Blog Archives

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 108^th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108), which will meet from Wednesday, 15 May to Friday, 24 May 2024.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following papers:

MSC 108/4/4 outlines the work IACS has undertaken to assess, consolidate and standardize the vocabulary relevant to MASS to support the verification and validation of MASS systems, as contained in the annexes of this document;

MSC 108/INF.11 informs about IACS Recommendation No.171 on incorporating cyber risk management into safety management systems;

MSC 108/6/1 highlights the increasing vulnerability of the maritime industry to cyberattacks due to increased digitalization and connectivity and provides an insight into existing instruments. The document proposes improvements to MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.2 to provide further guidance which could be helpful to the maritime industry;

MSC 108/14/1 proposes to move forward the timeline for entry into force of the draft amendment to paragraph 16.9.2 of the IGC Code set out in annex 2 of document CCC 9/WP.4, through approval of the draft amendment at this session; earlier entry into force of the amendment, as an exceptional circumstance defined in MSC.1/Circ.1481; and issuance of an MSC circular inviting voluntarily implementation of the amendment based on MSC.1/Circ.1565;

MSC 108/19/3 discusses the approach by IACS to the development and submission to IMO of unified interpretations (UIs) and opines that approval of IMO UIs by “consensus” as opposed to by “unanimity” offers tangible benefits to IMO and the shipping industry in achieving their common goal of safe shipping, in a universal and uniform manner, as well as assisting the Organization with managing its workload;

MSC 108/19/6 provides explanations on and background for the review of the North Atlantic wave data (IACS Recommendation 34/Rev.2) and addresses several concerns expressed in document MSC 108/19 as related to the new data.

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 10), which will meet from Monday, 16 September to Friday, 20 September 2024.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following papers:

CCC 10/3/2 proposes an amendment to paragraph 9.6 of the IGF Code to provide technical requirements for gas fuel vent pipes with single-walled construction in machinery spaces;

CCC 10/3/4 proposes amendments to paragraphs 11.5.1, 11.5.2 and 11.5.3 of part A-1 of the IGF Code concerning a water spray system for fuel storage tank(s);

CCC 10/4/3 proposes amendments to paragraph 11.3.2 of the IGC Code concerning a water spray system for fuel storage tank(s);

CCC 10/4/5 provides comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments to the IGF Code and Review of the IGC Code presented in document CCC 10/4;

CCC 10/4/7 provides comments on document CCC 10/4/1 proposing to develop interim guidelines for the use of anhydrous ammonia cargo as fuel;

CCC 10/7 proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2 to accept lashing software as a supplement to the container stowage and securing arrangement plan included in the approved Cargo Securing Manual in order to evaluate actual loading conditions, and draft performance standards and guidelines with which the lashing software should comply to allow consistent approval of lashing software;

CCC 10/8/2 contains comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of Resolution A.1050(27);

CCC 10/10 proposes a draft unified interpretation of paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code to facilitate the universal and uniform implementation of the IGF Code;

CCC 10/10/3 proposes a draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/2.29 to clarify the applicability of SOLAS regulations II-1/56 and II-1/57 to facilitate the universal and uniform implementation of the IGF Code to ships using gas as fuel;

CCC 10/INF.3 informs the Sub-Committee on revision 5 of IACS UI SC 89 of SOLAS regulation II-2/19.3.4 and the IMSBC Code cargo space ventilation requirements with the inclusion of a new cargo type in accordance with the amendments to the IMSBC Code (resolution MSC.539(107));

CCC 10/14/1 comments on document CCC 10/14 and proposes that further considerations are required before the Revised Interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk, as adopted by resolution MSC.565(108), can be amended.

