IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE)
The subcommittee held its 49th session in London February 20-24. The following issues, among others, were addressed:

Protective coatings - performance standard agreed
A draft Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater tanks and for double side-skin spaces of bulk carriers, was agreed in general. The draft standard has several unresolved issues, but will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 81) for final consideration. The draft performance standard is based on specifications and requirements which intend to provide a useful coating life of 15 years.

The Sub-Committee agreed, for consideration by the MSC, proposed amendments to SOLAS regulation XII/6.3 and SOLAS II-1/3-2 to require the performance standard to be mandatory and to be applied to all dedicated seawater ballast tanks constructed of steel on all new ships of 500 gross tonnage and over and double side-skin spaces of new bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards. A correspondence group was established to develop a draft performance standard for protective coatings of void spaces of all types of ships.

Amendments to the CAS agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft amendments to the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) for oil tankers, which provides guidance for Administrations to consider in determining the validity of a Statement of Compliance when a change of flag, recognized organization, ship ownership or ISM Code company occurs during the course of a CAS survey or after the issue of a Statement of Compliance to an oil tanker; as well as draft amendments to the CAS and related draft Guidelines on assessment of the residual fillet weld between deck plating and longitudinals.

Amendments to the Enhanced Survey Programme for bulk carriers and oil tankers
The Sub-Committee reviewed the work in developing proposed draft amendments to the enhanced survey programme (ESP) Guidelines (resolution A.744(18)) regarding surveys of double-hull bulk carriers. A correspondence group was established to prepare concrete proposals for draft amendments to the ESP Guidelines, based on the relevant IACS Unified Requirements, concerning: procedural requirements for surveyor monitoring of thickness measurements; procedures for hull surveys of double-skin bulk carriers; restrictions on the use of portable ladders by surveyors carrying out close-up surveys of the cargo hold shell frames of capesize bulk carriers; and requirements for the provision and maintenance of as-built drawings, covering items such as machinery installations, electrical installations and control systems.

Passenger ship safety
The Sub-Committee agreed a number of draft amendments to SOLAS, to contribute to the major MSC work program on passenger ship safety. The focus is on the prevention of a casualty from occurring and improved survivability so that, in the event of a casualty, persons can stay safely on board as the ship proceeds to port.

Amendments to the HSC and DSC Codes
The Sub-Committee agreed draft amendments to the 1994 and 2000 High-Speed Craft (HSC) Codes and the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC Code). The amendments are intended to bring the Codes into line with current provisions in SOLAS for ships. It was agreed that the application of the amendments would be limited to new craft constructed on or after their entry into force, unless specifically stated otherwise, which is similar to the application SOLAS amendments.

Emergency towing
The Sub-Committee agreed in principle to draft SOLAS amendments to revise the existing regulation II-1/3-4 Emergency towing arrangements on tankers and replace it with a proposed revised regulation on Emergency towing procedures on ships, which would require all ships to carry on board details of their emergency towing procedure, to include drawings showing possible emergency towing arrangements, an inventory of equipment that can be used for towing, means and method of communication and sample procedures to facilitate emergency towing operations. It was agreed to split the date of entry into force into two phases: one date for new ships, existing cargo ships of not less than 20,000 dwt, and existing passenger ships; and another date for existing cargo ships of less than 20,000 dwt two years later.

Inspection and survey requirements for accommodation ladders
The Sub-Committee discussed proposals for a draft new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-9 on means of entering and leaving ships and related guidelines for inspection and survey for accommodation and pilot ladders, as well as a proposal for a draft new SOLAS regulation on Gangways and accommodation ladders. There was general agreement on the need to discuss inspection and survey requirements for accommodation and pilot ladders further at the next session. In the meantime, the Sub-Committee agreed to a draft MSC circular on Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships, for submission to MSC 81 for approval. The Circular invites Administrations to review and update existing national requirements to provide for safe means of access to and from ships and for survey and inspection provisions.

Revision of guidelines for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships
The Sub-Committee agreed draft Revised Guidelines for systems for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships including draft Guidelines for integrated bilge water treatment systems (IBTS), for submission to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 54) for approval. The revised guidelines on IBTS replace "100 ppm" with "15 ppm" so as to be consistent with the discharge requirements for equipment used for bilge water and oily waste.

Unified Interpretations
The Sub-Committee agreed to a draft MSC circular on Amendments to unified interpretations to SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII approved by MSC/Circ.1176, for submission to MSC 81 for approval. The unified interpretations covered include those related to water level detectors installed on bulk carriers in compliance with SOLAS regulation XII/12; access hatchways and ladders for surveys of the underdeck of oil tankers in relation to SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6, paragraph 3.2; and fuel oil service tank arrangements in relation to SOLAS regulation II-1/26.11.

