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Urgent Rule Change Notice (URCN) is a notification of adopted urgent rule changes outside the normal rule change schedule. For more information, please refer to IACS Procedure Volume 4.

(London) – The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) met last week for their 74^th session. Among the many issues on its agenda, the IACS Council focused heavily on continuing to oversee, promote and support work related to the International Maritime Organization, including delivering on its commitments to the IMO in relation to the Goal Based Standards (GBS) for oil tankers and bulk carriers. Further to IMO’s confirmation last May that all IACS Members’ Class Rules are in compliance with GBS, IACS continues to work intensively on this issue both to meet the follow-up actions requested of it and as part of its ongoing work in assisting the IMO to use the experience gained from the initial verifications to expedite future maintenance audits.

The centrepiece of this year’s IACS Council meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the IMO which was developed in order to facilitate even closer working on the two organisations shared goals and objectives with regard to safe, secure and environmentally sound shipping. The MoA signals and will deliver a further strengthening of the bond between IACS Members, in their capacities as Recognized Organizations, and the IMO Member States they serve, for the benefit of the membership of both the IMO and IACS. Work will initially concentrate on three areas: Cyber safety; the ongoing verification process of IACS Members’ Rules with goal-based standards; and the redesign of the Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI) module of the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS); areas which demonstrate well the substantive contribution that IACS makes to the work of the IMO.

In this 25^th anniversary year of IACS gold-standard Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS), the Council also agreed on five audit focus areas for the 2017 QSCS audit cycle. The focus areas are developed in response to stakeholder inputs and the results of the previous year’s audits and are a key part of IACS commitment to continuous improvement.

At the end of the IACS Council meeting, the Chairman, Dr Sun of China Classification Society, commented ‘Council meeting 74 will be remembered for the signing of an MoA with the IMO. This is a historic moment for IACS and reflects our ongoing commitment to the work of the IMO not only via participation and input to its many Committees, but by providing specific operational deliverables.’ Dr Sun continued ‘Many other issues were also accomplished in this session including further progress on GBS issues while also maintaining our focus on quality matters. IACS as an organisation continues to deliver on its commitment to safer, cleaner shipping and to the efficient functioning of the maritime industry’.

The IACS Council also used the occasion of their gathering to meet with senior executives from a wide variety of other maritime organisations, using the opportunity to further develop agreements reached earlier in the year at the industry’s Tripartite event. IACS Council informed the industry of their commitment to lead work-streams on cyber issues, monitoring, reporting and verification of ships’ fuel consumption and innovative survey techniques.

Ends

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK
E: permsec@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk

The MoA signals and will deliver a further strengthening of the bond between IACS Members, in their capacities as Recognized Organizations, and the IMO Member States they serve, for the benefit of the membership of both the IMO and IACS.

In order to deliver tangible outcomes, both parties have agreed that work will initially concentrate on three areas: Cyber safety; the ongoing maintenance of the verification process of IACS Members’ Rules with goal-based standards; and the redesign of the Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI) module of the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

These three, initial, focus areas demonstrates well the substantive contribution that IACS makes to the work of the IMO.

1. The inclusion of the ‘GBS’ focus area is based on the recognition of the highest priority that IACS and IMO is giving to the successful delivery of this new work area that IMO has now engaged in ie verifying, on an ongoing basis, compliance of class structural Rules with goals and requirements that have been set by the IMO.
2. The inclusion of the ‘cyber safety’ focus area is based on the leading role that IACS is taking on this issue, as demonstrated by the establishment of a dedicated IACS Panel and our
   chairmanship of a cross-industry working group. The aim of this work is to review, develop or refine standards, operating procedures and best practices as may be appropriate in producing practical and achievable solutions.
3. The inclusion of the ‘MCI module’ focus area further enhances the support that IACS is already providing to the IMO Secretariat on the redesign of the MCI GISIS module. IACS shares the IMO Secretary-General’s view of the importance of analysing statistics related to maritime casualties and incidents in order that the IMO can deal proactively with safety issues building on a firm evidence base.

The MoA formalises the joint desire of the two organisations to collaborate further in advancing these goals and objectives and provides a framework of co-operation and understanding which reflects the unique level of collaboration between the IMO and IACS. In particular, it allows for a further strengthening of the bond between IACS members, in their capacities as Recognized Organizations, and the IMO Member States on whose behalf they act, for the benefit of the membership of both the IMO and IACS.

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK E: permsec@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk

The meeting, hosted by Class NK, the Japanese Shipowners? Association (JSA) and the Shipbuilders’ Association of Japan (SAJ), was this year organised by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) ? a task traditionally rotated among the international shipowner associations.

The Tripartite Meeting has been held every year since 2002, and after 14 successful years it was decided that it was timely to take stock of the forum’s achievements and to fine tune future aspirations. A working group will be convened to make recommendations for consideration at next year’s meeting.

The Tripartite structure has stimulated various streams of work over the years and this year’s meeting reflected on the mutually significant work that has been undertaken recently, while also reviewing current activities.

At the meeting one of the milestones of the IMO Goal Based Standards (GBS) for bulk carriers and oil tankers, which entered into force for ships contracted for construction from July 2016 was noted. The Tripartite Meetings have helped, over a 5 year period, to oversee inter-industry agreement about the handling of the content of a Ship Construction File (SCF), as required by the GBS. The purpose of SCF is to provide information related to the structural design and construction of a ship to those that need it, to help ensure safe operation throughout the vessel?s working life.

Among other Tripartite spin off groups, work is continuing on fuel data collection (as will be required by mandatory IMO and EU CO₂ data collection systems), under the leadership of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). There will also be further work on cyber risks and security, also being led by IACS but assisted by BIMCO which led development of recent inter-industry guidance on the issue.

During the meeting, ICS raised the importance of collating knowledge on likely ship efficiency improvements from shipbuilders so that better estimates can be made of CO₂ reduction performance, and will lead work on this in the coming year.

Following an introduction by Intertanko, all parties agreed that better information flow and data-basing was required on incidents related to ship construction and operation.

Reflecting on requirements directly arising from regulation, the meeting agreed that ICS would initiate the collection of experience with the fitting/retrofitting and operation of ballast water treatment equipment, and that INTERCARGO would lead work to develop appropriate designs for incorporating on-board storage/disposal facilities for HME (Hazardous to the Marine Environment) cargo residues, and HME cargo hold washing water.

Shipbuilder representatives (Committee for Expertise of Shipbuilding Specifics and SEA Europe) initiated discussion on human element issues, and in particular on training requirements arising out of innovative technology.

The Tripartite Meeting will reconvene in China in 2017.

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

Notes to Editors:

1. Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.
2. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
3. The IACS Council, the governing body of the Association, consists of one representative from each Member Society. The Council elects a Chair, by rotation, from among its Members. The Chair acts as the Principal Officer of the Association for a period of 12 months.
4. More information about IACS can be found by visiting our website: www.iacs.org.uk

Since the 1 January 2011 the audit and assessment of compliance with the QSCS has been carried out by independent Accredited Certification Bodies (ACB’s).

Having now been in operation for nearly six years and given the proven benefits resulting from previous end user workshops, IACS will convene the 2016 workshop between its Members and their ACB?s to reflect on their joint experiences of the scheme and to discuss any possible adjustments deemed appropriate to ensure it continues to meet fully the demands and needs of all stakeholders for a robust and consistent scheme of certification of its members.

The purpose of this workshop, to be held at Gdansk, National Maritime Museum therefore, is to share openly with each other, our experiences to date, in order to further develop and enhance the scheme.

IACS will also be inviting flag administrations, Classification Societies, ACBs and other interested stakeholders that might have attended previous end user workshops or have expressed an interest to attend, to join us for this 2016 workshop in Gdansk.

A list of suggested hotels which are conveniently located relative to the venue is shown below.

Participants are requested to make their own reservation direct with their chosen hotel.

Hotel Gdansk – http://www.hotelgdansk.com.pl/
Hotel Krolewski – http://www.hotelkrolewski.pl/
Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk – https://www.radissonblu.com/pl/hotel-gdansk Qubus
Hotel Gdansk – https://www.qubushotel.com/en/hotels/gdansk/2/
Marina Club Hotel – http://www.marinaclubhotel.pl/en/

Further details of this event can be obtained from Peter Williams, IACS Quality Secretary, at the address shown below:

IACS Ltd, QSCS Operations Centre,
Efford Park, Milford Road,
Lymington, Hampshire,
United Kingdom, SO41 0JD

E-mail: qscs.ops@iacs.org.uk
Tel: +44(0) 1590 637269

Venue web site: http://www.en.nmm.pl/the-granaries

1 September 2016: Urgent Rule Change Proposal 2016 to Common Structural Rules (CSR) for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers 1st January 2015 Issue is released in draft form for Industry review and comment by 30 September 2016.

17 August 2016: Revised TB Reports for CSR BC & OT have been released by IACS.

Dr. Sun Licheng, the Chairman and President of China Classification Society (CCS), assumed the role of IACS Chairman at the end of the 73rd session of the IACS Council (C73) in Washington, DC on June 29, 2016. Previously, the role was held by Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO, ABS.

On assuming his Chairmanship, Dr Sun commented: “I am delighted to take on the IACS Chairmanship and am fully committed to ensuring the Association continues to make strong progress in these challenging times.” Identifying the key objectives for his time in office, and reflecting the discussions at C73, Dr. Sun continued: “Meeting our commitment to the IMO on Goal-based Standards, driving forward the work on cyber safety and facilitating the use of innovative survey techniques will contribute to IACS continuing to be an essential provider of services in the safe and efficient functioning of the global maritime industry.”

In this 25th Anniversary year of IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS), the IACS Council welcomed the fact that the global Port State Control performance of IACS Members has steadily improved in a climate of increased ship inspections.

Commenting on his predecessor?s contribution, Dr. Sun stated: “Following Chris’ strong leadership, IACS is well positioned to continue working with regulators and industry on the critical issues of today and tomorrow and I will be working hard to further strengthen these relationships.”

In response, Wiernicki thanked fellow Members for their support during his time in office. “Working together, we have achieved a number of highly ambitious goals and made considerable progress for IACS to deliver significant technical advisory achievements including the establishment of the Cyber Systems Panel, the IMO recognition that IACS’ Members’ Rules comply with Goal-based Standards, and the groundwork development for enhanced collaboration between IACS and the IMO,” he said. “Like me, Dr. Sun will enjoy the outstanding support of the IACS Permanent Secretariat who work tirelessly to deliver the IACS’ members’ objectives of delivering safer ships on cleaner oceans.”

Further details on IACS? strategic focus for the coming year will be delivered at a press conference with the new Chairman on Wednesday, 7th September in London.

Images and full resumes are available here:
http://www.iacs.org.uk/document/public/news/_c73/cvsandresumes.zip

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

Notes to Editors:

1. Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.
2. More than 90% of the world?s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
3. The IACS Council, the governing body of the Association, consists of one representative from each Member Society. The Council elects a Chair, by rotation, from among its Members. The Chair acts as the Principal Officer of the Association for a period of 12 months.
4. More information about IACS can be found by visiting our website: www.iacs.org.uk

International Association of Classification Societies Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK E: permsec@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk