Tag: IMO

GMDSS1/ Circular 13 Circular 13 regarding GMDSS Master plan recently issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) including circulars emanating from the 89th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).You can view GMDSS1/ Circular 13 by clicking here.

MSC.1/ Circular 1397 IMO issued circular MSC.1 Circular 1397 - Unified Interpretation of SOLAS Regulation III/15.1 Stowage of Marine Evacuation Systems.You can view the MSC.1/ Circular 1397 by clicking here.

Regarding also Response of Steering Control Systems - MSC1/ Circular 1398 IMO issued Circular 1398 regarding Unified Interpretation Concerning Mechanical, Hydraulic and Electrical Independency and Failure Detection and Response of Steering Control Systems.The interpretation applies to steering gear control systems, as defined in SOLAS regulation II-1/3.1, for the main and auxiliary steering gear, operable from the navigation bridge, for which SOLAS stipulates two steering gear control systems independent of each other.You can view the MSC1/ Circular 1398 by clicking here.Source: IMO

For Cargo Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers - MSC1/ Circular 1399 You can view MSC1/ Circular 1399 by clicking here.

Using Nitrogen as an Inerting Medium - MSC.1/ Circular 1401 IMO issued Circular 1401 regarding Guidelines on Tank Entry for Tankers Using Nitrogen as an Inerting Medium.The purpose of these Guidelines is to describe the procedures and minimum precautions, which are to be followed when personnel intend to enter a tank, in order to reduce the risk of asphyxiation after inerting the tanks by nitrogen. These Guidelines should be used in conjunction with the Revised Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships.You can view MSC.1/ Circular 1401 by clicking here.Source: IMO

BELTREP has become even more effective on Safety of Navigation At the recent session of the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV 57), the Organization mentions the reporting system BELTREP in the Great Belt as ground-breaking.Fewer administrative burdens for seafarers and improved navigational safety. The Danish ship reporting system BELTREP is popular in United Nations International Maritime Organization. The ship reporting system has become even more effective through a number of recent amendments that have just been considered by the Organizations Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation.The conclusion is clear: The Sub-Committee is very enthusiastic about the Danish system and would like other countries to develop similar ship reporting systems.Navigational safety in Danish waters must be second to none. Every day, many ships pass through our belts, straits and sounds and, consequently, it is important that we have an overview ensuring a high degree of safety. Naturally, I am proud that our ship reporting system for the Great Belt is mentioned as something special, but I am even more satisfied that the system makes it far easier for the seafarers on board who do not have to spend time and efforts on administrative difficulties and inconveniences, says Head of Centre Per ...

Now available from IMO publications The 2011 edition of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the STCW Code, including the 2010 Manila Amendments, is now available from IMO publications.The 2011 edition contains a complete, consolidated text of the STCW Convention, including its original articles, revised annex and supporting STCW Code; the Final Act of the 2010 Conference of Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention, held in Manila, Philippines, from 21 to 25 June 2010; and resolutions adopted by that Conference. The Manila Amendments: update standards of competence required, particularly in light of emerging technologies; introduce new training and certification requirements and methodologies; improve mechanisms for enforcement of the Convention's provisions; anddetail requirements on hours of work and rest, prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, and medical fitness standards for seafarers.Technical details:STCW 2011: 368 pages, A4, Sales number: IC938EISBN: 978-92-801-1528-4 Also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.Source: IMO

It will significantly improve the safety of containerships and their crews The decision by the International Maritime Organization to consider the problem of misdeclared container weights has been warmly welcomed by shipowners, although no agreement has been reached about whether to move towards a mandatory regime.The World Shipping Council and International Chamber of Shipping have been waging a long campaign to ensure shippers provide accurate information about the weight and contents of containers, both of which pose a danger if incorrect.The decision of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee to solve the problem of misdeclared container weights will significantly improve the safety of containerships, their crews, shoreside personnel involved in the handling and transport of containers, and other cargo aboard the ship, the WSC and ICS said in a joint statement.

Amendments to the Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-eighth session (MSC 88), (24/11 -3/12 2010), approved amendments to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23 which, inter alia, includes amendments to the Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots (Resolution MSC.308(88)).The existing Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilot poster will, therefore, become incorrect once the provisions of MSC.308(88) enter into force. This will happen on 1 July 2012.IMPA has prepared a revised poster which reflects the latest changes but has not yet been finalised. The IMO's Sub-committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV) has endorsed IMPA's submission which will be forwarded to MSC for approval.Significant points contained in revised Regulation 23 of SOLAS Chapter V include: 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EL X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 - The appliances shall be kept clean, properly maintained and stowed, and shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they are safe to use. - A pilot ladder shall be certified by the manufacturer as complying with this regulation, or with an international standard acceptable to the Organization. Ladders shall be inspected in accordance with regulation I/6, 7 & 8.- All pilot ladders used for pilot transfers shall be clearly identified with tags ...

Mariners have lost confidence in using lifeboats in training drills Lifeboat hook failures have caused death and injury to seafarers for too long now and mariners have lost confidence in using lifeboats in training drills.The Industry Lifeboat Group (ILG) in which The Nautical Institute is an active participant, was set up to address the concerns of the maritime industry on the issue of lifeboat safety; identify features of existing survival craft and associated systems for which remedial measures are required; and to provide clear recommendations to IMO.