CCC 10/15/1 proposes risk-prevention-related areas which should be considered by the Sub-Committee in order to mitigate the risks and consequences of cargo fires on containerships;

CCC 10/INF.10 informs the Sub-Committee of IACS unified interpretation GF 20 of paragraph 5.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1621 regarding arrangements for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuel tanks;

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) which will meet from 30 September to 4 October 2024.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following documents:

MEPC 82/6/15 discusses the practical implications of implementing the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI adopted during MEPC 81 concerning the information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS). This document also outlines the understanding of IACS of the implementation of these amendments, as formalized in its unified interpretation MPC 131 (New, July 2024) which will enter into force on 1 November 2024 for flag States not objecting thereto;

MEPC 82/6/32 proposes consequential updates to the standardized data-reporting format for the data collection system and operational carbon intensity (Appendix 3 of the SEEMP Guidelines), seeking alignment with the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI as adopted by resolution MEPC.385(81) and the amendments to the 2022 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) (resolution MEPC.346(78)), adopted by resolution MEPC.388(81);

MEPC 82/10/3 comments on the draft amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 on certification of an engine subject to substantial modification, as set out in annex 14 to document PPR 11/18/Add.1, and proposes further modifications thereto.

MEPC 82/16/3 proposes changes to the 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (resolution MEPC.379(80)) as a consequence of the introduction of controls on cybutryne in the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS Convention) to clarify the relevant threshold in respect to cybutryne, when samples are directly taken from the hull or when samples are taken from wet paint containers.

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) which will meet from 2 to 6 December 2024.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following documents:

MSC 109/3/3 comments on document MSC 109/3 (Secretariat) which contains draft amendments to paragraphs 11.3.2 and 11.3.2.2 of the IGF Code and proposes modifications to improve the clarity and achieve uniform implementation;

MSC 109/4/2 comments on document MSC 109/4/1 (Secretary-General) containing the final audit report on the revision 2 of IACS Recommendation 34 “Standard Wave Data” (IACS Rec.34/Rev.2), which is intended to address IACS/2015/FR1-8/OB/02 and accepts all recommendations;

MSC 109/4/4 provides comments on the newly proposed table format used for the GBS Maintenance Audits in document MSC 108/INF.14;

MSC 109/4/6 comments on the final report of the GBS audit addressing observation No. IACS/2015/FR1-8/OB/02 presented in document MSC 109/4/1 (Secretary-General) and proposes reaffirmation of the criticality of adherence to the principles of good seamanship and the responsibility for proper operation and maintenance, as well as endorsing and encouraging the need for the continuous development of the structural requirements of organizations which are recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulation XI-1/1, or national standards of the Administration;

MSC 109/INF.6 provides the updated status of the work which is undertaken to address the IACS “common” observations as on 30 August 2024.

MSC 109/5/4 while providing a brief on general data quality and management aspects, brings out aspects specific to MASS and suggests a high-level approach towards data quality, which is essential for the safety of MASS;

MSC 109/6/1 provides additional information on some alternative fuels and proposes a generic format for representing the physical properties for each fuel;

MSC 109/7/1 discusses the importance of further cybersecurity measures for ships and port facilities following the Committee’s approval of the draft revised Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.3) and proposes next steps to enhance maritime cybersecurity;

MSC 109/11/1 proposes revisions of the FSA Guidelines in response to the invitation by MSC 108 to submit concrete text proposals in order to improve the text of the Guidelines;

MSC 109/11/2 proposes editorial changes to the Revised FSA Guidelines (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.12/Rev.2);

MSC 109/13/8 comments on the draft performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements contained in annex 9 of document NCSR 11/19/Add.1 and suggests modifications to the footnotes and clarifications regarding dedicated strong points in paragraphs 12 and 15.1;

MSC 109/14/1 provides comments on the draft amendments to the IGC Code contained in document CCC 10/WP.7 for approval by MSC 109 and subsequent adoption by MSC 110;

MSC 109/21/1 offers the views and initial considerations of IACS on the nature of unified interpretations, understanding of the meaning of safeguards and the degree of their application to different cases of interpretations, and recommends the development of guidelines to assist in the application of safeguards;

MSC 109/21/2 identifies different understandings amongst stakeholders on whether a duplicated MF/HF radio installation may be also accepted as a primary MF radio installation for sea area A3, based on COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.2, and aims for a global and consistent implementation of GMDSS requirements.

