Irish Ships and Shipping
Maritime News
Rachel Corrie should be allowed to proceed on humanitarian mission says Irish
ITF inspector Ken Fleming
May 31st, 2010
The three Irish citizens on board the mv Rachel Corrie are all safe, they told
International Transport Workers Federation inspector in Ireland, Ken Fleming of
SIPTU, this morning.
“They were delayed because of mechanical problems and only left Malta last
night”, Mr Fleming said. “They want to let their families know they are alright.
They told me that they still want to proceed to Gaza with the urgently needed
humanitarian aid on board.
“They are requesting safe passage.”
The 1,800 tonne freighter Rachel Corrie was rechristened after being bought by
the Free Gaza Campaign in March. It was previously called the mv Linda and was
arrested by the ITF late last year when the former Latvian owners abandoned the
crew. The proceeds from the sale were used to pay the crew their arrears.
It was subsequently refitted and loaded with urgently needed medical,
educational and construction supplies for the Gaza strip.
It was originally one of the Guinness fleet that brought stout exports from St
James’s Gate brewery to Britain.
Contact: Ken Fleming, ITF-SIPTU, 087 6478636
Padraig Yeates, PYE Comm, 828 4510 and 087 260 5297
Press release 14 May
Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) adopts new inspection regime
The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control
(Paris MoU) held its 43rd Committee meeting in Dublin, Ireland from
10 - 14 May 2010. The meeting was held in the Dublin Castle Conference Centre
and was opened by Minister of Transport Mr Noel Dempsey TD. The meeting was
chaired by Mr. Brian Hogan (Chief Surveyor of the Marine Survey Office), at the
Department of Transport.
The Paris MoU adopted the new “Black/Grey/White List” which is
the international league table of maritime flag states. Ireland is on the white
list of best performing States and moved from 19th on the list to 8th
place this year. This means that Irish ships will now be considered of the
highest quality and will be subject to less inspections in ports throughout the
region. This will have positive financial consequences for the Irish shipping
industry.
The meeting adopted the “New Inspection Regime” (NIR), which is a
groundbreaking development in Port State Control. The New Inspection Regime,
which will enter into force from 1 January 2011, and will replace the existing
Port State Control system. The NIR was developed following a process of review
of the existing Port State Control mechanism. The NIR is a significant departure
as it is a risk based targeting mechanism, which will reward quality shipping
with a smaller inspection burden and concentrate on high-risk ships, which will
be subject to more in-depth and more frequent inspections. The NIR is based on
the latest developments at the International Maritime Organization, IMO, and
makes use of company performance and the IMO audit for identifying the risk
profile of ships together with the performance of the flag State and the
recognised organisation. The past inspection record of the ship as well as the
ship’s age and ship type will influence the targeting. Full implementation of
the system will rely on collection of port call information. The NIR will be
accompanied by a new information system “THETIS” which will replace the current
SIReNaC information system.
The Committee looking ahead and recognising that the
International Labour Organisation’s Consolidated Maritime Labour Convention,
2006, MLC 2006, may enter into force from 2011 onwards considered draft
guidelines for Port State Control Officers in respect of the implementation of
the Port State Control requirements of the Convention. These guidelines will be
based on the MLC 2006 and should become a practical tool for inspections on
working and living conditions and will ensure that seafarers will be protected.
The Committee also adopted new guidance on control of International Safety
Management, ISM, Code requirements, taking into account experience gained since
the entry into force of the ISM Code. The Committee continued to take actions in
response to the 2nd Joint Paris/Tokyo MoU Ministerial Conference,
held in Vancouver in 2004 and agreed that all actions have been completed or
will be monitored on a continuous basis.
The results of the Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Lifeboat
Launching Arrangements were considered by the Committee and it was agreed that
the evaluation will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization in
2011. From September to November this year the Paris MoU will focus its campaign
on damage stability of oil tankers, which is seen as an important issue and the
results will be communicated to the international shipping community.
The Paris MoU has increasing relations with port State control
regimes in other areas of the world. The meeting heard reports from the US Coast
Guard, the Caribbean MoU, Black Sea MoU, Riyadh MoU and Tokyo MoU. The
International Labour Organization was also represented and provided updates.
