Tag: SOLAS

AMSA has issued Marine Notice to highlight that pilot transfer arrangements which include pilot ladders are to be in accordance with Marine Order 21 of 2012

From 1 January 2015, crew is required to take part in enclosed space entry and rescue drillsInternational Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation III/19 which added a new requirement for mandatory enclosed space entry and rescue drills. From 1 January 2015 all persons involved in enclosed space entries, and / or assigned enclosed space rescue duties, is required to take part in enclosed space entry and rescue drills at intervals not exceeding two months. Enclosed space entry and rescue drills should be planned and conducted in a safe manner, taking into account, as appropriate, the guidance provided in the recommendations developed by the Organization. Each enclosed space entry and rescue drill shall include, checking and use of personal protective equipment required for entry, communication equipment and procedures, instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces, rescue equipment and procedures and instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.Paris, Tokyo, Black Sea and Indian MoUs will launch a CIC on Crew Familiarization for Enclosed Space Entry, during the period of September to November 2015.TrainingIn accordance with IMO Resolution A. 1050(27):The company should elaborate a procedural implementation scheme which provides for training in the use of atmospheric testing equipment in such ...

Effective from January 1st, 2016 New statutory requirements for fixed inert gas systems will enter into force on 1 January, 2016, as a result of changes to SOLAS, the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code and the International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code.Main changesThe fitting of a fixed inert gas system will be required for tankers of 8,000 tonnes deadweight (dwt) and over, constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January, 2016. Previously, this applied only to tankers of 20,000 tonnes dwt and over.Tankers 8,000 dwt and over, carrying low-flashpoint cargoes, and constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January, 2016, must be provided with a fixed inert gas system complying with Chapter 15 of the amended FSS Code (or an equivalent system - subject to acceptance by the flag administration).The existing clause in SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.5.5.2 for waiving the requirements for a fixed inert gas system still applies to all gas carriers, but for chemical tankers it nowonly applies to those constructed before 1 January, 2016. This means that chemical tankers constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January, 2016, and carrying flammable cargoes such as those listed in the IBC Code chapters 17 and 18, will be required to have ...

Requirements for vehicle carriers carrying motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks for their own propulsion as cargo will be introduced to SOLAS by IMO resolution MSC.365(93).

ClassNK has issued Technical Information TEC-1052 to inform about the specal requirements for Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) regarding Bahamas Flagged Vesse

 The Polar Code is expected to take effect on 1 January 2017 via amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Conventions. The Polar Code also includes recommendations and guidelines relating to the mandatory portions of the Code. Hannah Charles, Senior Claims Executive, UK P&I Club, comments on the impending Polar Code and the pollution prevention measures being adopted:“The IMO has now adopted the long awaited Polar Code. This code is a reflection of the shipping industry recognising the sensitivity of Arctic ecosystems.  The code acknowledges the need for a higher degree of care when navigating polar waters, given the increased trade throughout these regions. “The impact that the Polar Code will have on operators trading in the region remains to be seen. The Code brings with it numerous requirements for all ships trading in the Polar Regions and therefore a great deal of investment will need to be made by operators.“The Polar Code is mandatory and comprises of detailed requirements relating to safety, design and construction, operations, training, and the prevention of environmental pollution for all ships operating in Polar Waters.“It is without doubt that these requirements are necessary, especially given that ...

  Figure 1: The IMO-adopted ships’ routeing systems in the Coral SeaThe Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a Marine Notice to advise mariners, shipowners, ship operators and agents that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted two new two-way routes and an associated area to be avoided (ATBA) in the Coral Sea (Figure 1). These measures come into effect at 0000 hours UTC on 1 January 2016. The routeing systems will serve as associated protective measures for the recently-extended Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Particularly Sensitive Sea Area in the Coral Sea. Regulation V/10 of SOLAS (Ships’ routeing) provides for IMO-adopted ships’ routeing systems that may be recommended for use by some or all ships.Two-way routesThe five mile wide, two-way routes aim to separate opposing streams of traffic and keep ships clear of the shoals, reefs and islands that lie in close proximity. The 60 nautical mile (nm) route in Diamond Passage aligns with the existing traffic pattern (Figure 2). The 53 nm route west of Holmes Reefs provides a routeing measure for ships navigating west of the ATBA (Figure 3).Figure 2: The two-way route in Diamond PassageFigure 3: The two-way route west of Holmes Reef Area to be avoidedThe ATBA aims to ...

From 1st October to 31st December 2015 Riyadh MoU has announced the launch of a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) based on Safety of Navigation, SOLAS Chapter V which will take place for three months (October - December 2015)The purpose of this CIC is to ensure that ships comply with the requirements of equipment such as AIS, VDR as well as to ensure that the Master and Watch Keeping Officers are familiar with these equipment.Consequently, as from 1st October 2015, all vessels may be subject to an additional check by PSCO's. The campaign period will be commenced from 1st October 2015 and it will be held for 3 months, ending on 31st December 2015.In order to assist ships staff for this CIC, a check list to help Masters, Designated Persons Ashore and crew has been prepared to prevent the vessels from being delayed or detained by Port State Control Officer(s).The ships must comply with all applicable International Conventions at all times.(Please click to enlarge)Source: Riyadh MoU

The scheme will become mandatory for all IMO Member States from 1 January 2016 A new module containing information on audits carried out under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme has been launched on IMO's web-based information portal, GISIS (the Global Integrated Shipping Information System).The IMO Member State Audit Scheme is intended to provide an audited Member State with a comprehensive and objective assessment of how effectively it administers and implements mandatory IMO instruments covered by the scheme. Currently voluntary, the scheme will become mandatory for all IMO Member States from 1 January 2016.The new GISIS module has been designed as a common platform for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, and will serve as the vehicle for the release of audit reports. Although audit reports are designed primarily for use by IMO Member States, the Member States themselves have an option to make the reports more widely available to the public through GISIS.The IMO Council has requested Member States that have already been audited to authorize the release of any reports and associated plans for corrective action from audits carried out since the scheme began (the first audits were carried out in 2006), so that as many audit reports ...

IMO MSC adopted resolutions MSC.365(93) on 22 May 2014 to amend SOLAS. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2016 and involve the following chapters of SOLAS: