Technicians working in the growing offshore alternative energy sector often need to be transferred to their place of work by sea. This needs to be done safely and efficiently, and this week IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will continue discussions on mandatory measures to cover this potentially hazardous activity. The Committee will consider interim measures ahead of the adoption of a proposed new Code.
”With regard to the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages, your Committee at its last session, bearing in mind an urgent need to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of technicians serving and servicing installations in the growing offshore alternative energy sectors, agreed that a new chapter to SOLAS, supported by a new code, should be developed to address this issue. Furthermore, MSC 96 recognizing that until the proposed new code was developed there was a need for an interim solution.” IMO Secretary- General stated in his opening address during the Committee.
”After taking into account the complex nature of the legal issues involved, MSC 96 requested the Secretariat to provide legal advice on this matter. To this end, your Committee will consider the legal advice with a view to finalize the interim solution along with the detailed roadmap for developing the proposed code and I am confident that your Committee will resolve this important matter to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders involved.”Mr Kitack Lim added.
Other important items on the agenda include the adoption of amendments to SOLAS, including those related to subdivision and damage stability. New STCW training requirements for masters and deck officers on ships operating in Polar Waters and an extension of emergency training for personnel on passenger ships will also be up for adoption. The outcome of work by various technical Sub-Committees will also be considered by the Committee.
The session was opened on Monday November 24th, by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Mr Brad Groves (Australia)
