Dear Member,

Believe it or not, I started this Newsletter in June and then forgot about. It was only to-day in the middle of September that my son-in-law, who puts them on the web for me, reminded me.

Since the last issue we have held the Branch annual dinner. Again, at the Holland House Hotel where around some 260 guests sat down to an excellent meal and some fine wines. Speeches were reduced to a minimum of 2. Chairman Theo gave his usual report on the year to date and looked ahead to the future for both the Branch and the Institute. He presented the Imerys Award to Mr. Alan D.W. Humphries, FICS from Exmouth, for his special contribution to the Institute acting as a tutor and a lecturer at Warwick Prep. A most well deserved recognition.

A second award, the Desmond Williams Memorial Award, was deferred as the recipient was away in China and would not be back until the following month. This was Steve Davies of Graig who had won a distinction in the Institute Examinations in Marine Insurance. Many congratulations Steve.

Our guest speaker, Rod Woodward, Welsh stand-up comic of the year, followed and was very well received. Rod has spoken to us before but came up with a load of new material, very funny indeed.

I said 2 speeches only, but every year there is a third speech although only about 60 seconds long.. It is, of course, the Grace, most ably said by the Reverend Philip Auden DL, recently retired Chaplain , Missions to Seafarers, Portbury. None of your ‘For what we are about to receive’ but a well-crafted verse taking into account both sides of the Channel – viz-

“At table both together Lord, the Daffodil and Rose
Our purpose fun and fellowship,
Food, drink and warm repose
So help us Lord, and bless our plate
Our cup and our endeavours , 100 years of ICS, Our friendships and life’s great pleasures” 

Many thanks Philip.

 

 

Alan Humphries, FICS receiving the Imerys Award at the 2011 SWW Branch Dinner.

CONGRATULATIONS, ALAN

 

 

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

From Mr. John Cory, Secretary/ Administrator of the Reardon Smith Nautical Trust re 14th March 2012 

"I have been asked by the Trustees to contact the South Wales Institute of Shipbrokers to tell you that on 14 March 2012 Dr Jenkins and Dr Jan Hoffman will be delivering two free lectures at Cardiff University. The first will be delivered by Dr Jenkins on the life of Sir William Reardon Smith Bt from a forthcoming Biography he has written, and the second will be by Dr Hoffman on a range of current marine and maritime issues and topics. Dr Hoffman is chief of UNCTAD's trade facilitation section and associated with the Maritime Economists Association. The Trustees and the University would like to invite you and fellow members to the lecture. The University will run the event as one of their Distinguished Lecture Series and will issue invitations in some months’ time. We very much hope that you and fellow members of your Institute will be able to join us." 

I hope that some of our members will take advantage of this invitation and be able to attend. - DGM

 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6TH 2011. 

BRANCH CENTENARY PARTY

CARDIFF CASTLE. TICKETS ONLY £38 .

Includes glass of mead, supper with half bottle of wine per person and entertainment.

 

THURSDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2011 BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 12 noon DEWSTOW GOLF CLUB, CAERWENT, Nr. CHEPSTOW

Followed by buffet lunch. ALL MEMBERS WELCOME.

 

FRIDAY 23RD MARCH 2012-ANNUAL DINNER- Holland House Hotel (See next Newsletter for important changes re booking hotel accommodation.  

 

THE BRIBERY ACT 2010 

INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SHIPBROKERS
FEDERATION COUNCIL
BRIBERY ACT 2010: MEETING WITH GOVERNMENT

This letter reports on the outcome of the meeting held with Government on Friday 13 May and further action being proposed to try to achieve greater certainty in relation to facilitation payments.

The meeting was conducted under Chatham House Rules whereby information received or exchanged may be used but without identifying individual speakers. The main area of concern for ship owners is the legislative prohibition of facilitation payments.

Government explained the origins of the new legislation through OECD and the United Nations; comparative provisions in other leading States; and the proactive position being adopted by the United Kingdom to encourage the eradication of corrupt practices. Facilitation payments are prohibited under existing legislation but the new Act would be more focused in its approach. The long term objective by governments was to eradicate facilitation payments which were corrosive and helped to perpetuate illegal activities such as trafficking.

Ship owners highlighted practical examples of demands and extortion. It was explained that failure to cooperate could have serious consequences in terms of financial penalties for manufactured deficiencies or breaches of legislation. However, the local system was invariably against the ship owner and any attempt to make a stand through local courts was likely to be frustrated in terms of time, costs and possible detention of ship and crew. Even where an individual company was able to make a successful stand, attention immediately shifted to other, more vulnerable, entities less able to resist.

In a general exchange, Government suggested that ship owners encountering problems should seek assistance through local diplomatic representation. This might work on occasion but, even if successful, it was almost inevitable that once the immediate publicity had died down, customary practices would be resumed. In similar vein, the practical value of Government action against high profile individuals in certain States was seen as unlikely to provide immediate solutions while ship owners and their crews would continue to be faced with daily problems in hostile environments.

It was suggested that ship owners should identify specific problem areas in the world. This, however, raised concerns that record keeping by ship owners could lead to self incrimination and result in prosecution. If arrangements were to be introduced. 