Malta and Croatia will join the MoU Advisory Board (MAB) of the Paris MoU for
the coming 3 years and the Committee thanked the outgoing MAB members Russian
Federation and Sweden for their positive contributions over the past period.
ENDS
Further information:
Department of Transport Press Office (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604
1091
Statement from Department of Transport
30 March 2010
The Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey T. D. has today announced that the Government has agreed to contract discussions taking place on the extension of the new Search and Rescue helicopter contract to cover a full 24-hour service at all four existing bases.
The "standstill" period following the selection for the preferred tender for the new tender has concluded. The Minister stated: "The initial constraints imposed on me by the procurement process have now ended. I am therefore delighted to be able to confirm that our post-tender negotiations with the preferred bidder, which commenced yesterday, have shown that we can achieve a major reduction in the cost difference between a full 24-hour service at 4 bases and the alternative option which would reduce cover at one of the bases to 12 hours. Under procurement rules, we must now inform the tendering companies of this development, and negotiation of the details of the contract will recommence in approximately two weeks time when a further standstill period has ended."
Successful conclusion of a contract for a four-base 24-hour service would mean the continuation of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter service, by way of a new contract to come into effect on a staggered basis from mid-2012 for a fleet of helicopters, one constantly at readiness at each base (Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford) over ten years.
Minister Dempsey considered it unfortunate that the release of some details of the tender before discussions had even commenced could have made legitimate post-tender discussion on the contract details more difficult. In that context he indicated that no further details on discussions would be released until a contract had been concluded.
ENDS
Further information:
Department of Transport, Press Office:
(01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091
15 March 2010
Provision of helicopter search and rescue for the Irish Coast Guard
The Department of Transport confirmed today that a preferred bidder has been nominated to supply the Coast Guards search and rescue (SAR) helicopter contract service.
The main role of Coast Guard helicopters is to provide Ireland's 24/7/365 maritime and coastal SAR rescue service, locating persons in distress or imminent risk, providing immediate medical treatment where required, and evacuating them to an appropriate place of safety. The helicopters also carry trained fire brigade and Health Service Executive (HSE) personnel. They provide equipment for incidents on ships at sea. Their role is also to investigate and act to mitigate marine pollution, and support communities on the islands of Ireland by evacuating the seriously ill or injured, and assisting in the event of major emergencies.
They are also available to assist the other three blue light services (Garda, Ambulance Service and Fire Services) in the execution of their roles and during major national emergency situations on land.
There will be no change in the existing 24 hour service from 4 centres until the new contract enters on a phased basis in 2012-2013.
Thereafter, it is expected that the four existing bases will continue in operation, with Waterford on a 12 hour basis, subject to review.
The Department of Transport does not propose to
comment further on the contract until the tender process is completed.
ENDS
Further information:
Department of Transport Press Office: (01) 604 1090 / (01)
604 1091
Caroline Ryan: (086) 891 5570
5 March 2010
Travelling by boat, ship or car ferry can be greatly enhanced for passengers,
by new Guidelines from the Department of Transport and the National
Disability Authority (NDA) which were published today. These Guidelines, (the
first of their kind in Ireland), are aimed at making maritime passenger travel
more accessible and usable for everyone, irrespective of whether you
are a person with a disability, you're travelling with children/ luggage
or you simply find it difficult using steps.
Providing practical advice and information for those involved in the provision
of maritime passenger transport services, the Guidelines
cover all aspects of a maritime passenger journey.
For example;
Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said: "The Government actively supports and
encourages continued improvements in accessibile maritime passenger transport
services because it will open up and
enhance the sustainability of this key sector.
Not alone have we published these Guidelines, but we have
recently provided access audits for domestic passenger vessels and
disability awareness training courses for operators and their crew throughout
the country. We hope that our efforts, (in particular, these Guidelines), will
influence those involved in the
maritime passenger transport
industry to review passenger services and undertake practical improvements to
increase accessibility."
