Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), 83rd session: 3-12 October 2007
Opening
address by the Secretary-General
Key decisions relating
to the implementation of the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) System
were made by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), when it met in Copenhagen,
Denmark, for its 83rd session from 3 to 12 October.
Other important issues on the MSC agenda included the adoption of proposed amendments
to SOLAS relating to the provision of mobile satellite communication services
in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), further development
of goal-based standards for new ship construction and discussion of maritime
security issues.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Neil Ferrer (Philippines),
who was elected as Chairman for 2007 at the opening of the session
Long Range
Identification and Tracking
The MSC made a number of decisions to ensure the timely implementation of the
LRIT system.
International
LRIT Data Exchange (IDE)
The MSC accepted the contingency offer of the United States to host, build and
operate, on an interim and temporary basis, the International LRIT Data Exchange
(IDE), agreeing that a permanent home should be found for the IDE as soon as
possible (within two years from 1 January 2008, subject to a further review
by the Committee). An MSC resolution on Establishment of the IDE on an interim
basis was adopted.
The LRIT system will consist of the shipborne LRIT information transmitting
equipment, the Communication Service Provider(s), the Application Service Provider(s),
the LRIT Data Centre(s), including any related Vessel Monitoring System(s),
the LRIT Data Distribution Plan and the IDE. The LRIT Data Centres communicate
with each other and exchange information and data though the IDE and thus the
IDE has a key and pivotal role in the establishment and functioning of the system
LRIT information will be provided to Contracting Governments and search and
rescue services entitled to receive the information, upon request, through a
system of National, Regional, Co-operative and International LRIT Data Centres,
using where necessary, the IDE.
The establishment of the interim IDE will allow the LRIT system to be launched
on schedule with multiple LRIT Data Centres operating and joined through the
IDE.
Guidance
on technical issues and performance standards
The MSC, as a result of the work done in relation to various technical aspects
of the LRIT system adopted an MSC resolution on Amendments to the Performance
Standards and functional requirements of Long-Range Identification for Tracking
for Ships.
The MSC also authorized the MSC chairman, in co-operation with the IMO
Secretariat, to finalize a number of draft technical specifications for the
IDE, International LRIT Data Centre, communications, and protocols for the development
testing of the LRIT, which had been prepared by the ad hoc Working Group on
Engineering aspects of LRIT, and to issue them as an MSC circular.
Schedule
for implementation of the LRIT system
The schedule for the implementation of the LRIT system, which was agreed during
MSC 81, remains in effect. However, the MSC, with a view to ensuring the timely
establishment of the LRIT system and bearing in mind that its next session will
be in May 2008, established an ad hoc LRIT Group and authorize it, if the need
arises during the design, establishment and testing of the LRIT system, to consider
and agree on behalf of the MSC, inter alia, amendments to technical
specification and standards it has approved. As this is an exceptional arrangement,
the ad hoc LRIT Group has been instructed to provide detailed reports
of its actions and clear justifications for its decisions so as to enable the
MSC to approve or endorse or accept, as the case may be, the Group's decisions
in retrospect.
Use
of LRIT information for safety and environmental protection purposes
The MSC adopted a resolution Use of Long-range identification and tracking
information for safety and environmental purposes, which notes that such
use of LRIT information would add significant value to existing systems by improving
knowledge of ships' positions and identity. The resolution states that MSC agrees
that Contracting Governments may request, receive and use LRIT information for
safety and environmental protection purposes.
SOLAS regulation V/19-1 on LRIT will enter into force on 1 January 2008 and
will apply to ships constructed on or after 31 December 2008 with a phased-in
implementation schedule for ships constructed before 31 December 2008. The LRIT
system is intended to be operational with respect to the transmission of LRIT
information by ships from 30 December 2008.
Amendments
to SOLAS
The MSC adopted the following amendments to SOLAS chapters IV and VI, SOLAS
appendix, the INF Code, which is mandatory under SOLAS chapter VII, and the
1988 SOLAS Protocol.
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Amendment
to SOLAS chapter IV, to add a new regulation 4-1 on GMDSS satellite providers.
