Goal-based standards under development at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee
Maritime Safety
Committee - 79th session: 1-10 December 2004
The development
of goal-based standards for new ship construction moved forward when IMO's Maritime
Safety Committee (MSC) met at the Organization's London Headquarters for its
79th session from 1 to 10 December 2004.
Other important
issues considered by the Committee included passenger ship safety and implementation
of the maritime security measures adopted by IMO. The Committee adopted a number
of amendments to the SOLAS Convention, including a revised chapter on bulk carrier
safety and amendments to make mandatory the carriage of simplified voyage data
recorders on existing cargo ships. The MSC also adopted a number of ships' routeing
measures and a new mandatory ship reporting system - WETREP - in the Western
European Waters Particularly Sensitive Sea Area.
Goal-based
construction standards for new ships
Maritime security
Maritime security - AIS ship data
Global Programmes on Maritime Security
Piracy and armed robbery against ships
Passenger ship safety
Bulk carrier safety
Free-fall lifeboats on bulk carriers
Simplified Voyage Data Recorders - SOLAS amendments
New mandatory ship reporting system (WETREP) in the Western
European Waters PSSA
Pilotage in Torres Strait
Implementation of the revised STCW Convention
Survey certificates
Revised fishing vessel safety code and voluntary guidelines
Transfer of ships between States
Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents
Impact of the ISM Code and its effectiveness
Other amendments adopted
Adoption of ships' routeing measures
Amendments to General Provisions on Ships' Routeing
Amendments approved for future adoption
Resolutions adopted by MSC 79
Circulars approved by MSC 79
Background
Goal-based
construction standards for new ships
The MSC agreed, in general, that work on goal-based new ship construction standards
would be based on the premise that the standards should be broad, over-arching
goals against which ship safety should be verified at design and construction
stages and during ship operation. They are not intended to set prescriptive
requirements or to give specific solutions. The main objective is to introduce
a system whereby the standards would be a measure against which the safety of
a ship could be assessed during its design and construction, as well as later
on during its operation
A Working Group
on goal-based new ship construction standards met during the session and agreed
in principle a five-tier approach to further development of the basic principles.
Its work plan includes the further development of the first three tiers on which
the standard setting process would be based: Tier I (Goals), Tier II (Functional
requirements) and Tier III (Verification of compliance criteria). It was agreed
that Tiers IV (Technical procedures and guidelines, classification rules and
industry standards) and V (Codes of practice and safety and quality systems
for shipbuilding, ship operation, maintenance, training, manning, etc.) would
be developed by classification societies, other recognized organizations and
industry organizations. The work plan also includes an item to explore the linkage
between Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) and goal-based standards and an item
on how goal-based standards could be incorporated in the appropriate IMO instruments.
The Working Group
developed Tier I goals, along with working descriptions, which address safety
and environmental friendliness with respect to structural integrity and strength,
dismantling and recycling and the need for design and construction to provide
for safe access, inspection and proper maintenance. They include provisions
regarding operating and environmental conditions and specified design life.
The group also developed Tier II functional requirements, each with a working
description. The Group recognized that the development of Tier I goals and Tier
II functional requirements is an iterative process. Therefore, while development
of Tier I leads to the development of Tier II, the results of the development
of Tier II will lead to further consideration and development of Tier I. Both
the Tier I goals and the Tier II functional requirements will be subject to
further consideration.
Maritime
security
The Working Group on Maritime Security was re-established to consider issues
relating to the implementation of the special measures to enhance maritime security
which were adopted by the Organization in 2002 and entered into force on 1 July
2004.
Following their
development by the Working Group, the MSC approved the following MSC circulars:
- Guidance to
masters, companies and duly authorized officers on the requirements relating
to the submission of security-related information prior to the entry of a
ship into port, which includes a standardized data-set of security-related
information that ships could be expected to provide in advance of their arrival
in port;
- Interim Guidance
on voluntary self-assessment by SOLAS Contracting Governments and by port
facilities, which includes a self-assessment questionnaire to assist SOLAS
Contracting Governments in the implementation of, and the maintenance of compliance
with, the requirements of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and of the ISPS Code;
- Guidance relating
to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and of the ISPS Code;
- Reminder of
the obligation to notify flag States when exercising control and compliance
measures; and
- a revised MSC
circular on False security alerts and distress/security double alerts to replace,
in essence, MSC/Circ.1109.
Maritime
security - AIS ship data
In relation to the issue of freely available automatic identification system (AIS)-generated
ship data on the world-wide web, the MSC agreed that the publication on the
world-wide web or elsewhere of AIS data transmitted by ships could be detrimental
to the safety and security of ships and port facilities and was undermining
the efforts of the Organization and its Member States to enhance the safety
of navigation and security in the international maritime transport sector. The
Committee condemned the regrettable publication on the world-wide web, or elsewhere,
of AIS data transmitted by ships and urged Member Governments, subject to the
provisions of their national laws, to discourage those who make available AIS
data to others for publication on the world-wide web, or elsewhere from doing
so.
In addition, the
Committee condemned those who irresponsibly publish AIS data transmitted by
ships on the world-wide web, or elsewhere, particularly if they offer services
to the shipping and port industries.
Global
Programmes on Maritime Security
The MSC noted that under the Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme there
was a range of technical assistance activities planned within two global programmes,
including support for security seminars/workshops and train-the-trainer courses.
The MSC urged Member States and industry to support the International Maritime
Security Trust Fund and the two global programmes, in particular with regards
to making experts with practical experience of the implementation of security
measures available to assist in future technical co-operation projects for capacity-building.
Piracy
and armed robbery against ships
The Committee noted that the number of acts of piracy and armed robbery against
ships reported to have occurred during the first nine months of 2004 was 252,
a decrease of 28% over the figure for the first nine months of 2003. However,
the Committee noted with concern the reported increase in the level of violence
used during attacks on ships and urged all Governments and the industry to intensify
and co-ordinate their efforts to eradicate these unlawful acts.
In many of the
reports received, the crews were violently attacked by groups of five to ten
people carrying knives or guns. The Committee was particularly concerned to
note that that 30 crew members and passengers were reportedly
killed, 94 were injured and 113 were taken hostage. Amongst those confirmed
as still missing and unaccounted for to date were 36 crew members including
17 crew members thrown overboard in the reported incidents.
Passenger
ship safety
The MSC agreed that as many of the issues discussed under the agenda item "Large
Passenger Ship Safety" applied equally to all passenger ships, the agenda
item should be renamed "Passenger Ship Safety". The Committee approved
a revised work plan for passenger ship safety and the revised guiding philosophy,
strategic goals and objectives, developed by the Working Group on Large Passenger
Ship Safety which met during the session.
The revised guiding
philosophy for future work on passenger ship safety is based on the premise
that the regulatory framework should place more emphasis on the prevention of
a casualty from occurring in the first place and that future passenger ships
should be designed for improved survivability so that, in the event of a casualty,
persons can stay safely on board as the ship proceeds to port.
The Committee agreed
definitions for "time to recover", "time to rescue" and
"place of safety". In relation to the "time to recover",
the Committee agreed to a five day maximum timeframe for which persons should
be expected to stay in survival craft, taking into account the humanitarian
needs of those aboard such craft and the hazards to life and health persons
may face on such craft.
The work on passenger ship safety will continue in the Radiocommunications,
Search and Rescue (COMSAR), Ship Design and Equipment (DE), Fire Protection
(FP), Safety of Navigation (NAV), Stability, Load Lines and Fishing Vessel Safety
(SLF) and Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW) Sub-Committees, with
a target completion date of 2006.
The MSC also approved
an MSC circular on Guidance on the establishment of medical and sanitation programmes
for passenger ships.
Bulk
carrier safety
The MSC adopted a new text for SOLAS chapter XII (Additional safety measures
for bulk carriers), incorporating revisions to some regulations and new requirements
relating to double-side skin bulk carriers. The amendments are expected to enter
into force on 1 July 2006.
The amendments
include the addition of a new regulation 14 on restrictions from sailing with
any hold empty and requirements for double-side skin construction as an optional
alternative to single-side skin construction. The option of double-side skin
construction will apply to new bulk carriers of 150m in length and over, carrying
solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,000 kg/m3 and above.
The MSC also adopted
standards and criteria for side structures of bulk carriers of single-side skin
construction and standards for owners' inspections and maintenance of bulk carrier
hatch covers.
Free-fall
lifeboats on bulk carriers
The MSC adopted an amendment to regulation 31 in SOLAS chapter III (Life-saving
appliances and arrangements) to make mandatory the carriage of free-fall lifeboats
on bulk carriers.
Simplified
Voyage Data Recorders - SOLAS amendments
The MSC adopted amendments to regulation 20 of SOLAS chapter V (Safety of Navigation)
on a phased-in carriage requirement for a shipborne simplified voyage data recorder
(S-VDR).
The regulation
requires a VDR, which may be an S-VDR, to be fitted on existing cargo ships
of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards, phasing in the requirement for cargo ships
of 20,000 gross tonnage and upwards first, to be followed by cargo ships of
3,000 gross tonnage and upwards.
The S-VDR is not
required to store the same level of detailed data as a standard VDR, but nonetheless
should maintain a store, in a secure and retrievable form, of information concerning
the position, movement, physical status, command and control of a vessel over
the period leading up to and following an incident.
New
mandatory ship reporting system (WETREP) in the Western European Waters PSSA
The MSC adopted a resolution to establish a new mandatory ship reporting system
- WETREP - as an associated protective measure in the Western European Waters
PSSA. The reporting system will be implemented at 0000 hours UTC on 1 July 2005.
The Western European Waters PSSA was designated by the MEPC at its 52nd session
in October 2004.
Pilotage
in Torres Strait
The Committee agreed that Australia and Papua New Guinea's proposal to extend
the associated protective measure of a system of pilotage within the Great Barrier
Reef to the Torres Strait should be adopted. The proposed MEPC resolution (to
be considered by MEPC 53 in 2005) would recommend that Governments inform ships
flying their flag that they should act in accordance with Australia's system
of pilotage for merchant ships 70 m in length and over or oil tankers, chemical
tankers and gas carriers, irrespective of size, when navigating the inner route
of the Great Barrier Reef and the Torres Strait.
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 of a report by IMO Secretary-General Mitropoulos on those countries
whose evaluations were completed since the previous MSC meeting. The list of
confirmed STCW Parties now includes 114 Parties.
Survey
certificates
The MSC adopted the addition of the words "Completion date of the survey
on which this certificate is based" to certificates issued following surveys
in respect of both mandatory and non-mandatory instruments. The aim is to clarify,
for control purposes, the date of the last survey.
Revised
fishing vessel safety code and voluntary guidelines
The Committee approved the Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels,
2005, and the Voluntary Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Equipment
of Small Fishing Vessels, 2005 and instructed the Secretariat to forward them
to FAO and ILO for concurrent approval.
The revised version
of the Fishing Vessel Safety Code and Voluntary Guidelines - originally developed
and approved in the 1970s - has been developed for use primarily by competent
authorities, training institutions, fishing vessel owners, fishermen's representative
organizations and non-governmental organizations having a recognized role in
fishermen's safety and health and training.
Part A of the Code
provides guidance on the development of national codes and fishermen's education
and training manuals and guidance on the safety and health of fishermen. Competent
authorities will be encouraged to make use of the contents of the Code and the
Voluntary Guidelines in the production of safety and health and training materials
in an appropriate format to suit the particular needs of the fisheries of the
country or region and in local languages.
Meanwhile, IMO
Member States have been urged to accept the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol and the
1995 STCW-F Convention in order to bring these treaties into force to enhance
fishing vessel safety and training standards of fishing vessel personnel.
Transfer
of ships between States
The Committee approved a joint MSC/MEPC circular on Transfer of ships between
States. The aim is to provide a procedure under which the transfer of ships
between flag States should be conducted so that the "gaining" flag
State could seek safety-related information from the "losing" flag
State.
Investigation
of Marine Casualties and Incidents
The Committee agreed that the Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation (FSI)
should review the Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents
(resolution A.849(20) as amended by resolution A.884(21)). The aim would be
to redraft and reformat the Code to make it more effective as a tool for the
conduct of investigations. A proposal to look at ways to make the Code mandatory
under SOLAS will also be discussed.
Impact
of the ISM Code and its effectiveness
The Committee noted that an Independent Experts Group has been established by
the IMO Secretariat to study the impact of the ISM Code. An interim report on
the activities of the Experts Group will be submitted to MSC 80 in May 2005.
Other
amendments adopted
The MSC adopted the following amendments with an expected entry into force date
of 1 July 2006 (except for IBC and IGC Codes - which have an effective date
of 1 January 2007).
| |
-
|
SOLAS
chapter II-1 regulation 18 Construction and initial tests of watertight
doors, sidescuttles, etc., in passenger ships and cargo ships to allow testing
of watertight doors with a prototype pressure test in certain circumstances.
Also regulation 45 - Precautions against shock, fire and other hazards of
electrical origin to replace the existing paragraph 10 and the addition
of a new paragraph 11 in order to control the installation of electrical
equipment in spaces where flammable mixtures are likely to collect and in
hazardous locations on tankers. |
| |
-
|
SOLAS
chapter V regulation 19 Carriage requirements for shipborne navigational
systems and equipment to add the words "being clearly readable by the
helmsman at the main steering position" in paragraph 2.5 relating to
carriage of a gyro compass, or other means to determine and display heading
by shipborne non-magnetic means. |
| |
-
|
SOLAS
chapter VII regulation 10 to delete the superfluous words "For the
purpose of this regulation, the requirements of the Code shall be treated
as mandatory." |
| |
-
|
SOLAS
chapter V - addition of Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) to the Record
of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (Form E). |
| |
-
|
International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code) in
Part 2 - Smoke and toxicity test - the addition of "(200 ppm for floor
coverings)" in the table of limits in 2.6 Classification criteria,
2.6.2 Toxicity. |
| |
-
|
International
Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 (2000 HSC Code) relating to buoyant
spaces in Chapter 2 - Buoyancy, stability and subdivision. |
| |
-
|
International
Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals
in Bulk (IBC Code) (entry into force date of 1 January 2007). |
| |
-
|
International
Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases
in Bulk (IGC Code) - to reflect the draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1
Regulation 45 - Precautions against shock, fire and other hazards of electrical
origin. (entry into force date of 1 January 2007). |
| |
-
|
STCW Code
- amendments to Table A-VI/2-1 - Specifications of minimum standards of
competence in survival crafts and rescue boats other than fast rescue
boats.
|
Adoption
of ships' routeing measures
The MSC adopted the following ships' routeing measures, with entry into force
set for 1 July 2005 at 0000 hours UTC.
New traffic
separation schemes (TSSs)
- Approaches to
the Cape Fear river (United States)
- Off Mina Al-Ahmadi
(Kuwait)
Amendments to
existing TSSs
- In Puget Sound
and its approaches in Haro Strait, Boundary Pass and in the Strait of Georgia
(Canada and the United States)
- In the approaches
to Chesapeake Bay (United States)
- Off Cape Roca
and Off Cape S. Vicente (Portugal)
- In the approaches
to Puerto San Martin (Peru)
- Off Berlenga
(Portugal) (revoked)
Routeing measures
other than TSSs
- Establishment
of a new Area to be Avoided and a mandatory No-Anchoring Area in the West
Cameron Area of the Gulf of Mexico (United States)
- Amendments to
the Notes in the existing deep-water route in the southern approach to Chesapeake
Bay (United States)
- Establishment
of a new Area to be Avoided in the region of the Berlengas Islands (Portugal)
Amendments
to General Provisions on Ships' Routeing
The MSC agreed, subject to confirmation by the Assembly, amendments to the General
Provisions on Ships' Routeing (resolution A.572(14), as amended). Amendments
to Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems (resolution MSC.43(64)),
as amended by resolution MSC.111(73) were also agreed. The purpose is to standardize
the use of WGS 84 datum for ships' routeing and ship reporting systems.
Amendments
approved for future adoption
The MSC approved the following amendments for adoption at MSC 80 in May 2005:
- Draft revised
SOLAS chapter II-1 parts A, B and B-1 (the Committee agreed to hold an intersessional
meeting of the Working Group on Subdivision and Damage Stability, to be held
at IMO Headquarters from 17 to 19 January 2005, to discuss issues relating
to the proposed amendments, specifically the probability densities of damage
length and damage penetration for large ships.).
- Draft new SOLAS
regulation II-1/3-7 to require construction drawings to be maintained on board
and ashore.
- Draft new SOLAS
regulation II-1/3-8 concerning anchoring, mooring and towing equipment. The
regulation will require all ships to be provided with arrangements, equipment
and fittings of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of
all anchoring, towing and mooring operations associated with the normal and
emergency operations of the ship.