Siobhan Barron, Director of the NDA, added "Transport is key to enabling people
with disabilities and older people to participate in the normal activities of
life. Making maritime transport accessible, benefits everyone. Accessible
maritime transport is also good news for business; it benefits our tourism
industry, it's vital for people living on or visiting our offshore islands and
it provides a link to our international neighbours."
The Guidelines and a useful card, entitled
"10 Tips for Better Access"
are aimed at all passenger vessel owners and operators.
They are also aimed at port operators, local authorities and a number of
Government Departments who have a statutory remit regarding maritime passenger
transport services. It is also a useful resource for the disability sector and
other interested parties.
ENDS
Further information:
Press Office Department of Transport: (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.
The NDA (National
Disability Authority) is the lead state agency on disability issues and
universal design in Ireland. They
provide independent, expert advice to the Government on disability policy and
practice.
The Guidelines launched today are a joint venture between the Department of
Transport and the NDA and fulfil one of the recommendations of the Maritime
Passenger Transport Forum. The Forum was established in 2006
to oversee the implementation and review of the Maritime Passenger Transport
section of the
Department
of Transport's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The Forum
comprises representatives of disability organisations, passenger ship and port
services providers, relevant Departments and the National Disability Authority
(NDA).
The leaflet "10 Tips for Better
Access" and the "Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport" are
available to view or download on the
Department of Transport website and the NDA
website.
Copies of the Guidelines or leaflet may be obtained from the Maritime Safety
Policy Division, Department of Transport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. Phone:
01-6783434/20 or email
SP2@transport. ie
7 December, 2009
KILLEEN HOLDS URGENT MEETING WITH EU FISHERIES
COMMISSIONER TO DEMAND A FAIR DEAL FOR IRISH FISHERMEN IN DIFFICULT EU / NORWAY
NEGOTIATIONS BEING HELD THIS WEEK
Tony Killeen TD Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food today met EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Berg on EU / Norway Fisheries
negotiations. Minister Killeen sought an urgent meeting when it became clear
last Friday that developments at the formal EU / Norway negotiations which were
taking place in Brussels were likely to seriously impact on Ireland.
At these negotiations transfers to Norway which would involve quota reductions
for Ireland of 2,500 tonnes of horse mackerel and 2,000 tonnes of mackerel are
under examination at the negotiations.
The transfer of EU stocks of mackerel and horse mackerel is being pushed by a
group of Member States including Spain and Portugal. These Member States benefit
from access to Artic cod stocks in Norwegian waters which must be paid for with
transfers of EU fish quotas to Norway.
Minister Killeen said "As soon as it became clear to me that the deal on the
table in the EU / Norway negotiations would involve a substantial loss of fish
quotas for Irish fishermen and fish factories I immediately sought an urgent
meeting. I set down for Commissioner Borg the impacts of the planned deal on
those Irish fishermen and fish factories who are dependent on mackerel and horse
mackerel for their livelihoods. These stocks are the mainstay of the Donegal
pelagic fishing fleet and are also important for the south west fishing fleet
and for fish factories on the western seaboard. I explained that the deal on the
table would mean that Irish fishermen would be paying in lost fishing quotas for
the extra cod quotas for a range of Member States including Spain and Portugal.
I pointed out that a deal agreed on this basis would be completely unacceptable
to Ireland and would not be justified."
Commissioner Borg agreed to make urgent contact with his negotiators in Bergen
and to explain the points raised. He undertook to request them to consider other
options to pay for the artic cod transferred to the EU with a view to seeking a
more equitable arrangement for Ireland.
Note for Editors
The EU/ Norway fisheries negotiations are commencing a final session in Bergen,
Norway today 7th December, and are likely to conclude this week.
ENDS
Friday, 23rd October 2009
The Lord Mayor of
I visited the MTL workers at the Port during
the strike and I agreed with them and their union representatives that the best
way to resolve the matter was through the tried and tested dispute resolution
machinery of the State rather than court actions and legal threats. It is a
source of great relief to all those who were involved in the dispute that MTL
has accepted the
I wish to pay tribute to the workers for the
dignity and resolve they displayed throughout the dispute and also to the local
community for their support. I hope that the differences of the past can now be
set aside and we look to the future of ensuring that
It is also a salutary lesson that the best means of resolving such disputes is to fully utilise the State’s industrial relations machinery.
