Blog Archives

Noting the work IACS Members undertake in verifying compliance with the implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as Recognized Organizations), and to provide greater clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, papers on the following issues to MSC 102:

• MSC 102/7/5 highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on ships originally scheduled to be delivered before 1 July 2020, which were not designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 (GBS for bulk carriers and oil tankers) and proposes a draft MSC circular containing a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 concerning the term “unforeseen delay in the delivery of ships” with a view to harmonizing the interpretation of the provisions for the application scheme thereof with the unified interpretation to regulation 1.28 of MARPOL Annex 1. In this  context it is noted that due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic the IMO Secretary General issued Circular Letter 4204/Add.7 on “Guidance concerning unforeseen delays in the delivery of ships”, drawing attention to paper MSC 102/7/5 among others.

• MSC 102/14/1 proposes revisions to paragraph 6.5.5 of the draft Model agreement for the authorization of recognized organizations acting on behalf of the Administration, with a view to its practical and clear implementation.

IACS will also contribute to the discussions under agenda items 3, 7, 15, 17 and 19 related to amendments to mandatory instruments, GBS, CCC 6, SDC 7 and SSE 7 Sub-Committees, respectively.

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

Noting the work IACS Members undertake in verifying the implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of IMO Member States (in their capacity as recognized organizations), IACS has submitted paper ISWG-GHG 7/2/28 commenting on the implementation elements of the proposed short-term measures to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping, with a view to assisting in their global and consistent implementation.

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

C81 recognised the ongoing impact COVID-19 is having on shipping operations and reaffirmed its determination to support the industry and IMO by quickly developing and implementing initiatives targeted at facilitating international trade through its dedicated COVID-19 Task Force.  Aside from supporting the industry, C81 also stressed IACS’ determination to continually maintain and minimise the impact on its Quality Management System certification by prioritising audit types and use of  remote auditing techniques in cooperation with ACBs¹ and in accordance with the IAF² requirements, with both approaches encapsulating IACS’ commitment to combining pragmatism and innovation without compromising quality and safety or environmental standards.

IACS Council also discussed the increased use of remote surveys by Members necessitated by COVID-19 and initiated work to define what constitutes remote surveys, their scope and the techniques available, with the overriding objective that the results of remote surveys are to be of same quality and consistency as those conducted with a surveyor on board.

C81 was also pleased to note the good progress made in the development of its data-driven policy which will be rolled out across the Association later this year.  Driven by the need to provide policy makers and stakeholders with objectively justified, scientifically evidenced positions, this was recognised as crucial in enabling IACS to continue to support the industry through this time of rapid technological and regulatory change.

In this context, C81 also welcomed the launch of IACS Recommendation (#166) on Cyber Resilience which marks a significant milestone in IACS’ work to support the maritime industry in the delivery of cyber resilient ships.  IACS Council particularly welcomed the significant cross-industry cooperation that led to its development and undertook to maintain that dialogue during the assessment of its practical implementation and effectiveness.

On Quality matters, IACS Council also welcomed the issuance by IQARB (International Quality Assessment Review Body) of Factual Statements for each of the 12 IACS Members which provide an external endorsement of IACS QSCS and Members’ compliance therewith.  Furthermore, and 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.

C81 marked the conclusion of the Indian Register’s Chairmanship of IACS. Looking back on his year in office, IRS Executive Chairman, Mr Arun Sharma, “The previous 12 months have seen significant advances by IACS across a range of topics including the establishment of a data-driven policy, strengthening IACS’ approach to Quality  to maintain and enhance quality operations and further progress with IQARB, a consolidated IACS Recommendation on Cyber Resilience and the establishment of an Expert Group on MASS.  I am most proud, however, of IACS support to industry and IMO during the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach that nevertheless remains true to the safety and environmental objectives of the classification and statutory regimes.’

