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Solas
Amendments
Testing
of Watertight Bulkheads
The
MSC approved a third means to initially test the watertightness
of main compartments for all types of ships. In addition to hydrostatic
testing and hose testing, on or after 2 July 2002 a close-up visual
examination of welded connections, together with dye penetrant or
ultrasonic leak tests, as deemed necessary, is acceptable in cases
where hose testing is not practicable because of possible damage
to machinery or electrical equipment. 3.7
Cargo
Pump Room Provisions
Draft amendments to SOLAS were approved for oil, gas and chemical
carriers built on/after 2 July 02 which incorporate the provisions
of MSC/Circ.774. This Circular requires temperature sensors to be
fitted on the bulkhead shaft glands, bearings and casings of cargo,
ballast and stripping pumps driven by shafts passing through the
pump room bulkhead. Additionally, pump room lighting, except emergency
lighting, shall be interlocked with the ventilation such that the
ventilation is in operation prior to lighting the room and that
failure of the ventilation does not cause the lighting to go out.
Continuous monitoring of the pump room's atmosphere shall be provided
and automatically setoff a continuous audible and visual alarm locally
and in the engine control room, cargo control room and navigation
bridge when the hydrocarbon gas concentration exceeds a pre-set
level which is not to be more than 10% of the lower flammable limit.
4.3
Navigation
Equipment Systems
In
addition to the GMDSS requirements currently contained in the 1997
Edition of SOLAS, all two-way communication - installed on all cargo
ships > 300gt and all passenger ships - shall, by 1 February 1999,
be capable of automatically including the ship's position in the
distress alert.
The
ship's position information shall be automatically and continuously
provided from a navigation receiver, even in the event of loss of
main or emergency electrical power. If a navigation receiver is
not fitted, then the ship's position shall be manually updated at
intervals not exceeding 4 hours. 3.8
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