IMO’s MEPC 74 in May adopted amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II, V, VI and the NOx Technical Code regarding the use of electronic record books, approved as alternative of hard copy record books under the MARPOL Convention. The Committee also adopted guidelines to support the use of electronic record books.
The amendments to MARPOL VI also redefined the words “cargo ships having ice-breaking capability”, under Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) regulations, in order to align with the definition given in the Polar Code.
Additionally, MEPC 74 adopted amendments to the NOx Technical Code concerning the certification requirements for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.
Namely, the adopted resolutions are as follows:
- Resolution MEPC.312(74) – Guidelines for the use of Electronic Record Books under MARPOL
- Resolution MEPC.314(74) – Amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II and V (Electronic Record Books)
- Resolution MEPC.316(74) – Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Electronic Record Books and EEDI regulations for ice-strengthened ships)
- Resolution MEPC.317(74) – Amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 (Electronic Record Books and Certification requirements for SCR systems)
The amendments to MARPOL Annex I, II, V, VI and the NOx Technical Code are expected to be entered into force on 1st October 2020.
Electronic record books are considered key to ease the administrative burden associated with paperwork.
See also:
- Amendments related to the IBC Code
- Key requirements from the BCH Code amendments
- Amendments to MARPOL Annex II: Cargo residues and tank washings of persistent floating products
