Miscellaneous

Fire Test Procedures Code

MSC 67 approved a Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code which testing laboratories will be required to use when testing, evaluating and approving products on/after 1 July 98. Products may be approved by or on behalf of the Flag Administration by a type-approval program or on a case-by-case basis. Tests for non-combustibility, smoke, toxicity and surface flame-spread draw from existing IMO and ISO requirements.

There is however some modification to the acceptance criteria, test conditions and class division ratings.

The Code also specifies certain products which need not be tested and approved.

A period of grace is provided for by the mandatory Code to allow testing laboratories an appropriate amount of time to obtain the necessary equipment and to re-test products and for Administrations to re-certify the tested products. Expiration dates for acceptance of product tests (generally December 98) and product approvals (generally December 03) are specified for existing test procedures and acceptance criteria.

Implementation of STCW95

Although the 1995 Amendments to the STCW Convention come into effect 1 February 1997, there remains considerable difficulties by Flag States, Companies and certificate seafarers in understanding all of the action required to ensure compliance with the numerous revisions of the STCW Convention. Considering the views put forward to IMO, the MSC took initial action by issuing several circulars to serve as guidance. It should be recognized that there are many aspects of the Convention which are being interpreted in many ways and that it will, in all likelihood, take several years for the industry to agree on and accept a uniform basis on implementing all of the provisions of STCW95.

The first circular issued contains a Model Training Record book, to be maintained and made readily available on board by ratings, which documents their acquired training, skills, knowledge and competence in a systematic fashion.

A second circular identifies information which Parties to STCW need to communicate to IMO, relative to their Administration’s seafarer certification program and/or the Administration’s recognition of certificates issued by other Administrations. In addition to providing the text of national laws giving effect to STCW95 and copies of specimen certificates, Parties should have provided to IMO by 1 February the details regarding: procedures for endorsement of recognized certificates and accreditation programs; certification dispensations; refresher training programs and an assessment of any upgrading of certification programs to meet STCW95.

A third circular clarifies measures relative to certificates issued before and during the “transitional” period” (1 February 97 to 1 February 02) with respect to the “basic training” for personnel designated with safety and pollution prevention responsibilities and “special RO-RO training”. Also, STCW78 certificates revalidated during the “transitional period” can be revalidated, however, if the seafarer’s standard of competence has not been upgraded to comply with STCW95, their expiration shall not exceed 1 February 02. To facilitate this, the circular contains a table comparing STCW78 Certificate requirements vs STCW95.

Pending adoption in June 97, MSC-67 approved amendments to the mandatory STCW Code which requires ratings and persons responsible for passengers in emergency situations to complete crisis management and human behavior training, which is presently required for such persons on passenger/RO-RO ships.