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01 May 2017: Rule Change Proposal 1 (2017) to Common Structural Rules (CSR) for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers 1st January 2017 Issue is released in draft for Industry review and comment by 30 July 2017.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published its inaugural Annual Review, detailing the activities and specific tasks it undertook and completed in 2016.

IACS’ technical work, as well as its efforts to improve quality and safety, competence building, and international and inter-industry relations all feature in the Annual Review as do factual summaries of IACS Resolutions that were either new, or were revised, in 2016.

By capturing in one place the full range of IACS work, the Annual Review provides an overview of the very significant contribution that IACS, through its twelve member societies, makes to the maritime industry. It also marks a further step in the Association?s long-standing commitment to transparency and openness in its efforts to advance the cause of safer, cleaner shipping.

Hard copies of the Annual Review are available upon request from the IACS Permanent Secretariat; to read the Annual Review as an online magazine please visit
/about/iacs-annual-review-2016/

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.

30 March 2017: Common Structural Rules (CSR BC & OT) 01 JAN 2017 version have been released by IACS.

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

• SSE 4/12 – the latest version of a unified interpretation (IACS UI SC94) that is aimed at facilitating the global and consistent implementation of SOLAS regulation II-1/29 regarding the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical independency of steering gear control systems
• SSE 4/12/1 – two possible interpretations of the testing requirements for fire monitors with foam concentrate as required by SOLAS regulation II-2/10.8 and chapter 14 of the FSS Code. The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the two approaches presented in the paper and decide as appropriate, noting that, based upon the decision taken, IACS is willing to develop a draft unified interpretation for consideration at a subsequent session of the Sub-Committee
• SSE 4/12/2 – the latest version of a unified interpretation (IACS UI SC269) that is aimed at facilitating the global and consistent implementation of SOLAS regulation II-2/13.4.2 regarding the means of escape from the steering gear space in cargo ships
• SSE 4/12/3/Rev.1 – draft unified interpretations of certain aspects of the recently amended chapter 15 of the FSS Code related to inert gas systems on tankers
• SSE 4/12/4 – a draft unified interpretation on the minimum width of external escape routes on cargo ships, with a view to facilitating the safe and timely evacuation of crews, as well as resolving the differences of interpretations among the Administrations and port State control officers (PSCOs) on this matter
• SSE 4/12/5 – a draft unified interpretation on the fire integrity of the bulkheads between the wheelhouse and a navigation locker that can only be accessed from the wheelhouse, which is intended to facilitate the global and consistent application of SOLAS regulation II-2/9. This paper takes up the invitation extended to IACS at SSE 3 to develop such a text
• SSE 4/12/6 – a draft unified interpretation on the suitable means for the calibration of portable atmosphere testing instruments as required by SOLAS regulation II-2/4.5.7.1. This text is based on MSC.1/Circ.1561, which was developed and approved in the context of SOLAS regulation XI-1/7
• SSE 4/12/7 – fundamental principles regarding the installation of manually operated call points in the context of SOLAS regulation II-2/7.7. This paper provides the Sub-Committee with the understanding of IACS on the issue, with a view to developing a unified interpretation on the matter, which focusses on cargo ships
• SSE 4/12/9 – a unified interpretation (IACS UI SC281) on the requirements for “off-load” release mechanisms fitted on rescue boat single fall launching appliances, which is aimed at facilitating the global and consistent implementation of the relevant provisions of the LSA Code and the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70))
• SSE 4/12/10 – the latest version of a unified interpretation (IACS UI SC242) regarding the relevant provisions of SOLAS regulations II-1/28, 29 and 30 on the arrangements for steering capability and function on ships fitted with propulsion and steering systems other than traditional arrangements for a ship’s directional control
• SSE 4/12/12 – a request for clarification on the application of SOLAS regulation II-2/20.6.2.1 and the Unified interpretation of SOLAS chapter II-2 on the number and arrangement of portable fire extinguishers on board ships (MSC.1/Circ.1275), regarding the arrangement of portable fire extinguishers in ro-ro spaces and vehicle spaces
• SSE 4/12/13 – a draft unified interpretation on the application of SOLAS regulation II-2/9 to the spaces in the cargo area of tankers, which takes up the invitation extended to IACS at SSE 3 to develop such a text
• SSE 4/18/1 – draft amendments to paragraph 21 of the annex to the Guidelines for evaluation and replacement of lifeboat release and retrieval systems (MSC.1/Circ.1392), with a view to including a method of assessment for backing plates and bolts to confirm that they are in “good condition”. This paper takes up the invitation extended to IACS to revise the text presented to SSE 3 so as to take account of the comments made at that meeting

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

• Safety objectives and functional requirements of the Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III
• Making the provisions of MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 mandatory
• Uniform implementation of paragraph 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code (rescue boat launching arrangements)
• Review the MODU Code, LSA Code and MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 (in light of the investigations of the 2010 ‘Deepwater Horizon’ incident)
• Amendments to the FSS Code for CO2 pipelines in under-deck passageways
• Requirements for onboard lifting appliances and winches
• Amendments to the Guidelines for vessels with dynamic positioning (DP) systems (MSC/Circ.645)
• Revised SOLAS regulations II-1/13 and II-1/13-1 and other related regulations for new ships (anti-crushing protection for watertight doors)
• Review SOLAS chapter II-2 and associated codes to minimize the incidence and consequences of fires on ro-ro spaces and special category spaces of new and existing ro-ro passenger ships
• Develop new requirements for ventilation of survival crafts
• Consequential work related to the new Polar Code

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

• NCSR 4/24 – a unified interpretation (IACS UI SC279) on the provisions of SOLAS relating to the annual testing of the VDR, S-VDR, AIS and EPIRB. It is intended that this UI will facilitate the global and consistent implementation of these requirements. In particular, this IACS UI addresses the timing of the annual VDR performance test as part of the Safety Equipment periodical survey and the annual testing of the AIS and the EPIRB
• NCSR 4/24/1 – a draft IACS unified interpretation on the placement of sidelights according to the COLREGs. This draft UI takes into account the conclusion reached at NSCR 3 that the Sub-Committee supported the development of a unified interpretation on this issue; and the invitation that was extended to IACS to develop a draft unified interpretation for consideration at a future session based on the compliant and reasonable arrangement as to how the “horizontal plane” should be applied to the “vertical sector” as explained by IACS in its submission to NCSR 3

NSCR 4 has a heavy agenda and IACS will 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.

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

(Brussels) – The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), in cooperation with the European Commission’s DG Move, hosted a workshop on Wednesday on the trends, safety and environmental aspects of cyber systems in shipping. This subject, a key theme of the second European Shipping Week taking place in Brussels, reflects IACS ongoing cyber work and the European Commission’s focus in this area, as initiatives to implement existing digital practices such as e-certification and national single windows gather pace and new technologies become closer to everyday application.

Key note speeches from the IACS Vice-Chairman, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, Magda Kopczynska, DG Move Director, Waterborne and David Kerr, Malta’s Maritime Attaché in Brussels, highlighted the need for industry and regulators to work closely in this area, to develop solutions that are cross-sectoral and which strike the appropriate balance between industry self-regulation and/or that adopted by regional or global regulatory bodies..

Speaking to a packed room, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen spoke of the need to realise the safety, efficiency and environmental opportunities that the Digitalisation of Maritime Transport offers. Later, he said ‘Today’s IACS/EU workshop provided a timely platform for expert speakers to raise the awareness of the opportunities related to Digitalisation as well as the robust measures that can be implemented to ensure the transfer of digital information is safe and secure.’

Magda Kopczynska’s wide-ranging speech challenged the industry to raise awareness of Digitalisation and cyber safety and stressed her willingness to work with IACS, other industry stakeholders and the IMO to identify and deliver the appropriate degree of oversight. Noting the rapid spread of Digitalisation in Maritime Transport, Magda Kopczynska, speaking after the event, stated ‘The European Commission is looking to industry stakeholders to provide feedback on how best regulators can assist in providing the appropriate regulatory framework for digitalisation’. She went on ‘Recognising that possible regulation in this field could take several forms, identifying the correct approach will be key to successfully unlocking the many benefits that Digitalisation offers for governments, industry and society at large.’

Seven presentations were given, available upon request, which covered cyber related challenges to safety and the environment, using Digitalisation to improve the efficiency of ships, unifying data exchange formats, the use of e-certificates, integrating drones into ship inspections and the pathway to autonomous ships.

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

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.

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

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

• SDC 4/9 – draft amendments to SOLAS to require passenger ships constructed before 2014 to be provided with computerized stability support, either onboard or from ashore, in the event of the ship suffering damage (SDC 4/4)
• a proposal for the methodology to be used in preparing a consolidated and updated version of the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (ESP Guidelines). This paper is co-sponsored by IACS and the IMO Secretariat
• SDC 4/10 – as a follow-up to the invitation extended by SDC 3, a proposal to provide an effective solution regarding consistency between the ESP Code and MSC/Circ.686
• SDC 4/10/1 – a proposal to draft a stand-alone MSC circular with respect to IACS Unified Interpretations (UIs) on requirements relating to the drainage of enclosed spaces situated on the bulkhead deck (IACS UI SC81) and special requirements for vehicle ferries, ro-ro ships and other ships of similar types (IACS UI SC220). This IMO circular would complement the Explanatory Notes to the SOLAS Chapter II-1 subdivision and damage stability regulations that the Sub-Committee will be considering
• SDC 4/10/2 – a proposal to extend an existing IMO-agreed unified interpretation regarding the lateral offset of ladders required by the ‘means of access’ requirements in SOLAS regulation II-13-6; to ballast tanks, cargo tanks and spaces other than forepeak tanks and the vertical structures of oil tankers
• SDC 4/10/3 – a draft unified interpretation on the determination of the deadweight of a ship for inclusions on a ship’s certificates and the application of deadweight-dependent regulations, again as a follow-up to an invitation extended by SDC 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:

• development of second generation intact stability criteria
• issues relating to the damage stability and subdivision requirements in SOLAS
• development of a new SOLAS chapter and associated Code addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages
• 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
• development of Guidelines for use of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) within ship structures

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

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

While IACS has not submitted, or co-sponsored, any papers to this meeting, it will 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 issues. In particular, IACS will contribute to the discussions on:

• the development of a new Code for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk in Offshore Support Vessels;
• revised guidance on ballast water sampling and analysis
• the production of a new manual entitled “ballast water management – how to do it”
• development of new standards for shipboard gasification waste to energy systems and associated amendments to regulation 16 of MARPOL Annex VI
• development of new guidelines for the discharge of exhaust gas recirculation bleed-off water
• revision of the 2011 Guidelines addressing additional aspects to the NO_X Technical Code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems
• discussions on the development of guidelines for the use of more than one Engine Operational Profile (Map)

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