The new regulation provides for the MSC to determine the criteria, procedures
and arrangements for the evaluation, recognition, review and oversight of
the provision of mobile satellite communication services in the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The amendment is expected to enter into
force on 1 July 2009.
The MSC also approved the related draft revised Criteria for the provision
of mobile-satellite communication systems in the GMDSS (resolution
A.888(21)), for submission to and adoption by the IMO Assembly at its 25th
session in November this year. |
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Amendment
to SOLAS chapter VI, to add a new regulation 5-1 on material safety data
sheets (MSDS), to require ships carrying MARPOL Annex I cargoes (oil) and
marine fuel oils to be provided with a material safety data sheet prior
to loading such cargoes. The regulation refers to the Recommendation for
material safety data sheets (MSDS) for MARPOL Annex I cargoes and marine
fuel oils, adopted by the Organization through resolution MSC.150(77). The
amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2009. |
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Amendment
to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear
Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships (INF Code),
specifically, to Chapter 2, on Damage Stability, to bring it into line with
updates to SOLAS. The amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 July
2009. |
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Amendments
to forms contained in the appendix to the Annex to the 1988 SOLAS Protocol
to add a section to cover alternative design and arrangements (Passenger
Ship Safety Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety
Construction Certificate and Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate). Also,
similar amendments to the forms for the Nuclear Passenger Safety Certificate
and the Nuclear Cargo Ship Safety Certificate contained in the appendix
to the Annex to the 1974 SOLAS Convention. The amendments are expected to
enter into force on 1 July 2009. |
Goal-based
new ship construction standards
The MSC re-established the Working Group on Goal-based Standards (GBS) for New
Ship Construction and further progressed the work on the issue.
A work plan for the further development of GBS was agreed, with both the prescriptive
and the safety level approach included as integral elements of IMO GBS. The
plan includes:
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clarification
of the work to be done to develop a generic GBS framework; |
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identification
and compilation of the elements of the framework that have already been
agreed to or proposed in previous MSC submissions, working group reports
or other IMO instruments (e.g., FSA Guidelines, HEAP process guidelines)
and identification of existing gaps; and |
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development
of a prioritized plan to close the gaps and provide a unified framework
that ensures consistent development of GBS, i.e. both the prescriptive and
safety level approaches. |
The MSC also agreed
a short term plan, which would lead to finalization of the GBS for bulk carriers
and oil tankers, including Tier III and the associated SOLAS amendments, with
adoption of relevant SOLAS amendments and associated guidelines at MSC 86, scheduled
for 2009. A correspondence group on GBS was established to report to MSC 84.
The reports of two correspondence groups were reviewed, namely the Correspondence
Group on GBS for oil tankers and bulk carriers and the Correspondence Group
on GBS based on the safety level approach
The MSC also considered the report of the Pilot Panel on the Pilot project on
trial application of the GBS Tier III verification process using the IACS Common
Structural Rules.
The Working Group reviewed draft Guidelines for the verification of compliance
with GBS, prepared by the Pilot Panel, following which the Committee agreed
that a second trial application of the Guidelines using the IACS CSR for oil
tankers would be necessary in order to finalize the draft Guidelines and approved
the project plan for a second trial application.
The MSC noted that the GBS Working Group had discussed a draft MSC circular
on Guidelines for the information to be included in a Ship Construction
File and that this would be further considered at MSC 85, when the GBS
Working Group would finalize the draft SOLAS amendments on GBS for bulk carriers
and oil tankers.
With regard to GBS for bulk carriers and oil tankers, the MSC has already agreed
on a five-tier system, consisting of goals (Tier I), functional requirements
(Tier II), verification of compliance criteria (Tier III), technical procedures
and guidelines, classification rules and industry standards (Tier IV) and codes
of practice and safety and quality systems for shipbuilding, ship operation,
maintenance, training, manning, etc. (Tier V). Tier I goals and Tier II functional
requirements have already been agreed in principle.
Measures
to enhance maritime security
The MSC re-established the ad hoc Working Group on Maritime Security
to discuss issues relating to maritime security.
Security
arrangements for non-SOLAS vessels
Following discussions in the working group, the MSC established a correspondence
group on security arrangements for vessels which do not fall within the scope
of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code (non-SOLAS vessels). The correspondence
group was instructed to develop recommendatory guidelines to enhance maritime
security to complement measures required by SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS
Code, which could be utilized by Contracting Governments and/or Administrations
at their own discretion. The aim is to address security measures for possible
application by non SOLAS vessels in order to protect non-SOLAS vessels against
security threats; and prevent non-SOLAS vessels from posing a security threat
to other vessels and port facilities.
Container
security
The MSC approved, from its own point of view, a Joint MSC/FAL circular on Securing
and facilitating international trade, previously developed by the Joint
MSC/FAL working group on security and facilitation of the movement of closed
cargo transport units and of freight containers transported by sea. The circular
was first approved by the Facilitation Committee at its 34th session in March
2007, and will now be issued.
Security-related
training
The MSC endorsed proposed draft amendments to the STCW Convention. The proposed
amendments relate to regulation VI/1 and sections A-VI/1 and B-VI/1, addressing
the basic security-related training, and security-related familiarization training,
for seafarers without designated security-related duties and for all shipboard
personnel, respectively; and propose a new regulation VI/6 and new sections
A-VI/6 and B VI/6, addressing the standards of competency, and security-related
familiarization training, for seafarers with designated security-related duties.
The intention is that the draft amendments will be reviewed by the Sub Committee
on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), in conjunction with the comprehensive
review of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code, being carried out by the STW
Sub-Committee.
The MSC also decided that seafarers serving on ships which are not required
to comply with SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code should be required to undertake
basic security-related training or instruction.
Meanwhile, the MSC approved a draft MSC.1 circular on Guidelines on security-related
training and familiarization training for shipboard personnel.
Implementation
of the revised STCW Convention
The list of Parties deemed to be giving full and complete effect to the provisions
of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, was updated following the
submission by the Secretary-General of his report on those countries whose reports
of independent evaluations had been completed since the previous MSC meeting.
Ships'
routeing systems, ship reporting and other relevant measures
The MSC adopted twenty-two proposals on ships' routeing systems, ship reporting
and other relevant measures all aimed at enhancing the safety of navigation
in areas of identified navigational hazards and environmentally sensitive sea
areas, which had been approved by the Sub-Committee
on Safety of Navigation (NAV).
Other issues
The MSC considered other issues arising from the reports of Sub-Committees and
other bodies, and took the following action:
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approved
Guidelines for fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems for cabin
balconies; |
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adopted
revised performance standards for Integrated Navigation Systems (INS); |
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adopted
performance standards for navigation lights, navigation light controllers
and associated equipment; |
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adopted
a performance standard for protective coatings for void spaces on bulk
carriers and oil tankers; |
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approved
Guidelines for the control of ships in an emergency, which cover
the responsibilities of all parties in a maritime emergency; |
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approved
Guidelines for evacuation analysis for new and existing passenger ships; |
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approved
revised performance testing and approval standards for fire safety systems,
submitted as draft amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety
Systems (FSS Code), for future adoption; |
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approved, for adoption at MSC 84, draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/10,
to require all carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems to have two separate
releasing controls; |
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approved,
for adoption at MSC 84, a draft new Code of the International Standards
and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty
or Marine Incident, revoking resolution A.849(20) on the Code for the
Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents. Relevant amendments to
SOLAS Chapter IX 1 were also approved with a view to subsequent adoption
at MSC 84; |
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approved,
for adoption at MSC 84, draft amendments to SOLAS chapters II-1 and II-2,
regarding drainage of special category and ro-ro spaces to prevent accumulation
of water on the vehicle deck of ro-ro ships. The amendments are designed
to enhance the current regulations, including addition of a requirement
for measures to be taken to prevent the blockage of drainage arrangements.