ENDS.
For more information, contact Emer Costello at 086 3831805
2nd October 2009
State’s Seabed Mapping Programme to generate €275 m in revenue
Delegates at an
international conference of marine scientists,
SEABED 10, in Dublin next week will
hear how an independent study has valued the benefits of the state’s marine
mapping programme at €275 million. This is more than four times what will be
spent completing the “INFOMAR” programme. This is one of the largest
science projects ever undertaken in Ireland and, in an excellent example of
co-operation between state bodies, it is being jointly managed by the Geological
Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI).
In announcing the
conference, Minister of State at the Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources, Mr. Conor Lenihan, TD., commented
“Ireland leads the way in global marine science and seabed mapping and this
conference will showcase our achievements to date. At a time of financial
difficulties it is crucial that such projects can be demonstrated to have a
significant fiscal benefit to the state and I welcome the findings of a
PricewaterhouseCoopers report on INFOMAR showing a return of over four times the
cost.” The benefits accrue across a range of sectors from
fishing, tourism and energy, to compliance with international legislation and
the research sector. The study, as well as tangible examples of real benefits to
the state, will be presented at the conference.
The state’s
latest research vessel the RV KEARY,
a dedicated inshore mapping launch, will also be named during the conference.
The vessel is a 15 metre aluminium catamaran, purpose-built for inshore mapping
with state of the art technology. Amongst her best attributes is her ability to
deliver exceptional depth accuracy, vital for safe transport and offshore
development and protection. She is named after the late Raymond Keary,
distinguished Irish marine geologist who had the vision of a national marine
mapping project. According to Minister Lenihan,
“in commissioning the new vessel, KEARY, we will
also see cost effective mapping of our shallowest waters and a valuable addition
to our national research capacity.”
One project based
on seabed mapping results, jointly carried out by GSI, MI and the National Parks
and Wildlife Service, has just returned from deepwater filming of coral reefs on
parts of the Rockall Bank for the very first time. This study will assist the
process of designation of new offshore Special Areas of Conservation.
The Conference
will take place at Liberty Hall in Dublin on October 5th and 6th, with the
vessel-naming at Poolbeg Marina on Tuesday evening at 5.45 and interested
parties can register at www.INFOMAR.ie
INFOMAR stands
for Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of
Irelands Marine
Resource. The INFOMAR website is www.infomar.ie.
The INFOMAR
project is an ambitious joint venture to map Ireland’s most productive
and commercially
valuable inshore waters and is being undertaken by Geological
Survey of Ireland
and the Marine Institute, funded by the Department of Communications, Energy &
Natural Resources. Covering some 125,000 square kilometres of underwater
territory, the INFOMAR project is producing integrated mapping products covering
the physical, chemical and biological features of the seabed.
INFOMAR follows
on from the Irish National Seabed Survey, which mapped all of
Ireland’s deeper
waters between 1999-2005, and taken together they represent one of
the largest such
projects undertaken anywhere in the world.
Use of the data
obtained under the project include:
- the development
of offshore energy, with the mapping key to identifying suitable
sites and cable
routes for wind, wave and tidal generators.
- safer offshore
navigation due to updated charts
- supports work
being carried out under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,
whereby Ireland
has been successful in extended continental shelf submissions
- simulation of
tides which is useful for the aquaculture and costal protection
engineers
- production of
maps on the nature of the seabed (whether mud, sand, rock or gravel)
which is used in
both environmental protection and more efficient fishing practices.
- provision of
updates for the national shipwrecks database maintained by National
Monuments Service
and used by sport fishermen and divers.
~~~
Dempsey publishes report on the role of
Dublin Port and its future
7 August 2009
Minister Noel Dempsey TD today published a study on the future role of Dublin Port. The study was conducted under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and contains important conclusions in relation to Dublin Port and the wider port sector.
Speaking today on the publication of the report Minister Dempsey said: “The future of Dublin Port has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. The future of this port is not just a local or regional matter it is of major strategic importance to the country as a whole. The National Development Plan recognised this fact by providing for this study.
