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The 75^th 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. 

2. 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. 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 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.

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

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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