Taking over the IACS Chairmanship on 1 July 2020 is Mr Koichi Fujiwara, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ClassNK, who said ‘I am taking on the Chairmanship of IACS at an especially challenging time for the industry.  My objective is to ensure that IACS continues to meet the needs of its stakeholders by providing the necessary technical leadership and guidance to facilitate the smooth introduction and harmonisation of new technologies and regulations in order to maximise the benefits of digitalisation and help accelerate decarbonisation.’

Addressing the IACS Council, Mr Fujiwara outlined how his Chairmanship will strive for the further strengthening of IACS to make it more responsive and efficient to deal with external challenges, such as those imposed by the current COVID-19 pandemic, on shipping industry in general and Classification regime in particular, while also enhancing Members’ quality performance to contribute to the common goal of safer and cleaner shipping from both short and long term perspectives.

Congratulating Mr Sharma on his time in office, Mr Fujiwara continued ‘Mr Sharma’s Chairmanship over the past year has not only seen substantial progress in a number of key areas but he has also maintained the Association’s momentum during the considerable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I inherit an organisation in strong shape and one that is positioning itself well for the future. I look forward to leading IACS through the next stages of its journey.’

1. ACB: Accredited Certification Bodies
2. IAF: International Accreditation Forum

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 on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated web-page http://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/ 

3. 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/

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to impact the global economy and world trade, IACS has been fully engaged in supporting the IMO’s calls for measures that help ships safely remain in service and in compliance with Class Rules and the requirements of the international Conventions.  This has included temporary changes to IACS Procedural Requirements to enable requests for survey postponements and certificate extensions to be safely and consistently addressed, in conjunction with flag Administrations and consideration of alternative means for crediting survey of due items.

However, there remains an ongoing need to undertake surveys on board to enable continued compliance and safe operation.  IACS recognises that the need to ensure that undertaking surveys does not introduce unnecessary risk is absolutely imperative for the safety and confidence of all concerned.

IACS is therefore committed to ensuring any potential physical interaction between surveyors and ships’ staff is planned and managed in a manner that recognises and addresses the personal risk to all involved, and the broader risk to the community from infection and proliferation of the COVID-19 virus.

IACS’ Expert Group on Safety of Surveyors has undertaken a review of measures adopted individually by Members.  The review showed that Members, taking into account all applicable National and International rules and recommendations with regard to safe measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, had adopted their own safe methods of working to address personal safety during the pandemic, and sharing experiences enabled good practices to be determined.

Planning and communication between surveyors and ships’ personnel was noted as an essential precursor to work towards a safe outcome.  Members have provided their surveyors with the necessary training, both general awareness and locally applicable guidelines to enable such conversations to be effective.  Travel restrictions to prevent spread are strictly observed, and screening of ships’ prior itineraries also provides input.

Based on effective planning, Members generally apply a classical hierarchy to manage the risk:

IACS has also shared its experience and practices for safe working with industry and has contributed to the ICS ‘COVID-19 Related Guidelines for Ensuring a Safe Shipboard Interface between Ship and Shore-based Personnel’ which are fully supported by IACS Members.

Whilst industry and its regulators recognise that classification and statutory surveys are an essential element of ensuring shipping continues to play its vital role in the world economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, all can also be confident that surveys by IACS Members will be performed in a manner that manages the safety risk to all concerned.

IACS is pleased to announce that the 2019 IACS Annual Review is now available to download from our website at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/

This year’s Annual Review contains a wide-range of articles of IACS work in 2019 including such diverse topics as wave-modelling, non-destructive weld testing and container ship fires as well as commentary on decarbonisation, ballast water compliance and cyber safety.  Quality matters feature prominently with articles on IACS’ trial of an Independent Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB) and how IACS Members maintain quality through a continuous improvement of their experiences, knowledge and expertise.

There are also updates on IACS extensive contributions to IMO and our wide-ranging engagement with industry partners as well as summaries of all new, revised or deleted IACS Resolutions in 2019.  The Annual Report also includes our ‘Class Report’ with data on the IACS fleet.

