Ship Operations

ISM Code Implementation

To facilitate the ISM Code auditing and certification process, the MSC issued a circular recommending that Companies, operating multi-flagged fleets, should propose to the relevant Administrations a plan of action -- stating clearly which entity is to conduct which part of the certification process, ashore and shipboard -- with the view to obtain agreement from all parties concerned. Based on this, Administrations and/or their recognized organizations could initiate a positive dialogue to facilitate certification and avoid unnecessary duplication of work.

Also, recognizing the significant task of auditing and certifying the estimated 25,000 ships by 1 July 1998 and the possible two-year period needed for a shipowner to develop and implement a safety management system under ideal conditions, an additional recommendation was adopted which identified a number of steps to flag and port States, shipping companies and class societies to undertake in order to fully appreciate the benefits offered by the ISM Code prior to the 1 July 1998 deadline.

Shipboard Emergency Plans

The MSC adopted a set of guidelines that are aimed to assist companies to implement or improve upon an integrated system of shipboard emergency contingency plans as is required under the ISM Code for emergency preparedness. The guidelines contain 6 modules by which the system is structured. A two-tier approach is used which differentiates between “initial actions” and the major response effort involving the “subsequent response”. Potential emergency situations identified include fire, damage, pollution, unlawful threatening acts, personnel accidents, cargo related accidents and emergency assistance supplied to other ships.

Loading and Unloading of Solid Bulk Cargo

Prior to loading or unloading solid cargoes (other than grain cargoes) in bulk on cargo ships >500 gt, the master and terminal representative responsible for the facility’s operations for a particular ship must, after 1 July 1998, agree a specific plan based on the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers. This Code is currently under evaluation by an IMO Sub-Committee with a view to incorporating clarifications relating to the responsibilities of shoreside personnel. The plan shall ensure that permissible forces and moments are not exceeded and shall

Another amendment to SOLAS to prevent excessive stresses from being developed during loading and unloading, requires, by 1 July 1998, the ship to be provided with a booklet (in English and in a language familiar to responsible personnel if different than English) containing as a minimum: stability information;

Entry Into Enclosed Spaces

A MSC Circular was issued containing a draft Assembly Resolution which recommends safety procedures for ships personnel to follow prior to entering spaces where there may be an oxygen deficient, flammable and/or toxic atmosphere present. The recommendation provides to responsible supervisory personnel a check-list for completion prior to entry which give consideration to the type of work to be performed and hazards related to the type of cargo loaded in the space.

One Man Bridge Watch

Based on the MSC’s concern that navigational watch acting as the sole look-out in periods of darkness may detrimentally impact safe navigation, the MSC concluded that