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11) which will meet from 13 to 17 January 2025.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:

SDC 11/3/2 proposes to amend MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1 to update the technical guidance provided by the circular;

SDC 11/5/1 proposes amendments to appendix 1 of the Interim Explanatory Notes (MSC.1/Circ.1369), providing interpretations for each safe return to port (SRtP) system to “remain operational”;

SDC 11/5/2 presents further proposals for the specific items within appendix 1 of the revised Explanatory Notes, set out in the annex to document SDC 11/5, containing the report of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of the Interim Explanatory Notes (MSC.1/Circ.1369);

SDC 11/6 provides the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code to permit the use of remote inspection techniques;

SDC 11/6/1 presents the proposed revision of MSC.1/Circ.1502 on the Guidance on pressure testing of boundaries of cargo oil tanks under direction of the master to keep consistency with the latest 2011 ESP Code (amended by resolution MSC.525(106));

SDC 11/6/2 provides comments on document SDC 11/6 containing the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments to the ESP Code to permit the use of remote inspection techniques;

SDC 11/10/1 proposes unified interpretations of SOLAS regulation II-1/25-1 to clarify its applicability on multiple cargo hold ships with a single cargo hold below the freeboard deck, as well as the installation and location of water level detectors in a cargo hold consisted of multiple non-watertight decks, with a view towards universal and uniform implementation;

SDC 11/10/2 proposes a draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/12.6.2 to clarify the term “remotely operated valve”, with a view to uniform and universal implementation;

SDC 11/10/3 proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1511/Rev.1 on the Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9 and 13 in relation to SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1 and 13.4.2 to clarify the term “lower part” used in connection with the means of escape from spaces below bulkhead deck;

SDC 11/10/4 presents the information on the deletion of IACS unified interpretations (UI) SC 4 and 5 pursuant to the consideration of the discussion on document SDC 10/10;

SDC 11/11/2 provides initial comments on the DRAFT PROPOSAL linked to the report of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of the Interim guidelines for use of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) (MSC.1/Circ.1574) (SDC 11/11) with respect to fire performance and fire testing of FRP composite structures;

SDC 11/INF.5 informs about the publication of IACS Recommendation No.181 on the Measurement of Underwater Radiated Noise from Ships.

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 11) which will meet from 24 to 28 February 2025.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:

SSE 11/4/2 seeks clarification on the scope of application of the draft amendments to paragraph 4.7.6.4 of the LSA Code relating to the simulating launching of free-fall lifeboats and opines that the amendments were not intended to apply retrospectively;

SSE 11/9 proposes that the existing explanatory figures from MSC circulars which provide guidance on SOLAS regulation II-2/9 be compiled into a new guidance document, for example, an MSC circular, if the guidance text is lifted into SOLAS regulation II-2/9;

SSE 11/9/1 proposes to consider the existing IACS guidance when amending SOLAS regulation II-2/9 to clarify requirements, eliminate ambiguities and make the regulation more comprehensive;

SSE 11/INF.3 informs about IACS unified interpretations which have not been published as IMO circulars, but which may be useful in the review and update of SOLAS regulation II-2/9;

SSE 11/10/1 presents Revision 1 of IACS UI SC 211, which provides unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/3.6 and II-2/4.5.1.1 to facilitate uniform consideration of spaces in the forecastle area protected from cargo tanks;

SSE 11/10/2 presents IACS unified interpretation SC 307 of SOLAS regulation II-2/4.5.10 regarding the protection of cargo pump-rooms;

SSE 11/10/3 provides revision 2 of IACS UI SC 269 containing a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-2/13.4.2 relating to the means of escape from the steering gear spaces in cargo ships;

SSE 11/10/4 presents IACS unified interpretation (UI) SC11 of the vague phrase “other high fire risk areas” in SOLAS regulation II-1/45.5.3 relating to the precautions against shock, fire and other hazards of electrical origin. The intention is to clarify which areas the cables and wiring serving essential or emergency power, lighting, internal communications or signals should be routed clear of, so far as practicable;