As a trade dependent island nation we are reliant upon our ports to facilitate economic growth. Notwithstanding the current downturn and its associated effects in terms of decreased traffic volumes, the ports sector is one that demands long term forward planning and analysis.
This report is an important analysis not just of the future of Dublin Port but also provides a useful insight into the capacity challenges that face the sector as a whole.”
The study highlights the strategic importance of Dublin Port to the economy. Over 40% of national tonnage passes through the port and it plays a particularly important role in terms of fast moving high value cargos. The port has a 75% market share for roll on roll off trucks (RoRo) and 64% for lift on lift off containers (LoLo). The port is also vital in terms of the State’s energy supply, handling 45% of national oil imports.
Highlights from the study include the following:
· A projection that national port throughput will continue to decline in 2009 and into 2010 and that traffic throughput will not return to 2007 levels until post 2011.
· Traffic projections have been formulated at a time of great uncertainty, but this does not impact on the key conclusions reached.
· There is a need to develop significant additional port capacity by 2025 - 2030 as a result of future capacity constraints in existing port facilities.
· There are two significant projects at different stages of the planning process at present. Dublin Port’s proposed expansion is currently with An Bord Pleanála and the proposal for a new port at Bremore is at the pre-planning stage. The study identifies considerable uncertainties with regard to both projects. It concludes that nothing should be done at a policy level to hinder either.
· The cost benefit analysis of seven different future scenarios identifies potential benefits relating to the relocation or partial relocation of Dublin Port in terms of city sustainability issues arising out of increased urbanisation, greater usage of public transport and a related reduction in congestion. However, the costs of such a relocation are very significant in terms of the capital costs of building alternative capacity, the inevitable business disruption caused by such a relocation and increased traffic movements.
· An important finding of the cost benefit analysis is in relation to the scale and value of the port estate if it were to be redeveloped. The study concludes that such redevelopment would have to take place over a considerable length of time, which could realistically reach a century.
· The detailed cost benefit analysis of seven different scenarios concludes that retention of Dublin Port in its present location together with onsite expansion would deliver the highest net present value in cost benefit terms.
Minister Dempsey added; “The State ports played a vital role in facilitating the strong economic growth over the last decade, with tonnage increasing 50% over the ten years up to 2007. It was quite an achievement for the sector to accommodate such growth levels without any major disruption of trade and it is equally important that the sector is in a position to perform the same role when the economy returns to growth.”
The Ports Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan 2007 -2013 estimates port infrastructural expenditure of between €300 million and €600 million over the period of the programme. To date capital investment under the sub-programme is in line with this. Some €120 million has been invested in the first two years of the programme, with a further €75 million budgeted for 2009. This expenditure is being funded by the port companies themselves, without recourse to Exchequer funding.
The recently enacted Harbours (Amendment) Act 2009 contains a number of provisions designed to enhance the commercial ethos of the State owned port companies and to facilitate their continued growth and development.
Note to Editors
In July 2008, a team of consultants led by Indecon International Economic Consultants were commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study on the role of Dublin Port as provided for in the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013.
The Ports Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan 2007-13 states that the: “Government proposes to undertake a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port taking account of locational considerations, in the context of overall ports policy on the island of Ireland, wider transport policy, urban development policy, the National Spatial Strategy and national economic policy. This review will take account of the findings of the study on the role of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Port Area commissioned by Dublin City Council.”
The terms of reference for the study were to examine the feasibility and conduct a cost benefit analysis of various scenarios relating to Dublin Port, including:
a) Relocating all or part of Dublin Port’s existing activities to an alternative location(s);
b) Existing port activities continuing to expand with demand;
c) Port activities continuing at current levels with growth being catered for at alternative locations.
A Steering Group comprising representatives of the Department of Transport, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Finance, the Department of An Taoiseach and Dublin City Council oversaw the study.
A copy of the full report is available here : www.transport.ie/upload/general/11733-DUBLIN_PORT_REPORT-0.PDF
Further Details:
Department of Transport Press Office:
Tel: (01) 6041090 / (01) 6041091
Dempsey launches new Coast Guard vessel in Drogheda
21st. July 2009
Today Minister Noel Dempsey T.D. visited the Drogheda Coast Guard Unit and launched their new 5.8m Humber, Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).
Speaking in Drogheda today, the Minister said: “Drogheda Coast Guard Unit is one of the busiest Units in the country. Last year alone this Unit responded to 45 incidents and they rescued 15 people. This boat will be a welcome asset for the hard working Unit here in Drogheda as it will dramatically cut response times to incidents at sea. It will also be a much more effective vessel for life jacket patrol along the Boyne River and local coastline. This new vessel will play an important role in helping the Coast Guard here in Drogheda to save more lives at sea each year.”
The Vessel was made to Irish Coast Guard
specifications and has two 50hp 4stroke Yamaha outboard engines and trailer. It
is fitted with state-of-the art technology including; GPS, VHF, Rader Reflector,
Automatic Identification System (AIS), Self-Righting System, Search Lights and
all emergency recall and relevant equipment that a Coast Guard Patrol, Search &
Rescue Vessel would carry. The vessel can reach a speed of 30knots and has four
seats and a large console for the crew. This allows them to work more
effectively and safely in harsher environments.
ENDS
Further information:
Press Office: Department of Transport (01)
604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.
Caroline Ryan: (086) 891 5570
Irish Shipping Ltd.
Irish Shipping Ltd. 1941-1984 Ships and Crew exhibition 2009 - Photos and info here
Just to let you know, that we've
decided on the opening times for our exhibition.
They are as follows;
We have also now decided to put on a large exhibition of
model ships, lifeboats, sailing vessels, and ferries etc.
As part of the annual Rosslare Harbour Summer Festival, we usually hold a maritime exhibition of some sort. This year we have decided to dedicate the exhibition to the ships and crews of Irish Shipping Ltd. The exhibition will be mainly of a photographic nature, but we hope to have some maritime artwork, and models of some of the ships on display as well.
If you have any material that we can use in our exhibition
please contact us at:
rosslaremaritime@hotmail.com
Any personal items will be carefully displayed and returned.
The festival will run throughout the first weekend of July (3rd, 4th, & 5th), and our exhibition will be held in the St. Helens Hotel, Rosslare Co. Wexford (formerly the Great Southern) on those dates and all are welcome.
John Boyce
May 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4th joint
Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland Coast Guard Search and Rescue Competition
8-10 May 2009 in Ballybunion Co. Kerry
Minister Noel Dempsey TD announced that the 4th joint Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland Coast Guard Search and Rescue Competition will take place from 8-10 May 2009 in Ballybunion Co. Kerry. This 3 day event will feature teams from the Irish Coast Guard and HM Coastguard Northern Ireland as they battle it out for the Captain Kirwan Cup 2009 and the ultimate team award - the Canadian Award.
Announcing details of the competition today, Minister Dempsey said: “The theme for the 2009 competition is Marconi and Ballybunion. It’s been 100 years since the first Morse code signal was transmitted across the Atlantic from the West coast of Ireland, to St. Johns Newfoundland in Canada. Morse code revolutionised high-speed communications for the maritime community. The first voice communication was transmitted from the Marconi station in Ballybunion to Louisburg Cape Breton (Nova Scotia in Canada) in March 1919. I can think of no better place to mark this co-operation and achievement than here in Ballybunion as we remember its special place in history.”
The Minister added: “Events like this demonstrate that when it comes to Search and Rescue operations provided by the Irish Coast Guard and HM Coastguard Northern Ireland, our co-operation knows no borders. These competitions allow our volunteers to demonstrate to the public the skills they use every day in search and rescue operations. Some of the skills tested in these challenges will include leadership, planning, communications, casualty care and seamanship. The aim of the competition is to enhance co-operation between Coast Guard Divisions, North and South through friendly competition.”
A total of 12 team members from each of the Coast Guard Divisions (Dublin, Malin, Valentia) and HM Coastguard Northern Ireland will take part in the competition. Two 4-person teams from each Division will be drawn and the remaining members will be entered as combined teams.
ENDS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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