The Maritime Security Committee 103 assembly (MSC 103) of the Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO) was held 5 to 14 Might 2021. A number of necessary selections had been made that can have an effect on shipowners immediately. These embrace upcoming modifications to fireside security programs on board to assist forestall fires, in addition to modifications to the search and rescue manuals on board ships.
Fireplace security programs
BIMCO co-sponsored a paper, together with some member states and different associations, on the subject of containership fires. The paper proposes a assessment of the laws of the hearth security programs on container ships with the goal to make any enhancements crucial. The MSC 103 permitted the paper, and the work will now begin on the Ship Security Techniques (SSE) subcommittee in 2022 with a goal completion yr of 2025. If any amendments are executed to the Worldwide Conference for the Security of Life at Sea (SOLAS), it’s anticipated that these will come into pressure on 1 Jan 2028 on the earliest. This is a crucial step in addressing the reoccurring fires on board container ships.
The MSC 103 additionally permitted a revision to the rules for the upkeep and inspections of mounted carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing programs (MSC.1/Circ.1318).
Latest accident investigations have revealed that there have been incidents leading to unintended launch of Carbon di-oxide (CO2) from fire-extinguishing programs, inflicting accidents to crew members. The revision addresses the issue and periodical exams needs to be carried out in such a method that in a 20-year interval, all of the cylinders needs to be hydrostatically examined. Equally, versatile hoses needs to be changed inside a interval not exceeding 10 years but additionally extra incessantly, if required, at producer’s advice.
There was additionally some inconsistency between the above-mentioned round and the revised pointers for the upkeep and inspection of fireplace safety programs and home equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1432). These have now been up to date to take away the inconsistent data.
Life saving
SOLAS chapter 3 regulation 33.2 has been amended to make clear that this regulation, regarding the necessity for lifeboats to have the ability to be launched with the ship making headway at speeds as much as 5 knots in calm water, applies solely to davit launched lifeboats and to not free-fall lifeboats.
This modification will come into pressure from 1 Jan 2024, until flag states contemplate for voluntary utility previous to this date.
Search and Rescue
The Worldwide Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Guide (IAMSAR handbook) has been up to date, taking into the account the latest developments within the modernisation of the International Maritime Misery and Security System (GMDSS) and the inclusion of a brand new distant maritime cell satellite tv for pc system (RMSS) – Iridium. The IAMSAR Quantity 3, which is supposed for maritime cell stations, now additionally contains new motion playing cards added to part 12. All these amendments shall be included within the re-creation of the IAMSAR handbook that shall be revealed in June 2022. Ships are requested to hold an up to date copy of the IAMSAR handbook.
Human Factor
Regulation I/1.1 of the Worldwide Conference on Requirements of Coaching, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended, now has a brand new definition for the time period “excessive voltage”.
Excessive voltage now means – an alternating present (AC) or direct present (DC) voltage in extra of 1,000 volts.
One other modification to part A-I/1 of STCW code is to incorporate the capability “electro-technical officer” within the definition of “operational degree” as a consequential modification to the introduction of Manila amendments. These amendments will come into pressure from 1 Jan 2023.
Supply: BIMCO
