Blog Archives

• SDC 7/3/1 and SDC 7/3/2 discuss the draft Revised Explanatory Notes to the stability and subdivision requirements in SOLAS chapter II-1. Paper SDC 7/3/1 seeks clarification on the issue of ‘semi-watertight’ doors that are also required to meet SOLAS fire integrity provisions. Paper SDC 7/3/2 discusses the provisions for protecting pipes and valves close to watertight bulkheads, the failure of which may lead to progressive flooding.

• SDC 7/10 and SDC 7/10/1 propose updates to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code). In particular, paper SDC 7/10 proposes the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) in the survey of these ships, as an alternative to a close-up survey. Paper SDC 7/10/1 proposes draft amendments to the minimum requirements for thickness measurements at the first renewal survey of double hull oil tankers, based on the analysis of data collected from more than 150 such ships, as presented in the information paper SDC 7/INF.5.

• SDC 7/12 proposes to rectify inconsistencies between the requirements for doors in watertight bulkheads in the SOLAS, MARPOL and Load Line Conventions, the International Gas Carrier Code (IGC Code) and the International Code for the Construction of Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code). The proposed amendments contained in the annex to the paper are suggested to be applicable to new ships only.

• SDC 7/15 proposes a minor correction to a recommendatory resolution that is referenced in a footnote to the regulation in SOLAS chapter II-1, regarding safe access to tanker bows. The proposal aims to clarify that a permanent walkway located at the freeboard deck level, on or as near as practicable to the centre line of the ship, need not be fitted with foot-stops. The correction aims to align a recommendatory resolution with the mandatory requirement in the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL).

• SDC 7/15/1 proposes minor editorial corrections to regulation 22 of the ICLL, regarding the arrangements of scuppers, inlets and discharges.

• SDC 7/15/2 seeks clarification of the application of the provisions relating to ships which occasionally carry dry cargoes in bulk; in particular regarding the minimum width of the double-side skin on such general dry cargo ships of less than 150m in length.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee, both in plenary and in the Working and Drafting Groups that are expected to be established, on a number of other issues. In particular, IACS will contribute to the discussions on the development of a mandatory instrument and related provisions addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages and on the development of amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1 to include requirements for water level detectors on non-bulk carrier cargo ships with multiple cargo holds.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

• IACS and CIRM have submitted paper NCSR 7/18 seeking clarification whether expired primary batteries can be used when examining and checking the operation of survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus. The co-sponsors understand that the use of expired primary batteries compliant with the requirements of paragraph 12.6 of resolution MSC.149(77) is acceptable and does not constitute a violation of the relevant IMO requirements. The purpose of examining and checking the operation of two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is to verify the apparatus is in a satisfactory condition. As such, any battery, other than a dedicated primary sealed battery, such as a secondary rechargeable or primary unsealed battery, may be used for this purpose.

• With the EU Member States, the European Commission and a number of other industry organisations, IACS has also co-sponsored paper NCSR 7/13 containing a preliminary draft revision of the Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance (resolution A.949(23)). The aim of these Guidelines is to enhance cooperation and coordination among all parties involved, when providing a place of refuge for a ship. To ensure that the Guidelines continue to be used effectively, and to provide a clear framework to deal with ships in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge in a consistent and harmonised manner; the co-sponsors propose to amend the structure of the Guidelines, in particular by having a dedicated section for each involved party.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO (elect), at permsec@iacs.org.uk

The IACS Council held its 80^th session (C80) in London last week, where the focus was Cyber Safety, IQARB and Quality matters, along with further enhancing IACS’ cooperation with the IMO.

IACS’ Council welcomed the near-completion of the consolidation of the 12 Recommendations into a single, stand-alone document and the ongoing valuable input from its industry partners in that regard.  IACS’ Council is committed to seeing the new Recommendation published in early 2020, so that feedback regarding its practical implementation and effectiveness can be gained as quickly as possible.  Further, and based on the experience gained, the IACS Council confirmed its long-term intention to use the Recommendation as a basis for Unified Requirement.

Quality remains at the top of the IACS agenda and IACS’ Council noted the progress made in a number of areas commensurate with the Association’s commitment to continuous improvement.  Council also welcomed the ongoing evolution of the International Quality Assessment Review Body, the appointment of IQARB’s new Chairman and an independent data analyst.

IACS’ Council was honoured to welcome the IMO Secretary General, Mr Kitack Lim, with whom discussions were held on how IACS can further strengthen its support of the IMO Secretariat through the provision of expert technical input, to assist in the implementation of matters agreed by the Organization.