The fundamental problem remained the lack of certainty in the legislation. The absence of a de minimis provision meant that any facilitation payment would fall foul of the Act and could, potentially, result in prosecution. Suggestions that risk-based policies should be developed to respond to the issue failed to recognize that demands were a fact, not a risk. It was also unrealistic to look at the position in terms of the frequency of payments since ship owners had little choice over port calls but had to follow the demands of trade. As a result, voyages were often to the same ports where officials demanded payments to properly discharge the functions they were suppose to undertake.  

The meeting did not reach any firm conclusions. It was, however, suggested that contact might usefully be made with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to see whether they would be prepared to provide greater clarity, particularly their likely approach towards prosecution. In this connection, it was suggested that the industry should list the consequences of the Act for UK shipowner interests (although the points have already been emphasised in earlier representations to the Lord Chancellor and Government departments). Government did, nevertheless, acknowledge industry’s concern that the legislation would effectively place responsibility on shipowners to deal with problems which Government should be addressing at political level.

Further discussions are now being planned. The objective is to try to develop an understanding as to how the industry can work with the authorities to discourage, and eventually phase out, facilitation payments in return for more clearly defined criteria in relation to prosecution policies.

Developments will be reported.

THREE WISE MEN !! 

From Alan Humphries -  

“Barbara and I picked up John at around 1100 and having stopped off in Ashburton, had lunch in Buckfastleigh before picking up George at around 1400.

On leaving we set off through the lanes to Yeltverton which was quite an adventure. After having a tour of the cul de sacs of Tamerton Folliot we eventually entered the
lanes and, after a few wonderful miles through verdant banks fully of wild flowers, finally arrived at Yelverton from where we had a spin across Dartmoor. The weather was changeable with a few showers, even so the Moor really looked at its best especially when the sun broke through with the shadows chasing across the landscape. We decided to stop at the Tor Cafe in Princetown where we enjoyed some lovely light scones, strawberry jam and dollops of clotted cream - which brought up the inevitable debate as to whether you put the cream or the jam on the scone first?

George was on good form and full of stories, as usual, mostly about his days in shipping and the characters involved, many with whom John and I were familiar. Barbara had not come across some of the characters but of course remembered those who had been involved with the Institute, Bob Golding, Peter Fox and Tony Samuel. Overall it was a very jolly afternoon with a great deal of teasing and much laughter.

It was splendid seeing George in such good form being bright and cheerful and although he walks with a frame he gets about pretty well.

To the Branch, and all those who remember him, George sends his Very Best Wishes, and if any one would care to drop him a line or possibly pop in he would very much appreciate it.

We shall be visiting again during the summer and hope to take him out for a spin and lunch somewhere.”

(The thanks of the Branch go to Alan, John and Barbara for carrying out this Christian act and giving pleasure to a retired member. If you know George and care to drop him a line it would be appreciated. You can contact him at : Mr. George Phillips, FICS., Cann House Care Home, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, PL5 4LE)

Other Branch members who are not in the best of health include JOHN BOLT - following on from his problems in 2006/7 when he was laid up in hospital for almost a year, he is currently unable to drive although he hopes this will be a temporary set back.

KEN BROWN – is dealing with his problems and remains philosophical about the future . 

KEN THOMAS - is still not allowed to drive which causes him extreme frustration as he is unable to walk very far. This is a result of his stroke in January.
If any of you know of another member who is unwell please let any member of the Branch committee know or drop me an e.mail moor.e@talktalk.net

 

BACKERS are still being sought for a stalled high speed ferry service linking Swansea with Devon. Hopes originally had been high that the Severn Link venture linking Swansea and Ilfracombe, and Cardiff and Minehead, would be up and running last Easter. Two catamarans were berthed at Swansea docks, a booking website was created, but the venture BACKERS are still being sought for a stalled high speed ferry service linking Swansea with Devon. Hopes originally had been high that the Severn Link venture linking Swansea and Ilfracombe, and Cardiff and Minehead, would be up and running last Easter.  

Two catamarans were berthed at Swansea docks, a booking website was created, but the venture ran into difficulties and stalled.

A lack of appropriate landing facilities in Swansea meant Severn Link could not obtain a full licence by the MCA. Severn Link chairman Chris Marrow las told the press that the scheme is by no means sunk.

Mr. Marrow stressed that he did not want to raise or dash hopes, but said the Company was still seeking investors. “We have got a lot of irons in the fire” he said. “The economic climate is probably not ideal at the moment.”

 

A happy picture of a Happy Couple – Jonathan Challacombe and Susan Tamblyn both of Plymouth who were married during the summer. Jonathan, of course, is the Branch Education Officer and we have met his lovely bride on a number of occasions at Branch events. 

From the Chairman, management committee and all our members, very best wishes for a long, happy and healthy married life.

 

TICKET SALES are SLOW for the CENTENARY PARTY ON 6TH OCTOBER. To have the Castle to ourselves for the event we need around 100 guests. With a membership of about 100, plus partners it should not be difficult to reach that number so please, let me have your cheques at £38 per head by latest Friday 16th September made out to The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Thank you.

That’s it until the Autumn. My thanks to all those who have contributed to this issue, please keep it coming. Date for next issue is late September/early October.

David Moore. (Honorary Secretary).