Tag: IMO Sub-Committee

The 5th session of the IMO’s sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 5) last week has completed draft interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methanol as fuel, setting them on course for formal approval by the IMO’s MSC in 2020.

IMO provided an overview of the latest progress made at the 5th session of its Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment that took place on 12-16 March 2018. Key issues included ventilation of enclosed lifeboats, shore power supply, life saving equipment in polar waters, fire prevention on ro-ro ships, as well as use of lifting appliances onboard.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), which took place 19-23 February 2018,  informed that it will continue its work on matters related to e-navigation, in order to improve safety and efficiency.

IMO's Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue agreed to establish two-way routes, precautionary areas and areas to be avoided in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait. These waters are expected to see increased traffic due to rising economic activity in the Arctic. 

Plugging a ship into shore-side power and turning off onboard generators is one solution to reduce air pollution from ships, as well as limit local noise. For this reason, IMO will examine safety aspects of on shore power supply to ships, also known as “cold ironing”, “alternative maritime power” and “shore-side electricity”.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, chaired by Mr. Kevin Hunter, held its fifth session from 22 to 26 January 2018. Important items discussed such as amendments to SOLAS Regulation with respect to safe mooring for all ships as well as safety standards for the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.

IMO says that more PSC regimes are implementing targeted inspections mechanisms, as well as incentive schemes, so that ships found in compliance with international standards are subject to fewer inspections, while substandard ships are targeted more.

The first set of international requirements for onboard lifting appliances and winches are expected to be finalized during the 4th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment which is meeting from 20 through 24 March 2017.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response held its 4th session from 16 through 20 January 2017 under the Chairmanship of Mr Sveinung Oftedal (NORWAY) and his Vice Chair, Dr Flavio Fernandes (BRAZIL); both were re-elected for 2018.

The Sub-Committee recently conducted the third session meeting on the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) which was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.