SSE 11/10/5 responds to the outcome of SSE 10 and proposes a revised draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4 to facilitate uniform documentation of load testing and thorough examination for existing non-certified lifting appliances;

SSE 11/10/6 contains the new IACS UI SC305 (New), which recognizes the related decision of MSC 109 and provides unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/26.2 applicable to cargo and passenger ships to facilitate uniform consideration relating to single essential propulsion components and their reliability;

SSE 11/10/7 proposes a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-2/10.11, relating to the extinguishing media containing PFOS, and a unified interpretation of regulation 7.9.4 of the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes, relating to the fire-extinguishing media restrictions;

SSE 11/17/1 proposes to include the output “Revision of the Revised guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems (MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1) to clarify the testing and inspection provisions for CO2 cylinders” in the provisional agenda for SSE 12;

SSE 11/17/2 proposes placing the post-biennial output on “Revision of the Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on ships (resolution A.753(18))”, on the provisional agenda for SSE 12 and offers the scope of its revision in several aspects in order to reduce potential ambiguities and deviation from the current state of the art;

SSE 11/17/3 proposes to include the output “Development of amendments to paragraph 2.1.2.5 of chapter 5 of the FSS Code on construction requirement for gaskets” in the provisional agenda for SSE 12 and offers a proposal for consideration at that session to revise paragraph 2.1.2.5 of chapter 5 of the FSS Code to align the construction requirement for gaskets used in discharge piping inside protected spaces, with other IMO instruments;

SSE 11/19/1 highlights minor discrepancies between the LSA Code and ISO Standard 18813 (2006 and 2022 versions).

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 110th session of the Committee on Maritime Safety (MSC 110) which will meet from 18 to 27 June 2025.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:

MSC 110/3/5 comments on document MSC 110/3 by the IMO Secretariat, pertaining to draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/2.29, II-1/56 and II-1/57 and proposes an editorial improvement to the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/56.1;

 MSC 110/5/7 proposes a new draft text and restructuring of chapter 22 of the MASS Code (Special measures to enhance maritime security). Proposed amendments to the existing draft include functional requirements addressing the security of the remote operations centre (ROC), autonomous vessels, automated security technologies, and the expansion of the applicability of the ISPS Code to include remote operators and ROCs. In addition, the co-sponsors suggest that a review of cyber security provisions within the MASS Code is conducted upon completion to ensure that this topic is adequately addressed;

MSC 110/6/4 considers that the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, adopted in 1981, is outdated and a barrier to positive technology developments. The documents proposes that the Code needs revision to establish relevant international standards to guide development and allow for timely deployment of advanced reactor technologies that could power zero-emission ships;

MSC 110/6/6 proposes amendments to the definition of “low-flashpoint fuel” in SOLAS regulation II-1/2.29 and consequential amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1 and the IGF Code;

MSC 110/7 proposes the development of a goal-based approach to maritime digital-ecosystem cybersecurity standards, capturing cyber risk management for port facilities, shipping and logistical systems that support global networks. This provides a next step in the development of a global approach following the agreement at MSC 109 of the need for further development of cybersecurity standards for ships and port facilities at MSC 110;

 MSC 110/11/1 comments on document MSC 110/11 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes that the scope of the output on the revision of the “Interim guidelines for the use of Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) elements within ship structures: Fire safety issues (MSC.1/Circ.1574)” be limited to the fire safety aspects in relation to SOLAS regulation II-2/17 on alternative design, and not widened to include considerations related to global strength;

MSC 110/11/2 comments on document MSC 110/11 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1511/Rev.1 on Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9 and 13 to reflect the confirmation by SDC 11 regarding the term “lower part” used in SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1 and 13.4.2 in connection with the means of escape from spaces below the bulkhead deck;

MSC 110/14/3 comments on document MSC 110/14/1 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes that the draft amendments outlined in its annex be considered with regard to their potential long-term impact on the clarity of the LSA Code and other mandatory codes;

