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22-26 JANUARY – IACS PARTICIPATION AT SDC 5

IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, six papers to this meeting on the following issues:

  • comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on Carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages. This paper discusses matters of principle regarding how a new SOLAS Chapter XV will fit within the existing IMO regulatory framework (SDC 5/7/4);
  • a report providing the analysis of the International Code on the Enhanced Programme. of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers. and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), which has been carried out by IACS and the IMO Secretariat as tasked by SDC 4. The annex to this paper identifies instances where it is considered that editorial changes should be made to the Code in order to identify all the mandatory requirements and to improve the format of the tables and forms. This paper is co-sponsored by IACS and the IMO Secretariat (SDC 5/8/1);
  • identification of recent updates to the series of IACS Unified Requirements (UR Z10) that IMO has agreed should be considered on a continuous basis with a view to making consequential amendments to the ESP Code (SDC 5/8/2);
  • proposed amendments, shown in tacked changes, to the ESP Code, based on the discussions in documents SDC 5/8/1 and SDC 5/8/2 (SDC 5/INF.6);
  • seeking clarification as to whether the liquid level monitoring systems for tanks containing liquids, which are not installed with a flooding detection system, need to meet the SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements (SDC 5/9); and
  • comments on the review/removal of footnotes in the existing text of the 2008 Intact Stability Code. The annex to this paper offers draft amendments to the Code based on the principles expounded in document SDC 5/14 that has been submitted by the IMO Secretariat (SDC 5/14/3);

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee, both in plenary and the Working and Drafting Groups that it is expected will be established, on a number of other issues. In particular, IACS will contribute to the discussions on:

  • computerized stability support for the master in case of flooding for existing passenger ships;
  • review of SOLAS Chapter II-1, Parts B-2 to B-4, to ensure consistency with Parts B and B-1 with regard to watertight integrity. These discussions will take into account the experience that has been gained in using the ‘SOLAS 2009’ standard, which has shown that some of the requirements regarding watertight integrity in the revised SOLAS chapter II-1 do not capture the change in the philosophy introduced by the probabilistic approach to damage stability;
  • development of second generation intact stability criteria; and
  • the revision of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 and associated guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1175) and new guidelines for safe mooring operations for all ships

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

IACS PRESS RELEASE NOV 27, 2017

Tripartite 2017 Press Release.pdf
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2017 TripartiteIssued by: BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO, OCIMF, IACS, ASEF, SEAEuropeTripartite Shipbuilding Forum agrees on major industry goalsCarbon emissions, safety and cyber security was at the top of the agenda at the annual Tripartite Shipbuilding Forum. At the end of the two days of debate the more than 100 delegates agreed that the industry needs to design ships differently and be more technologically innovative to reach world climate goals and counter cyber security risks.For over 16 years, Tripartite has provided an opportunity for representative associations of shipowners, classification societies and shipyards to discuss contemporary issues related to design, construction and operation of new and future ships.

This year’s themes were decarbonisation of ships, safe design and digitalisation. These issues are interlinked as they are all relevant to the creation of a more efficient seaborne transport system.At its most recent meeting in Nantong, China, hosted by CCS, the forum reached several general conclusions on ship design and technology.

Working to reduce CO2 emissions

The shipping industry urgently needs new ship designs, equipment, propulsion systems and alternative fuels to achieve the CO2 reduction goals established by the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the specific objectives to be established for international shipping by the UN IMO as part of its GHG reduction strategy.

It was agreed that the shipping industry needs to use all available technology to a much greater extent, and increase technological innovation to reduce CO2 emissions to the ambitious degree required by the international community.

The Tripartite forum has therefore established inter-Industry working groups with the aim of developing a better understanding of current R&D efforts for the new technologies needed by the shipping sector to realise its vision for zero CO2 emissions this century.

The Tripartite participants hope that the general understandings reached at its meeting will send an important signal to all industry stakeholders about the vital role that everyone must play to deliver the continuous improvement of shipping’s environmental performance now demanded by global society.

