on 8 December 2007, also in the North Atlantic.

While todays forecast is calling for seas that could approach previous records, verifying wave heights with a high degree of certainty is a different ball game, as you need to rely on either buoy data (most accurate but fixed locations), ship observations (first you need a ship in area), or satellite altimeter data that has a history of being finicky.

In one instance in 2018, the National Hurricane Centers Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch reported that satellite radar picked up a significant wave height of 83 feet associated withHurricane Florence. Although forecasters at first believed the data to be accurate, they admitted that the reading could have also been the result of extremely heavy rain, which may have produced bad data.

For the latest analysis and forecast guidance on this from NOAA, head over to https://ocean.weather.gov/Atl_tab.php.

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North Atlantic Storm Forecasted to Produce Massive 60-Foot Seas gCaptain - gcaptain.com

The global system is built on buying and selling, but often, no one pays for the most basic goods and services that sustain life water to drink, soil to grow food, clean air to breathe, rain forests that regulate the climate.

Continuing to ignore the value of nature in our global economy threatens humanity itself, according to an independent report on biodiversity and economics, commissioned by the British government and issued Tuesday. The study, led by Partha Dasgupta, a Cambridge University economist, is the first comprehensive review of its kind.

Even while we have enjoyed the fruits of economic growth, the demand we have made on natures goods and services has for some decades exceeded her ability to supply them on a sustainable basis, Mr. Dasgupta said. The gap has been increasing, threatening our descendants lives.

For many people, nature has intangible or spiritual value that is impossible to measure, the report notes. But natures services to humans have been taken for granted in our global economy, in large part because they are generally free for the taking. Humans are farming, fishing, poaching, logging, mining and burning fossil fuels so rapaciously that we have triggered a biodiversity collapse. As many as a million species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing, and the worlds leaders are failing to act.

Beyond the intangible losses that come when a species vanishes, this erosion of biodiversity poses tangible threats to humanity.

Just as diversity within a portfolio of financial assets reduces risk and uncertainty, diversity within a portfolio of natural assets increases natures resilience in withstanding shocks, Mr. Dasgupta said. At the global level, climate change and Covid-19 are striking expressions of natures loss of resilience.

In economic terms, the report reframes nature itself as an asset. It offers a new economic model for leaders around the world to make calculations that factor in the benefits of nature, for example the way wetlands protect against flooding and peatlands store vast amounts of carbon.

What the Dasgupta report is doing really well is highlighting the value of what Mother Nature gives us without demanding a paycheck, said Matthew E. Kahn, an environmental economist at Johns Hopkins University. When you go to Starbucks, Starbucks wants to be paid for that cup of coffee. Mother Nature is providing services but shes not demanding a stream of payments.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles and David Attenborough all spoke at the reports release on Tuesday, praising the project and calling for action.

It is sheer madness to continue on this path, Prince Charles said. Sir Partha Dasguptas seminal review is a call to action that we must heed, for ladies and gentlemen, it falls on our watch and we must not fail.

The solution begins, the report says, by understanding that our economies are embedded within nature, not external to it. We must change how we measure economic success, it urges, because gross domestic product does not account for the depreciation of assets, including environmental ones. As our primary measure of economic success, the authors wrote, it therefore encourages us to pursue unsustainable economic growth and development.

International arrangements are needed to manage certain environments that the whole planet relies on, the report says. It asks leaders to explore a system of payments to nations for conserving critical ecosystems like tropical rain forests, which store carbon, regulate climate and nurture biodiversity. Fees could be collected for the use of ecosystems outside of national boundaries, such as for fishing the high seas, and international cooperation could prohibit fishing in ecologically sensitive areas.

The reports release comes ahead of a United Nations meeting on biodiversity later this year; environmentalists hope that it will result in an international agreement to confront biodiversity loss similar to the Paris Agreement on climate change. The United States is the only state in the world, apart from the Vatican, that is not party to the underlying U.N. treaty on biodiversity.

Conservation groups applauded the report.

The idea that we are part of Nature and that natural capital is an asset that needs to be sustainably managed will come as no surprise to Indigenous communities who have valued nature through the ages, said Brian ODonnell, director of the Campaign for Nature. But, for those who have embraced economic systems based on limitless growth it requires a fundamental rethinking of how progress is valued and measured.

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Nature Doesnt Get a Paycheck. Now, Theres a Movement to Change That. - The New York Times

Weve heard a fair old bit from Ultimate Games over the last few months, with them already committed to launches of Ultimate Summer and Smuggler Simulator. Now though they are adding a new simulator to their list, one that promises to deliver a whale of a time Essex: The Whale Hunter.

Due to land on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2023, Essex: The Whale Hunter will whisk us off to the high seas of the 19th century, working the island of Nantucket and sailing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

A whaling simulator inspired by Moby-Dick, the creators of Essex promise that it will deliver a high seas adventure filled with emotions and realism. Its being developed by the Polish studio 3T Games and will be published by Ultimate Games, in yet another collaboration between the companies.