If you would like to receive a hard copy, please do not hesitate to contact us at permsec@iacs.org.uk

IACS is pleased to announce the publication of its Recommendation on Cyber Resilience (No. 166).  This single, standalone Recommendation consolidates IACS’ previous 12 Recommendations related to cyber resilience (Nos. 153 to 164) and applies to the use of computer-based systems which provide control, alarm, monitoring, safety or internal communication functions which are subject to the requirements of a Classification society.  Part of the objective in consolidating the 12 Recommendations was to define responsibilities and harmonise and simplify the language used therein.  This Recommendation has benefited from the valuable input of a wide range of industry partners contributing via the Joint Industry Working Group on Cyber Systems and covers the constructional aspects of the 12 previously published Recommendations.  It provides information on matters such as reference guidelines and standards, terms and definitions, goals for design and construction, functional requirements, technical requirements and verification testing.

IACS Chairman, Arun Sharma, said ‘The publication of this important Recommendation marks a significant milestone in IACS’ work to support the maritime industry in the delivery of cyber resilient ships.  I am pleased to note the significant cross-industry cooperation that led to its development and we look forward to maintaining that dialogue as we assess its practical implementation and effectiveness’.

This new recommendation is applicable to a vessel’s network systems using digital communication to interconnect systems within the ship and ship systems which can be accessed by equipment or networks off the ship.  Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General, added ‘The network design forms the basis for a reliable and robust network. Issues such as compatibility of various devices, communication between devices, communication from various systems and sub systems, need due consideration during design phase.  This Recommendation is an important step in addressing cyber resilience from the earliest stages of a vessel’s life.’

Operational aspects that were included in the superseded 12 Recommendations have been identified and grouped under a separate annexure.  Following the publication of this consolidated Recommendation the earlier 12 Recommendations have been officially deleted by IACS.

IACS will continue to work with its industry partners and look for their feedback regarding its practical implementation and effectiveness.  Based on the experience gained from the practical implementation of this Recommendation IACS will assess the suitability of using it as the basis for a Unified Requirement on Cyber Resilience.

Link for downloading Rec 166 (New Apr 2020): Recommendation on Cyber Resilience

SSE 7/2/2 explains the general agreed practice of IACS members regarding the arrangements of cargo/vapour piping and related gas-freeing piping/ducts on tankers. This is offered with a view to facilitating the consistent and global implementation of the relevant provisions in SOLAS, the IBC Code and the IGC Code, and to support the Sub-Committee’s review of the potential safety issues identified in the fire incidents on board the oil/chemical tankers Liang Sheng, Royal Diamond 7 and Border Heather.

SSE 7/9/2  comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on Onboard Lifting Appliances and Anchor Handling Winches (OLAW) and contains proposals in respect of the Safe Working Load (SWL) and test load of existing lifting appliances, requirements for certification of lifting appliances, a standard form for documenting the record of testing and thorough examination, and definitions for the terms “maximum line pull”, “static bollard pull”, “brake holding force” and “brake holding capacity.

SSE 7/12 is co-sponsored with Marshall Islands, New Zealand and Industry partners and proposes amendments to paragraph 4.4.7.6.17 of the LSA Code in order to ensure adequate safety standards for lifeboats and rescue boats fitted with single fall and hook systems with on-load release capability.

SSE 7/15/1 proposes amendments to SOLAS chapter III, the LSA Code and resolution MSC.81(70), as amended, on the application of the requirement to launch free-fall lifeboats with the ship making headway at speeds up to 5 knots in calm water.

SSE 7/16 seeks clarification of the requirements for the design of test specimens in accordance with the 2010 FTP Code, related to pipe and duct penetrations and cable transit contained in annex 1, part 3, appendix 2, sections A.III and A.IV of the Code, while presenting IACS understanding in relation to these requirements.

SSE 7/16/1 seeks clarification on the application of the requirements of SOLAS regulation II-2/9.7.3.1.3 regarding the fire insulation of the sleeve of the duct that is situated between the fire damper and the division that the duct is penetrating.