Safety can’t be compromised

The critical importance of the safety of seafarers and the ships which they operate were also part of the meeting’s agenda.

There are increasing concerns that new regulations governing ship designs aimed at further reducing CO2 emissions could potentially have adverse effects on the safe operation of ships.

One example would be any legal requirements that led to a further reduction of engine power. The concern is that ships could get into problems during bad weather if the engine is insufficiently powered, putting both the crew and the environment at serious risk.

The Tripartite meeting participants agreed that the safety of life at sea must always remain paramount.

Design cyber resilient ships

Recent cyberattacks have increased awareness of potential threats facing the industry.

When it comes to ship design and construction, it was generally agreed that the industry needs to adopt new methods and standards to create more resilient digital systems on board. A more layered approach to a ship’s digital system and greater segregation can increase safety, so that a single attack cannot readily spread to IT and other systems both on board the ship and ashore.

The Tripartite forum agreed that in advance of its next meeting in 2018, the industry partners represented at Tripartite will work together to develop new design standards, which will help raise the resilience of ships’ digital systems and make them more resistant to possible cyber-attacks.

Intersessional Work

This year’s issues will be worked on over the coming year and form input to next year’s Tripartite meeting, which will be held in the Autumn of 2018 in the Republic of Korea.
The organisations present at Tripartite also re-confirmed their ongoing collaboration towards Industry self-regulation as an important complement to the statutory regulations developed by IMO.

IACS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

IACS 50th Anniversary Photography Competition

Calling All Photographers!

Help us celebrate our 50th anniversary

and win £1000 of photographic equipment!

 

Closing Date:  31 January 2018

 

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, 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 12 Member Societies of IACS.

Classification (“Class”) societies set technical standards (“Rules”) for the verification of the design and build of ships, to promote maritime safety and cleaner seas. Classification surveyors examine ships during construction, conducting subsequent periodic investigations to ensure continued compliance with the Rules. IACS, comprised of the leading Class Societies, was founded in Hamburg on 11 September 1968 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018.

To commemorate our first half-century, we invite you to submit a photo that captures the essence of IACS’ unique contribution to international shipping, and we know you hold the key to some great, unseen work!

To bring the work of IACS and its members to life, we challenge you to pick the best of your own collection and send them to us for our ‘IACS 50th Anniversary’ photography competition. The best images will be selected and presented to the IACS Council who will then vote for the winning entries.

The winner will receive photographic equipment to the value of £1000 and their picture, duly accredited, will be published by IACS in its Annual Review. The two runners-up will each receive £150 in international gift vouchers and will also have their accredited photos published.

To enter:

Anyone can enter, so simply send us your favourite image! We need to receive high-resolution images please, so we recommend you send to us via wetransfer.com which is free to use; alternatively, email us at permsec@iacs.org.uk. Remember, we need to receive your entries by 31 January 2018.

Please ensure that all photos are:

Classification related:  Anything and everything to do with this important sector of the maritime industry.

Original:  Taken by you and not infringing any copyright restrictions (should be free from water marks, signatures and dates). IACS reserves the right to publish any images entered in the competition, and the photographer will always be credited appropriately if their image is published.

The right format:  jpg. files not exceeding 15mb. Please ensure all photos are high-resolution.

25-29 SEPTEMBER – IMPLEMENTATION OF IMO INSTRUMENTS (III) – 4TH SESSION

IACS has submitted five papers to this meeting on the following issues:

  • information on the cooperation between IACS and the IMO Secretariat on enhanced use of GISIS in Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) studies (III 4/4/3);
  • further to the discussion at MSC 98 of document MSC 98/17/1 (IACS), how the discrepancies between resolution A.1104(29) and MSC.1/Circ.1348 regarding the taking of rudder bearing clearance measurements at In-Water Surveys of passenger ships could be addressed (III 4/8/3);
  • options for the way forward following the agreement at MSC 97 for a new output to review and amend the Model Agreement for the purpose of bringing the Agreement in line with the requirements of the RO Code (III 4/11/3 and III 4/INF.36); and
  • raising awareness of a Recognized Organization Oversight Programme (ROOP) that is based on the IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) and which Administrations could consider using in fulfilling their oversight obligations of their recognized organizations as required by the III Code (III 4/14/2).

IACS will also closely monitor the discussions and consider any requests for advice and comments from this session of the Sub-Committee that fall within the experience, expertise and remit of IACS and its Members; especially in relation to the work IACS Members undertake in their capacity as Recognized Organizations on behalf of Administrations.

 

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

IACS QSCS END USER WORKSHOP NOV 9, 2017

IACS QSCS 9th END-USER WORKSHOP

Thursday 9th November 2017 – 08:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs

Intercontinental Hotel, 80 Middle Road, Singapore

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 seven years and given the proven benefits resulting from previous end user workshops, IACS will convene the 2017 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 the Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore, 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 2017 workshop in Singapore.

The workshop will be held in the Intercontinental Hotel and a favourable discounted rate for accommodation, available until 23 October, has been agreed with the hotel which delegates can book for themselves using the following link;

https://aws.passkey.com/gt/214004365?gtid=2b38ab796deaaa1f884c3374389be599

 

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

IACS Ltd, QSCS Operations Centre, Sixth Floor, 36, Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

E-mail: qscs.ops@iacs.org.uk

Tel: +44(0) 1590 637269

IACS PRESS RELEASE SEPT 6, 2017

“As the digital transformation of the industry accelerates, IACS must continue to remain a synonym for quality. We must uphold the high standards we have set, but make sure that we are providing the support the industry needs to respond to the challenges of today and of the future”, Ørbeck-Nilssen said.

As such, one of the most important parts of the coming year will be to implement the IACS Council decision to improve the quality and transparency of internal benchmarking, performance and membership criteria. Ørbeck-Nilssen is implementing these long-term initiatives as part of IACS’ wider commitment to extending the length of the its strategic plan to five years, aligning it with the IMO; ensuring a more consistent vision and bringing a greater sense of continuity to the association.

“Our industry is becoming more complex,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen. “Digitalisation is changing not only the way the shipping business is being conducted, but the systems themselves and the way they interact together. Because of this, Class needs to be adaptable and flexible in our delivery and thinking. IACS members should be enabled to provide the services that our stakeholders require in the digital age, as these are essential for competitive and safe operations.”

As part of his time as Chairman, Ørbeck-Nilssen will also be initiating a review of IACS Resolutions to identify and remove elements hindering the development of new technologies, including ship autonomy. In addition, IACS will commence work on developing procedures relating to the deployment of electronic certificates, while continuing to support the IMO’s work in promoting their use throughout the industry.

Modernising survey methods and enabling the use of new technologies will be another focus area. Ørbeck-Nilssen is overseeing the evaluation and further development of the results of the newly established working group reviewing the implications of new survey technologies and techniques, including CBM (condition based monitoring) and RMD (remote monitoring and diagnosis), with a view to developing IACS guidelines and recommendations that enable the data from these new techniques to be used more widely in the survey process.

“To help the shipping industry continue to play its vital role in world trade, we need to work on initiatives that enhance the ability of IACS members to offer innovative, relevant and efficient services,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen. “By doing so we can leverage the unique technical capabilities of our members and work with regulators and stakeholders, to ensure that shipping continues to advance in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.”

Photos of the press conference can be downloaded here.

About IACS

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, 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. Visit www.iacs.org.uk to learn more.

Media contact – 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

Media contacts – DNV GL:
Nikos Späth, Head of Media and Public Relations
DNV GL Maritime Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)40/36149-4856
E-Mail: nikos.spaeth@dnvgl.com

Andreas Bodmann, Director
DNV GL Maritime Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)40/36149-6143
E-Mail: andreas.bodmann@dnvgl.com

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.
  1. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2016/

3-7 JULY – MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE (MEPC) – 71ST SESSION

The Committee will consider the implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), which will enter into force on 8 September 2017. IACS, whose members in their roles as Recognized Organizations will be heavily involved in verifying compliance with the provisions of the BWM Convention, wishes to see a pragmatic conclusion to the discussions on the implementation schedule, which is clear and will be capable of being globally and consistently implemented.

 

It is expected that MEPC 71 will finalise the Guidelines for Administration data verification procedures, in accordance with regulation 22A.7 of MARPOL Annex VI and the Guidelines for the development and management of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database. IACS considers that these instruments will be vital to the successful implementation of the Data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships, which will be the first step in a three-step approach to IMO agreeing further technical and operational measures for enhancing the energy efficiency of international shipping – the second step being data analysis and the third step being decision making on what further measures, if any, are required.

 

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 MEPC 71:

 

  • MEPC 71/4/18 provides a draft unified interpretation on how the International Ballast Water Management Certificate should be completed. The paper discusses how the term “installed” is to be interpreted in the context of systems being delivered onboard a ship and thereafter commissioned.
  • MEPC 71/5/4 provides the latest version of the IACS Unified Interpretation (UI) MPC 51 on engine test cycles as required by paragraph 3.2.1 of the NOX Technical Code 2008. This UI clarifies the certification of engines that are intended to operate as part of an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system i.e. engines driving an alternator supplying electrical power for both propulsion and auxiliary power.
  • MEPC 71/5/13 and MEPC 71/INF.28 (co-sponsored with Denmark, Germany, Japan and Spain) provide information on the progress and present status of the work to improve the 2013 Interim guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the manoeuvrability of ships in adverse conditions (resolution MEPC.232(65), as updated by resolutions MEPC.255(67) and MEPC.262(68)).
  • MEPC 71/9/7 proposes improvements to the text of the draft 2017 Guidelines for the discharge of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) bleed-off water. The paper also discusses some issues that IACS believes should be further considered e.g. the draft Guidelines should be explicitly connected to the NOx Technical Code 2008, as IACS sees challenges in applying the Guidelines without such a linkage.
  • MEPC 71/INF.21 provides further information to facilitate the Committee’s consideration of whether the use of multiple engine operational profiles (Maps) for marine diesel engines certified under MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008 should be taken forward as a new item on the Organization’s work programme.

 

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

IACS COUNCIL 75 PRESS RELEASE

The 75th session of the IACS Council (C75) held in Beijing last week once again made substantial progress on a range of issues.  These included initiating a review to ensure that IACS Resolutions are fully adapted to handle the future development of ships with increased automation and connectivity and aligning the IACS strategic plan for the next five years to complement the vision and strategic directions of the IMO. Further, IACS continues developing an oversight programme that enables Administrations to oversee their Recognised Organisations in a robust and efficient manner.  Set against the background of the decreasing trend in Port State Control detentions, the IACS Council was also pleased to confirm that all IACS Members had once more successfully completed their periodic membership review that ensures their ongoing membership of the Association.

C75 also marked the conclusion of CCS’ Chairmanship of IACS.  Reflecting on his year in office, Dr Sun, stated ‘It has been a landmark year for IACS; collectively the IACS members have accomplished a range of initiatives including signing an historic Memorandum of Agreement with the IMO, achieving full GBS compliance at MSC 98, promoting work on cyber safety and innovative survey techniques and further strengthening relationships with regulators and industry.’

The IACS Chairmanship passes on 1 July ‘17 to Mr Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNVGL.  Addressing the IACS Council, Ørbeck-Nilssen highlighted his priorities for his Chairmanship which will be to further improve IACS quality systems and the assessment of IACS Members against those standards, to modernising Class in anticipation of the developments posed by digitalization and new technologies and to deepening IACS’ ongoing commitment to transparency in line with the expectations of our stakeholders and society at large. Having thanked Dr Sun for his dedicated leadership of IACS, Ørbeck-Nilssen went on ‘I look forward to the challenge of chairing IACS during this time of rapid technological change and digitalisation.  The current tectonic shifts in markets, regulations and technology make it crucial that IACS retains its position as a key player in this evolving landscape with high standards of performance and quality.’