 MSC 110/18/3 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulation II-2/4 and relevant recommendations (MSC.1/Circ.1321) in respect of arrangements for oil fuel, lubrication oil and other flammable oils to reduce the possibility of engine-room fires originating from leakages in low-pressure fuel pipes and lubrication oil pipes;

 MSC 110/18/11 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulation II-2/6.2.1 to address the testing requirements for the floor covering materials, with a view to ensuring consistent implementation;

MSC 110/18/12 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulations II-2/20.6.1.4 and 20.6.1.5, as well as chapters 6 and 7 of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), as amended by resolution MSC.206(81), to align them with the requirements of SOLAS regulations II-2/20.6.1.1 to 20.6.1.3;

MSC 110/18/14 proposes a new output to develop amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1321 on Guidelines for measures to prevent fires in engine-rooms and cargo pump-rooms to include provisions for the use of thermal imaging cameras;

MSC 110/18/15 provides a review and reclassification of 7,602 historical reportable occurrences that has highlighted shortcomings in the taxonomy used in MSC-MEPC.3/Circ.4/Rev.1 on Revised harmonized reporting procedures – Reports required under SOLAS regulations I/21 and XI-1/6, and MARPOL, articles 8 and 12 which now forms the basis of reports made to the Marine Casualties and Incidents (MCI) module in GISIS. In this context, this document proposes a new output to review the circular, which was issued in 2014, as soon as practicable;

MSC 110-INF.7 provides a status report on GBS audit observations common to IACS members as of 28 February 2025;

MSC 110-INF.15 provides an update of document MSC 96/INF.6 by France and Germany. It evaluates the safety level of bulk carriers from 1978 to 2024 based on the analysis of accident data. The risk to crew has decreased significantly across most accident categories, which is attributed partially to IMO and IACS safety measures. Historical potential loss of life (PLL)* values are lower than previously predicted indicating safety has improved beyond initial expectations. Overall, the document demonstrates the positive impact of regulatory changes and safety initiatives on enhancing bulk carrier safety over the past decades.

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

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) which will meet from 8 to 12 September 2025.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:

CCC 11/3/1 proposing amendments to paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code. The proposed amendment expands paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code to include “fuel gas vent pipes” in order to align the IGF Code and the IGC Code.

CCC 11/3/13 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 1). The comments in this document relate to sections 2 to 6 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/3/14 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 2). The comments in this document relate to sections 7 to 11 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/3/15 commenting on the report of the correspondence group report as regards the development of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen fuels (part 3). The comments in this document relate to sections 12 to 20 of document CCC 11/3.

CCC 11/9 notifying the Sub-Committee of the IACS unified interpretation UI GF 22 on paragraph 9.6.1 of the IGF Code in respect of gas fuel vent pipes of single-walled construction in machinery spaces. IACS members intend to implement the new UI on 1 July 2026 unless instructed otherwise by the flag Administration, in writing.

CCC 11/9/2 proposing an amendment to the unified interpretation of paragraph 9.2.2 of the IGF Code, as set out in MSC.1/Circ.1670. The amendment clarifies the requirements for when a single common flange may be accepted in a piping system for fuel transfer in accordance with the IGF Code.

CCC 11/9/3 proposing a revised interpretation of the IGC Code, related to the secondary barrier testing and effectiveness assessment. This document reflects on the discussion at CCC 9 on a proposed UI for paragraphs of the IGC Code relating to secondary barrier testing and effectiveness assessment (CCC 9/10/1). The proposals have been further developed through several risk assessments by independent third parties and based on experience gained between 2019 and 2024.

CCC 11/15/1 notifying the Sub-Committee of the IACS unified interpretation GF 21 of paragraph 11.7.1 of the Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621). The UI relates to the fixed fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces and fuel preparation spaces where methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled engines or fuel pumps are arranged. IACS members are to implement the UI on ships contracted for construction on or after 1 January 2026, to which the flag Administration has required the application of MSC.1/Circ.1621, unless instructed otherwise, in writing.

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