IACS discussed with industry partners a broad range of issues of mutual concern including container ship fires, the outcomes from the Intersessional Working Group on GHGs and Ballast Water Management Systems.

As part of IACS’ commitment to transparency, Council also welcomed the imminent publication of a High-Level Position Paper on Cyber Safety and updating a number of existing papers to reflect recent developments, as well as the initiation of a paper on IACS’ Data Driven Policy.

Finally, IACS Council honoured Paul Sadler who is retiring after 12 years as the Association’s highly esteemed and popular Accredited Representative to IMO.  Succeeding Paul in that position is Konstantin Petrov, who joined IACS in November and who brings with him many years’ experience in Class societies and a long exposure to IMO.

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: 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk

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. 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. 

2. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2018/

Over 90 representatives from ship builders, ship owners and classification societies met in Tokyo on the 17th and 18th October at the 2019 Tripartite Forum. This year, the participants acknowledged that close and transparent cooperation between all stakeholders will be more than ever necessary in view of the significant environmental, economic and technological challenges being faced by the shipping industry and society as a whole.

Working to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions

The reduction of GHG emissions, as set out by the IMO, was the primary focus of the two day meeting with the discussions covering emission reduction strategy, implementation and compliance, resulting in the participants agreeing that the IMO’s 2030 objectives can most likely be met under the existing MARPOL Annex VI regulatory framework in conjunction with short-term measures on improving energy efficiency of the existing fleet. However, the 2050 IMO targets will require significant changes including development of new zero emission technologies, new and sustainable fuels, escalation of R&D efforts and closer cooperation of all stakeholders within the shipping industry. Nevertheless the Forum is optimistic that the targets are achievable, however better and clearer regulation is needed to help achieve these goals and create a conducive environment to incentivise sustainable shipping changes. There is however a general concern that Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) may not be able to meet the EEDI Phase 3 required standards with normal design improvements and this should be appropriately addressed at IMO level.

Digitalisation

It was agreed that escalating digitalisation within the industry will offer both operational and logistical efficiencies however it requires a clearly defined regulatory framework in order to safeguard cyber-security, safe operations onboard and equanimity in sharing the legal burden between shipbuilders, OEM’s and ship operators

Ship Safety

The safe design of ships and equipment continues to be a key area of focus for Tripartite. Noting that full decarbonisation is likely only possible through the development and the use of a range of alternative fuels, many of which carry with them significant safety issues that will need to be addressed, there was consensus that the relevant IMO bodies such as MSC and MEPC must work together more effectively. Tripartite also agreed that the increasing number of reported fires on containerships will necessitate greater transparency in cargo declaration and improvements in how fires are detected and extinguished. Improvements in ship design and operations, are often the result of lessons learned after accidents or near misses, which highlights the need for timely and accurate accident reporting.

Pollution Prevention

Ship owners and ballast water equipment manufacturers shared their concerns and experiences with implementing the Ballast Water Convention, the Forum agreed to continue to share information with the purpose of improving new and existing treatment systems and developing enhanced equipment selection methods by both shipbuilders and operators.

Issues concerning hull biofouling and underwater radiated noise pollution were discussed highlighting a need for further operational/design development. Potential conflicts between GHG reduction targets and methods to improve pollution prevention in other areas such as underwater noise reduction were noted.

Issued by: IACS, ASEF, BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, OCIMF, SEA Europe

About Tripartite: Established in 2002, the Tripartite Forum facilitates ship builders, ship owners and classification societies being able to address complex issues. The guiding spirit of the Tripartite discussion is based on a proactive and creative thinking.

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

International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@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. 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. 

2. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2018/

London, 5th September 2019 – Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), has been formally introduced as the new Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to a group of specially invited maritime journalists at a press conference in the capital today.

Mr Sharma was elected as the new Chairman of IACS in a recent Council meeting held in Busan, Korea.

In his first speech in the role, Mr Sharma outlined the main challenges faced by the shipping industry, most notably the key environmental regulatory issues including the sulphur cap and the fast paced technological innovations which are radically altering the way shipping companies are interacting with each other.

This has a knock-on effect in the way IACS needs to work with the industry especially in the use of data to make more informed decisions, the validation of technologies to ensure that any regulation can be applied globally and consistently and the Association’s unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.

He also stressed the need to continuously strengthen the systems within IACS towards maintaining and enhancing quality operations and is keen to enhance interaction with key stakeholders within the industry to foster greater transparency and play a bigger part in helping the industry comply with upcoming regulations.