Immediately following C75, IACS hosted a high-level workshop on International Maritime Strategy attended by senior representatives from the IMO, Flag States, shipbuilders and shipowners where the future IMO strategy was discussed along with the role of Class and IACS in supporting its successful delivery.  Closing the workshop Dr Sun stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between all partners and concluded ‘Looking forward, I believe Mr. Ørbeck-Nilssen will lead IACS to future success and deliver on our common goal of safer ships on cleaner oceans.’

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

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. 
  1. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2016/ 
  1. Photographs of Mr Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen and Dr Licheng Sun are attached to the covering email along with a resume for Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen.

IACS PRESENTATION AT IMO MSC 98

IACS today gave a presentation that explained the work being undertaken within IACS and in an IACS-led industry Working Group to support Safe and Secure Shipping and increase its operational resilience to Maritime Cyber Security threats.

Increasing complexity and automation of the onboard systems may present risks which could make them vulnerable to potential operational, safety or security failures. It is the objective of the ongoing work to identify such risks and develop appropriate risk control measures within the familiar framework of ship classification, in order to maintain technical continuity and minimise any additional administrative burden.

It may not be just malicious attacks on cyber systems that the shipping industry needs to be prepared for; cyber systems may also need to be protected from themselves!

 

The presentation can be downloaded here

 

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

Notes to Editors:

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.

More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk.

7-16 JUNE – MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC) – 98TH SESSION

Regarding the Goal Based Standards (GBS) verification audit scheme for bulk carriers and oil tankers, IACS would welcome the Committee’s concurrence with the recommendation of the GBS audit team (in paper MSC 98/6/1) that the limited number of non-conformities raised in the initial audits can be considered as ‘closed’. Three papers have been submitted to MSC 98 that provide updates on the work being undertaken to address the observations raised in the initial audits (MSC 98/INF.7, INF.12 and INF.14). In response to the invitation that was extended by the MSC at its last meeting, IACS has submitted two papers to MSC 98 with a view to improving this verification process in the future (MSC 98/6/4 and 6/8). In particular, paper MSC 98/6/8 urges the Committee to confirm that the existing foundations of the GBS verification audit system should not be changed and that it should endorse the conclusion at MSC 97 that “periodic audits” are not necessary.

 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 Recognised Organisations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored papers on the following issues to MSC 98:

 MSC 98/3/7 proposes changes to the draft definition of a ‘vehicle carrier’ with a view to clarifying that SOLAS regulation II-2/20-1 (requirements for vehicle carriers carrying motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks for their own propulsion as cargo) applies only to “pure car and truck carriers”.

  • MSC 98/3/8 proposes a reformatting of the text, with a view to facilitating its clarity, of the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/20.2 that clarifies the application of this regulation and regulation II‑2/19.
  • MSC 98/11/1 proposes draft amendments to the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes and the Records of Equipment for such craft and vessels that comply with the SPS Code, 2008. These amendments mirror those to SOLAS Chapter IV and the SOLAS Records of Equipment that were developed at NCSR 4, which will be before MSC 98 for approval, to address additional mobile satellite systems, other than Inmarsat.
  • MSC 98/12/1 (co-sponsored with the Republic of Korea) proposes updates to table 1 of annex 3 to the 2010 FTP Code in order to clarify that the fire protection materials and required approval test methods contained therein also apply to passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers. The paper also proposes some editorial corrections to this table as a consequence of earlier amendments to SOLAS.
  • MSC 98/17/1 provides technical data regarding rudder bearing clearances on cargo and passenger ships; and proposes draft amendments to the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) should be developed to waive the requirement to take measurements of the rudder bearing clearances on cargo ships when the inspection of the outside of the ship’s bottom is conducted with the ship afloat, as is permitted for passenger ships.

On matters related to the Organizations’ current and future work programme, IACS has co-sponsored with Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica paper MSC 97/19/2 that proposes a new output on fault isolation requirements for individually identifiable fire detector systems installed in lieu of section identifiable fire detector systems on cargo ships and passenger ship cabin balconies.

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