- Draft new SOLAS
regulation II-1/23-3 concerning water level detectors on new single hold cargo
ships other than bulk carriers.
- Draft amendment
to SOLAS regulation II-1/31 Machinery control to restrict the application
of paragraph 2.10 relating to propulsion control automation systems to new
ships only.
- Draft amendments
to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys
of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)), as amended. The amendments
incorporate some elements of the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) required
for certain single hull tankers under the revised MARPOL regulation I/13G
and include re-organization of the guidelines to include a new section aimed
at double hull tankers.
- Draft amendments
to SOLAS regulation V/19 concerning carriage requirements for shipborne navigational
systems and equipment, relating to information provided by the AIS. The information
provided through the AIS shall be presented to the OOW.
Resolutions
adopted by MSC 79
|
MSC.168(79) |
Standards
and criteria for side structures of bulk carriers of single-side skin construction |
|
MSC.169(79) |
Standards
for owners' inspection and maintenance of bulk carrier hatch covers |
|
MSC.170(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974, as amended |
|
MSC.171(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention
for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 |
|
MSC.172(79) |
Adoption of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International
Convention on Load Lines, 1966 |
| MSC.173(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures
(FTP Code) |
|
MSC.174(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft,
1994 (1994 HSC Code) |
| MSC.175(79)
|
Adoption
of amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft,
2000 (2000 HSC Code) |
| MSC.176(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment
of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) |
|
MSC.177(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment
of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code |
|
MSC.178(79) |
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) |
|
MSC.179(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the International Management Code for the Safe Operation
of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (International Safety Management (ISM)
Code) |
|
MSC.180(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
(STCW) Code |
|
MSC.181(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying
Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code) |
|
MSC.182(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying
Liquified Gases in Bulk (GC Code) |
| MSC.183(79)
|
Adoption
of amendments to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code) |
|
MSC.184(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Guidelines for the transport and handling of limited
amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support
vessels (LHNS Guidelines) |
|
MSC.185(79) |
Adoption of amendments to the Code of Safety for Diving Systems |
|
MSC.186(79) |
Adoption of amendments to the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft
(DSC Code) |
|
MSC.187(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore
Drilling Units (MODU Code) |
| MSC.188(79) |
Performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single
hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers |
| MSC.189
(79) |
Adoption
of amendments to the Guidelines and Criteria for Ship Reporting Systems
(Resolution MSC.43(64), as amended byResolution MSC.111(73)) |
|
MSC.190(79) |
Adoption of mandatory ship reporting system in the Western European Particularly
Sensitive Sea Area |
| MSC.191(79) |
Performance
standards for the presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne
navigational displays |
| MSC.192(79)
|
Adoption
of the revised performance standards for radar equipment |
|
MSC.193(79) |
Adoption
of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes, 2004
|
Circulars
approved by MSC 79
MSC
circulars
| MSC/Circ.1109/Rev.1
|
False
security alerts and distress/security double alerts |
| MSC/Circ.1125
|
Amendments
to the Guidelines for the design, construction and operation of passenger
submersible craft |
| MSC/Circ.1126 |
Amendments
to the Interim Guidelines for wing-in-ground craft |
| MSC/Circ.1127 |
Early
implementation of amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.3 adopted by
resolution MSC.152(78) |
| MSC/Circ.1128 |
MEPC/Circ.423 List of products that have been omitted from either chapter
17 or 18 of the IBC Code due to missing safety data, pollution data or both |
| MSC/Circ.1129 |
Guidance
on the establishment of medical and sanitation related programmes for passenger
ships |
| MSC/Circ.1130 |
Guidance
to masters, companies and duly authorized officers on the requirements relating
to the submission of security-related information prior to the entry of
a ship into port |
| MSC/Circ.1131 |
Interim
Guidance on voluntary self-assessment by SOLAS Contracting Governments and
by port facilities |
| MSC/Circ.1132 |
Guidance
relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and of the ISPS code |
| MSC/Circ.1133 |
Reminder
of the obligation to notify flag States when exercising control and compliance
measures |
| MSC/Circ.1134 |
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 full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions of the
Convention |
|
MSC/Circ.1135 |
As-built
construction drawings to be maintained on board the ship and ashore |
|
MSC/Circ.1136 |
Guidance
on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats |
| MSC/Circ.1137 |
Guidelines
for simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats |
| MSC/Circ.1138 |
Interpretations
to the Guidelines for design, construction and operation of passenger submersible
craft |
| MSC/Circ.1139 |
Conditions
applicable to propulsion control automation systems of ships built after
1 July 1986, but before 1 July 2004 (SOLAS regulation II-1/31) |
MSC/Circ.1140
-MEPC/Circ.424 |
Transfer of ships between States |
| MSC/Circ.1141 |
Unified
interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS
regulations II-2/1.2.2.2, V/19.1.2.2, V/19.2.4.2.2 and V/20.1.2 |
MSC/Circ.1142
- MEPC/Circ.425 |
Marking the ship's plans, manuals and other documents with the IMO ship
identification number |
| MSC/Circ.1143 |
Guidelines
on early assessment of hull damage and possible need for abandonment of
bulk carriers |
| MSC/Circ.1144 |
Additional
guidance for the uniform application of rule 1(e) of the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended |
| MSC/Circ.1145 |
Precautionary
advice to masters when undertaking ballast water exchange operations |
| MSC/Circ.1146 |
Lists
of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire extinguishing system may
be exempted or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective |
| MSC/Circ.1147 |
Questionnaire
on inspections of containers/vehicles carrying packaged dangerous goods |
| MSC/Circ.1148 |
Issuing
and renewal of document of compliance with the special requirements applicable
to ships carrying dangerous goods |
| MSC/Circ.1149 |
Accidents
involving bulk cargoes not specifically listed in the Code of safe practice
for solid bulk cargoes (BC Code) |
| MSC/Circ.1150 |
Provision
of information on the implementation of codes, recommendations, guidelines
and other non-mandatory instruments |
MSC/Circ.1151
-MEPC/Circ.426
-FAL/Circ.105 |
Revised list of certificates and documents required to be carried on board
ships |
| MSC/Circ.1152 |
Helicopter
facilities on board ships - Amendments to Annex 14 (Aerodromes) Volume II
(Heliports), to the Convention on International Civil Aviation |
Other
circulars
| COLREG.2/Circ.54/Add.2 |
Traffic
separation schemes - Postponed date of implementation of the amended traffic
separation scheme "In the Singapore Strait" |
| COLREG.2/Circ.55 |
New
and amended traffic separation schemes and associated routeing measures |
| SN/Circ.240
|
Routeing
measures other than traffic separation schemes |
| SN/Circ.241 |
Amendments
to the General provisions on ships' routeing |
| SN/Circ.242 |
Mandatory
ship reporting systems |
| SN/Circ.243 |
Guidelines
for the presentation of navigation-related symbols, terms and abbreviations |
| SN/Circ.244 |
Guidance
on the use of UN/LOCODE in the destination field in AIS messages |
| SN/Circ.245 |
Amendments
to the Guidelines for the installation of a shipborne automatic identification
system (AIS) (SN/Circ.227) |
Background
IMO is
the United Nations agency concerned with safety and security of shipping and
protection of the marine environment and is concerned with ensuring ships comply
with international standards, including financial security. The Maritime Safety
Committee (MSC) is the highest technical body of the Organization. Delegates
from all 164 member States may attend. The main function of the MSC is to consider
any matter within the scope of the Organization that directly affects maritime
safety and security. It has the mandate to adopt amendments to conventions,
such as the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), Collision Regulations,
Load Lines, etc. It is assisted in its work by nine sub-committees which are
also open to all Member States. They deal with the following subjects: Bulk
Liquids and Gases; Carriage of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers;
Fire Protection; Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue; Safety of Navigation;
Ship Design and Equipment; Stability and Load Lines and Fishing Vessel Safety;
Standards of Training and Watchkeeping and Flag State Implementation.
The seventy-ninth
session of the Committee was held from 1 to 10 December 2004 under the chairmanship
of Mr. Tom Allan (United Kingdom).
Web site: www.imo.org
For further information please contact:
Lee Adamson, Public Information Manager on 020 7587 3153 (media@imo.org)
or Natasha Brown, External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3274 (media@imo.org
).
|