In concluding his speech, Mr Sharma stated that he was confident that, “with the support of all his Council colleagues, IACS will be able to demonstrate the proactive commitment necessary to ensure that the Association remains well positioned for the many challenges that face the maritime community.”

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 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@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. 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. 

2. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2018/

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to support the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), IACS will attend the next meeting of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 6) that will meet from 9 to 13 September 2019.

IACS has submitted the following papers regarding Unified Interpretations (UIs). When necessary, UIs are developed to facilitate the global and consistent implementation of IMO mandatory requirements. In the following papers, the IMO instruments referred to are the latest version of the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code, as amended by resolution MSC.370(93)); and the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

• CCC 6/8 – In relation to the IGC Code, IACS has developed UI GC20 providing clarification as to where tee welds can be accepted in type A or type B independent tanks. In addition, IACS UI GC21 clarifies the welding of type C independent tanks including bi-lobe tanks, primarily constructed of curved surfaces fitted with a centreline bulkhead.

• CCC 6/8/1 – this paper provides a further four IACS UIs on the following issues addressed in the IGC Code: piping insulation (GC25), type testing requirements for valves (GC 26), guidance for sizing pressure relief systems for inter-barrier spaces (GC 28) and integrated systems (GC29). The paper also requests clarification on the principles regarding the design of interconnection pipes as required by paragraph 15.4.1 of the Code. Finally, ten further draft UIs are offered addressing a variety of issues in the Code that are considered to be in need of further clarification.

• CCC 6/8/2 – this paper provides a draft UI to clarify the provisions of paragraphs 11.2 and 11.3.4 of the IGC Code regarding the capacity of the emergency fire pump. This is based on the principle, as agreed at CCC 5, of the fire-fighting system dealing with one scenario at a time. Also, based on the discussion at CCC 5, the paper provides a further draft unified interpretation regarding paragraph 11.3.4 of the IGC Code on the availability of fire pumps for the water supply to the spray system for the boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses normally manned, and lifeboats, liferafts and muster areas facing the cargo area. 

• CCC 6/8/4 – this paper notes that none of the single engines that run only on gas, which are currently available on the market, have two independent fuel supply systems. Hence, the draft UI provided at the annex to this paper describes arrangements that, inter alia, are considered to provide practical implementation of the requirement in paragraph 9.3.1 of Part A-1 of the IGF Code regarding redundancy of fuel supplies.

• CCC 6/8/5 – this paper provides a draft updated version of the UI provided in MSC.1/Circ.1558 regarding paragraphs 6.9.1.1 and 6.9.1.2 of Part A-1 of the IGF Code. This draft explains how segregation and redundancy can be achieved in the fuel supply system (or other means to maintain temperature and pressure within acceptable limits), on those tankers that are not able to accumulate pressure for 15 days without opening the pressure relief valves (PRVs).

• CCC 6/8/6 – this paper discusses and seeks the views of the Sub-Committee on the ventilation requirements in the IGC Code for cofferdams surrounding the cargo tanks on membrane type gas carriers. The paper also addresses a related issue, that is the description of “permanent installations” and “portable systems” in paragraph 12.2.2 of the revised IGC Code. In the view of IACS, these terms require clarification.

IACS has submitted three further papers to CCC 6.

• CCC 6/2/3 – this paper discusses provisions in the draft International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) concerning the carriage of dangerous goods, which the Sub-Committee has been tasked with reviewing. In particular, the paper proposes text for inclusion in the draft IP Code on compliance with the provisions of the IMDG Code.

• CCC 6/3/3 – based on the experience gained to date in its application, IACS proposes amendments to Part A-1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). These proposals relate to sections of the Code that address safety features in the gas supply system; the fuel supply to consumers in gas-safe machinery spaces; requirements in hazardous area zones; and ventilation arrangements.

• CCC 6/6/18 – IACS provides comments on the report of the thirty-first session of the Editorial and Technical Group (E&T 31) regarding the clarifications of the terms “life-saving appliances” and “areas with public access” in paragraph 7.1.4.4.2 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. 

IACS will also closely monitor the discussions and respond to any requests for advice and comments on other issues to be considered at CCC 6, which fall within the experience, expertise and remit of IACS and its Members.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

The IACS Council held its 79^th session (C79) in Busan, S. Korea last week, where Quality operations, new technologies and industry engagement were high on the agenda.  C79 was unanimous and forthright in expressing its absolute commitment to maintaining IACS as a badge of quality and to a culture of continuous improvement in Quality Operations. The IACS Council has therefore initiated a process to introduce further enhancements to its Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) while, in parallel, continuing to work on the evolution of the International Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB) whose aim is to provide greater transparency and independent oversight of IACS Members’ quality performance.

Recognising the value of good data in decision-making, the IACS Council has also established a high-level group to assess how IACS can embed data into its policy making processes. The importance of objectively justified, scientifically evidenced positions was noted as crucial in enabling IACS to continue to provide policy makers and stakeholders with the robust, detailed and well-argued technical support that they require.

C79 reaffirmed further moves from IACS to deliver on its commitment to transparency and industry engagement.  To this end, IACS launched its new vision and mission statement which is available at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-vision-and-mission/.  The Council also welcomed the fact that IACS is now engaging more deeply and frequently than ever with its industry partners.  Through a structured programme of engagement, mutually beneficial feedback is obtained both via detailed technical meetings, and high-level policy meetings with shipbuilders, owners and marine insurers.  These mechanisms ensure that industry concerns and aspirations are properly reflected in the IACS work programme and provide a proactive feedback loop so that progress can be shared and, where possible, common positions adopted.

C79 marked the conclusion of the Korean Register’s Chairmanship of IACS. Looking back on his year in office, KR Chairman and CEO, Mr Jeong-Kie Lee said: “The past year has seen IACS advance a number of key issues.  I was particularly pleased to be able to deliver 12 Recommendations on Cyber Safety and to oversee the successful launch of the IQARB initiative.  It was also my privilege to Chair IACS during its 50^th anniversary year and to be able to highlight the many achievements of the Association in a special edition of our annual review’.

Taking over the IACS Chairmanship on 1 July 2019 is Mr Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of the Indian Register of Shipping, said ‘I am honoured to be taking on the Chairmanship of IACS as it continues to evolve to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly changing maritime world.  IACS has in place a number of related initiatives and my focus will be on bringing those to fruition whilst also ensuring IACS continues to provide expert technical advice and guidance to the international shipping community driven by its mission of promoting the safety of life at sea and the protection of property and the environment.’

Addressing the IACS Council, Mr Sharma outlined how his Chairmanship will look to continuously improving the governance and leadership of the Association, investigating the introduction of data driven decision making and renewing commitment to Quality operations including the further development of IQARB.  Congratulating Mr Lee on the progress made during his time in office, Mr Sharma went on ‘I am grateful to Jeong-Kie for his personal commitment to IACS during his Chairmanship and for laying the groundwork on a number of key initiatives that will be my responsibility to bring to conclusion.  I am confident that with the support of all my Council colleagues, IACS will be able to demonstrate the proactive commitment necessary to ensure that the Association remains well positioned for the many challenges that face the maritime community.’

Photographs of Mr Arun Sharma can be found using the following links:

http://www.iacs.org.uk/media/6191/arun_sharma.jpg

http://www.iacs.org.uk/media/6190/arun-sharma-headshot-2.jpg

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 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@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. 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. 

2. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2018/

In this regard, it is noted that the Sub-Committee will continue to update the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) to take account of recent changes to the IMO’s regulatory framework. These Guidelines are an important reference document regarding the conduct and scope of statutory surveys, which are often delegated to Recognized Organizations. 

IACS will also provide advice to the Sub-Committee during the discussions in relation to the analysis of marine casualty investigation reports that have been submitted by Member States; and the ongoing work to harmonize Port State Control (PSC) activities and procedures worldwide.

During the lunch break on Monday 1 July, IACS will provide an overview of its Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) and explain our experience to date of the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the International Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB) in the trial phase. All participants registered to attend III 6 are very welcome to attend. 

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

IACS’ Accredited Representative to IMO – Mr Paul Sadler – has, after more than ten years, decided to retire with effect from end 2019. We are now searching for a replacement to start in Q4 of this year, with a view to taking over as the IACS Accredited Representative in early 2020.

For a copy of the candidate brief, including details of how to apply for the position, please email IACS in confidence at recruitment@iacs.org.uk. If you would like to arrange a confidential, informal discussion about the role with IACS’ Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, please indicate this when requesting the candidate brief and include a contact telephone number.

The deadline for applications is Friday 14^th June 2019.

Noting the work its Members undertake in verifying the global and consistent implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as Recognized Organizations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, papers on the following issues to MSC 101:

• Amendments to the IGF Code. Paper MSC 101/3/9 provides proposals to clarify the draft amendments to paragraph 11.3.3bis of the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). In particular, the paper opines three is a need to clarify that two conditions need to be met for the fuel storage hold space to be considered as a cofferdam  e. the type C tank is not to be located directly above machinery spaces of category A or other rooms with high fire risk; and compliance with the specified minimum distance to the A-60 boundary. Paper MSC 101/3/10 proposes additional text to paragraph 9.5.6 of the Code in order to clarify that leakage detection for secondary enclosures is required around all liquefied fuel pipes.

• Goal-based new ship construction standards (GBS) for bulk carriers and oil tankers. Paper MSC 101/INF.13 provides updated reports on the status of the work to address the observations, in relation to Rules that are ‘common’ to all IACS Members, that were raised as a result of both the initial verification and the first maintenance of verification audit.

• Development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil. Paper MSC 101/8 proposes a method of work, and items to be taken into account, when developing measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil. For issues that cannot be addressed by operational measures, IACS is of the view that some additional measures should be adopted to minimize the risks associated with the use of fuels onboard ships, especially in relation to fuel oil blends. The paper also proposes that a structured and evidence-based approach should be taken in order to justify any need to take regulatory action. Paper MSC 101/8/1 provides further clarification on IACS Unified Interpretation (UI) SC 123, which addresses the arrangements and capacities of fuel oil service tanks as per SOLAS regulation II-1/26.11. In particular, the paper clarifies that this UI was developed to clarify emergency changeover arrangements for different types of fuel oil service tank arrangements for vessels trading in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

• Draft revised Model Agreement. Paper MSC 101/10/2 proposes amendments to both the draft revised Model Agreement (between an Administration and a Recognized Organization (RO)) and the associated draft MSC-MEPC.5 circular. The paper identifies that some of the terminology and provisions in the draft revised Agreement, which is before MSC 101 for its consideration, exceed the remit of ROs and could be detrimental to the conclusion of such Agreements. The paper also proposes that the issuance of this new circular should not affect the validity of extant Agreements that have either been concluded based on, or that refer to, MSC/Circ.710 and MEPC/Circ.307; or that have been already updated to refer to the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code).

• Procedure for identifying safety issues. Paper MSC 101/10/3 provides comments on the Procedure for identifying safety issues that was agreed at the last session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 5). The paper proposes that the Procedure should be reviewed by the IMO Experts Group on Formal Safety Assessment. It is proposed that this analysis by experts, who have significant knowledge and experience in undertaking risk assessments, should particularly consider the risk assessment and acceptance criteria in the Procedure.

• Revised Guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment. Paper MSC 101/12/4 proposes modifications to the draft revised Guidance regarding the marking of the safe towing load (TOW) on equipment; and that the designer should consider verifying the adequacy of the strength of the ship’s tow line.

• Unified interpretations on ventilation system openings. Paper MSC 101/12/5 notes that, as currently drafted, the revised unified interpretation, which is before the Committee with a view to its approval, only pertains to “unprotected openings”. This ordinarily means openings that are not required to be fitted with closure devices.  Therefore, openings that are fitted with closure devices would not be covered by this draft revised interpretation.  However, for operational reasons, ventilators that must remain open to ventilate certain spaces should be evaluated as unprotected openings, even if fitted with closure devices. Consequently, the paper proposes the deletion of the word “unprotected” from the term “Unprotected openings” in the draft revised unified interpretation.

• Manual launching of rescue boats (paragraph 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code). Paper MSC 101/14/5 proposes a simple, but important, editorial clarification to the draft amendment to the LSA Code that is before the Committee for finalisation. The proposal aims to avoid an internal conflict between the provisions in paragraph 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code, i.e. between the “existing” and the draft “new” provisions.

• Unified Interpretation of SOLAS regulations II-1/28, II-1/29 and II-1/30 (steering systems). Paper MSC 101/14/6 proposes an amendment to the proposed application date (June 2019) of this draft unified interpretation, which is before the Committee for approval. The paper opines that designers, manufacturers and shipyards need to be properly informed in advance of the date of application of the unified interpretation so they are able to take due account of these new provisions. Consequently, the paper proposes an alternative application date of 1 January 2020.

• Equipment used in the simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats. Paper MSC 101/21/10 proposes a new output to develop design and prototype test requirements for the arrangements used in the operational testing of free-fall lifeboat release systems without launching the lifeboat (equipment used in the simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats).

• Harmonisation of mandatory requirements related to watertight doors on cargo ships. Paper MSC 101/21/16 proposes a new output to review the mandatory requirements in the SOLAS, MARPOL and Load Line Conventions and the IBC and IGC Codes regarding watertight doors on cargo ships, to address the inconsistencies that currently exist.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk