DNV follow-up of the asbestos ban
As from 1 January 2011, asbestos has been completely banned in new installations on both new and existing convention ships.
Since then, there has been an increase in the regulatory focus and we have seen regulators like Australia and the Netherlands requesting sampling followed by the rejection/detention of vessels due to asbestos being identified on board.
We also underline that the Netherlands as a flag state requires sampling to be carried out for newbuildings and upon a change of flag to the Netherlands.
DNV and IACS have therefore been concerned about ensuring that no new installations on existing vessels and no newbuildings contain any asbestos.
IACS policy
IACS has developed a UI (unified interpretation), IACS UI SC249, on the implementation of this requirement which will be applied as soon as possible but not later than 1 July 2012, unless instructed otherwise by an Administration.
The essence of the UI is that IACS societies are to ensure that new installations covered by SOLAS do not contain asbestos by reviewing the asbestos-free declarations and supporting documentation which are to be provided by shipyards, repair yards and equipment manufacturers.
The UI SC249 is on the agenda for the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee in May 2012, and is expected to be published as an MSC circular with or without amendments.
DNV policy
In order to follow up the IACS UI, a letter of concern from the Secretary General of the IMO to IACS dated 24 December 2010 and MSC.1/Circ. 1374 and 1379, DNV policy is to apply the asbestos-free requirement to all installations on board ships, high speed light crafts and offshore units covered by Class rules or mandatory statutory instruments.
Follow-up for yards
- The yard (NB/repair) must have a system covering its purchasing from subsuppliers which ensures and documents that components are asbestos free.
- The yard (NB/repair) shall issue a declaration stating that the particular vessel is delivered/repaired asbestos free.
Follow-up for shipowners
- At annual surveys: The Owner/Manager to provide documentation that new installations since the last annual/periodical survey are asbestos free. This shall be in the form of asbestos-free declarations provided on board by shipyards, repair yards and/or equipment manufacturers.
- It is recommended that the asbestos-free requirement is incorporated in the on board safety management system’s purchasing procedures.
Follow-up for equipment manufacturers
- Manufacturer to provide an asbestos-free declaration for all equipment with an existing Type Approval certificate. If an asbestos-free declaration is not provided, DNV will have to withdraw the existing Type Approval certificate.
- Manufacturers applying for DNV certification, whether a product certificate or a TA, shall declare that the product is free of asbestos.
Source: DNV
Please also see:
- IACS UI SC249
- MSC.1/Circ. 1374
- MSC.1/Circ. 1379