The MSC also approved an MSC circular on Drainage of fire-fighting water
from closed vehicle and ro ro spaces and special category spaces for passenger
and cargo ships, which urges Member Governments to bring the proposed
amendments to the attention of all interested parties, noting that the intention
is to improve the safety of vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces against
the accumulation of large quantities of water, in light of the tragic loss
of life on the passenger ship Al Salam Boccaccio 98. The
circular notes that associated guidelines to enhance the safety of closed
vehicle and ro ro spaces and special category spaces for passenger and cargo
ships will be developed; |
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approved,
for adoption at MSC 84, draft new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-9 (Means of embarkation
on and disembarkation from ships), to require ships built after its adoption
and entry into force to be provided with means of embarkation on and disembarkation
from ships, such as gangways and accommodation ladders. The MSC also approved,
in principle, a draft MSC circular on Guidelines for construction, maintenance
and inspection of accommodation ladders and gangways; |
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approved,
for adoption at MSC 84, a draft new SOLAS regulation and draft amendments
to SOLAS regulation II-1/3-4 (Emergency towing arrangements on tankers),
to extend the regulation to ships other than tankers. The proposed amendments
would change the title of the regulation to Emergency towing arrangements
and procedures; retain the requirements for tankers, which require
emergency towing arrangements to be fitted at both ends on board every tanker
of not less than 20,000 tonnes deadweight; and include a new paragraph 2
on Emergency towing procedures on ships, to require all ships to
be provided with an emergency towing procedure. The MSC also approved, in
principle, an associated draft MSC circular on Guidelines for owners/operators
on emergency towing procedures; |
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approved,
for adoption at MSC 84, draft amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced
programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers
(resolution A.744(18)) (ESP Guidelines), including a new part B on Survey
guidelines for double skin bulk carriers in Annex A (Guidelines
on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers)
of the ESP Guidelines, applicable to bulk carriers of 500 gross tonnage
and over having double-side skin construction; |
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approved
a list of areas of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code to be considered
under the comprehensive review of the Convention and Code; |
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approved
the draft International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code) and
the associated draft amendments to the 1988 LL Protocol and 1974 SOLAS Convention
to make the 2008 IS Code mandatory, for adoption at MSC 85; |
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approved
the report of the Joint MSC/MEPC Working Group on the Human Element and
approved circulars on Guidelines for the operational implementation
of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Companies;
and Guidance on the qualification, training and experience necessary
for undertaking the role of designated person under the provisions of the
International Safety Management (ISM) Code (the circulars had already
been approved by MEPC 56); and |
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agreed
that there was an urgent need to consider the safety of general cargo ships,
taking into account the current safety level of this type of ship, and that
more detailed information, analysis of the cause of accidents involving
general cargo ships and related FSA studies (in particular, the outcome
of the SURSHIP1 project) are needed to facilitate the
identification of the problem areas of such ships, so that there can be
consideration of the appropriate measures to be taken, bearing in mind the
variety of ship types covered by the category of general cargo ships. A
working group on general cargo ship safety will be established at MSC 85,
to consider general cargo ship safety. |
Resolutions
adopted
| Resolution
MSC.239(83) |
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Adoption
of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974, as amended |
| Resolution
MSC.240(83) |
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Adoption
of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention
for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended |
| Resolution
MSC.241(83) |
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Adoption
of amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged
Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on
board Ships (INF Code) |
| Resolution
MSC.242(83) |
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Use
of LRIT information for safety and environmental purposes |
| Resolution
MSC.243(83) |
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Establishment
of International LRIT Data Exchange on an interim basis |
| Resolution
MSC.244(83) |
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Performance
standard for protective coatings for void spaces on bulk carriers and oil
tankers |
| Resolution
MSC.245(83) |
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Recommendation
on a standard method for evaluating cross-flooding arrangements |
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Resolution MSC.246(83) |
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Performance
standards for AIS search and rescue transmitters (AIS-SART) for use in search
and rescue operations |
| Resolution
MSC.247(83) |
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Adoption
of amendments to Performance standards for survival craft radar transponders
for use in search and rescue operations (resolution A.802(19)) |
| Resolution
MSC.248(83) |
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Adoption
of a new ship reporting system "the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National
Monument" Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) |
| Resolution
MSC.249(83) |
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Adoption
of a new mandatory ship reporting system "On the approaches to the
Polish ports in the Gulf of Gdansk" |
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Resolution MSC.250(83) |
