Amendments to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol
The amendments adopted in June 2003 to Annex B to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol include a number of important revisions, in particular to regulations concerning: strength and intact stability of ships; definitions; superstructure and bulkheads; doors; position of hatchways, doorways and ventilators; hatchway coamings; hatch covers; machinery space openings; miscellaneous openings in freeboard and superstructure decks; cargo ports and other similar openings; spurling pipes and cable lockers; side scuttles; windows and skylights; calculation of freeing ports; protection of the crew and means of safe passage for crew; calculation of freeboard; sheer; minimum bow height and reserve buoyancy; and others.
The amendments, which amount to a comprehensive revision of the technical regulations of the Protocol, will apply to approximately two-thirds of the world's fleet, i.e., to those ships flying the flags of States Party to the 1988 LL Protocol. The amendments do not affect the 1966 LL Convention.

June 2003 amendments to the enhanced survey programme for tankers and bulk carriers
Also entering into force on the 1 January 2005 are amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)), to include a new appendix 3 to annex 12 of Annex B to the Guidelines relating to the sampling method of thickness measurements for longitudinal strength evaluation and repair methods.

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Natasha Brown, External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3274 (media@imo.org ).