|
Operational
Issues
Safe
Ocean Towing
MSC/Circ.884
was issued containing safety recommendations for commercial ocean
towing on international voyages. The Circular calls for additional
manning to manage new towing connections and emergency situations
that may arise during the tow. Recommended minimum environmental
conditions to be met are 1 year and 10 year return periods for tows
of less than 5 days and 5 days or more, respectively. Further, the
minimum bollard pull of the towing vessel shall be sufficient to
maintain station keeping of the tow assuming a 20 m/s wind speed,
5m significant wave height and 0.5 m/s current velocity are acting
coincident in the same direction. Recommended specifications and
arrangements of safety, navigational, life saving and towing equipment
are also included in the Circular. 8.4
STCW Code Amendments
Amendments
for the training and certification of seafarers, at the operational
and managerial levels, for cargo handling and stowage were adopted
by resolution MSC.78(70) which is scheduled to come in to force
on 1 January 2003. The MSC will clarify the certification requirements
for seafarers certified prior to the entry into force date.
In addition to having knowledge in the loading limitations of the
ship and competence in stowage and securing of all types of cargoes,
including those covered by the IMDG and BC Codes, the Resolution
also requires personnel to have adequate knowledge to detect normal
wear, corrosion and damages to holds and hatch covers. 3.6
|