So what should we be looking forward to? Well, Essex: The Whale Hunter is a single-player focused whaling simulator, and this will see you embarking on a great adventure in the open waters of the Atlantic. The player you, me and your friends will step into the shoes of a whaling ship captain before taking in elements attached to that: whale hunting, including the majestic and awe-inspiring cachalots.

In Essex: The Whale Hunter, players will embark on a unique journey through a world that no longer exists. The bulk of the action will take place on the Atlantic, but we will also visit the island of Nantucket, which could be described as the Wall Street of 19th-century whaling. Herman Melvilles masterpiece serves as our main inspiration during development, and were striving to properly capture the unique nature of this multi-dimensional novel said Rafa Jelonek, CEO at 3T Games.

Throughout Essex we will be faced with many challenges, starting off with just the very basics in place, such as recruiting the optimal crew. But it wont be long before things start to get tricky and proper maintenance of the ship will play a crucial role as you focus on the search and hunt for whales. And just for good measure, it will also include economic elements and allow you to trade the gathered resources.

More details will be revealed at a later time but for now, expect to find the main features of Essex: The Whale Hunter covering the following

Well be sure to bring you any further news of Essex: The Whale Hunter prior to it launching on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam in 2023.

Hit up the trailer to see how things are looking

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Essex: The Whale Hunter coming to Xbox One, Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Switch and PC in 2023 - TheXboxHub

Although all cruise lines in North America are currently shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, those people itching to get back on the high seas should prepare themselves to follow CDC orders when cruising returns.

According to a report by Royal Caribbean Blog, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has passed a new order requiring people to wear masks on public transportation, and that includes cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean Blog cited the CDCs order, which stated: Persons must wear masks over the mouth and nose when traveling on conveyances into and within the United States. Persons must also wear masks at transportation hubs as defined in this Order.

What forms of travel fall under the CDC order?

The order, which goes into effect Feb. 1, 2021, pertains to forms of travel including aircraft, train, road vehicle, vessel or other means of transport, Royal Caribbean Blog reported, and applies within any state, locality or territory.

Are there exceptions?

The CDC order lists instances when the requirement to wear a mask does not apply, among which are: while eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods; or while communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; or when its necessary to temporarily remove the mask to verify ones identity.

According to the CDC order, those persons who are exempt include children under 2 years old, as well as a person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Also exempt, the CDC order states, is a person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty.

Royal Caribbean Blog reported that cruise lines must provide adequate notice of the rule, - disembarking any person who refuses to comply. Additionally, guests should be informed that wearing a mask on the conveyance is a Federal law requirement and failure to comply constitutes a violation of Federal law.

Royal Caribbean had previously set its own similar guidelines.

The new rules require what the cruise lines have already agreed to do on their own, according to Royal Caribbean Blog.

The Healthy Sail Panel, back in September 2020, proposed passengers and crew members wear face masks on cruise ships. The list of protocols included 74 detailed steps that the panel believes will protect guests, crew members and the places cruise ships visit from the spread of COVID-19, the report explained.

Royal Caribbean specified in its rules that when its cruise ships return to service, face masks will be required, with exceptions similar to what the CDC outlined, Royal Caribbean Blog reported.

Royal Caribbean explained that although guests will not be required to wear face masks in their own stateroom, they should wear face masks in nearly all public settings regardless of physical distancing measures, reported Royal Caribbean Blog - with exceptions in dining venues. There seated guests will be permitted to eat and drink without face masks, provided physical distancing is observed.

Royal Caribbean Blog further explained that in order for seated guests without face masks to safely dine, restaurant seating will be arranged to allow for physical distancing, and tables and chairs will be disinfected.

The cruise lines rules also stated that guests should not wear masks while engaged in activities that may cause the mask to become wet, such as when swimming in their pools, or when participating in strenuous activities, such as jogging, running, or in fitness classes, the report explained.

In addition, Royal Caribbean Blog stated the cruise lines rules require face masks to be worn at all bars or nightclubs when not seated and actively eating or drinking with your party.

Royal Caribbean crew members will wear masks and gloves at all times, the report stated.

Based on the CDCs new order, it is yet unclear whether Royal Caribbean will change any of these protocols, Royal Caribbean Blog said.

The CDCs aim in issuing the new order is to ensure people in close contact are not putting the public health at risk, the report explained.

Mask use is only part of the prevention protocol.

Along with the use of masks, the CDC believes other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, is one of the most effective strategies available for reducing COVID-19 transmission, Royal Caribbean Blog said.

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Cruise ship passengers will be required to wear masks, new CDC order states - pennlive.com

O TS Shipping, a subsidiary of AS Tallinna Sadam, won a public tender organized by the Estonian Transport Administration for the provision of icebreaking services and navigation in the Gulf of Finland in the period 20.12.2022-20.04.2032. The icebreaking service in Estonian coastal waters is provided with the multifunctional icebreaker Botnica, similarly to the previous 10-year charter agreement, annually from December 20 to April 20. The agreement will be signed in the near future in accordance with the conditions set out in the procurement and the offer.

The total estimated cost of the agreement to be concluded is EUR 54.2 million, i.e. EUR 5.4 million per year. From the 2025/2026 working period, the contract fee may be indexed with the Estonian consumer price index, but not more than 3% annually. The contract fee is fixed, i.e. the Transport Administration pays for all charter days, regardless of the actual use of the icebreaker.