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Adoption
of a new mandatory ship reporting system "Off the south and southwest
coast of Iceland" |
| Resolution
MSC.251(83) |
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Adoption
of amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting systems "Off
Ushant", "off Les Casquets" and "Dover Strait/Pas de
Calais" |
|
Resolution MSC.252(83) |
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Adoption
of the Revised performance standards for Integrated Navigation Systems (INS) |
| Resolution
MSC.253(83) |
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Adoption
of Performance standards for navigation lights, navigation light controllers
and associated equipment |
List of
circulars approved by MSC 83
MSC.1
circulars
| MSC.1/Circ.1234 |
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Drainage
of fire-fighting water from closed vehicle and ro ro spaces and special
category spaces for passenger and cargo ships |
| MSC.1/Circ.1235 |
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Guidelines
on security-related training and familiarization training for shipboard
personnel |
| MSC.1/Circ.1236 |
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Guidance
on LRIT-related matters |
| MSC.1/Circ.1237 |
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Amendments
to the Revised Guidelines for the approval of equivalent water-based fire-extinguishing
systems for machinery spaces and cargo pump rooms (MSC/Circ.1165) |
| MSC.1/Circ.1238 |
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Guidelines
for evacuation analysis for new and existing passenger ships |
| MSC.1/Circ.1239 |
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Unified
interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2 |
| MSC.1/Circ.1240 |
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Unified
interpretations of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)
|
| MSC.1/Circ.1241 |
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Unified
interpretations of the International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code |
| MSC.1/Circ.1242 |
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Guidelines
for the approval of fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems for cabin
balconies |
| MSC.1/Circ.1243 |
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Unified
interpretation of SOLAS chapter III |
| MSC.1/Circ.1244 |
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Symbol
of infant lifejacket |
| MSC.1/Circ.1245 |
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Guidelines
for damage control plans and information to the master |
| MSC.1/Circ.1246 |
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Interpretation
of alterations and modifications of a major character |
| MSC.1/Circ.1164/Rev.3 |
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Promulgation
of information related to reports of independent evaluation submitted by
Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the
Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates
that Parties are giving full and complete effect to the relevant provisions
of the Convention |
| MSC.1/Circ.797/Rev.15 |
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List
of competent persons to be maintained by the Secretary-General pursuant
to section A-I/7 of the STCW Code |
| MSC.1/Circ.1247 |
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Amendments
to resolution A.706(17) on World Wide Navigational Warning Service |
| MSC.1/Circ.1248 |
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Minimizing
delays in search and rescue response to distress alerts |
| MSC.1/Circ.1249 |
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Amendments
to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR)
Manual |
| MSC.1/Circ.1250 |
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Safety
margins to protect radar systems |
| MSC.1/Circ.1251 |
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Guidelines
on the control of ships in an emergency |
| MSC.1/Circ.1252 |
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Annual
testing of the automatic identification system (AIS) |
| MSC.1/Circ.1253 |
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Shipboard
technical operating and maintenance manuals |
| MSC.1/Circ.1254 |
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Unified interpretation
of "unforeseen delay in delivery of ships"
|
Joint MSC-MEPC Circulars
|
| MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.7 |
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Provision
of information in respect of products carried in accordance with the requirements
of MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code |
| MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.2 |
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Code
of good practice |
| MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.5 |
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Guidelines
for operational implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM)
Code by Companies |
| MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 |
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Qualification,
training and experience necessary for undertaking the role of designated
person under the provisions of the International Safety Management (ISM)
Code |
Joint MSC-FAL Circular |
| MSC-FAL.1/Circ.1 |
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Securing
and facilitating international trade |
Other circulars |
| COLREG.2/Circ.59 |
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New
and amended traffic separation schemes |
| SN.1/Circ.263 |
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Routeing
measures other than traffic separation schemes |
| SN.1/Circ.264 |
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Mandatory
ship reporting systems |
| SN.1/Circ.265 |
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Guidelines
on the application of SOLAS regulation V/15 to INS, IBS and bridge design |
| SN.1/Circ.207/Rev.1 |
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Differences
between RCDS and ECDIS |
| SN.1/Circ.266 |
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Maintenance
of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) software |
_______________
1 SURSHIP - a strategic European research co-operation on maritime safety, which
started in 2006 and will continue at least until the end of 2009, aiming at
improving ship safety by designing ships with enhanced survivability.
|