More complete information is available from the IMO at: http://www.imo.org/HOME.html

Strike First Fire Extinguishers may not discharge properly
Strike First Corporation of America has determined that the valve stem seats in a number of its 2.5 and 5 lb dry chemical fire extinguishers assembled between December 2002 and February 2004 may prevent the extinguisher from discharging properly when the lever is activated. As a result of this condition, Strike First has initiated a fire extinguisher retro-fit program for these units. Retro-fit kits are available free of charge by contacting your Strike First distributor, or by contacting Strike First directly.

For details visit: http://www.strikefirstusa.com/serv_bull_002.htm

Oily water separator crackdown
Owners are advised to be especially diligent in maintaining the oily water separator (OWS), the oil content monitor (OCM), and the oil record book (ORB) on all vessels in the face of a near global effort by port State authorities to pay increased attention to these items during inspections. The Paris, Tokyo and Latin America MOU members and the US Coast Guard are all currently carrying out concentrated inspection campaigns focussing on how requirements for preventing marine pollution from ships (MARPOL73/78, Annex 1) have been implemented. The Paris, Tokyo and Latin America MOU inspection campaigns will last through until 30 April 2006. The US Coast Guard’s increased surveillance will be on-going. The Paris MOU members include Canada, Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Russia in addition to the EU member States. Deficiencies may lead to detentions in all jurisdictions and also to possible fines and criminal sanctions against crew members in the US.

Further details on each of these programs, including items that will be inspected, the questions that the PSC officers have been directed to ask and the complete text of the US Coast Guard’s policy letter and the accompanying guidance provided to the Coast Guard inspectors, can be found at the following websites:

For the Paris MOU: http://www.parismou.org/ParisMOU/Whats+New/News/News+Detail/
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For the Tokyo MOU: http://www.tokyo-mou.org/

For the Latin American MOU: http://200.45.69.62/index_i.htm

For the US Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/moc/docs.htm

Specific questions on the US Coast Guard campaign can be directed to: Lt. Ryan Allain of the U. S. Coast Guard's Office of Vessel Activities, Foreign and Offshore Vessels Division, at (202)-267-2978 or via e-mail at rallain@comdt.uscg.mil

Guidance provided for use of oily water separators
The international shipping industry (represented by BIMCO, Intercargo, International Chamber of Shipping, International Shipping Federation, Intertanko and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum) has produced some basic guidance for management and crews, concerning the use of oily water separators, which emphasises the vital importance of strict adherence to International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements. The document’s guidance is particular relevant given the current port State control concentrated inspection campaign on the use of this equipment.

The document can be downloaded in .pdf format from: http://www.marisec.org/ows/

ISM to be focus of future Paris MOU inspections
The Paris MOU secretariat is already warning shipowners, operators and managers that they will be launching a concentrated inspection campaign focused on shipboard implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) system in early 2007. The campaign reflects the fifth anniversary of the Code’s implementation and the need for owners to renew their initial ISM certification.

Further information is available from the Secretariat at: www.parismou.org

Washington State Interim Ballast Water Management Reporting Requirements
Washington State Law requires vessel operators to file an "Interim Ballast Water Management Report" by July 1, 2006. This law applies to all commercial vessels of three hundred gross tons or more, carrying ballast water into Washington State waters. Vessels that trade in Washington State waters between 1 July 2006 and 1 July 2007 must have an Interim Ballast Water Management Report on file with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and a copy must be kept on-board the vessel. A copy of the report and additional information may be obtained from: http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/ballast/ballast.htm. Completed reports may be e-mailed to: ballastwater@dfw.wa.gov

All vessels intending to discharge ballast are required to conduct an open ocean exchange. Vessels on coastal voyages are required to conduct an exchange at least 50 miles offshore. However, as of 1 July 2007, the discharge of improperly exchanged or treated ballast water into Washington State waters will be prohibited. This means current safety exemptions for exchange will no longer be valid after 1 July 2007. Vessel operators must begin now to plan for implementing treatment alternatives to exchange.

MARPOL, IBC changes will require recertification for carriage of chemicals/veg oils
1 January 2007marks the entry into force of the revised MARPOL Annex II, adopted on 15 October 2004 as Resolution MEPC.118(52), and the 2004 amendments to the International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code, adopted on 10 December 2004 as Resolution MSC.176(79). These resolutions introduce significant changes in the categorization of chemicals, vegetable oils and oil-like substances that will affect the type of vessel permitted to carry these cargoes in bulk. The text of the resolutions can be found at http://www.eagle.org/regulatory/newsroom.html#abs

As a result of these changes ABS will be re-issuing certificates to all vessels holding one or more of the following certificates, upon verification of compliance with the new requirements for the substances to be carried onboard:

• International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk – applicable to all IBC Code certified chemical tankers carrying IBC Code Chapter 17 and, if appropriate, Chapter 18 substances;

• International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk – applicable to all ships carrying IBC Code Chapter 18 substances only under MARPOL Annex II; and

• Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk – applicable to all BCH Code certified chemical tankers carrying IBC Code Chapter 17 and, if appropriate, Chapter 18 substances.

Before any of the new certificates can be issued under the revised regulations the Procedure & Arrangement (P&A) Manual must be reviewed and approved by an ABS engineering office under the revised MARPOL Annex II. To allow sufficient time for this review to be completed in a timely manner, it is recommended that ship owners contact ABS in the first quarter of 2006 to determine the extent of revision to the P&A Manual that is needed.

Further information can be provided by your nearest ABS survey office.

IACS seeks industry input on cargo oil tank coatings
IACS has issued an invitation to the members of the principal shipowner organizations and the Committee for Expertise of Shipbuilding Specifics (CESS) to participate in a Joint Working Group on Cargo Oil Tank Coating Performance Standards (JWG/COTCPS). The industry groups include the ICS, the Tanker Structure Cooperative Forum, BIMCO, Intertanko and OCIMF. In addition, IACS has issued invitations to both the EU DG TREN (European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy and Transportation) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to participate in the group. It is intended that the Joint Working Group will develop the proposed performance standards in time for submission to the relevant IMO Committee before the end of the year.

Further information can be obtained from the IACS Secretariat http://www.iacs.org.uk/index1.htm or from the appropriate industry association.

IACS UR on new construction hull survey circulated to industry
Industry comments on the proposed new IACS Unified Requirement (UR) on Hull Survey for New Construction are due by 31 March so that they can be taken into consideration during the follow-up review process. The draft has been circulated to a wide array of industry organizations representing owners and shipyards, to the IMO, to marine underwriters and to the European Commission and the European Maritime Safety Agency seeking feedback.

The draft UR and associated information can be accessed from the IACS web site http://www.iacs.org.uk/index1.htm

Singapore’s MPA issues circular on maintenance requirements for launching appliances
The circular addresses changes to the maintenance requirements for launching appliances and on-load release gear stipulated in SOLAS Reg III/20 that take effect on 1 July 2006. The MPA advises that shipowners, shipmanagers, shipping-agents, masters and officers of Singapore ships and, in particular, companies, as defined in SOLAS Regulation IX/1.2, are to take note of the amended requirements and the contents of MSC/Circ.1093. The Authority advises those concerned to take pre-emptive measures well before the amended requirements come into force on 1 July 2006. A copy of MSC/Circ.1093 circular (Guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear) can be found on the MPA website at: http://www.mpa.gov.sg/circulars_and_notices/shipping_notices/sp_notices.htm

Further information is available from Mr. Tan Leong Beng of the MPA at tel: 6375 6207.

IMO Sub-Committee on Fire Protection (FP)
The IMO Sub-Committee on Fire Protection recently held its 50th session. The following issues were addressed among others:

Fire safety amendments for passenger ship safety agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and the International Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code related to: safe areas and the essential systems to be maintained while a ship proceeds to port after a casualty; on-board safety centres, from where safety systems can be controlled, operated and monitored; fixed fire detection and alarm systems, including requirements for fire detectors and manually operated call points to be capable of being remotely and individually identified; and prevention, including amendments aimed at enhancing the fire safety for atriums, the means of escape and ventilation systems. The draft amendments will be considered by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its eighty-first session together with contributions from other sub-committees assigned work on this issue.

Review of the Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code
A correspondence group was established to work on the comprehensive review of the FTP Code. The aims of the review are to enhance its user-friendliness and provide a more uniform application of the Code, with the inclusion of appropriate interpretations; to update the references to ISO fire test standards; and to accommodate developments in fire protection technology.

Recommendation on evacuation analysis for new and existing passenger ships
The Sub-Committee established a correspondence group to further develop draft amendments to the Recommendation on evacuation analysis for new and existing passenger ships (MSC/Circ.1033).

Measures to prevent fire in engine rooms and cargo pump rooms
The Sub-Committee established a correspondence group to develop draft guidelines on measures to prevent fire in engine rooms and cargo pump rooms and to consider, with a view towards consolidation and inclusion, any existing MSC circulars addressing fire safety and prevention measures for engine-rooms and cargo pump-rooms.

Prevention of accidents involving lifeboats
The Sub-Committee agreed a draft amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.4 concerning provisions for the launch of free-fall lifeboats during abandon ship drills, for submission to MSC 81 for approval and subsequent adoption. The amendment will allow, during the abandon-ship drill, for the lifeboat to either be free-fall launched with only the required operating crew on board, or lowered into the water by means of the secondary means of launching without the operating crew on board.

Further work on LSA
The Sub-Committee agreed there was a need for further work on life saving appliances by the Ship Design and Equipment Sub-Committee, in particular with regard to improvements to requirements for on-load release mechanisms; improvements to free-fall lifeboat launching and seating arrangements; and compatibility of life-saving appliances, specifically compatibility of immersion suits and lifejackets; compatibility of immersion suits and lifeboat access and capacity; and compatibility of lifejackets and marine evacuation systems.

Further information is available at: http://www.imo.org/HOME.html

ABS ADVISORY is distributed by the ABS Corporate Communications department to clients and industry at large for informational purposes only. For complete details, the source documents, regulations or specific technical documents should be referenced.