Compared to the icebreaking service agreement of the previous 10-year period, there is an additional condition to bring a replacement vessel for service within 10 days in case the contracted main vessel Botnica should fall out of use. Among other things, we mitigate this risk by increasing the reliability of Botnica's vital systems.

MPSV Botnica was built at Aker Finnyard shipyard in 1998. The ICE-10 / Polar Class 4 ice class carrying vessel is 97.3 meters long and 24.3 meters wide. In open water, Botnica has a maximum speed of 16.5 knots, and in ice up to 80 cm, the ship can move at speeds of up to 8 knots. The maximum thickness of ice that Botnica can pass at a steady speed is 1.2 meters. During the summer periods from June to the end of October, Botnica assists Panamax-type merchant vessels in the Arctic waters of northern Canada in the export of iron ore from the port of Milne Inlet to the high seas. According to the charter agreement, Botnica provides escort and ice monitoring vessel service, pollution monitoring and emergency services. The total number of Botnica charter days in 2020 was 249 days and the annual utilization rate of the ship was 68%, in 2019 261 days and 72% accordingly.

Tallinna Sadam is one of the largest cargo- and passenger port complexes in the Baltic Sea region, which serves annually 10 million passengers and 20 million tons of cargo in average. In addition to passenger and freight services, Tallinna Sadam group also operates in shipping business via its subsidiaries O TS Laevad provides ferry services between the Estonian mainland and the largest islands, and O TS Shipping charters its multifunctional vessel Botnica for icebreaking and construction services in Estonia and offshore projects abroad. Tallinna Sadam group is also a shareholder of an associate AS Green Marine, which provides waste management services. According to audited financial results, Tallinna Sadam groups sales in 2019 totaled EUR 130.5 million, adjusted EBITDA EUR 74.3 million and net profit EUR 44.4 million.

Additional information:

Marju ZirelHead of Investor RelationsTel. +372 5342 6591

m.zirel@ts.ee

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MPSV Botnica's 10-year icebreaking service to the Transport Administration - GlobeNewswire

Volkswagen is embracing electric vehicles and that doesnt just apply to those on land.

Quite the opposite as the company is teaming up with Silent-Yachts, which is a manufacturer of solar-electric catamarans.

According to the automaker, they first became aware of Silent-Yachts in 2019 and this eventually lead to talks between the two companies. These discussions paved the way for Silent-Yachts to use Volkswagens MEB modular electric drive kit.

Also Read:Lexus Launches $3.5 Million LY 650 Yacht

The companies didnt go into specifics, but it sounds like Silent-Yachts will use MEB battery packs. Regardless, Volkswagen said the company will benefit from economies of scale and this should enable future yachts to be more affordable.

While it seems odd that Volkswagen has taken an interest in yacht building, the company said they want to further increase the enthusiasm for electromobility, demonstrate the technological strengths of its platform and show that driving fun, long ranges, smooth cruising and clean mobility are also possible on the high seas.

As part of this effort, Volkswagen has tapped Cupra to help Silent-Yachts create a new model with a contemporary touch. Its a double decker that features clean lines as well as gently sloping roofs equipped with solar panels. The yacht also has angular accents, large greenhouses and what appears to be four MEB battery packs.

If everything goes according to plan, the first yacht with MEB technology will be introduced in 2022. Following a start-up period of four years, the shipbuilder is set to make at least 50 yachts annually.

While Silent-Yachts isnt a household name, they introduced the Solarwave 46 in 2009. The company has since delivered a dozen catamarans including the Silent 55, which can cover up to 99 miles (160 km) a day using solar energy. Since cloudy days are always a possibility, the boats are equipped with an emergency diesel generator.

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VW And Cupra Are Using Their MEB Electric Drive Tech On Yachts Now Too - CarScoops

Now that the year 2021 begins, the outlook for Comic Con they are no better than in 2020. Luckily Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment they are trying to find a solution where people can come together without danger of getting infected. So they are exploring the idea of a comic book convention on a cruise ship.

Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment sent a survey to know the opinion of the fans to achieve a way to Bring the community back together at a Comic Con when things are safe.

Calling all comic book lovers! Its been a wild year, to say the least, and weve spent a lot of time thinking about ways to bring the fan community back together when things are safe. Our solution? Have a good vacation!

We know that everyone could use a great vacation and wed love to hear your thoughts on how to bring the conference room to the ocean with an immersive vacation focused on all things cruise comics. So live a Comic Con experience on the high seas

The idea of a Comic Con Cruise-based is not exactly new. There have been smaller conventions on cruise ships during the 1990s and 2000s and in 2017. Fan2Sea Entertainment tried to do an annual event but they only managed to launch one edition.

A cruise ship can be a good idea if it has strong anti-COVID-19 security measures in place before passengers board. So people could enjoy a Comic Con like those that existed before the pandemic. Hopefully more ideas like this will come up so people can get back together around their favorite hobbies like Marvel, DC Comics The Star Wars.

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The future of Comic Con could be on the high seas - Market Research Telecast