SSE 7/16/4 seeks clarification regarding the extent of application of requirements regarding insulation of “A-0” class standard of bulkheads and decks separating adjacent spaces on an open ro-ro deck and an open deck, in the context of tables 9.5 and 9.6 of SOLAS regulation II-2/9.2.3.3.

SSE 7/16/7 proposes three draft unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9.7.3.1.1 (length of steel sleeve), II-2/9.7.3.1.2 (fire integrity of ducts) and II-2/9.7.3.2 (requirements for penetration of “B” class divisions), with a view to facilitating their consistent and global implementation.

SSE 7/16/8 seeks advice on the storage requirements for fire-fighter’s outfits in tankers, in accordance with SOLAS regulations II-2/10.10.2.1, 10.10.2.3 and 10.10.3.

SSE 7/20/5 proposes a corrigendum to the Revised guidelines for the design and approval of fixed water-based fire-fighting systems for ro-ro spaces and special category spaces (MSC.1/Circ.1430/Rev.1).

SSE 7/20/6 proposes minor amendments to footnotes in the SOLAS Convention and the LSA Code that are considered to be consequential to the adoption of Escape Route Signs and Equipment Location Markings (resolution A.1116(30)).

SSE 7/20/7 identifies several discrepancies between annex 2 to resolution MEPC.244(66) and SOLAS chapter II-2 with regard to the fire protection requirements for incinerator spaces and waste stowage spaces and proposes a course of action to remove those discrepancies.

MSC 98/20/4 proposes the development of draft amendments to chapter 9 of the FSS Code for fault isolation requirements of cabin balconies fitted with individually identifiable fire detector systems.  This document was referred by SSE 6 to SSE 7 for further discussion.  IACS expects this document to be discussed in a working /drafting group with a view to finalising the amendments.

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

• Revision of SOLAS chapter III and the LSA Code (agenda item 5)
• 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 (agenda Item 6)
• Amendments to the Guidelines for the approval of fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems for the protection of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk (agenda item 7)
• Development of the guidelines for cold ironing of ships and consideration of amendments to SOLAS chapters II-1 and II-2 (agenda item 11)
• Revision of the Standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms (MSC/Circ.980 and addenda) (agenda item 13)
• Revision of the Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems (agenda item 17)

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

• PPR 7/6/2 proposes adding a new paragraph to the draft resolution adopting the amendments to Annex 1 and Annex 4 to the Antifouling Systems (AFS) Convention, inviting Parties to remind Companies that a survey should be requested in a timely manner to allow for the issuance of the new International Anti-fouling System Certificate (IAFSC).

• PPR 7/11/1 provides comments on part 1 of the report of the Correspondence Group on Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (PPR 6/11), which includes proposals for amendments to the 2015 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (resolution MEPC.259(68)). The document highlights the need for clarification of the expected contents of the Onboard Monitoring Manual (OMM) with respect to the survey requirements for monitoring systems used for continuous monitoring of Scheme B exhaust gas cleaning systems.

• PPR 7/18 discusses a new IACS Unified Interpretation (MPC130) of paragraph 2.2.5.1 of the NOx Technical Code 2008 and revised IACS Unified Interpretations MPC33, MPC51 and MPC74, with a view to facilitating the consistent and global implementation of the NOx Technical Code 2008.

• PPR 7/21/6 provides information on the experience of IACS Members with respect to the certification of engine/SCR-systems under MARPOL Annex VI.

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

• The review of the 2011 Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (resolution MEPC.207(62)) (agenda item 7)
• Development of Guidelines for onboard sampling of fuel oil not in use by the ship (agenda item 9)
• Standards for shipboard gasification of waste systems and associated amendments to regulation 16 of MARPOL Annex VI (agenda item 10)
• Review of the IBTS Guidelines and amendments to the IOPP Certificate and Oil Record Book (agenda item 15), and other matters discussed under Any Other Business agenda item.

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