- 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